AUSTIN - He's My Hero

Submitted to: http://www.ruledbypaws.ca/2012/06/assistance-dog-blog-carnival-call-for-submissions/      for blog carnival.

I will be the first to admit that I never expected it to be this way. I didn't expect to be so attached to an animal. I mean, come on, I grew up w/ dogs all my life. I raised them from puppies and spent restless summer afternoons running in the dirt and sun w/ them, cried when they died, and attempted to make sure they had a proper burial. They were well loved, well fed, cared for and spoiled - But they were pets. They were dogs.

But, AUSTIN is NOT a dog. AUSTIN is not a pet. AUSTIN works every day and has earned his place in my home, the food in his bowl, and the bed, pillow, and blanket in which he slumbers. AUSTIN is the partner of one RCY. Together they are a team, and together they can go anywhere. That alone means so much. B/c of AUSTIN, R. has freedom and mobility again that he didn't have with the white cane. B/c of AUSTIN I have a little more peace of mind when I am not with R. B/c of AUSTIN, R. wasn't hit by a van 2 weeks ago. B/c of Austin, R. makes it home safely w/o a scratch every time he ventures out. AUSTIN was the one who curled up on the floor next to R., scared and worried when he passed out on the floor, while I was at work and none the wiser. AUSTIN takes care of my man when I can't. AUSTIN is an extension of my husband and is therefore, an extension of me.

I didn't realize the impact AUSTIN had on both R. and I until this past weekend. This weekend my oldest brother got married. Those of you who know LG know how he is, and for those of you who don't just understand that in many ways he is grossly uninformed but absolutely comfortable with that.

As is customary at weddings we were all getting ready to take a family picture. As R. and I are walking up, my brother informed me he didn't want "the dog" in the picture. To this I just look and Mom and said, "What!?" To which my mom restated, "He doesn't want Austin in the picture." Once I picked my jaw up, I was livid to the point of tears. But since it was his wedding day I gave him what he wanted. I held it together long enough to inform R., who was likewise appalled, make sure that AUSTIN was in the hands of a trusted friend, and take the necessary photos before I walked out and broke down out of anger, embarrassment, and disgust that my brother could be so insensitive (though admittedly knowing him I should know better). I realize that he may not be informed and educated on the etiquette of what it means to have a guide dog. But to R. and me, it was like telling an amputee that you wanted them in your picture but they couldn't wear their prosthetic. We felt like LG was saying, yea you're family but I'm ashamed that you're blind. It was at that point that R. and I both realized just exactly what AUSTIN meant to us both, which for me was a shocker.

I knew that it would be a huge impact to our lives. I knew that having a Leader Dog would not be like having a normal dog and that it would come to mean so much more. But I wasn't expecting this type of reaction from myself, especially after so short a time.

So to all friends and family, you should know - AUSTIN is a member of our family. To deny AUSTIN is to deny us. If AUSTIN is with us, which he usually is, and you want to take a picture; AUSTIN will be in it or you'll just have to take the picture from waist up or crop him out yourself. From here on out, I don't care if it's your wedding or not, that's how it will be. If you don't like it, don't invite us. That's just how I see it.

Service animals aren't pets, they are partners w/ the person for whom they service and are valuable beyond measure. Service animals and their humans are a team and together they are both empowered. Remember that next time you see someone w/ a service animal. I'd be willing to bet, that service animal is as valuable to them as any person in their life. So consider that before you try to separate them for any reason, even if it is just for a picture.

I love my brother, but I am yet to see him put on a harness and guide my husband around all day to make sure he doesn't trip on a curb, run into a wall, or get hit by a car. AUSTIN on the other hand....well, he's my HERO.

I TOTALLY Understand How She Feels...

Funny thing is - that's usually exactly what happens.  I wanna come up out of my seat and R. is pullin' me back and telling me it's alright.  Normal life in a not so normal family.  lol.

Not Just Any 'Ole Dog...

Those of you who keep tabs are probably aware that this is the month that R. has been gone for his Leader Dog (LD) training.  He will return on the 27th (7 more sleeps) with our "new addition," Austin.  Austin is a 55 pound, 1.5 year old, yellow lab (pictured above) that was born April 15, 2010, which means he's a "tax baby."  R. has been in Michigan with him training for the last month so I haven't even gotten to meet him yet.  I will admit I'm excited about meeting this dog but above all I'm ready to have R. back home.  Needless to say I've missed him.  I am sure having a dog in the house is going to take some getting used to but like everything else I am sure I'll take it in stride and adjust in time. 

