PUT YOUR FREAKIN' TOP DOWN- NOW!

Call me bitter. Call me sad. Call me whatever you want to call me. I HATE it when it is 75 degrees and sunny and you see people with their convertible tops UP! UP?! UP?! PUT IT DOWN! PUT IT DOWN! I will not take any excuses. I do not care where you are headed- pack a comb if you need it. You bought that car with a top that lowers for a reason: DAYS LIKE TODAY! I saw 4 convertibles on my way to school with their tops UP! GRR! 

It has been just over 3 years since an idiot ran a stop sign and totaled my convertible (similar to the one above). I still cry about it sometimes. Honestly. I loved that car. I once went 3 weeks without putting the top up. There is no reason to put the top up on nice days. NO REASON! I now sit in my SUV on nice days with every window down and the sunroof back. It just is not the same.

So please, for me, convertible owners: PUT YOUR FREAKIN' TOP DOWN NOW! 

Mac at Camp

http://www.campbowwow.com/us/co/parker/CamperCams/tabid/1143/Default.aspx

As always, I have included the link so that you can pull up and see MacKenzie at camp! :)

"One day you'll understand"

People always told me that as I get older I will "understand." Here are a few things that people have told me that I will understand that I still do not...

1. How do people have the self-control not to get into a pool on a hot day? You're not really content sitting on the side. GET IN! GET IN! PLAY! PLAY! I understand not wanting to get your hair wet, though. So just stay in the shallow end. :)

2. This whole "I don't need anything" answer when asked what one wants for a gift-giving occasion. I am cool with, "let me think about it." I'm not cool with giving zero ideas. Of course you don't NEED anything- you're an American!! I know you WANT something so just spill it and take the guess work out of the equation. Thank you.

3. Growing up I feel like my parents and all older people in general hated to drive- I'll never understand this. I love to get in my freedom mobile and ride. Yeah!

I have gained an understanding of these things...

1. The wonderful thing that is sleep. I used to fight it. Now, I embrace it. I love sleep. I wish I could tell the young me how much I'd miss naps. I know you all agree.

That was the only thing that I could think of so I better get to working on understanding the world. ;)

Happy Tuesday!

Swimmer

We took MacKenzie to a little dog park near our new place this morning. As soon as she saw the fountains, she was off to the races. This little dog loves the water!

MacKenzie asks that no one call her a "drowned rat."

Spring fun!

We have been enjoying some lovely spring weather recently. We broke out our golf clubs and headed to the driving range. I was a little rusty at first. Jackson never gets rusty. It is really unfair. And don't think your ego doesn't get bruised when you're hitting with a former golf pro. It does. After a few critiques I was really hitting well. Sure, the thin air here in the "mile high city" helps the ball to go a little further, but I am going to claim that I've just improved. ;) It was so fun to be out hitting balls again. We love to do that. Jackson is excited to play his first round of the year on his birthday with his mother. How sweet.

Speaking of mothers...does anyone have any good Mother's day ideas for us? We're at a loss.

We continued to enjoy the weather last night as we took MacKenzie to Washington Park for a LONG walk. We made it around the entire park and it is not small. She walks so much better on her harness. She's still not perfect as she gets too excited to see other dogs, geese, ducks, squirrels, runners, you name it, but she's getting better.

The weather is not so lovely today so we're going to do a little shopping and see a movie. Perfect.

Happy weekend! :)

A few things

I had to do planning for school today and anticipate my graduation date. I've always wanted to have completed my Masters degree by age 25. I've failed. I'll be 25 when I finish (early next June) I guess but my work won't be complete by the start of my 25th year. Bummer. I feel like I let myself down. I guess I've had a couple of busy years with meeting Jackson, falling in love, getting married and moving across the country. Hmm. I should just blame this failure on him. ;) Anyway, I was a little sad about not meeting that goal.

Today is the 10th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. The shootings happened in a suburb of Denver called Littleton. It has, therefore, been ALL over the local news. I cannot escape it. I've read all about it-again. Jackson has refused to go with me to see the actual school. He thinks that is weird. I should just drive there myself one day. Anyway. It didn't hit Jackson like it did me. I was in high school when it happened. (I know. When I start feeling old I tell myself that 10 years ago I was a freshman in high school. Then I feel better. Then I realize that I graduated 7 years ago and feel worse. I'm not good at aging.) I'll never forget watching the horror unfold on television in my English class. I just could not imagine what those students were going through. You walk into the school and that's your last day on earth? And to die in such a terrifying way is just tragic. I always get a bit apprehensive that some kid will copycat on April 20th. I have not heard any bad news so far. I wish that schools of every level would cancel classes on this day as a kind of memorial. I think it would squash a lot of bad plans, too. The local news people keep telling us that we learned a lot from Columbine. I'm not sure that helps those families who lost loved ones to sleep at night. Honestly.

That is about all that is going on here. I have a test tomorrow to see if I can work in taxation for the government. Fingers crossed. I think it would be great experience for my future tax practice.

We hope you all have a great week!

Cherry Creek

We were also tired of being cooped up in the house after the snowstorm. We went out last night just long enough to go to the Container Store (a store full of "useless" stuff according to my husband), Chipotle and Home Depot. I don't love Home Depot, but I don't whine about going in. I'm just saying.

