I'm that person

That person that talks about their dog. I don't do it incessantly, just on occasion. Especially when Sadie does something bad or cute. In this case (luckily) she did something cute. I went to PetSmart this weekend to pick up a bed for Truss' dog Mollie. When she comes over she attempts to sleep on Sadie's tiny bed and it just looked so comfortable (she's a black lab). I thought she deserved a bed of her own, despite the fact Truss told me "she's just a dog" and she can sleep on the hardwood floor.

So, I picked up a bed like Sadie's, but a little larger. Mollie liked it immediately! I was so excited
until Mollie got up and Sadie took it over. I think Sadie thought because the bed is at her house, that it is her bed.

A little later we found them like this and I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Two new finds

Home Goods, a "Unique Home Decor and Affordable Home Furnishings" store, is definitely "good." It's actually great. It's pretty far out south, but definitely worth the drive (119th in Olathe). A partner company of Marshall's, it offers a ton of marked down home accessories, kitchenware, artwork and furniture. They have great serving pieces and kitchen items. My mom got a bunch of catering type forks to use for parties.

I immediately found two lamps that I thought would be good for my bedroom. Kind of hard to see, but they are all white carved (stone-like material) and look similar to artichokes (they are not pineapples Truss!). Each lamp came with a great, neutral linen shade. One lamp ultimately replaced a mismatched one I had picked up on a whim at Target.


This leads me to a new store I visited last month - Rivermarket Antique Mall. I love antiques and dragged Truss there (with the premise we could would get him some new cowboy boots afterwards). Found this nightstand that is a nice dark wood with slight carvings in the legs - looks english, maybe? It could use some refinishing on the top, but serves it's purpose now.

Let it snow...

And snow, and snow, and snow. Don't get me wrong, I like snow, but really, does it have to come down 7 inches at a time? We got dumped on this week and are supposed to get more on Sunday. Perhaps we can get it all out of the way now and have a warm March?

Monday was an interesting day. It was actually Martin Luther King Jr., day and I think we may have been the only ones working. I didn't get one outside e-mail and our phones were quiet for most of the day. I'm usually running a few minutes late Monday mornings, so it actually worked out there wasn't a ton of traffic - especially this Monday when we had a staff meeting.

The quiet day at work was followed by Sadie's first training class at Westwood Animal Hospital from 6-7 p.m. We were the first to arrive and I felt so prepared - I had her new collar, new leash, and sack of food and treats all ready to go. I was pretty excited and have been dreaming about the day my dog could do tricks (or at least sit on command). The other dogs (8 others to be exact) in the class slowly trickled in. They ranged from a 13 week old pug that could fit into a soup bowl to a 4 month old lab that could easily crush Sadie. The class began with basics (treat-based, which makes me a little uneasy), sitting, laying down, etc. I thought Sadie would excel in this class. I was wrong. She was shaking for the first half and pretty much totally unimpressed for the second half. She just laid down on the ground the entire time. Needless to say, I was a little embarrassed that my one and a half year old dog was getting schooled by other puppies. I was even more embarrassed when I got a call later this week from the trainer suggesting Sadie switch to a "small puppy class." She thought she'd be more "comfortable" there. She's probably right. Whatever works I guess...

New Year, New Blog

As a New Year kicks off, I'm reflecting on how 2010 went. Overall, it was a great year with lots of new events and life changes.

A few highlights from 2010:

Dog Owner
Bought Sadie, my shi-poo from Land of Paws. I underestimated how much work a dog would be, but I wouldn't trade her for anything. She's a pretty funny dog and loves to play. She's starting (a much delayed) obedience training class on Monday! She chewed holes in both my couch and my parents couch! No more mister nice guy...

Met my guy
Met my boyfriend Truss, who is one of the most caring, smart, chivalrous, handsome, funny people I know. He keeps me entertained, fed (I've gained mucho weight since we began dating) and always guessing. We have fun together in everything we do. He's also really handy, so he can do work on my house :)

Celebrated my mom's 60th birthday in Vegas
My mom's 60th birthday rolled around and we went to Las Vegas! My mom loves her blackjack and slot machines, so it was only appropriate we went there. My aunt met us from La Jolla and my parents best friends the Clanceys met us as well. It was a great way to celebrate.


