Now that the CureTour is done, Ryan and I have successfully relinquished our roles as "roadies" and "perpetual travelers". (For now, at least). Frankly, although we had a blast, we are glad to be done and finally settled in our apartment in Coconut Creek with our pretty red couch, new mattress, approximately 42,000 boxes... and our dog Tyson.
While we're on the subject... Tyson is truly a delight. He's affectionate, cuddly, frisky and a boatload of fun.
However!
He has come to the conclusion that Daddy (Ryan) is the Leader of the Pack and he (Tyson) comes next. Mommy (me) is so obviously at the very bottom of the totem pole, which means that Tyson feels entitled to boss me around by attempting to jump on my head and gnawing ferociously on various exposed body parts. Also by "marking" all over the apartment (complete with no longer quite so Brand. New. Carpet.) This included a lovely festival of feces in the bedroom. Fun, FUN!
Actually, this is totally my fault. I am a big old softie which should come as no surprise to anyone. Thanks to me, Tyson took on the role of Master, as I caved to his every whim, so I have been practicing saying firmly, "No! I am the Alpha Dog, Tyson! NO! I AM THE ALPHA DOG, DAMMIT!!!" This, you will not be surprised to learn, has not been entirely effective.
The larger issue, though is Tyson pretty much hates (HAAAATES!) any person that is not Grandma, Grandpa, Daddy or Mommy. He also hates: big dogs, small dogs, medium sized dogs, cats, the television, fireworks, the washing machine, the garbage disposal, the dishwasher, the dryer, the garbage truck, the hair dryer, and pretty much anything else that otherwise moves or makes noise. We've been practicing desensitization activities (which for Daddy entails watching lots and lots of college basketball) and now we no longer feel we have to throw all of our electrical appliances in the dumpster and move to Outer Mongolia).
The hating (HAAAATING!) of the people and fellow members of the Animal Kingdom is taking some time, though.
Clearly we had to take some action. So, our first step in ensuring we will have a friendly, non-threatening household pet, was to have him neutered. Now, I know that this may cause many men (and my mom) to cringe but Bob Barker is totally right, y'all. If you're not going to breed your pet, spaying or neutering them is one of the kindest things you can do for them. It reduces the likelihood of numerous health problems (including cancer), makes the pet more affectionate and friendly and also eliminates the possibility that your pet will unwittingly increase the animal population.
Tyson, it hardly needs to be said, did not like the vet. In fact, all the barking, snarling and lunging led the vet to inform us "You have an aggressive dog here. He's going to require a lot of work". Faced with that news, we did what any normal parents do when they're told their son or daughter is failing Algebra or Home Economics. We cried. Not, like, at the vet or anything. But later. But when we picked him up post-surgery, he was noticeably more relaxed. Granted, he's not quite at the point of leaping joyously into the laps of strangers, licking their faces and whining with delight. But at least, he's not all "The Hound of the Baskervilles", causing people to go "Aieeeeee!" and run in the opposite direction either.
The other thing we've done is found an awesome trainer who spent a few hours with Ryan and me yesterday morning teaching us (and Tyson) the Heel and Sit commands. To you this may not sound so special. But for two people who no longer have to shove their arms back in their sockets after taking him for a walk, this is nothing short of miraculous. He walks at our sides, people! This is, like, Christmas and the 4th of July and my birthday and Arbor Day all rolled into one.
He definitely has a long way to go. But now we actually have hope that we may be able to have house guests some time in the near future. Speaking of house guests, did you see my mention of our pretty red couch? Then you probably saw that we also have 395,641 boxes, too. Once we get rid of those, we will also have a guest room. Come visit! Um. Not any time in the next month or so because Tyson might try to eat you. But maybe after Christmas?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Further Proof Ryan Just Needs to Propose Already (Haha! Just kidding!)
Today we were driving through Huntsville, Alabama. And I looked over, and was all "Baby! Look! It's a Wedding Supply Store! I bet it has pretty white dresses! And lovely, floaty veils! And oooh! I bet it has tuxes! Ummm... Huh. Er, nope!.... it has power tools! And... um... safety helmets!"
