Meet Bailey

This is Bailey, the new dog that Shawn adopted a few weeks ago. He loves dogs so we started looking around for a cute little furry friend to bring home. We ended up finding Bailey at the Austin Humanes Society. We've gotten different stories about his breed--from being purebread Dauchshund to being part coon, etc etc but either way he's gorgeous.

For some reason he LOVES me. Like beyond anything I've ever experienced. Cat's are kind of non-commital with their emotions, and my dog growing up wasn't really bonded to anyone. But Bailey is my shadow. He will follow me around everywhere, and stare at me like I am his long lost love--which is precious, but overwhelming because he really suffers from separation anxiety. It probably stems from abandonment issues, but it's been quite a struggle. Anything Shawn and I have read online says that separation anxiety is the hardest behavioral problem to overcome, and that training begins by reducing the attention you pay to him. How hard is it to not let him come give me loves, follow me around, or sleep right on my lap!! Argh!!! Slowly but surely, we're working to help him realize that we love him and he has no reason to be concerned.

Potty-training is another issue. Since he's been passed around from puppy-mill to animal shelter most of his life, he has been stubborn. For the first little while he would ONLY take care of business a) on the carpet or b) when going for a walk. Even though Shawn has a perfectly fine backyard full of very friendly grass. Doxie's are one of the more stubborn breeds to train, but the timing and strict patterns are starting to set in.

All of this probably explains why I'm soooo tired lately! They say that couples try raising "pets" before raising children and I can see why. We try not to let all of our time together be Shawn, Amy and Bailey time but it tends to go that way a lot. Bailey's worth it, but I also can't wait until things fall into place again :o)

Ahhh sleeping

What in Heaven's Name is this a picture of?? It's a picture of me demonstrating how I take naps at work. I am a responsible employee, so of course I only nap during my lunches. I can shut my office door and blinds and revamp my energies by engaging in a rewarding nap.

I find it works quite well to recline in my chair, lean my head back, and open my business card binder to block the light out. It rests perfect on my shoulders/chest to still allow me ample breathing room. I'm one of those people can that fall asleep at the drop of a hat--mid conversation, sitting straight up, and driving. To me, a cat-nap sitting in a chair is just as rewarding as a cat-nap on my bed.

I've tried other variations--sleeping with my head on my arms on my desk, sleeping with my head on a pillow on my desk. They all result in those obnoxious red marks that give away my Siesta Secrets. Turning the light off is also a no-go, as I'm often interrupted during my lunch naps to help customers. But by using the business card binder, I can quickly sit up straight, set it to the side and prepare to help masses of waiting customers with their engaging financial needs.

If you're interested in your very OWN business card binder, you may purchase one at fine retails stores such as Office Max, Office Depot, or Best Buy. Happy Sleeping!

For Josh...

#26-I've never had a cavity

*apparently I can't count. Stay re-tuned for what will technically be #27 :)

26 1/2 things you may not know about me...

It's January 13th, 2009 and I'm officially 26 1/2. Don't ask me how, but I've made it this far. I'm feeling both celebratory and informative, so please enjoy the following 26 1/2 tidbits about me--Amy Sue Blackham!

1. I'm scared of clowns and marionettes. Horrified.
2. I prefer to write in blue ink.
3. My nickname growing up was Boo-Bear.
4. I only grew 1 wisdom tooth, which was subsequently pulled in a horrific fashion.
5. The wispy/stray hairs around my face prefer to be called "wings".
6.My right foot is a 1/2 size bigger than my left foot.
7. I'm addicted to Chapstick Brand "Vanilla Mint" Chapstick. I currently have at least 7 sticks in various places around the house and work.
8. I do not like bananas, but I love banana bread and those banana chips you can buy.
9. I read Pride and Prejudice, and To Kill a Mockingbird once a year.
10. I call my Boobs "The Girls"
11. I can say my ABC's backwards
12. I can write backwards in cursive.
13. I have a record fewest pair of shoes of any woman in the world--4.
14. I ran away from home once.
15. I wanted to be a librarian when I was a little girl.
16. I hate wearing makeup
17. I love Cheetos. A lot.
18. I only spend a lot of money on purses
19. I'd rather sleep than do just about anything else
20. My alarm clock is set 15 minutes fast, my car clock is set 18 minutes fast, and the clock in my office is set 5 minutes slow--so I'll always feel like a rebel at leaving at 4:55pm.
21. I have an uncanny ability to remember dreams.
22. I don't like milk, butter/margarine, mayo or mustard.
23. I'd really like to live in Neverland
24. I have the super-hero power of Heat. I'm Heat-Girl.
25. I really don't like talking on the phone or going to the mall.

1/2 I always _________--tune back in 6 months from now!

Argh!!!

I think I need 5 days straight of constantly being at work to catch up with everything that needs to get done! On the positive side, being busy is usually a good thing. In the last week, 2 of the 3 customers I had appointments with invested money which means I've made my quarterly quota for investment revenue already. One of them also will be getting a loan, so that helps me out greatly too. Now if I could just get all the problematic things resolved :o(

It's been a good couple of days on the personal goal front. Once Shawn and I were both over our chest colds, we started back at our workouts. I get sooo pumped up before hand, but then immediately start wishing it was already over once I'm started in, lol. Attitude adjustment time!! No personal trainer would laud my efforts, but I'm taking baby steps to better myself. So I'm proud all the same!

I've been LOVING the mini-fridge I have in my office now (Thanks Shawn!). It's so nice to be able to bring some meals and snacks from home. I think it'll really help me have better eating habits too.