October-5-2009 Winter is almost here

Since it has been about 6 months since my last online post. I don't really remember what has happened this year. I was going to write something but I'm out of the mood already.
My brain hurts from trying to back track. Some time soon i'll do an entry.

Haven't felt like writing 4-20-09

Since its been many months since my last online blog entry, I'm gonna back track with high lights.
Jan20th, Laura and I did drive to Fairbanks. It was a nice trip. We ran into every kind of weather you could have in the winter, including pouring rain! ( We drove up in the middle of the night and got to North Pole almost 8 hours later ). It was really great seeing my sister and nephew Ethan. We got to see Luke very little, but it was good hanging our with the family. After our trip life returned to a normal schedule. *Sorta* I ended up getting really sick.. I laid in bed for 23 days. I was bored to death!! but my head could not handle noise, or movement ( tv) and my eyes and brain would not function enough to even read. So I stayed in bed exhausted, weak, grumpy, and just plain miserable. I hope I never get sick like that again!.. I don't have a clue on what I had either. I didn't bother with the doctor, because the only thing wrong with me was, my lungs would not fill with air, headaches that could kill, weakness, tiredness, brain confusion. All a Dr. would have done was told me to rest and take antibiotics for the lung infection. *shurgs* I don't think any meds would have helped. * I don't respond well to medication* I fainted several times again, but that only happened the first week. I didn't like food either. *sigh just thinking about February makes me wanna get sick* At the end of Feb gramma came to AK for Deb's wedding. It was so nice having her here, she is so quiet that u had to look for her anytime u wanted to talk to her. She did end up getting a cold near the end of her 5 weeks here.I felt so bad for her. gramma did get better just before she left though. Debbie and Brian's wedding was march 6th, 2009. I can't believe how much work goes into a wedding! details that I would have NEVER thought of. my mom had all three of her sisters here, and Kathryn and Karen from PA and OH, here to help and see the wedding. It was a formal but simple pretty wedding. The white, Yellow and Green went well together. * Pictures are a thousand words* We had so much help from friends and Family that it brought everybody that much closer. I am so glad I got to meet my other aunt, and that mom had fun with all her sisters. We had a full house for weeks, it was nice to actually use the space. I'm not sure if I have written that I got one of my puppies back or not. I got one of my Female puppy's Sasha back. * the one we were gonna keep from the beginning* Her mom has/had breast cancer and also had a terrible allergy to Sasha. with the cancer coming back she could not take the allergy medication any more. it was/is a very sad ordeal, but I did get a puppy back! :) the lady did not want payment for it either, so it wasn't a big burden on me or my mom. I gave my mom Sasha whom I renamed Asha. She is a good dog for the most part. she barks,chews,and still pottys in the house. We are still working on her behavior for all the problems, she is such a snuggle bug and begs on her hind legs all the time! *she is a very cute dog*. I guess I'm gonna add that Mt. Redoubt erupted on the 23rd of march. * we don't have lava here just ash* out of over 23 eruptions only one ash cloud got Anchorage and Chugiak. Ash was not thick, but it did effect us. * clean up isn't pretty* many airports were closed and and many flights canceled, but nobody had to close business or stay home. We had a 4.0 earthquake the other day it was interesting! thought our house was gonna fall apart, it was only 9 miles from us. In March i used my tax refund to pay off my Kirby, and also buy a flat screen tv and guitar hero world tour.* it's like the whole rock bank set up* Love it! I forgot to buy a new cell so I will have to wait till I save a chunk of money before i have a working cell. I just need to pay off my car and parents and I'm outa debt! April was sick, for 11 days that was pretty miserable, to listen to her. Echoa has been fine, she hasn't grown back her hair very well that has been frustrating!. I haven't colored her since Nov, but I think I will soon. I'm looking for a male bichon to breed her too, in her next heat. Grooming has been pretty normal, we have our slow weeks and then our weeks where we get slammed. Clogging has been slow for practice, Amanda practiced with us one time when she was down in March. lol she is defiantly outa shape, not dancing for 9 months will do that to a person! she did well though. The family went to the cabin in March, we brought both dogs, Trudy,Brenda,Gramma, mom, dad and me. it was a one night 2 day trip . Dad & I spent 8 hours hand digging and snowblowing into the cabin. I wanted to die from sorness and tiredness after we finally got everybody to the cabin. * again pictures are a thousands words* I had to snow shoe in and it was crazy hard!! I helped dad shovel snow backwards with snowshoes on!! * they are not ment to go backwards!!* I ended up breaking them after everything was all done. Mom and I went up a couple weeks ago, it was nice cause the path was already done! mom and I spent out time killing all the flys that hatched as soon as the cabin had heat. dad was going to head up last Thur but things came up and he stayed home, plus( he got sick and is still sick with a cold). Aunt Tamie and family stayed with us alot these last few months, its been great getting to know them so much better. The Bushee family are away in Minnesota for a visit to family. School is almost out for the summer so Kristy and the Twins will be available for clogging practice again. I think thats Ill I'm going to write . gota go to dinner * note to myself.. I have hand written journal entrys for Feb, March.* Love to All ~Jewls~