Turns out "welding" looks an awful lot like "wedding" when you're driving by at 45 miles per hour and are fairly drooling over an engagement ring you've been told is coming, but has not yet made an actual appearance. Anyhow, I'm guessing Sexton Welding Supply, Inc has a flourishing business in its own right, despite lacking the latest in bridal finery.
But enough about that... (for now anyway). Everything with the tour is going remarkably well. We're more than 2/3 of the way through and I honestly didn't think it would take this long for me to actually post a blog entry, but we've been scheduling and rescheduling interviews, running Tailgate parties, encouraging donations, explaining our goals and missions, checking in and out of hotels and doing a heck of a lot of driving. We've definitely had a moment or two when we've looked at each other and gone "why did we want to do this again??" (Dear Reporter who called us at 3:30 AM thinking the event started at 4:30 AM instead of 9:30 AM, I am still bitter and I do not like you very much. Plus, I would like to buy you an appointment calendar. Hugs! Love, Meag)
These rare moments aside, this has been such an incredible experience. We've met so many families around the nation that display tremendous strength, compassion, good humor and courage, beyond what I could personally imagine under similar circumstances. Every day brings new experiences that are rewarding and fun. Best of all, I get to do this with my best friend in the entire world. (*cue sappy music*) And I apparently won some sort of relationship lottery since he not only makes me laugh and still makes my heart beat fast... but he irons my clothes for me too! How great is that?!
With just two and a half weeks left to go, we're excited to spend the next few weeks winding our way up the East Coast to New York City, but I'm sure we'll also feel more than a bit sad to bring the tour to an end. I try to look on the positive side of things, though and confess I will be happy to sleep under sheets that aren't imprinted with the "Marriott" or "Holiday Inn Express" logos. Also, I look forward to cooking dinner in our own home, taking our dog for a walk, getting the chance to exercise and being able to recall what city we were in three days ago.
And, y'all, maybe in the next few months I'll also be seeking out the Ft. Lauderdale "Wedding" Supply store. (But the one with actual dresses instead of blow torches...) Stay tuned!
Turns out "welding" looks an awful lot like "wedding" when you're driving by at 45 miles per hour and are fairly drooling over an engagement ring you've been told is coming, but has not yet made an actual appearance. Anyhow, I'm guessing Sexton Welding Supply, Inc has a flourishing business in its own right, despite lacking the latest in bridal finery.
But enough about that... (for now anyway). Everything with the tour is going remarkably well. We're more than 2/3 of the way through and I honestly didn't think it would take this long for me to actually post a blog entry, but we've been scheduling and rescheduling interviews, running Tailgate parties, encouraging donations, explaining our goals and missions, checking in and out of hotels and doing a heck of a lot of driving. We've definitely had a moment or two when we've looked at each other and gone "why did we want to do this again??" (Dear Reporter who called us at 3:30 AM thinking the event started at 4:30 AM instead of 9:30 AM, I am still bitter and I do not like you very much. Plus, I would like to buy you an appointment calendar. Hugs! Love, Meag)
These rare moments aside, this has been such an incredible experience. We've met so many families around the nation that display tremendous strength, compassion, good humor and courage, beyond what I could personally imagine under similar circumstances. Every day brings new experiences that are rewarding and fun. Best of all, I get to do this with my best friend in the entire world. (*cue sappy music*) And I apparently won some sort of relationship lottery since he not only makes me laugh and still makes my heart beat fast... but he irons my clothes for me too! How great is that?!
With just two and a half weeks left to go, we're excited to spend the next few weeks winding our way up the East Coast to New York City, but I'm sure we'll also feel more than a bit sad to bring the tour to an end. I try to look on the positive side of things, though and confess I will be happy to sleep under sheets that aren't imprinted with the "Marriott" or "Holiday Inn Express" logos. Also, I look forward to cooking dinner in our own home, taking our dog for a walk, getting the chance to exercise and being able to recall what city we were in three days ago.
And, y'all, maybe in the next few months I'll also be seeking out the Ft. Lauderdale "Wedding" Supply store. (But the one with actual dresses instead of blow torches...) Stay tuned!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Day One - Anaheim
Yesterday was hot. Disgustingly, stickily, oppressively hot. (Is stickily even a word?)