I am sure I will have stories of frustration as I adapt since I have never had a pet in the house before.  I grew up where animals were outside.  They had their accommodations but those were outside on the porch or in the barn and they weren't allowed in to dirty the house, Daddy and the boys did enough of that w/o adding an animal in the mix.  I have always rolled my eyes at people who said their dogs were like their children and come to the conclusion that they had either never had children or had neglected those they did have, feeling that if my mother have equivocated me to a dog I'd truly be insulted. 

I don't have children of my own yet, but I did nanny 2 boys for 5 years and can't imagine how the love for a child could equal to the love for a dog.  I know I have friends that this will apply to, and don't take it the wrong way or be offended, that's just the way I've always seen it, no disrespect.  But I say this knowing that I will, and already, have more respect for Austin than I have ever had for any of my pets. 

I have had some amazing dogs in my time.  Butch was the mighty protector, well behaved, and minded those he loved, and defended his truck (which he darn near killed for) like he would his owners.  Bossom was the honorable well trained bird dog that could do some amazing tricks and loved anyone that offered a scratch, pat, or honeybun.  Casper was a big 60 pound baby that hated to ride in the back of a truck but loved to ride in the front and thought I was Mama and he was my lap dog (you can imagine what a site that was).  Pudge had the might of an army and respected those who could command him, was as bouncy as any puppy with those who couldn't, and always blazed a trail around the farm for R. and I to make sure we got where we were going b/c he knew there would be a treat at the end.  But none of my amazing animals contributed anything more than a feeling of security and/or joy and pleasure of companionship to my daily life.  Which is important and wonderful in and of itself, but Austin has already proved that he will be a contributing member of the household and he's not even here yet.  He's not just a pet or a dog, he's a LEADER, he is an extension of my husband, a guide, protector from curbs, obstacles, cars, idiots, and mean spirited people, a saving grace, and his eyes.  His presence means more freedom and mobility for R. and less worry for me.  Amazing how one animal can be so many things.  I can't say that I will ever love him like I would a child but I can honestly say that I already see him much differently than I have any other animal I've ever cared for, and he will always have a special place in our lives that nothing and no one can replace.  I still have my concerns and reservations but I fell like those will be easy to get over with all things considered.   

But to my friends who see their dogs as their children.  Just remember when or if you have children, they may not be ok with you saying that the dog is also your child.  My prospective would be, "Jeez, I know I'm a bitch, but that doesn't mean I'm a dog."  Like the header says: It may not be what you want to hear, but it is my point of view.

Canada, Ohio, And All The Detours In Between

I realize it's been a while since I've posted but it's been a bit busy on this end of things. The summer was quite eventful to say the least. We went up to Canada to visit a few friends and had a blast. Did a little geocaching while we were there and just generally thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was very laid back and I got to see my boys that aren't so little any more.

After Canada we headed down to Ohio to visit family there.  Had a blast.  Again, very low key, no stress, kick back, relax, and enjoy ourselves and some good company kind of time.  Did a little more geocaching and found a few interesting things and places that we might not have otherwise found. 

I also got to introduce 3 members of the family to geocaching as well and they just loved it. 

So the day before we were to leave coming back home we were out caching and we went to search in a location that we suspected a cache to be.  While going down for a closer look I fell and broke my ankle extending the trip an additional week. 

Didn't exactly turn out the way we had hoped but we had fun anyway.  Being there an extra week meant that we got to be there for our niece's birthday so it was all good.

So even though our trip had a bump or two along the way, we enjoyed ourselves and those that were around us immensely. 

We've become quite accustomed to life's detours, which we have come to see as the scenic route.  This summer we also learned it is apparently no different when it comes to having children for us.  So it's going to be a while before you see such an announcement, but when we are finally blessed, it will allow us to cherish the experience that much more. 

Love, God

Below is an email I recieved from a friend that I wanted to share.  It surely put a smile on my face and a tear to my eyes.  How inspiring.


We don't know who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words:

                                
Dear God,


Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.