14 years and counting 1-15-09

we have officially been living in Chugiak, for 14 years. We moved in on Jan 15th, 1994. Its crazy that its been so long. July will be our 18th year of being Alaskan's. The house is still not complete but its getting there. Only a few more rooms to finish. After the house is finished it will be time to tackle 4 of our bathrooms. * they need redone after all these years* Life has been pretty busy. Our Christmas was awesome. Christmas eve we *Dad, Mom, Me, Kristy, Scott, Karolyn, Sarah, and Debbie went to Brian's church for a candle light service which I might add was very nice. After service we went to Brian's house for desert and getting to know the family time. The Bushee family spent the night on the 24th. Christmas day Uncle Ron, Aunt Tammy,Amanda,Cody and Kacie, came over and we had another Christmas with them. They along with the Bushee's spent the night. It was awesome having a the entire family here for a few days. I had such fun this holiday season. My sister Amanda and bro in law Luke have their baby on the 29th of December, four in the morning of course! I'm so excited to finally have a nephew. January 20th Laura and I finally get to meet little Ethan Alexander Lovejoy for the first time. For New Year's I didn't do anything eventful. I did have a friend who I hadn't seen in over 2 years come and stay the night. It has been crazy cold! Its been in the negative's of -10 to -30 for over 3 weeks. I had fun New Years eve, i did watch the ball drop again. I always stay up to watch it fall.
Grooming picked up, its really weird that the clientele was coming to get their dogs groomed when it was so cold outside. I'm happy for the business so I'm not complaining in the least bit. April has been sick off and on all the month of December. *sigh why do i have such sick pets!!?* Echoa lost alot of her hair on her body. I had to shave her bold, and she has had to wear sweaters all the time. poor dog has been so cold. She went through a postpartum depression a week ago, that was just about miserable!! she carried her favorite toys onto my bed and would not go anywhere without them. for about 8 days she whined, and went crazy when I left her alone. *Thank God she is over it* I was gonna go crazy with all the high pitch whining!!
The kitchen is somewhat coming together. Its still is like walking into a walk to nowhere. The license for the B&B was approved, so we will be up and running shortly. I've got to get the website up and running, before the February issue of our local advertisement paper comes out. I haven't been doing alot of therapy, I've done some throughout Dec and Jan but not alot. *I'm pretty happy with not doing alot, I don't enjoy massage. Its seems like most people want massage, rather than try trigger point. I'm tired of explaining trigger point, I love the actually work and like the results but I have never been one to explain in lamemens terms what trigger point is. *thats the part of the job i really dislike!, I would rather have them lay on the table *with cloths and let me work* ( I find that without clothes I work on them less ) with clothes i'm more comfortable, with having them do range of motion and actualy therapy all over.
I'm still thinkning about getting another job, I might just change where I work and work more days. *shrugs I just don't know, I'm praying about it*
I put blue extentions in my hair, I love them! it is soooo hard to put them in alone.... I wont do that again! Dad Framed our dance room mirrors, it looks great!!We have been dancing alot lately, its so nice to actually do something.
My aunt tammy anoucnced christmas day that she and my Uncle are expecting their fourth kid in August! I'm so excited for them! I went to Karolyn 4th birthday party last saturday, it was so very cute to see little Amanda and Karolyn playing together. they are best friends and I love seeing them get along so great. I wish we had grown up with cousins that were like family and not just title. I really don't know any of my own cousins...
Kristy, Leah and I have all finally bought our bridesmaids dresses, they will be here near the middle to end of feb. parts of our dresses will be here only 2 days before the wedding. (its cutting it real close). Weather warmed up to 48 today.. we have had a 73 degree warm up!! its crazyness! the roads of been horrible the last two days. Laura and Amy spent the night the other day and they had to cancel their trip into Anchorage, cause the roads were just rotten.
I've gota work on Brian and debbies wedding program, so i'll catch things up in a month. ~jewls~