It was also the kick-off for the CureTour as well as the Disneyland Half Marathon. And heat notwithstanding, it was a terrific beginning for our 63-day adventure.
I am always moved by road races. There is just something about throngs of people running for a purpose - whether it's for a particular cause... or to fulfill a personal dream.... or just to get out there and move. Whether I am a participant or a spectator, I frequently find myself covered in goosebumps and fighting off tears... it's that powerful to me.
So this past weekend inspired even greater emotion as we had the chance to meet some of the families and children affected by this disease and watch all of those people running to help find a cure cross that finish line.
The race was a bit different for Tim. Starting at 3:30 AM, he ran a full 13.1 miles before meeting up with 13,000 other Disneyland Half Marathon runners to finish the rest of his first marathon on the tour. For him (and for us), this is just the beginning.
It was also the kick-off for the CureTour as well as the Disneyland Half Marathon. And heat notwithstanding, it was a terrific beginning for our 63-day adventure.
I am always moved by road races. There is just something about throngs of people running for a purpose - whether it's for a particular cause... or to fulfill a personal dream.... or just to get out there and move. Whether I am a participant or a spectator, I frequently find myself covered in goosebumps and fighting off tears... it's that powerful to me.
So this past weekend inspired even greater emotion as we had the chance to meet some of the families and children affected by this disease and watch all of those people running to help find a cure cross that finish line.
The race was a bit different for Tim. Starting at 3:30 AM, he ran a full 13.1 miles before meeting up with 13,000 other Disneyland Half Marathon runners to finish the rest of his first marathon on the tour. For him (and for us), this is just the beginning.
If you are interested, you can find more clips on YouTube featuring the tour here: http://www.youtube.com/curetour.
More in the next few days as we work our way through San Luis Obispo, Los Gatos and Sacramento!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
"Clark, that there's an RV!"
Ack, y'all! We leave tomorrow for California. We'll spend Friday, Saturday, Sunday and part of Monday in Anaheim, and then - off we go!
I cannot believe it's nearly time to set off on this adventure. I've never ever had a job before where I felt so immediately charged with responsibility and energy and inspiration.
Also the feeling of being completely overwhelmed. These past few weeks have been so crazy-busy and Ryan and I often find ourselves looking at each other in some of our more relaxed moments going, "Wow, this is so great!" More often, though, it's something more akin to, "Hotels! RV Parks! Hotels! Nearest local hospitals! Insurance forms! Hotels! This is fun! We're excited! Excited! But, oh.... Tailgate parties! Did I mention Hotels yet! No? Hotels!"
And - oh the magic of RV Dump Stations just might fulfill Ryan's dream of actually being able to one day say "Merry Christmas! S**tter's Full!"
Anyway, as part of our preparation, we've started a blog to track the progress of Tim and the crew of the A-T CureTour. I can't make promises for how frequently I'll be updating my own blog between now and November (although I hope to at least post something like "Hi! We're safe! And in Alabama! Or maybe Illinois! Er, or is it Montreal? Come to think of it, we're not sure! But it's nice! Hi!") However this more official one should be updated fairly regularly right here: A-T CureTour on the Road
For those of you that have asked (okay, so none of you have, but I'm passing on the information regardless since I know you meant to), you can make a donation to this endeavor here: Help Find a Cure! Better yet... make a $25 donation and meet up with us along the way at one of our Tailgate parties or join Tim for a FunRun!
Hope to see some of you along the way!
I cannot believe it's nearly time to set off on this adventure. I've never ever had a job before where I felt so immediately charged with responsibility and energy and inspiration.
Also the feeling of being completely overwhelmed. These past few weeks have been so crazy-busy and Ryan and I often find ourselves looking at each other in some of our more relaxed moments going, "Wow, this is so great!" More often, though, it's something more akin to, "Hotels! RV Parks! Hotels! Nearest local hospitals! Insurance forms! Hotels! This is fun! We're excited! Excited! But, oh.... Tailgate parties! Did I mention Hotels yet! No? Hotels!"
And - oh the magic of RV Dump Stations just might fulfill Ryan's dream of actually being able to one day say "Merry Christmas! S**tter's Full!"