Love,
Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.  On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:


Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognized her right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.  By the way, I'm easy to find. I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God

Processing My Grief and Giving Thanks:

Today I found myself regularly returning to my computer screen to check my FB.  Addict you say?  Obsessed with FB you ask?  Bored with nothing else to do you assume?  All would be incorrect.  I found my mind constantly in prayer and thinking about the Shively family.  I kept returning hoping to catch the next update come across the screen.  Tears sprang to my eyes with empathy and understanding that can only be felt by someone who who has experienced sitting in the hospital not knowing what's wrong w/ your significant other and knowing that if they don't figure it out soon you might be returning home alone.  Today I was reminded of just how fortunate I was.  Sadly, my cousin Amanda wasn't as fortunate.  Today, she is forced to leave the bedside she has vigilantly sat beside and made to return home to explain things to her 2 young children and a huge void.  Her only hope is that Albie's organs are fit for donation.  Indeed a show of strength, bravery, and worthy of so much respect (as if those who know her didn't already know that).

So today, once again, I say thank you.  Thank you to a nurse cousin willing to do a little research and share the possibilities.  Thank you to an ER doctor willing to listen and take a harmless but life saving chance that it could be something so small as vitamins that could be easily replenished but would take days to late to get the lab results to prove it.  Thank you to nurses willing to listen and accept no when offering meds prescribed by an idiot doctor that had they been taken could have possibly put us right back in the same position for which we started.  Thank you to family and friends that supported us from day one.  Thank you to family and friends that continue to support us, offering help, assistance, a ride, an ear, or just simply a visit on occasion.  Thank you to family and friends who laugh with us about it all, even when those around us don't think it the least bit funny. 

Before finding out the extent of the problems Albie was having, I shot Amanda an email.  I cried writing it, I cry reading it, and I had no idea when I wrote it what would be coming.  It just reaffirms that God uses us sometimes, even when we don't realize it. 

  "...I know you're going crazy right now and getting sick of hearing everyone saying the same 'ole words but at the same time grateful you have the support of those around you. Just know that it doesn't matter how comforting the words or the people that it's ok to shed the tears and cry out to God. It's even ok to ask why. (as I'm sure you have many times already) But know that we all feel that way at some point and it's my opinion that God understands that too, so don't feel too guilty about it. Just keep the hope and faith that whatever God's will, is the same as our hope. But keep the faith that no matter what His will may be, He will carry you through to great blessings. I know it doesn't seem like it now and you may even roll your eyes a little at my words. But Robby and I are a living testament of that. It's a trial that I wouldn't wish on anyone but one that we have learned much from. I'm sincerely sorry that someone else in my family has to experience a similar trial and wish you only the same abundance of blessings to come. So it is with tear filled eyes that I write you with understanding, empathy, love, and above all else prayers. Know that we are here if you need us. Don't hesitate to call. We love you all."

Writing this I had no idea that Albie would be called home.  At the time I had hope, as we all had, that he would again pull through and live to ride the four-wheelers once more with his precious boys.  I had no clue that my words would ring so true and had hoped that it would only be applied to surviving the sterile walls of yet another hospital.  Unfortunately, my assumptions were very wrong.   

I am truthful when saying that through all the trials and losses, Robby and I have been greatly blessed.  God has shown his light in our lives and provided us the comfort of security that can only be found in Him.  So it is my sincere prayer that Amanda and her family find the peace, abundance of blessings, and faith in Christ through all of this so that they may once again know, feel, and experience joy in their lives on a daily basis. Thank you to those that have prayed, are praying, and will pray for the Shively family.   Please continue to lift them up in your prayers while realizing that it is true what they say: "Tomorrow is not promised us and today is a gift, that's why they call it the present."

Thank You Lord For You Blessings On Me!!!

As....You.....Wish.......

If only the Farm Boy knew the wisdom within those words:

I guess I grew up in a very different world.  Possibly in a time paradox all my own that seems to surpass any concept understood by few below the age of 25. I grew up with a blatant understanding that family would always let you know what their opinion was about something you said or did and if you didn't want their opinion you shouldn't have made what ever it was public.  However, I also always knew that I could always do my own thing and have my own opinion and no matter how much I screwed up and how different my opinion was from what my family though, they would still be there for me when I needed them. 

