High ho, high ho...

Back to work today! And call me crazy, but I was happy to be back!

First, I love work days. I love a day that I get to use exactly like I want to and finally get to clear off my desk and get organized. Of course, it's also nice and quiet without the kids. This morning was a little annoying because everyone had a question for me, people were in and out of my room, and we had three impromptu, "really quick" meetings. But after a delicious Chick-fil-a lunch, I had a very productive afternoon.

Second, I don't do well with lots of time off. Even a little time off for that matter. As Sean puts it- I get crazy. What he means is when I have nothing that I have to do in a day, I don't do anything. I get extremely lazy (you know, don't get dressed, leave your dishes all over the house, and would rather just watch sappy movies than leave the house lazy), which almost always leads to a little depression and overall pathetic-ness.

Does anyone else do that? Am I weird or what?

Third, time off means I have WAY too much time to think. I've been thinking what feels like nonstop about whether or not I'll end up pregnant in a couple of weeks and it's DRIVING ME CRAZY! Why can't I stop thinking about it? It's not like thinking I am or I'm not is really going to do a damn thing! Total wasted time!

Here's an example of how crazy I get with no work to distract me:

Me: I'm probably not pregnant because I don't feel any different than I normally would.
Me: Well, that doesn't mean anything. You've never been pregnant before, you wouldn't know.
Me: I know I've never been pregnant, but I still think I would feel something. I would know.
Me: Sure.
Me: Really. I would know. Right?
Me: Maybe if I think positive I'll make myself pregnant.
Me: No, don't get your hopes up. You're definitely not pregnant.
Me: Oh, shit! Maybe that just made me not pregnant!
Me: I've got to stop thinking about this. It will happen. Maybe this month, maybe not.
Me: Whatever. I'm never going to get pregnant.

Oh, my gosh annoying! I feel like slapping myself! Maybe that will get me to stop thinking... hmmmm...
Probably not. At least I'll be distracted from 7:55 to 3:55 tomorrow. Thank God for fourth graders!

Jet On Tour -or- More Than You Cared to Know

Sean has a dream of having a Champion & Master Hunter Labrador Retriever. There have only ever been 45 (or so) dogs that have accomplished this, so it's really special. Each title alone is amazing, both together is very rare.

Champion= dog shows= beauty contest=really competitive

Master Hunter= retrieving ducks= really hard=lots of training

I've been to a few hunt tests, and they are really impressive. Knowing how much time Sean puts into training Jet, I can really appreciate the end product. These dogs are really well trained. They have to retrieve ducks that they see fall (marks) and ducks that they didn't see fall (blinds) and the handler uses hand signals and whistles to lead them to the bird. They have to do multiple marks and blinds on both land and water set-ups to pass each test. There are three levels- Junior, Senior, and Master Hunter. (I like to think of it as Elementary, Junior High, and High School.) If a dog graduates from one title to the next, he'll need four Junior passes, four Senior passes, and five Master passes to earn each of those titles. Right now, Jet is a Senior Hunter. His fancy name is Topform's B2 Spirit SH (the SH, of course, for Senior Hunter).

One of Jet's First Duck Retrieves

Most of the dogs who are trained for hunt tests are bred especially for that. Jet's not. Jet's bred to be an all-around awesome lab. He was bred for conformation, temperament, as well as hunting skills- in other words, he was bred from show dogs with hunting ability. It's definitely not unheard of, but it's not as common, to see a show-bred dog perform well on hunt tests.

When Jet passed one particularly hard water blind retrieve, the judge looked at Sean and said, "That's not bad for a big, fat show dog!" (It sounds like she was calling Jet fat, but really she game him a big compliment! All show dogs look "fat" in comparison to the thin, super fast field bred dogs.)

Some of his Ribbons

So anyway... now that you know WAY more than you EVER wanted to know about hunt tests... let me tell you about dog shows!




Dog shows are a whole other world! (Ever see Best in Show?) I went to my first dog show today and it was basically organized chaos. Dogs everywhere- extremely pretty, well behaved- dogs everywhere! In a huge arena, there are fenced-off areas where different breeds are being shown simultaneously. Numbers are called, and dogs are whirled around by either a man or woman wearing a pants/skirt suit. The judges look very closely at these dogs, feel them up a little bit, and then they run around again. Then the judge chooses a dog to be the winner. (I obviously have NO idea what they are looking for because I didn't choose the winner a single time.) Lots of dogs go in the ring- only one comes out a winner. These winners then compete against each other. Big Winner = Best in Show!