Anyway, as part of our preparation, we've started a blog to track the progress of Tim and the crew of the A-T CureTour. I can't make promises for how frequently I'll be updating my own blog between now and November (although I hope to at least post something like "Hi! We're safe! And in Alabama! Or maybe Illinois! Er, or is it Montreal? Come to think of it, we're not sure! But it's nice! Hi!") However this more official one should be updated fairly regularly right here: A-T CureTour on the Road
Hope to see some of you along the way!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Scorpions. Why'd it hafta be scorpions?
I was going to write a nice meaty entry about how much fun Ryan and I are having planning for the A-T CureTour and how it's become clear in the past few days what a terrific organization we work for.
There is also much to be said about how we found the perfect apartment and I freaked out for a few days because I loved it so, but it happens to be 3.5 miles away from a landfill and I was really SO not thrilled about that. As an aside, if you ever wanted to really annoy your boyfriend, you should plan on telling everyone you see about how... there's this really great apartment? But it's near a landfill? And, like, landfills are smelly and can't they be sort of, I don't know, dangerous? Such a gorgeous apartment, though! With a huge porch and two bedrooms and two bathrooms! Too bad about the landfill. And the kitchen is just enormous and has ceramic tile floor! And there's a private entrance, too! But, did I tell you about the landfill? The landfillllll! (Luckily, after talking to approximately 4,278 people, I have sufficiently reassured myself that just by living in the general vicinity, I'm not going to grow horns or a tail or anything.)
But this has all been temporarily eclipsed because today we had a little... um... visitor in the office.
There is also much to be said about how we found the perfect apartment and I freaked out for a few days because I loved it so, but it happens to be 3.5 miles away from a landfill and I was really SO not thrilled about that. As an aside, if you ever wanted to really annoy your boyfriend, you should plan on telling everyone you see about how... there's this really great apartment? But it's near a landfill? And, like, landfills are smelly and can't they be sort of, I don't know, dangerous? Such a gorgeous apartment, though! With a huge porch and two bedrooms and two bathrooms! Too bad about the landfill. And the kitchen is just enormous and has ceramic tile floor! And there's a private entrance, too! But, did I tell you about the landfill? The landfillllll! (Luckily, after talking to approximately 4,278 people, I have sufficiently reassured myself that just by living in the general vicinity, I'm not going to grow horns or a tail or anything.)
But this has all been temporarily eclipsed because today we had a little... um... visitor in the office.
Luckily I was not around when he made his appearance because..... Eeeeeeeekkkkkkk!!!! Also Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!! (And probably a few heartfelt OhGodOhGodOhGods, too...) If I had actually seen this critter myself, you can rest assured that Ryan would have had to physically lift me from my perch off my chair and carry my weeping, horrified ass from the office. And the worst part is... apparently - Just Super! - he's not the only one. They are spraying after we leave for California.
Seriously, though. Did y'all know they had scorpions in South Florida? And if you did, why the hell didn't you tell me? I mean, I'm sure I would have still moved here and all. However, when my boss told me we were a casual office - but hello! Possible scorpions! - you can bet I would not have chosen to wear flip flops for the past three days.
Nothing says summer like steel toed boots.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Orange and Blue
Well, I've successfully managed to meet Ryan's entire family without embarrassing myself, or causing anyone (as far as I know) to pull him aside to say discreetly, "Uh, Ryan? This girl that you've been dating... I don't meant to pry, but have you been smoking very much crack lately? "
This is great news because while I already knew Ryan had to have a pretty terrific family, I've now discovered for myself that they universally rock. It's been a lot of fun getting to meet everyone and to be included in all of the festivities from the Decatur Celebration to BBQs to the official Livergood family picture. I also have to brag that while having dinner at Ditka's the other night, I met "Da Coach". Yeah, so I totally didn't know who he was. But Julie and Craig (Ryan's sister and brother-in-law) were so excited by his presence that I had to prove what an awesome future sister-in-law I am by asking him to sign an empty wine bottle. And doesn't that just make you wish I was your future sister-in-law too?
In addition to some quality time with various super-cool family members, we also got to play with Tyson who is getting big. It has been confirmed that he is indeed the cutest puppy in the whole world and probably some alternate universes as well.
