Birthday Time! 10: 365

Today starts the weekend o' celebrations for Matt's birthday. Today's pic has been my phone wallpaper for a couple days and brings a smile to my face every time I see it.

Matt claims to not be Gatsby's biggest fan. I think the picture speaks for itself.

Doggie Paddle

It’s no secret that there are two things in life I am scared of: Scurvy and birds.

The first, I have been assured, is an irrational fear since no one has come down with scurvy since the 1800’s. After years of convincing, I was almost a believer.

Almost.
That is until I visited my mom at a workshop convention last week which happened to be hosted next door to my office building. She attended the conference to present a research poster. Out of the 50-some posters presented at this conference, who should happen to be assigned next to her?

The doctor who has discovered that scurvy does, in fact, still exist and has been found recently among the geries (geriatric adults… that is).

Fear re-instated.

My second fear is far from irrational.

I hate birds.  

And I can tell from their beady little eyes that they sense the dislike and therefore hate me too. I’m always convinced they’re aiming to fly right into me with their bird scurvy and other communicable diseases.

Keeping the latter fear in mind, you can imagine the surprise of my main squeeze when instead of soaking up the sun on his boat last weekend, I began helping him clean the vessel after it had been the targeted victim of bird bowel graffiti. (If that’s not love folks, I don’t know what is)

It just didn’t seem right to sit back and enjoy the warmth while he was forced to scrub away. So through gags and curses at the flighted species, I joined in.

On this particular afternoon, like many, there was an additional passenger on the boat. We have been trying to get Gatsby comfortable on the water and have been taking him out on the boat with us since this past winter. Though less scared of the idea than he initially was, Gatsby’s favorite perch remains to be the captain’s seat, safe and sound. 
 


His first boat ride back in January. Complete with a skeptical look.

Gats seemed to be a little more adventurous than usual on this particular day, roaming back and forth on the boat and peering over the sides into the water. Maybe the sun was influencing us both to do things out of character…

While Matt was rinsing off the front of the boat (that’s the bow, to all you nautical people), and I was busily distracted scrubbing green gunk out of the carpet in the back (erm, stern), Gatsby thought it was high time to make a splash of his own.

Literally.

The vertically challenged dog had decided he had had quite enough of all this cleaning (I don’t blame him) and simply needed to go for a dip.

That, or he fell in looking into the water…  this detail is still up for discussion.

Rewind a couple months... Matt and I have had an ongoing discussion about Gatsby learning to swim. He's insisted we just put him in the water off the boat, but the conversation usually ends with my insisting he get a life jacket first (those little landlocked legs can only work so hard), or Matt go in with him.

Life jackets... for the truly serious swimmers

Naturally, after I screeched with shock from Gatsby's big dive, I yelled for Matt to go in after Gatsby.

Apparently the thought did not cross my mind that since I was closer to him, I should jump in and save Gats. The water is still way too cold.

Matt rushed to the back of the boat just as Gatsby’s head was the only thing left above water.

Then magically, as all dogs instinctively know how to do, Gatsby began to swim. Color me shocked, that body of his is actually buoyant!


No time to take pictures, though I imagine he looked something like this.

 Once Gatsby found his sea legs, it was all either of us could do to get him back on the boat. He swam a couple laps around the boat until he decided that was plenty of exercise for one day. When he was good and ready he came within arm's reach to pull him in. After his dry off dance (those of you with dog know exactly what I'm talking about), he spent the rest of the afternoon, keeping warm in the sun.

I guess I had nothing to be worried about in the first place with Gatsby's first water encounter. 

Good thing too. Two fears are more than enough to keep me occupied.

Welcome to the Jungle

Gatsby's been mentioned many a time here on Trim, but what you may not be aware of, is by moving in with Katie, Gats and I also moved in with her two cats, Fergie and Louise. Katie and I didn't give much thought ahead of time to combining our pet households. I had been taking Gatsby to see the cats since he was a puppy. The three of them were very used to each other, and since Gatsby has a tendency to resemble a cat more than a dog, we thought the mixed family would not be an issue. We never anticipated what would await us.



A typical working morning

The three thousand square feet of home hardly seems big enough for these three stooges. Most days it feels as though we are pet hoarders and living with 10 animals. Perhaps it's because none of the pets care to spend their time outdoors. All their energy is reserved for chasing each other around the house or following an owner. Whatever the reason, at all times, all three animals are no more than six feet from apart each other. They're like a walking Bermuda Triangle, just waiting to suck you in, never to escape or be heard from again. At 6:00 you can forget about accomplishing anything other than feeding this farm. Their meows and howling barks are enough for you to drop whatever you're doing and cater to their hungry whim.

The constant fur collection is a whole other can of worms. Fergie is a white long haired puff ball. Her fur shedding alone could be collected and spun into enough yarn to clothe a small village in Russia for the winter. Combined with two other long haired pets, and two blonde long haired owners, and not a day goes by that sweeping, dusting, or lint rolling is not an absolute necessity.