Went to the shooting range! (see picture above with the earmuffs)
For Truss' birthday this year he wanted to go to the shooting range. I have always had curiosity about what shooting was like. Well, I got my chance and to my surprise, I did a fantastic job! I had no idea I was such a good shot! I even out shot my own boyfriend (sorry Truss) - the bulleye paper is still on my refrigerator. Truss was a good instructor and let me shoot four or five different guns. While guns are still a little worrisome to me, it was an experience I will never forget!


Visited Oklahoma and Texas (for the first time)
Truss and I went on a roadtrip in July for a fraternity brother's wedding in Oklahoma City. I got to see where his mom lives, met both of his grandmothers, took a tour of OU and went to a gorgeous wedding. The Friday before the wedding we went to Dallas to surprise his brother. Matt was definitely surprised! I got to meet Matt, his wife Christy and their beautiful children, Elle and newborn Brooks. Such a fun trip!


Found out I'm going to be an aunt
My twin sister, Courtney told all of us on our birthday (July 11) that she and her husband (Brett) are expecting a baby, due Feb. 17. Poor thing, she found out she was pregnant the morning we left for Las Vegas (above)! It is super exciting for both sides because it's the first grandchild/nephew. They found out it's a boy and she had a 3-D sonogram last month, which was, by far, one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It's been so fun watching my sister's pregnancy and following everything that goes along with it. Cannot wait until February to meet my nephew!

MOCSA Volunteer
Got involved with a great new organization called MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). Served on a committee for their Young at Art Party, which my friend Amy co-chaired. Apparently she's already signed me up to help out again this year, which I am happy to do.


High School Reunion Committee
Was on the committee for my 10 year high school reunion and somehow ended up being in charge of finances (what??!!!). Big, but good learning experience! Thanks Dad for letting us bank with you (glad none of the checks bounced!)

Strutt your Mutt
First time taking Sadie on a legit walk - along with hundreds of other dogs! My good friend Lindsay Kiliper brought her German Shepherd, Dakota and we had a great time. It was a leisurely walk through Brookside and all the proceeds went to Wayside Waifs. I was hoping people would think I adopted Sadie from Wayside Waifs because she's a mix, but I think people could tell she was a designer Johnson County dog from miles a way.

Had my five year anniversary at work
Crazy that I've been at the agency for 5 years. I don't dread going to work, as some people do and really like my colleagues. And, after my 5th year, I get an extra week of vacation. Woo-hoo!

Had my first (overnight) house guests.
Truss' brother Matt and his wife Christy came in town over the holidays and stayed with me. It was the best thing to happen - it forced me to unpack boxes that I hadn't touched since moving in!

Hosted my first baby shower(s)
Within two weeks I hosted two baby showers. These are the first baby showers I have ever hosted and I approached them the same way as I did with wedding showers - something sophisticated and simple. Courtney and I hosted a brunch baby shower for our good friend Hillary at Courtney's house. Two weeks after Hillary's shower, we hosted a luncheon shower for Courtney at Mission Hills Country Club. Hillary is actually due a week before Courtney, so it worked out nicely to have them so close together. Courtney's was a holiday-themed shower and the club was decorated for Christmas, so the theme was a no-brainer. Court has another baby shower this weekend and next weekend! Lots going on before the baby arrives.


















A few other highlights that are up there:
Trip to St. Louis with Truss
Cousin Allison's wedding in Minneapolis
Sorority sister Ashley's wedding in Steamboat Springs, CO
Childhood friend Jessie's wedding in KC
Trip to La Jolla to visit the grandparents












































I can already tell 2011 will be a fun and exciting year. With two babies due in February and some friends who will likely be pregnant next year, I anticipate it will be full of babies. I feel like everyone just got married - crazy how time flies! Already planning a trip to Mexico in June, which sounds heavenly compared to the 8 degree weather in KC today. My dad turns the big 6-0 in March, so that will be a fun celebration. There will likely be more to document in the upcoming months.

Stay tuned...

change of plans...

This blog, started over one year ago, was supposed to focus on my life as a single woman homeowner. In my opinion, due to blandness, this blog needs to take a detour. While I still am (technically) single, I find a few of my homeowner things, not all that exciting.

Drumroll....Starting now, the blog will address all things random: my life, my family, work, the pup, fashion, and of course, my house (or what could have been loads of shoes). And, the hope is that I will keep at this a little more often!

Look for updates!!!