This is great news because while I already knew Ryan had to have a pretty terrific family, I've now discovered for myself that they universally rock. It's been a lot of fun getting to meet everyone and to be included in all of the festivities from the Decatur Celebration to BBQs to the official Livergood family picture. I also have to brag that while having dinner at Ditka's the other night, I met "Da Coach". Yeah, so I totally didn't know who he was. But Julie and Craig (Ryan's sister and brother-in-law) were so excited by his presence that I had to prove what an awesome future sister-in-law I am by asking him to sign an empty wine bottle. And doesn't that just make you wish I was your future sister-in-law too?
In addition to some quality time with various super-cool family members, we also got to play with Tyson who is getting big. It has been confirmed that he is indeed the cutest puppy in the whole world and probably some alternate universes as well.
It seems, though, Tyson has figured out that I am a complete and utter wimp and this means he gets to grab my hand in his teeth and chew heartily upon it whenever his little heart desires. Which is pretty much all the time. What was really freakin' cute when he started doing it is now still awfully damn adorable.... but really? Getting sort of painful. We read online that in order to deter biting, the owner should yelp whenever the puppy gnaws on something that is not a toy and growl in a discouraging manner. Recognizing that this means he has over-stepped his boundaries, the puppy will then bow to the owner's clear authority and cease all biting behavior. Makes sense, yes?
Apparently our puppy has decided to boycott this theory because whenever we snarled in our most scary dog-like manner, he would kick and writhe and wag his tail happily, all the while biting down harder and more enthusiastically.
This could be a problem. We are already looking into obedience and socialization classes in Ft. Lauderdale. But in the meantime, Grandma and Grandpa are taking good care of him until we get settled in Florida in a few months' time. Didn't I tell you they were awesome?
Speaking of Ft. Lauderdale, we fly down tomorrow to undergo training for a week and a half, before driving out to Anaheim to get started with the A-T CureTour. We're more than a little excited and it should be interesting to see how the next few months play out.
In other news, Ryan has been saying that he does not think he wants cable TV in our new home. I don't necessarily agree with this because while I don't love television, there are a few shows that exist beyond network TV that I particularly enjoy. I mean, I don't cry if I miss them or anything and I'd rather be doing something active or outside (that is, when it's not so damn HOT), but on the whole? - fairly entertaining. More importantly, though, I know of Ryan's penchant for sports of all kinds. I envision him immediately regretting this decision and moving out of our house to live at the Ale House or Buffalo Wild Wings or something during college basketball season and football season and baseball season and soccer season and, God forbid, cricket season. And then I'd have to move in too in order to actually see him. And while I like these upstanding institutions and have invested quite a bit in ensuring they are successful in maintaining their respective businesses, I don't think I'd like spending the rest of my days eating chicken wings for dinner every night and resting my weary head on a door mat that says "Hooters Makes You Happy!" I'd like to avoid this scenario if at all possible and told him I would willingly surrender our TV in our very own home to him so that he may get his "fix", but it was looking like we might very well be a cable-less household. But thanks to him recently discovering the magic that is A&E, specifically "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and, strangely, "Flip This House", Ryan has decided that cable might very well be necessary after all.
Hooray! "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?", "Big Love" and "Corwin's Quest" here I come.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
So, Meagan and Ryan, You Just Left Bulgaria! What Are You Going To Do Now?
Well, we're not going to Disney World. At least not for a little while.
Instead we're continuing on in our tradition of adventure with something very unique and, we think, tremendously exciting.
I really owe it all to Ryan. In 2006 I ran the Disney Marathon with the A-T Children's Project, a nonprofit designed to raise funds through events and contributions from corporations, foundations and friends to further international scientific research aimed at finding a cure for Ataxia-telangiectasia, or A-T. This is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects children, bringing about immune system problems, a predisposition to cancer and an inability to control the muscles, as well a startling and horrific array of other physical problems. Sadly, there is no cure for A-T and many children die before reaching their 20's.
Although I had run 4 previous marathons and over 20 smaller road races, this was by far the most rewarding race I had ever completed and I signed up as soon as possible for the following year. Of course, then I went and moved to Bulgaria, so I never did get to run that next race. But I still thought often about how much that particular marathon meant to me.