That being said; FB has become another way to both keep up and watch out for your family.  So for those overly opinionated or concerned family members there is the beauty of being able to limit what is viewed and by whom; which admittedly comes in handy.  I also understand that I am a very blunt person and not everyone is appreciative of that, but if you don't want my opinion on something, don't make it public.  So because I am so publicly honest I understand if a family member or even friend decides to limit what I may or may not view and admittedly, knowing some of my friends/family, I may even appreciate it. However, if you consider a person to be family or a friend you don't delete that person.  There are several reason for this both for yourself and that person.  You never know when something might happen and that said person might need to get in touch with you about something, or you might want to know what's going on with, let's say for example, your sick brother because everyone knows that when he's in the hospital the easiest way to get an update on when he's in/out of surgery or tests or whatever before you MAY decide to call is to check his wife's FB.  But if you have deleted said wife you may not be able to get information as easily.  It's also a huge slap in the face quite honestly. 

Maybe it's just me, but if someone I had to interact with on a regular basis, and who was family or considered themselves my friend, was to be so rude as to delete me I would give them what they wanted.  It would be assumed that if you deleted me, you have no interest in anything I have to say. Therefore, being the obligatory person I can be, you would no longer have to worry about hearing what I had to say.  In fact, you could probably hang up having just about any conversation with me for a while.  Admittedly I tend to stew on things, and it's not until things in my head have settled down to a simmer that it is even a good idea to consider approach.  So for those family/friends who no longer wish to hear what I have to say:  It's like my Papa Nichols always said, "I may not be able to do much for you, but if you just want to be left alone, I can definitely do that."  So consider it done.

Celebrations, Jackasses, Clint Eastwood & 10¢

April 30, 2011 - Osama bin Ladin is finally dead.  There are cheers and celebrations in the streets as people applaud the death of "the big bad wolf."  The goose is finally cooked as they say.  But is it just to celebrate. 

To me it was more like finally having closure after the devastation that happened on 9/11.  Nearly 10 years of waiting and the man who shouldered the responsibility for the events has finally been put to rest.  But an article written by NPR said it best -"I don't think that the celebrations in the streets were our finest moment as Americans, and reminded me much of the anger I felt at seeing Afghans dancing in the streets at the fall of the Towers on that dreaded day."

It really bothered me to see that so many were actually elated that another soul had been damned and had missed the opportunity for repentance and salvation.  Don't get me wrong - I am not a holy roller by any means and would never consider myself the best representative of the Christian faith but it just seemed wrong to celebrate the death of a soul I knew was not going to a better place. 

There are times to celebrate a death.  I have raised a glass to many that have gone on before me as I knew they were in better hands than any found here on earth.  But maybe it was my "raisin's " that just wouldn't allow me to find joy in that moment.  A sense of relief - yes; but joy - not at all.  It was more like finally getting to the end of one of Daddy's never ending westerns where the bad man was finally put to justice and the heroes rode off into the sunset leaving behind much devastation and no real resolutions.  (Remind you of almost every Clint Eastwood western you ever saw?)  There's no real satisfaction in the ending, just the knowledge that there's one less bad guy in the world.  You'll also have to excuse me if I don't exactly trust the governments in all of this either.  To give you an idea using my Clint Eastwood reference again: I totally expect them to come out and have the ah-ha moment and we're all left standing around in disbelief as the nun turns out to be a common whore  so it was no wonder she was surrounded by jackasses.  (i.e. Two Mules for Sister Sara)  Hopefully I'm wrong and they will finally release some proof that the nightmare really is over and we can all rest a little easier but my daddy may have watched a lot of westerns but he didn't raise no fool.  It's not that I don't believe them but more of a - let me see for myself. 

I also found it bothersome that people were crediting Obama for "finally getting the job done."  HELLO - what the heck do you think our armed services have been doing over there this whole time, playing shuffle board?  They found him, called for approval, Obama gave the go-ahead and *tada* job done.  Thank you to our troops.  Obama however, did a good job in his speech giving appreciation to the troops and paying respect to those that died 9/11 and since.  It just seems that people walk around w/ blinders on more often than not.  I just wish people would look around and see how their behavior and responses affects those around them.  But that's just my 10¢ worth.

Lest I forget...

I wrote this one day while sitting in a class a while back and was reminded of it today.  I shared it with a teacher who told me I should send it to the paper.  I chuckled and figure they wouldn't be interested in it but thought if nothing else I would at least blog it. 

It should be understood that I have a rare perspective of education that not many people are privy to.  I go into teacher's classrooms and interpret and I see the interactions between teachers and students, the discipline/lack of discipline, the interesting/boring, the genius/idiocracy within a classroom from students/teachers.  I have also seen that since No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has been put into action not only have our educational expectations dropped to a staggering gut-wrenching low, but so have our disciplinary expectations, not just in school but across the board. 