Jet is going to compete in his first show next week in Florida. No, we're not taking him there. Sigh. That's why we were in Dallas at a dog show today. Since neither one of us knows a thing about handing dogs in the show ring, Sean has hired a professional handler to do this for us. The handler travels around to lots of shows circuits and your dog goes with her. You pay a ridiculous amount of money, and hopefully your dog comes back a champion. Now, the champion title is just as confusing as the hunt test titles and I don't know as much about it- suffice it to say each win is worth a certain amount of points, and you need 15 to be a Champion. I have some serious doubts about Jet getting a Champion title because of just how many beautiful labs I saw today. How can he possibly out-shine all those dogs? Since it's Sean's dream I am just going along for the ride. What have we got to lose?

Future Champion?

We had to drop Jet off with our handler, Linda Clark, today at the dog show. She is really nice and professional and although I know Jet will be well taken care of, I HATED leaving him with her. As I was sobbing in the car, Sean said, "You're really not taking this well." Nope. Sure didn't.

Check out her video that was featured on Animal Planet. You'll see why we say Jet's "On-Tour!"


http://lindaclarkhandling.com/animal_planet.htm


We'll have him back in three weeks. I miss him already.

Sidenote:

When Sean saw that I was writing about his dog obsession, he first watched over my shoulder as I typed. Annoying. So, I moved away and after I finished typing, he came to "edit" my post. He took the liberty of adding phrases where he deemed nesessary, and he deleted a few choice adjectives which I thought added a little flavor and he thought may be too subjective in case someone read this and was offended.

Is this the same man who continuously makes fun of me for blogging? Hmmmm...

For Sean

My husband is constantly making fun of me for blogging! Any stupid thing that happens throughout the day Sean will say, "Why don't you blog about it?"*


For example:

Me: Ouch! I just stubbed my toe!

Sean: Why don't you blog about it?


or,


Me: Ooh, this cookie is so good!

Sean: Why don't you blog about it?



Ooooh, such a smart ass!



The other night we were out to dinner at Del Friscos with some of his family (getting extremely spoiled!!) and Sean ordered this huge steak- 12 ounce, bone-in, fillet minion- rare! I think it cost $65 or something ridiculous (which is why, of course, Sean ordered it) and it was practically still mooing!

Anyway, it comes to our table and Sean says, "JoDee, why don't you take a picture of my steak and blog about it!"

So, here it is.

It doesn't look quite as big now that I see it in this picture, but believe me it was huge, and Sean ate the whole thing. Then washed it down with a huge piece of cheesecake.**

*I actually blogged about something Sean told me to. Pathetic.

**Time for a New Year's Resolution to eat less maybe?

A Very Thankful Tuesday 10

What a great Tuesday! I just spent the most relaxing and renewing day with three great girlfriends having lunch and doing lots of shopping at the Galleria. It was just what I needed. We laughed, we talked, we ate some really yummy food, and came home with some cute new clothes!

As you saw in my last post... I had been feeling pretty down lately. Thank you SO much for all your comments (those posted, and those passed on in person). It is amazing what loving words from friends can do for you.

Sean and I talked quite a bit yesterday about all my conception fears, and that was needed and helpful. But, in all honesty, hearing what other women have to say on the subject was much more helpful and I can't say how much I appreciate all of you!

I think I need to take a minute to count my blessings today, so here are 10 things I'm thankful for.


1. My husband.
Y'all I know I complain about him all the time, but I'm just so darn good at it I can't stop now! He makes me laugh everyday, and is without a doubt, my best friend. He supports me in all my wacky endeavors (albeit making fun of me the entire time). I just need him around. He makes me a better person.


2. My school.
Without taking a chance and moving to the new school this year, I wouldn't have met my new teammates. God definitely had a big hand in this! Now I'm surrounded by the most loving and supportive team that I can imagine. They're so much more than teammates- they're dear friends.


3. My parents.
Teaching these past five years has made me realize what awesome parents I have. As Randy Pauche (author of The Last Lecture) put it, "I won the parent lottery!"