So when we were job-hunting, I immediately began looking into working with ATCP. However, I was initially discouraged by their lack of an employment section on their website. Nevertheless, Ryan strongly encouraged me to send them a cover letter and résumé. I sent them off, not really expecting a response. To my surprise, I was contacted later that day by the Executive Director. It was true that they didn't currently have an open position, she said. But, out of curiosity, what was I looking for? I told her and thus ensued a flurry of e-mails and phone calls that have snowballed into something far bigger than I think Ryan or I expected.
While a lot of the details are still a little fuzzy as the overall gameplan cotinues to get hammered out, here's what we do know.
Ryan and I will spend the next few days here in Maryland, before heading to Illinois on Thursday to visit with his family. Following a huge family reunion with his dad's side of the family on the 11th, Ryan and I will either fly or drive to Ft. Lauderdale and undergo three weeks of training with ATCP.
At that point we will be embarking on a two-month journey across the United States with the A-T CureTour. Tim Borland will be running 63 marathons in 63 days, starting with the Disneyland Half Marathon (which he will run twice) and ending with the New York City Marathon to raise awareness and funding for ATCP. Deb and Brad Carr, independent film makers, will be producing FEAT, a documentary that follows his experience along the way.
Through 29 different states and Montreal, Ryan and I will serve as Jacks of All Trade, helping to set up sites, hand out T-shirts, talk about A-T, collect donations and trouble-shoot. It promises to be a challenging and emotional experience... not to mention a lot of fun. Once we finish with the Tour on November 4, we will then head down to Ft. Lauderdale, FL when the position they are creating for me will ideally be available. Best of all, it's my dream job since they've essentially created it around my skills and interests. We're both absolutely over the moon that things worked out so perfectly for us and feel South Florida will make a wonderful new home for Ryan, Tyson and me.
Yesterday Ryan and I celebrated our two-year anniversary by looking at (but not buying yet) engagement rings in the morning and making the rounds in the BBQ circuit in the afternoon. Without sounding too gag-worthy, I can't believe we've been together for two years and that I get to spend the rest of my life with the most amazing man in the world. From Orlando to Bulgaria... to a journey across the United States and back to Florida again... I love you so much baby!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
My Hair Sucks (or I miss Jayme)
Once I got a mullet.
It was not, I assure you, something I did on purpose. Nor was it the 1980's. See, I have found that sometimes you will find a new stylist and he or she will be great for the first cut or two. So you will go back expecting more of the same magic and rainbows and unicorns. And instead, in the time between cuts, your stylist has been mysteriously replaced by some sort of deranged scissor-happy doppelganger and you wind up with something like this:
Keep in mind this is not as bad as it was at first. Since I didn't let anyone with a camera near me for awhile, this picture was taken a few weeks after the original cut. Also, by this point I had found Jayme. Beautiful, wonderful, fabulous Jayme. I wandered into Jayme's salon the night after receiving said mullet and asked the tall blonde girl standing at the counter with a mixture of hope and despair quivering in my voice, "Can you fix me?" She stared at me for a few minutes and replied with deep concern, "Who did this to you?"
Then she set about trying to make it look like I wasn't about to audition for a re-make of Xanadu. I still walked out of there with a mullet... but as she explained it would take awhile to make it look normal again. She brings the unicorns and rainbows every time, and after many months with Jayme who is quite possibly the most talented stylist in the universe I eventually wound up with this:
I was much happier.
Side story: I met Ryan shortly after I got the mullet. He remembers thinking "Wow she's really cute, but she has really bad hair." A smart man, he didn't tell me this until recently. It's funny now, but it definitely would not have been if I still had the mullet when he divulged this piece of information.
Then I moved to Eastern Europe and figured out that when the mullet departed with the end of the 80's it moved to Bulgaria. Seriously, guys. If there was a drinking game based on how many mullets you would see walking down the street, you'd be hammered after a few blocks.