As if these fun times were not enough, a couple weeks ago Louise decided to add another adventure to the home. Her petite size was a little misleading, and before we knew it, our little lady "became a woman"... Four days of constant howling, purring, and muttering at all hours of the night was enough to drive us crazy. It wasn't, however, enough for us to learn our lesson. Fast forward two weeks: a couple days ago, I made an off-handed comment to Katie that I was concerned we may be cycling back into her kitty time of the month again. Katie (who will never live this down) reassured me that she was just lonely from the two of us being gone all day and in search for some affection... (oh, was she ever). This time around it seems to be worse. She's awake for more hours, muttering louder, and it seems to be lasting longer. She's acts more desperate for attention than a Real Housewife. Katie and I started having pet dreams every night from the constant meowing, and for two days now, I've seen random alley cats hanging around the yard. This coming of cat age experience is truly a first (ok, well now it's a second) for Katie and I both.
I would have never thought that these three characters would create such an animal house.

To anyone who comes to visit, I apologize in advance and can simply say, "Welcome to the jungle."

Coaching My Way to "Type A"

I'd like to blame it on winter hibernation. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the problem runs much deeper. Lately (and by lately I mean throughout the last year), I've fallen into a rut of laziness. It saturates my every minute. From sleeping in as late as I possibly can, to skipping my workouts, to going to bed at night with my makeup still on... yuck.... My zest and energy seemed to have escaped me. Even the things that I love most: sewing, baking, reading, WRITING! have taken a back seat to, well, nothing actually.

This year for Lent I decided to give up shopping. A big step forward considering last year I gave up denim (which is surprisingly harder to do than it sounds). I've gained a new appreciation for the things that I already have and found creative ways to make do instead of just running to the store to pick up something new. This has inspired me to pull my act together and take a good hard look at the rest of my life.

What I found, I wasn't too proud of. Fortunately, by starting at the bottom, there's no place to go but up. First things first, I've decided I watch WAY too much TV. It's insanely addicting. Most of the time, I find myself watching shows that are neither interesting nor enlightening. The problem is, I can't seem limit myself to "a little" one half hour show turns into three hours of nothingness. With TV, it's all or nothing, and I choose nothing. I'll probably still watch movies and documentaries, but other than that, all TV goes.


This should open a lot of time to do the more productive things I've been meaning to get to for months like repainting my dresser, finishing half sewn dresses, and writing that book friends and family have been encouraging me to do.

Other life improvement efforts will include the following:

• Flossing. Seriously, what almost 30 year old doesn't floss on a regular basis (besides me?)
• Taking vitamins and drinking more water.
• Taking Gatsby on more than just "potty" walks. When he was a puppy, I'd take G on mile long walks every day! The Seattle rain and cold... and my laziness, have unfortunately affected Gatsby too.
• Doing at least two chores each day. I have a tendency to put them off until the absolute last minute. But maybe, if I tackle them a little at a time, they won't be such a nuisance to get through over the weekends.
• Go on a Facebook sabbatical during the week. I'm not sure about this one yet. Maybe I'll just abstain during the day and only visit at night. The bottom line is, second to TV, this is definitely a huge time waster in my daily life.

Wish me luck on this new leaf I've turned over. I hope that seeing the fruits of my labor will give me the energy and enthusiasm to stick with this new kick of productivity. I'm very ready to leave my sloth-like Winter self behind and move into Summer with a spring in my step!

Dear Gatsby

Take notes.

To My Freckle Face Friend

Happy 1st Birthday Gatsby!

a little recap of our year together:

Lots of puppy naps, playtime, and running from baths

(clockwise from left) Dance parties with Nick, "man time" building things, hard at work as the neighborhood watch dog, settled into what he believes to be his dog bed.

Martha Stewart is the Sh*t

No really....

The queen of the home has just launched an entire line of dog products with Petsmart. While I really love 90% of the pieces she's developed, I must question the need to place your brand on each bag. After use, it's not really something I'd want my name on.

Clean up bags aside, I do have my eye on some of her other items as 1st birthday presents for me... ur... Gatsby:

This bed is bigger and more plush than anything he currently has and puts my home sewn efforts to shame.

I've never been one to dress my dog. I have a hard enough time getting Gats to wear a rain coat when it's really wet outside. This, however, may be an exception. Adorable!

Perhaps as a mature dog of almost one year it's time Gatsby live up to his namesake a little. How dapper would he look in this new gold trim?

I also found a bunch of really fun toys. It'd be nice to finally toss some of his worn out stuffed animals. This is supposed to be an intelligence building toy that tests the dog's "problem solving skills" (the chicks can be pulled out of the coop).

I mostly think it's cute.
However if turning one is equivalent to seven in human years, I think it's time my canine gets schooled.




The one thing Martha seems to be lacking are dog crutches and designer four-legged wheel chairs. Lately, we could really use some of those around here.

Maybe that will come out in her 2011 collection.

911

If last year was my year for doctors and urgent care (flash back to fainting on 6th street, rupturing my eardrum, and countless examinations on my knees, ankles, and hip), then this must be Gatsby's year for medical attention. I have been to the vet for more emergency visits with this dog than any other pet I've owned in my twenty something years.