Winter Wonderland 12-10-08

I just Love the beauty of new snow. We got about a foot today and its still coming down strong. Roads were crazy but, it didn't keep anybody home.
Yesterday I went out to Laura's place. We went ice skating with Mary, it was alot of fun; Although my legs would be telling you a different story. *grins* My feet didn't really hurt it was mostly my left leg and right hip. ( My riding accident still causes me a little trouble, nothing to complain about really. It just lets me know it there more frequently than i would like.
After skating for a few hours we all went out to eat at Toco Bell.. (I haven't been there or out to eat in forever). We finished just before the closed the lobby. After that we went shopping at WalMart. I think we spent almost two hours, just walking around the store. Mary and Laura played the mini guitar hero . LOL it was so funny to watch them play this little hand held device. By the time we left WalMart it was around midnight, our cars were covered with more than 3 inches of snow. burrr After going back to Laura's she and I watched the Bucket List. Its a pretty good movie. Laura and I have decided to create one for ourselves. * We really need to get to that Laura* We stayed up till after 3am and then got up around 11:30 am. I didn't have grooming but I did have a therapy appointment to do. I had a good "weekend".
A few weeks ago I put a ad on cragslist for trigger point therapy, I've been getting lots of calls. I have to answer my phone like a business now anytime I don't know the number. I have needed the extra money, one cause grooming hasn't been making anything. two cause I'm still spending money like i have it.. ( bad habit) * I'm not creating debt but I am eating my savings!*
Its been over a month since I last wrote anything, and I can't think of a bunch that has really happened. Dad is still healing, he is back to work. He isn't doing full duty stuff yet. We were all hoping that he would have healed much quicker than he has. *sigh* just have to take everything one step at a time. Mom painted the downstairs wall so now the dance room is really almost done with finishing touches. Mom has rearranged most all the bedrooms and the front room. They look ok, I'm still adjusting to them. Since dad has not wanted to redo the kitchen and the bed and breakfast opens in less than 30 days. Mom highered a contractor to finish the pantry and kitchen floor. I think it is good cause dad now doesn't have to deal with it. * not really sure how he feel about it, He's been pretty negative about it all from day one, so who knows what he really thinks.
Since dad has gone back to work just before thanksgiving, we havent been able to swim as much. We do still go about 3 or 4 times a week. (depends whats going on and everybody's moods).
Thanksgiving was really great. we have the Bushee's, Slaters and us total of 13 people. It was a awesome day we played games, ate food and just hung out. It was nice to get to know Brian's family more. I like them they are down to earth people who are alot like us.
I dyed Echoa midnight blue the 23rd of Nov. She is so blue people think she is purple.