Because my Bulgarian - to put it mildly - sucked, I didn't trust myself to go into a salon and request just a trim, please, so I decided to just not cut my hair for the better part of a year. As you can imagine this did not lead to silky and manageable tresses, so the first thing I did when I got home was try to find an affordable and quality stylist. These two things are not mutually exclusive, I know, because Jayme is both stellar and inexpensive. Plus she gives you wine and is great conversationalist/therapist. (And she tells me regularly I look like Reese Witherspoon which totally isn't true, but I love it anyway.)
I did not get wine when I got my hair cut the other day.
Nor did I get a good haircut. Okay, so it's not completely horrible, true. At least, there were no tears. And thankfully it's not a mullet. I would show you a picture except right now I am sporting a gargantuan zit right in the middle of my forehead. It's fabulous.
But it has lead me to believe that Jayme is one of a kind and if Ryan and I do wind up living in Ft. Lauderdale, I will be making trips up to Orlando regularly to get my great cut, good wine and fun conversation all for a very low bargain price.
And if we move somewhere else I will simply call Jayme and invite her to move in with us.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
God Bless the USA
Well, after nearly 11 hours in the air, I made it home to Maryland on Monday afternoon. Ryan also arrived safely in Illinois yesterday with the puppy who, incidentally, is no longer named Luke. More on that in a second...
Our last night in-country was spent at the Sveta Sofia Hotel in the capital. Kevin, one of our totally awesome PCV friends, joined us for some yummy Chinese food, Zagorka beer and outstanding conversation. Bulgaria is such an awesome country and as much as I was happy about returning to the States, it was equally as tough to say goodbye. We will definitely go back for a visit someday. In the meantime, there's plenty o' fun in store for Ryan and me, starting with his visit to Maryland tomorrow.
As far as the Pup Formerly Known As Luke is concerned, he evidently handled the flights very well and is enjoying his new home in Findlay, Illinois. After all, there are toys and treats to be had. Grandma and Grandpa are spoiling him very well. (Yeah. I said Grandma and Grandpa. Ryan and I refer to ourselves as Mommy and Daddy too... and sometimes we even talk to each other in baby talk when the puppy is not around... ya' wanna make somethin' of it?)
Anyway, when Ryan and I first named the puppy, he didn't have much of a personality yet. So Luke seemed to fit just fine. Then he started doing more than just walking and sleeping. He started to frolic. And run into stuff while playing with his stuffed cow. And crawl into Ryan's shoes. And get teeth. (Also pee and poop all over the entire apartment, but that is another story.)
For some reason neither Ryan nor I could bring ourselves to call him Luke. Instead we had settled on calling him "The Puppers". Clearly this could not be his proper name because we are nauseating... but not that nauseating.
Then "The Puppers" figured out he really likes to gnaw on people... particularly their ears.
And it came to us.
His name is Tyson (or Ty).
Coincidentally I happen to have a good friend named Tyson (or Ty). But as much as I like my friend Ty, we didn't really name the puppy after him.
It's after Mike Tyson.
Haaaaaaa! We kill ourselves. (Actually I am giving myself too much credit. It was Ryan's idea.)
So. Um. Hi Ty! Hope you don't mind having the cutest puppy in the whole entire world as an inadvertent namesake! And to everyone else... it's good to be back! I'm looking forward to catching up - hopefully in person - soon!
Our last night in-country was spent at the Sveta Sofia Hotel in the capital. Kevin, one of our totally awesome PCV friends, joined us for some yummy Chinese food, Zagorka beer and outstanding conversation. Bulgaria is such an awesome country and as much as I was happy about returning to the States, it was equally as tough to say goodbye. We will definitely go back for a visit someday. In the meantime, there's plenty o' fun in store for Ryan and me, starting with his visit to Maryland tomorrow.
As far as the Pup Formerly Known As Luke is concerned, he evidently handled the flights very well and is enjoying his new home in Findlay, Illinois. After all, there are toys and treats to be had. Grandma and Grandpa are spoiling him very well. (Yeah. I said Grandma and Grandpa. Ryan and I refer to ourselves as Mommy and Daddy too... and sometimes we even talk to each other in baby talk when the puppy is not around... ya' wanna make somethin' of it?)
Anyway, when Ryan and I first named the puppy, he didn't have much of a personality yet. So Luke seemed to fit just fine. Then he started doing more than just walking and sleeping. He started to frolic. And run into stuff while playing with his stuffed cow. And crawl into Ryan's shoes. And get teeth. (Also pee and poop all over the entire apartment, but that is another story.)