4. Old friends.
There is something about seeing a friend who's known you since you were 12, and hearing her say that "everything is going to be fine." I can tell myself the same thing over and over... but hearing it from Michelle always makes more sense! I'm feeling so much more at peace now. She's like xanax, but much prettier!


5. My family.
Brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents... they're the best! I am so blessed to have them.


6. My home.
At a time when so many are struggling, I have it so easy. I know I'm lucky to have my job, my home, and all the possessions which make my life pretty cush.


7. My neighbors.
I really have the best neighbors! They help us out in so many ways... I can't even count how many times I've called with a dog emergency! When Jet was a puppy, Sandy would come over everyday and feed him lunch and take him out- and of course, play with him! Now, for any little thing, they will bend over backwards to help us out. Jason fixed my leaky kitchen sink when Sean was offshore! Sandy takes Jet to the vet for us all the time! Bob compliments my cooking! I could just go on and on!


8. My dog.
Jet's the first dog I've ever had, and I just can't believe how much I love him! He is so much fun, and I really do believe that pets are good for you (you know, reduce stress, make you live longer, etc.) because he makes me so happy! Not a day goes by where I don't laugh out loud because of something he does!


9. My health.


10. YOU!
Thanks for reading my blog! It's so nice to feel like I'm being heard. Your comments have meant so much to me. Thank you!

Oh wow... I'm now either on the verge of tears from all that I have to be thankful for or on the verge of vomiting from all the sugary sweetness!

Debbie Downer (or whatever the hell her name is...)

OK, team, this isn't going to be a pretty one. I'm feeling pretty angry today. And yesterday. Why, you ask? Oh, no reason really. Just mad at the world because it's pregnant. Everyone in the flipping world is pregnant. Or, they have a baby. There are babies EVERYWHERE! Have you been to church lately- chalk full of babies! People are out there expecting twins and triplets, their second, their third, fourth, or eighteenth child! People are expecting babies they have no business having for that matter. Can you say teenage pregnancy?

You may want to stop reading this if you haven't met "real-JoDee" yet, because I'm gonna repulse you. I am going to be a big, fat sack of self-pity. And I just don't care, because this is my blog, so suck it!

I am convinced that I am infertile. Here are my reasons (Sean's reasons why I'm insane will be in parenthesis): we have not used formal birth control for over 2 years with no accidents (I'm a huge stud with massive self-control), we stopped doing anything preventative from July to September (we didn't time anything, and one of those months we didn't try at all because we were getting wishy-washy), we tried hard-core for the last two months with nothing (normal people have only a 20% chance of getting pregnant any given month, and we have really only tried two months. It could take up to a year and still be normal).

OK, so infertile it is. Or, maybe Sean has mutant sperm. One or the other. Holy crap, both! Why am I flipping out- well, I think it's any one of the following reasons (feel free to comment with your answer choice):

A. I have incredible female intuition and can sense that this isn't going to happen.

B. I always envision the worst case scenario, so as not to get my hopes up only to be dumped on later.

C. I read way too many books, magazines, blogs and watch way too many TLC shows that focus on fertility problems and so now have convinced myself that I have one.

or

D. I am a perfectionist at heart and when something doesn't happen for me right away- I give up and conclude that I am a loser. A big, fat, infertile loser.

Well, I think it's E- all of the above. Or F- I'm a super genius and am RIGHT!

I don't want to be the dog lady! I love my dog, but come on! Of course I want a family. And since we've been married for two years and I'm not getting any younger, EVERYONE asks me if we're planning to start a family. I bet I get asked this at least twice a week. You know, in between all the baby shower invitations, pregnancy announcements, and birth announcements I receive- we've got to throw in a few, "So, are you pregnant yet?" or, "When are you going to start trying?" "Don't wait too long!" or, my personal favorite, "Do I need to come in and get the job done for ya, Sean?" (imagine that last one in an Irish accent).

Even my students get in on it! Imagine the first day of school...

Kid: Do you have kids, Mrs. Hale?

Me: No. I don't.

Kids: Well, you're married aren't you?

Me: Yes, I am married.

Kid: Well, that's what married people do. They have kids. Why don't you have kids?



Imagine a couple months later...