I'm so annoyed with her hair, I didn't dye her for 7 months get pure white. I was hoping she would stop chewing herself bald. hasn't worked that way though. She is more baled and more itchy ever before when she is or isn't colored. I just can't win!! I end up with the most unhealthy animals!! April had been so sick!!!! she got sick all over one of the B&B rooms!!! like everywhere!! * we didn't find it till we were showing the house!! (dumb cat) it was and i let her embarrassing.
Grooming was slow all of Oct and Nov, but it has picked up in Dec Thank God!. I was looking for another job to make ends meet!! Therapy is covering it for now. but its still hard.. I was crazy and bought a xbox 360 with guitar hero II from my sister and brother in-law. I love playing it and like having a cordless controller. It was a great price for everything I got. I am glad in that since, but still kicking myself for getting it when finances are so tight. :D leave it to me to buy on a whim... *grins I don't think I'll ever change*
I have finally finished sorting all my movies! I have them arranged by type (action, drama,kids, romance) stuff like that.. then I have them sorted by alphabetical, with a colored sticker and first letter of title. *good for putting away correctly* then all my movies that have sequels are sorted the same way but have a line added onto their sticker therefore putting it in a different location. So far its working great!! I am able to find what ever movie I happen to be looking for. After I finished that project, I did my cd's I added all my cd music onto my computer and I also made copied onto a disk that will hold 14 full cds. (less cd mess in my car and not very much changing them, since my car holds 6 at once anyway) I still listen to alot of audio books at work or driving. I can download them onto my phone and listen to it like a mp3, its so awesome to be reading and working at the same time. I do still read a couple regular books a week, so I still get my quality sit down and read time.
This last week was so busy that I didn't get to watch any of my shows! gurr.. now i'm behind. Mom decided that it was time I moved in! lol she went through all my boxes that I had stored downstairs. I got ride of some stuff and kept my favorite things packed. I went through all my paperwork and threw away a whole trash can of papers I don't need anymore. All my christian or good moral books were added to the library, and all my secular books added to my room collection. With all the stuff unpacked, I need more room in my room! :P My king size bed is giving up to the ghost. It is in bad condition! we are going to buy a new matress for it and then I will get a full or queen size bed insead of this monster of a bed. I only use a corner of it anyway!
Debbie finally picked out adn bought her wedding dress! I love it!! its so pretty and look really great on her. Key and I need to get our dresses ordered but it so hard to really find one we like.. We were joking the other day about becoming clothes desiners. Then we wont have to worry about finding something to wear that we didn't really like. Ada is due to have her baby in 16 days i can't believe its really only a little over two weeks away! I am so excitted! I am sad I can't really be there in the beginning. I think a later visit will be better anyway.
I'm tired so I'm closing this entry. Take Care and God Bless. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Dream Sweet ~jewls~

a time for reflection 11-7-08

I know.. strange title, but I guess you could just say its my mood. Things here have been good. Mom and Dad went to Oregon the beginning of Oct. My dad got his hip resurfacing (kinda like a replacement but better) Dad got the surgery on the 13th, he was in the hospital for 4 days. He and mom then returned to my Gramma's house,he then spent a almost two weeks in a bed healing. When he was in surgery, it was hard to be here and not there, my sisters all had the same feeling. His Dr. said he was the perfect patient for that kind of surgery. They did some bone graphing and then did the actual hip resurfacing. The Dr. did an awesome job with the stitching. The incision is clean and will probably not really scar. Dad and Mom got home the 29th, it was strange at first to have them back but in the long run its nice to have the house full of life. Living here alone for a month was interesting, the first few nights it was scary. Then after that I didn't think anything of it. It was nice that clogging practice was here and people came to see me.
Of course SOMETHING had to go amiss while my parents were gone. The upstairs furnace died while they were gone only 2 days! *laughs* First I go to re-light the pilot light then I realize that they had bought a new furnace years ago when I wasn't living here. WELL the new furnace doesn't need a pilot light cause it doesn't it by its self. So I search the house and after several phone calls to OR I found the owners manual. I read the thing and it said that it could be three different problems by what the problem light was blinking... gurr of course... Its a problem I couldn't fix, so I turned our library heater on and, that heated the upstairs for a month. As of today we don't have an appointment to get the furnace fixed till the 18th of Nov, which I might add is the earliest they had. As of today the library heater works great, the only draw back is that in order to heat the bedrooms, all the doors have to be left open. Dad is healing fast, he can almost walk without the crutches. They family goes to the Alaska club almost daily to swim. *you would think we were water dogs* (grins).
been a horrible drag since she has decided that she would no longer keep the diapers on. As for other happenings, My cat is doing good. Echoa is pure white and actually has hair again. She is also in season so thatsSooo I have her in the cage and have to listen to her whine and bark, because she wants out. *sigh* 10 days more.
Clogging is going well, we are doing all the hand motions for Say the Word. Its going to be awesome song to perform at the Folk Festival, if we get it mastered in time. The beginner class should be growing even more this month. Excited about that!
Grooming has been SLOW..... I really need to get another job, I guess I am having a hard time letting go of my freedom. I worked 6 and 7 days a week for years then I went to 5 and 6 then I'm down to 3. :) lol I so love my freedom!! But I want to pay off my car...
Another thing that unexpectedly came up was that I bought a Kirby, Most of it was paid in cash but I did get a loan for the thing... Anyway.. ya so I owe money on that.. gurr I hate money.. I bought new winter tires for my car, I love them!! I wish I had tires like these on our way home from PA this year.
I've not done a whole lot of therapy this month. I can't decide if I really want to grow my own clientele or just work for somebody. I think I like working for others. I feel security in it I guess.
I got to see Amanda the other day that was nice. hehe last time I'll see her before she gives birth to little Ethan. I put blue highlights in her hair, lol I'm always trying new stuff on her.. I miss having her close by.
I'm not sure what else happened in Oct.. So I'll move onto Nov. The fist of Nov, I went to Laura's birthday party. *It was a blast* we did a photo hunt,and then finished a rushed party at the sports center in Palmer. The photo Hunt was fun, we all teamed up with people we knew and didn't know. Its crazy how you can be told to do or find something and everybody can have a different answer but all meant he same thing. My team did all 27 things that it said to do. We had fun rushing around the towns. We got back to the home base early and waited for the rest of the groups to show up. After all the teams came, Laura, Me, Kristy,and others went to Wal-mart to print the pics. We were going to get the one hour photo but it wasn't open so we did the instant one. Thankfully we only had about 30 something each to print.The instant ones are not that cheap! :) In the end my team of 5 won! whoo hoo it is awesome~!
I am surprised how much its snowed already! it's only Nov! Middle Oct it got -10 here in the valley. it was so cold. Of course it didn't help the heat situation upstairs. We had a huge wind storm come through Chugiak, the winds were 80 to 100 mph. it took alot of small trees down. it also cut our power for about 12 hours. It didn't really effect us to bad cause it happened early in the morning and turned on in the afternoon.
Yesterday we had a almost 4.0 earthquake come through Chugiak and beyond. I heard it coming about 15 seconds before it hit. no damage but it did make alot of my photo frames go off center...
Ok my fingers are cold and its time for rest. Take Care and God Bless. Dream Sweet! ~Ann~