For some reason neither Ryan nor I could bring ourselves to call him Luke. Instead we had settled on calling him "The Puppers". Clearly this could not be his proper name because we are nauseating... but not that nauseating.
Then "The Puppers" figured out he really likes to gnaw on people... particularly their ears.
And it came to us.
His name is Tyson (or Ty).
Coincidentally I happen to have a good friend named Tyson (or Ty). But as much as I like my friend Ty, we didn't really name the puppy after him.
It's after Mike Tyson.
Haaaaaaa! We kill ourselves. (Actually I am giving myself too much credit. It was Ryan's idea.)
So. Um. Hi Ty! Hope you don't mind having the cutest puppy in the whole entire world as an inadvertent namesake! And to everyone else... it's good to be back! I'm looking forward to catching up - hopefully in person - soon!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Two Posts in One Day... Is There a Full Moon?
Yeah, I know the other one is really long. You probably didn't read it all. That's okay. (But if you didn't make it through to the end you're missing out on lots of naked women and bubbles. I'm just sayin'...)
Anyway... it's official.
We’re coming home.
Most of you know this already, but only today are we able to “go public” with the news as the Peace Corps is now aware of our plans too.
It’s something we’ve been contemplating for awhile as I’ve been dismally unable to find viable employment, but were holding out as long as possible to make sure some totally awesome, fun job with a great salary didn’t miraculously appear at the last minute.
Needless to say – it didn’t. And since Ryan and I aren’t interested in doing long distance (at all, like ever again)… he’s made the decision to Early Terminate from the Peace Corps and join me back in the States.
So I fly to DC on Monday while Ryan heads to Illinois on Tuesday. Then on Thursday he’ll be coming to DC to hang out with me for a week. While he’s already met my mom’s side of the family, he’ll have the chance to meet my dad and step-mom, as well as hit a few friends’ BBQs before we both go to his home town so I can meet his family. Needless to say I'm really excited (plus maybe just a teensy bit nervous)...
After that… well…. I’m going to have to be a bit secretive for the time being as the details are still being hammered out. It certainly does seem as though Ryan and I may have a very exciting opportunity that will eventually land us in Ft. Lauderdale a few months from now. More on this once everything is squared away. For the record, we think that we think we’ve been extraordinarily lucky and are very much looking forward to the future…
... we will definitely miss Bulgaria, though...
(Ummm... but probably not the puppy as it looks like he may be coming home with us after all... Thanks Gloria and Mark for serving as temporary Mom and Dad! He's a sweetie-pie; we promise!)
Anyway... it's official.
We’re coming home.
Most of you know this already, but only today are we able to “go public” with the news as the Peace Corps is now aware of our plans too.
It’s something we’ve been contemplating for awhile as I’ve been dismally unable to find viable employment, but were holding out as long as possible to make sure some totally awesome, fun job with a great salary didn’t miraculously appear at the last minute.
Needless to say – it didn’t. And since Ryan and I aren’t interested in doing long distance (at all, like ever again)… he’s made the decision to Early Terminate from the Peace Corps and join me back in the States.
So I fly to DC on Monday while Ryan heads to Illinois on Tuesday. Then on Thursday he’ll be coming to DC to hang out with me for a week. While he’s already met my mom’s side of the family, he’ll have the chance to meet my dad and step-mom, as well as hit a few friends’ BBQs before we both go to his home town so I can meet his family. Needless to say I'm really excited (plus maybe just a teensy bit nervous)...
After that… well…. I’m going to have to be a bit secretive for the time being as the details are still being hammered out. It certainly does seem as though Ryan and I may have a very exciting opportunity that will eventually land us in Ft. Lauderdale a few months from now. More on this once everything is squared away. For the record, we think that we think we’ve been extraordinarily lucky and are very much looking forward to the future…
... we will definitely miss Bulgaria, though...
(Ummm... but probably not the puppy as it looks like he may be coming home with us after all... Thanks Gloria and Mark for serving as temporary Mom and Dad! He's a sweetie-pie; we promise!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