Kid 1: Mrs. Hale, are you going to have a baby?

Me: Maybe someday.

Kid 1: Are you going to ask God for a baby?

Me: Good idea...

Kid 2: Are you going to ask God for a boy or a girl?

Me: Haven't thought that far yet- how about we do some math?


I know, they're so cute.

I know everyone has the best of intentions- heck I've said stuff like that to people too! I know everyone means that they love us, and want us to be happy, and are just generally interested in our lives. I get it. It still sucks.

Maybe it will happen on it's own. I know. I need to calm down and just accept whatever God has planned for me. I know it. I love my life. I absolutely love being married to Sean, I love our home and our little family with Jetters and Kit Kat, I love my friends and family and my job. I have no complaints. I don't want to remember the next few years (if that's what it takes) as just "waiting to have a baby." I want to enjoy each day because I know they're limited. Why is it so easy to know exactly what you should do, but still not be able to do it? Humph.

There's just that nagging feeling from deep down somewhere (hormones, animal instinct, what?) that I NEED to have a baby. It's killing me.

Say a prayer for me, will you? If anything, just pray that I'll get over this little pity party and be a grown-up again. I know my husband will appreciate it. He gets to see this side of me a little too often...

A New Sister for Jet?

On Christmas night, we went over to our family friend's house for a visit, and then went back again last night for dinner (which was absolutely delicious! Ribs that melted in your mouth!). Their daughter Keenan was home for Christmas with her husband Tim (who made the amazing ribs), and I almost dog-napped their little black poodle named Saki!

She is absolutely precious! Everywhere she goes her stubby little tail is wagging! She would hop from lap to lap around the living room and would let you pick her up and snuggle her anytime you wanted! I totally fell in love!

Sean's given me the OK to get one of these precious little babies... and for some reason the fact that he's just said, "If you want one, get one," makes me nervous!!! I need to mention it again when we're alone. I don't want to get another dog if he really isn't on board. But if this picure means anything...

...he may be ready for Jet to have a little sister too! How could he resist!!

Tuesday (Friday) 10

Has it really been over a week since I've been on this computer! Wow! Time flies when you're eating way too much and enjoying a few too many glasses of wine! Luckily I've been taking lots of pictures with my new Christmas present and so this (very, very late) Tuesday 10 will be... 10 (or more) of my favorite pictures from the holiday season!

10. Me and Ed

Because I'm the biggest flipping nerd ever! This is Edward (for those of you who are not obsessed with teenage vampire books) and he's the hottest non-dead guy out there! This picture is from my book club meeting... we had WAY too much fun with this cardboard cutout

9. Jeff, or Indy?

This was taken on my in-law's back porch. Cracks me up!

8. My sweet Jet!

Happy Birthday, Jet! Today Jet turns two!

This is Jet's favorite thing to do... because EVERYTHING is his favorite thing to do! He's just so darn precious!! In a couple of days we're taking him to Dallas for his first show. Then he'll be going to Florida in a big bus with a professional handler to hopefully get some points towards a Champion title. He'll be gone for three weeks. I'm already missing him!

7. A few from the Christmas Party

My dad was the paparazzi during the party- which is why I have any pictures at all because I was running around like crazy the whole time! We had so much fun!! Afterwards as we were laying in bed, trying to fall asleep, Sean says, "We had some attractive people over at our house tonight. I think I was the ugliest person at our party." Ha!!! We do have some pretty friends!

6. And now a few for my aunt, Stephie!

Steph is always asking me to send her pictures of our house and the Christmas decorations, so before the party I took some pictures of the living and dining rooms and the pack patio. We've done a lot to the house since she was here about 2 years ago! Hope you like them, Steph!!

5. The "Hale-Joy" Band

Sean made a special trip back to our house to bring all the rock band "stuff" over to my parent's house yesterday. My baby sister and Sean are the two die-hard rock-banders and after everyone else played for about an hour they kept playing until we basically ripped them away because we'd heard enough!

4. Mom and boys

I love this picture of Sean, Jeff, and Cindy. She's so proud of her boys! And doesn't Sean have a cute smile!

3. Gotta have one with the hubby!

2. A Sweet Family Christmas Picture

1. And, of course, a not so sweet one. Can you tell the difference??