Winter is here 10-4-08

The Coldness is upon us! We didn't have a real summer! It was cold and rainy most of the time. *shrugs* there is always next year.
I'm a bit peeved this week... our mail was stolen again!!!! I'm so tired of it!! I think we are getting new mail boxes. * Dad talked to the post master person, they think it is somebody that we know that doesn't like us ...... * hmm wonder who that could be ???* I can think of 4 people right now that would commit federal offensives and not bat an eye* (they do it all the time). I hope we get the security that I'm looking for.. I would hate to be caught red handed by the police or us... We are taking precautions with our mail. As of late so nothing of huge importance is coming to our main address.
Hmm what else... I got my very cracked windshield replaced last week. It is so Nice to actually see a clear view! * The Alcan High Way was rough on my car both ways* Someday I will actually get around to doing a deep cleaning of my car. * It hasn't been done since before Pittsburgh*
We actually had a fall this year, so there is a good layer of leaves everywhere, I think it will make good insulation for the grass. Mom got all her plants, tables, and deck chairs off the porches. All the decks look bare and just empty!
Dad is getting his surgery some time this month. I'm really proud of him for being able to wait all summer, to get his resurfacing hip surgery. They think her will recover pretty fast so I'm pretty excited!
Dad went hunting in Sep and got a Moose! we only got about 150lbs from it. Dad went hunting with his friend John H. whom took 5 of his kids. The whole trip they got two moose so the meat was split up. Dad hung it for 5 days and then he, mom and I butchered part of the meat one night then Scott, Kristy, Brian, Debbie and Parents finished all the meat the next day. I *babysat the kids hehe, good ol-movies... they were both in a bad mood * I can't stand the smell of raw meat and even cooked meat gets to me... it was a killer to cut meat over 6 hours the first night... I had a bandanna over my nose and mouth with mint oil on it... hehe it worked for the most part..
Echoa had her dental the middle of Sep, she had to have 4 teeth pulled... 3 were bad in the very front, ( she broke one when she was playing with a toy) it caused the two on either side of it to get loose and go bad. Her very back tooth had all three roots exposed... "poor dog". While she was under I also had her nails trimmed short! yes no more LONG nails! whoo hoo. She did great before, during and after the surgery. Echoa was only on meds for a week, so she did heal fast.
April got slightly sick last week, it was not her horrible sickness though. I'm so thankful for that!
I guess the biggest news around the house is that Debbie and Brian are engaged. They are planing to have a wedding 03/06/09... Nothing big but I think it will awesome. I'm very happy for them both. Their engagement did not come as a surprise to anybody here....
Debbie had a girly party at her place today, that was a blast. Linda "Brian's mom", Laura, Tammie "our aunt", Kristy, Me and Debbie all dyed hair, did paraffin wax on hands, did nails, had dinner, and finger foods, and of course movies.
My hair extensions lasted over a month, my hair was growing out so much that they were driving me crazy so I took them out. ( I do miss them though) . I don't have any spare money at the moment, but when I do I will get my own set up to do extensions. hehe I can't wait.
Kristy started a beginners clogging class, this week my aunt Tammie joined! I am so excited to have her part of it!! So far not many will be able to attend the October classes but in November it should fill up with a bunch! I really hope to have more dancers available for performances.
My parents are not selling the house! They are opening a bed and breakfast sometime in 09. I'm working on a web site for it so i'm up for ideas!.. The name is "Birchwood Manor B&B" We will be offering spa treatments, and pets upon approval so we will have more to offer at a better price than other local places. I'm looking forward to having guest from all over. I think we are only going to make 4 bedrooms avalible for the B&B. Mom wants a few guest rooms for our friends.
Work has been going pretty good. Nothing of note to mention. Dad did finish the tubs, and the customers and we love them! I hardly get wet.
The third Christopher Polioni book Brisingr came out in Sep! I loved it!!! He just keeps getting better! I've been reading like crazy hehe
Well thats all I can remember to talk about at the moment. Love to All Dream Sweet ~Jewls~