So I am likewise reminded of a poem that an old friend, Doris Metts, shared with me many years ago that I printed and gave to my mama.  I am proud to say that I was blessed with one of "The Meanest Mothers In The World" and I can only hope that I am just as mean.  But with times changing there are things that I will add to the list of things to do for mean mothers.  I wrote a similar blog a while back titled: Rules of Engagment. But I figured it was time to add a few more things to the list lest I forget.  That way if you see me doing these things with my children later, I beg you to throw my own words in my face and remind me. 

Lest I forget....

• I will not assume my child is an angel.
• I will not allow my child to dress like a small prostitute. (linked is a MUST READ article!!!)
• I will teach my child that if you intend the keep your teeth you will not smack them at me.
• I will drop into my child's school to observe my child and the teachers. 
• I would prefer to send my child to a private school since I feel that NCLB has lowered standards within the public forum to a ridiculous point that I feel to be insufficient for my child (donations to assist in this endeavor are accepted).
• I will teach my child manners - that they had better use.
• My child will understand that a phone call home from school for a negative reason will result in a whipping when they get home.
• I will teach my child the difference between racism and honesty.
• I will teach my child what sarcasm is, how to understand it, and how to use it - even when it goes right over everyone else head. 
• I will teach my child that becoming pregnant before you are married isn't cool but is a disgrace and embarrassment to the family.  It doesn't mean we don't love you but you should be prepared for the consequences, ridicule, and backlash that will ensue from those who you have disappointed.
• I will teach my child that my house = my rules.  You are otherwise welcome to show yourself to the door or I will happily find you an alternative boarding school (i.e. boot camp or military school).
• I will teach my child that just because your friends have a cell phone doesn't mean that you should.  You can have a cellphone that will dial someone other than your parents when you are able to pay the bill yourself.  (God Bless the person that invented the Firefly).

I am sure that the list will continue to grow and as always I encourage everyone to add their own do's/don'ts to the list or to tell me how I'm lying to myself.  Either way it will make for good reading and/or an interesting debate.

Training A Man And Getting Things Done

We were hoping to be able to hit Tifton this weekend but it just didn't come to fruition.  I hate that we couldn't make it but at the same time I am glad that we don't have to weather the storm.  The weather promises to be a mess and I'm glad not to have to drive in it. 

We also have to find some time this weekend to make R.'s new Leader Dog video.  They called Thursday and let him know that they were ready for his video for them to observe him for the purpose of accepting him into the dog program.  They have apparently had a influx of applicants so the soonest they will probably get him in would be August or September.  Not as soon as we had hoped but we really can't complain with that.  We had just hoped that he would be able to go during the summer so that I could get up there to see him while he's there for a month.  *Sigh*  The joy of sending a man off to be trained I guess.  lol.  It's going to be a long month whenever he does go and I'm so not looking forward to it but we will make it through.  However, I will apologize in advance to those that have to deal w/ me on a daily basis for the duration of his absence. 

I'm also hoping to catch up on some sleep that was lost during my trip to DC with BHL/CM Orchestras last weekend, begrudgingly get some shopping done, and maybe even go check into a bridesmaids dress to get that ball rolling.  I'm sure there's some things I'm missing but we'll see how much of it I get done.  I think we can all see which came first on the list.  lol. 

So anyone who happens to be around....feel free to call after 12pm or come visit.  I can't promise to be out of my pj's but you're more than welcome to chill.  As is our custom, you're more than welcome.

If I Can't Laugh About It - Who Can?

It's no secret that I laugh and joke about the fact that my husband is legally blind.  He and I both do really.  We've come to the conclusion that we can either laugh about it and move on, or we can be the sad saps that everyone expects us to be.  So we move on.  But it intrigues me how people chastise me for making a joke of it, or making light of the situation, when they ask me about it.  I'm not really sure what they expect.  Some say that it's incredibly inconsiderate and un-PC, which just shows how little they really know me.  Others just pat me on the shoulder and tell me how very sorry they are and how strong or mature I am, as most couples wouldn't survive such a tragedy; which is a double insult since 1.) you apparently thought so little of me and the relationship I have with my husband, and 2.) I don't need your pity. 