It started just days after we got him as a puppy when he decided to taste test some wild mushrooms in our backyard.  Three bouts of kennel cough, asthma attacks, and an insatiable appetite for push pins later, the vet's office has come to know me and my curious canine quite well.  Today Gatsby outdid himself. He decided to show off his daredevil side and launch himself right out of my arms. Unfortunately, unlike cats and Evel Knievel, dogs do not always land on their feet. Instead, G fell with all his weight on his hind leg.

If pets are any forecast of the worry and anxiety that comes with children, then I am clearly not ready for them. With Gatsby shaking from fear and shock at the vet's office today, I could hardly pry myself away from him for his xrays. Nevermind the tears that were simultaneously being fought back.

No news yet whether or not the leg is broken or sprained. With our luck, I'm sure Nick and I will be facing a long road ahead of us with a tripod dog. That is, of course, until he finds a new way to visit his friends at the vet's office again.

The Gats Patatsky

Recent pics of the beloved pooch

Gatsby learning the fine art of fashion by checking out my well worn leopard heels

Picky Eater

To those who argue that having a Gatsby is not like having a child, observe:

The picture on the left is what his meal looked like when it was served to him this morning. The one on the right is his bowl when he was finished. My dog somehow managed to eat all the good "stuff" and leave only the veggies behind.

I even caught him in action. He's not eating here, just pushing the green and yellow pieces around looking for some more meat.

Next thing I know he's going to start asking "why?" when Nick and I tell him to sit or stay.

Picture of the Day: Humpty Dumpty

As predicted, a few seconds after this picture was taken Gatsby took the great fall.

Lately

A brief update on life so far in the new year:

• Still job hunting. It's the worst. There seems to be no "spot" for me. Too qualified, wrong skill set, tons of other applicants... I'm dizzy over the whole process. In addition to networking and hitting the pavement, I've been tossing my own business ideas around. It's nothing that will bring in income, yet, but at least it will keep me busy and working towards a bigger goal.


• Gatsby is officially no longer a puppy. He's well into adolescence. Nick and I are working hard to ebb his new (and unwanted) behaviors. It's such a test of patience on our end. We start one-on-one training to focus on some of these issues on Friday. Sit, stay, and be cute.


• Nick's job is keeping him pretty busy these days. He's working longer hours and traveling more. It's helped me to appreciate our time together and not take it for granted.


• Crafting continues to abound at the apartment. I wanted to redecorate the main room, but was limited to a budget. Thanks to some inspiration from Love, Natalie, I got resourceful and recovered most of our throw pillows, spray painted a bunch of old frames, and handmade some new decor. Pictures to be posted once everything is completed. I'm calling the new look "Lodge Chic" ;)


• After watching Food Inc and the Oprah special based on the documentary, I've changed our diet to mostly vegetarian and am shopping as local as possible. I can't wait for the farmer's market this spring. I'm also trying my hand at growing my own veggies by turning one of our outdoor decks into an urban garden of sorts.


• Finally, I'm one whole month into P90X. I'm proud of the commitment Katie and I have been able to stick to. Without her, I definitely would not be working out everyday. We've battled through a back injury and sinus infection and are still working hard for our "beach body." I see some improvements physically and can definitely tell that I am much stronger. Two more months to go!

Vet

Anyone in know of a good vet in the Magnolia/ Ballard area? Gatsby's due for a check up and I want to find someone trustworthy and affordable.

I Caved from All the Peer Pressure...

and finally bought Gats some protection from the rain.

He's clearly super excited for his new outerwear. At least it's been sunny lately; he hasn't had to wear it... yet.

Bathtime

Gatsby Updates

Puppy news is still a buzz around my house. He is getting used to Nick and I just as much as we are, him. I promise to work harder on not being "one of those" dog owners who always talks about her pup, but since this is still the first week, I believe I am still a bit entitled.

We are still working the No Face diet. This combined with a dog who has separation anxiety, equals the most inconvenient time for our garbage disposal to stop working. Finally fed up with the clogged sink and dishes, we Googled some dog friendly restaurants and took Gatsby out to his first restaurant. As any good "child" of mine should, he was extremely well behaved (I wish I could say the same for him home behavior), slept most of the time, and allowed all his fans to
pet him.

Puppy Love

Here are some pictures of the little one. He has definitely grown since the last time we saw him. He's still small enough though, that climbing on and off things is just about impossible, and therefore needs supervision at all times.

Nick had issues with the name Abner, he kept referring to him as Aberdeen, which didn't really fly with me. With an hour's drive each way from the breeder, we had plenty of time to discuss new names. World, meet Gatsby.

(Actually his full name is Gatsby Skywalker Bluegrass. Gatsby has Nick to thank for those middle names. I was just trying to include him in the naming process.)

We thought it would be a good idea to play catch with him. Unfortunately, the tennis ball is the size of his head. He's going to need to grow into this game.

His favorite toys are of course the free ones. Gatsby is learning the art of crafting ribbon already. I am so proud.