Its getting cooler out! 9-2-08

When I actually have to wear a sweater in my room. I know summer is coming to an end. * we keep the heat off upstairs in the summer* I've been pretty sick the last three weeks. I haven't been able to really spend any time doing anything. I haven't worked with Dusty for almost a month now. *When I was feeling better, I was too weak to even think about working with her* I am hoping that I can work with her sometime soon. I really miss that crazy horse. gas has gone down so that will help things.
I sold all three puppies, I'm loving the peace and quiet!! I really missed it and was getting ready to go crazy with the barking.... * being sick didn''t help* I do miss cuddling the pups and playing with them.
Echoa and April are doing good, they are both healthy and happy. April has actually put on alot of weight.
Dad finished building the tub walls for Lena, so thats one project thats finally done.
Mom and Dad finished the side yard and the new seed has already started to grow. Since my parents have decided to not sell the house for now, they are now going to open a bed a breakfast. (a decision I'm thrilled with)
I've been watching the republican national convention. its been quite interesting! I am in Support of Sarah Palin.. I don't really like McCain, I liked Ron Paul... But I think Sarah is strong enough to keep McCain in order and America inline. So if i have to vote for McCain to get Palin than thats just what I'm going to do. Sarah has done so much for our state , all of it in a goos way that if she was the VP she could do even more good. As for the news about her daughter, its non of our business... Its not her daughter we are voting for so, she should not even be a debate.

Clogging at the State Fair was good, I'm surprised on how well we actually did. Considering the amount of practice (more like lack of) that the team had as a whole group, we rocked! The sound guy really like our group now. lol when he first started doing the sound at the stage about 4 years ago he was mean and horrible to us. but thats all changed in the last 3 years.
I didn't get to walk around the whole fair this year, mostly cause we ran out of time. Amanda and Laura both got henna tattoos, and at the same place I decided to get hair extensions. hehe I got 6 of them put in, hot pink, blue, purple. I love them I want to learn how to do them myself! They are supposed to last three months. Well see how long they really last. They didn't have the painting people there this year I'm disappointed... I really didn't spent much money there so thats a good thing. Bud and Jean didn't stay with us this year but we did get to have dinner with them. They did barrow my moms car most of the time too.

Amanda had her baby showers last week, she got some really neat stuff. For those who don't know, my sister is having a boy. I can't wait to meet my first nephew.
Kristy and Family had Dave Gibler over to the house the other day , it was so nice to see hime again. grins he hasn't changed at all.
Thats all the news for now. Take Care and God bless ~Banny~