So let's cover the facts: 

• My husband is, and has been, legally blind since Oct. 22, 2009.
• My father still tries to hand him the keys to drive and still asks him what's coming when he's the passenger.
• We all still have to remember that he can't see it when we give non-verbal responses - You can imagine how many times I screw this up.  lol. 
• We find it funny when people get antsy and ask "What are you, blind?" and R. always responds, "well, yea...actually."  The look on their faces hasn't gotten old yet and the hesitation in their voice is just as amusing to R. 
• We would like to think that the warning signs for "Blind Drive" means that it just might be possible for him to give it a try or at least an option for the opportunity. 
• "OMG - did you see that?....oh wait no...I guess you didn't." still happens often with us and we still laugh and move on. 
• He threatens, pokes, whacks, and aggravates me w/ that white cane and I always threaten back saying, "I'm not like the people who apologize when you accidentally hit them, I will snatch it away and whack you back," to which he still chuckles about.
• The only people that think that R. is disabled is probably you and, as soon as the paperwork is through, the government. We prefer to say differently-abled.  He still does pretty much everything he's always done.....just a little differently and with more time now than he used to. 
• We are still a normal couple that likes to pick and aggravate each other, we just get to tease each other in ways that other couples can't.  We don't do it in a mean spirited way and we always laugh about it. 
• It's ok to use the word "see" when you're around.  We don't get offended by it and people usually look silly trying to avoid it. 
• We laugh a lot about various things, we make fun and laugh a lot about every day situations that we encounter that are more difficult due to his low-vision. 
• We laugh and find joy in our everyday life.
• We choose to see past the hard times, the pain, and the uncomfortable situations with a smile and/or a laugh.
• I promise you that you won't hear me say anything about it that I haven't already said to him and I can pretty much guarantee you that the jokes we make together are way worse.
• We laugh - we don't expect your pity, your sympathy, or your issues with how we choose to deal. 
• We laugh - and those who are close enough friends to be a part of our family join us in our laughter and toss in their own jokes and jabs in the process. 

I have one friend that told R. that she was upset that he wouldn't be able to see her well enough on her wedding day to see just how beautiful she is so she was going to have to get a braille dress. We continue to laugh.

Laughter may not always be the best medicine, but it's definitely one that gets you through the hard times and lets you come out on the other with a better perspective.

So what would you do in our situation?  Would you choose to laugh, or let the world fall in around you?  Would you still be with your significant other or would you have ran for the door?  Would you move on with life or would you wear a chip on your shoulder for all the world to see?

What would you do?

Whips, Canes, & Hormones - Oh my!

Someone pointed out to me today that I really should start blogging again. It has been a while and much has changed since my last post. Those of you that don't know feel free to call and ask. Otherwise, it's apparent that you could care less. Your loss. A little blunt yes but I'm over the explanations at this point.

I convinced R. to start up another blog as well. He doesn't even remme how to get access to his old one and just decided to start another to blog about his cooking. He's calling it "Blind Chef." Seems fitting all things considered. However, what he hoped to be his first post didn't turn out the success we had both hoped for so he decided to wait on the first blog. So keep an eye out for it. I'm sure it will be interesting.

I think we can say R. and I both are glad to be back in Athens. It doesn't always go the way we had hoped but it always works out for the best. Prime example; we were really hoping to get a few more years out of the car....needless to say that didn't happen so we had to buy a new "whip" as the stars say. So we traded the Accord in for an Element which means we're now prepared for a kid and a dog when the time comes. Granted the dog will be sooner than the kid as Leader Dogs told him when he was up for training that they'd like to have him back up there sometime this summer for dog training. YAY! The kid we're still workin' on. Buying the car however, means that we aren't going to be able to pay things off and buy a house as soon as we were hoping but I am sure that it will all come in its time. Patience is a virtue I am still working on daily. I'm sure this is all part of it. After all, since when do things work out the way I plan them to? Guess it's God's way of telling me not to get ahead of Him. But for now we are content to live in our little apartment here in town. The location couldn't be more perfect for R., the commute is a simple one for me, and it has all the space we require with a bedroom to spare.

We had a late b-day party for R. and I on March 5 and actually had a house full of friends; some new, some old, and almost all of them signing. Those that didn't know any signs coming in the door walked out knowing at least a few, even if it was the dirty ones. lol.

Other than that - not much else is new. R. still beats me w/ his cane only now it's a white and red one. He's still working to finish up school and I'm still working in one. Although middle school really makes me question a desire for children. Keeping my fingers crossed that next year I will be back at the HS where all insanity is hormonal. By that time hopefully I'll be as pregnant as 1/2 the other teenage girls in the hall and just as hormonally attitudinal.