Anyway, we woke up this morning and I felt awful. Someone in the apartment next to us smokes and it filters in to our apartment. I've always been terribly against smoking because it kills you and other people. Commit suicide if you want, but don't drag me down with you. Anyway, smoke really flares up my allergies. I honestly have not felt 100% since we've moved here. We have complained to the management multiple times and nothing seems to help. We decided to get out and get some fresh air so we went down to the Cherry Creek Reservoir to watch the sailboats and get MacKenzie some exercise. As you will see below all she wanted to do was swim! We took a nice long run/walk around the water. It was a beautiful day! Hmm..I wonder if the water is cold?

Ah, Mom, let me off this leash! I want to go swim!

Catchin' some rays...

I know that some of you must read this and think we're crazy about this dog. We are. I accept it. :) She just does the funniest stuff!! After a long 2 days of snow and rain she was so happy to see the sun!
She didn't even wait for me to open the blinds to the patio...she just made her own little spot!Alright, the blinds are open now. This looks much more comfortable.Ah, this sun feels so good that I'd better just lay down.

Yes, this is THE life. :)

SNOW in the SPRING?!

We had our spring snow storm today and it was no joke! Jackson made a video so you all could see the HUGE snowflakes and all of the accumulation.

As you can see, MacKenzie was very ready to get out and bound around in the snow! She loves it!

Jackson decided it would be fun to build a snowman. All that MacKenzie saw was a big ball so she was interested!! :)

This was what MacKenzie looked like after she finished playing with Jackson (the other dog, LOL): a mess! Look at those legs. She could hardly walk they were so heavy.

MacKenzie's not-so-pretty reaction to her frisbee time ending.

Alright, Mom, take me to the tub so I can melt! Doesn't she look like a little old man? I love it!

If we have to have snow in April, we might as well make the best of it and play! :)

MacKenzie's feeling better

MacKenzie was feeling extra playful after her bath so I decided to let everyone see just how good she's feeling. She would probably feel better if it weren't for her mother making her bathe, but she had avoided it for 2 weeks and it was time! As you can see she is just as full of energy as ever. We love her and feel so blessed that her attack did not change her personality. She's going to get to go back to Camp Bow Wow in 2 weeks for while we're away. I'm a little nervous for that, but I'm sure she'll be fine because right after she gets home GRAMMY comes! Yay! :)

Baking and Robbers

Today I made a blackberry cobbler. It looks delicious. It did not finish baking until right as I was leaving for class so I just left it for Jackson. He says it is "great."

Jackson's external counterpart at work was held at gun-point today! He was at a bank doing a meeting when it got robbed. CRAZY! He was ok, but a little shaken up. I thought it was a bit funny myself as he's not a very nice guy. Shame on me. :) 

Seattle

We are finally taking our trip to Portland and Seattle. YAY! I have always wanted to go to Seattle as Sleepless in Seattle is my favorite movie ever. :) Jackson has promised to watch it on the plane with me on our way out. He's such a trooper. We have hopes of seeing some family and friends while out there. I'm totally visiting the first Starbucks and watching the fish throwing. I'm a TOTAL tourist! We may also sneak up to Canada just because I've never been. We're unsure if this is a good idea because I really hate Canadian accents and may not be able to stand it for a whole day. ;) Anyway, it should be a fun trip. We leave 2 weeks from Thursday! Yippee!

No other news to report. It has been a slow news week here in Denver.

Christ the Lord has risen today

MacKenzie relaxing (as much as she can with Jackson screaming at the t.v. watching the Masters) and wishing you a very HAPPY EASTER! :)

We got up early and went to a United Methodist church. Jackson felt right at home as he grew up a Methodist. I was bored. Oops. The 2 church services we wanted to attend were both outside and since it was 35 and rainy we decided to do an indoor service! Boo to the weather. It is perfect nap weather...I think I hear my bed calling me...

Misc. photos

I took this picture the other day at Garden of the Gods. That place is pretty cool.

This is the view of Pike's Peak from Garden of the Gods. There were snow clouds covering the peak, but you can see it was an awe inspiring view.

We put a chair next to my desk in the guest bedroom. MacKenzie loves it!

We have joked that MacKenzie is laying on the guest bed waiting for Andrew to come back. She loves that kid! (Please notice the fish pillow that I picked up from Crate & Barrel a few weeks ago- is it not perfect?! I loved it!!)

Yep, she's still waiting for her friend. HaHa! She makes herself comfortable in the strangest places! I think she learned it from Macy. :)

I had to get a photo of this: a church with an HR department. Hilarious. Now, I understand any "business" needs a human resources department, but this just tickled me. I love New Life Church, don't get me wrong. This was just too funny not to post! :)

Next step

I keep hearing people talking about taking the so-called next step. What is the next step? Today our lives are set in such a progression that we mindlessly follow the next step. Who made that the next step? And since we are all so different how do we universally apply a set of steps to all of our lives?

I am sure you all understand that I am talking about having children...the next step after you've been married for a few years. What if I don't want to step? What if I like where I am? Should people shove me down the steps just because they feel it is my time? I don't think so. I understand that some people feel really prepared for this so-called next step. I do not. I don't even like to think about it. Does that make me a bad, selfish person? I don't think so. I think that different steps work for different people. Perhaps my steps are to finish graduate school and spend my time helping those who need financial guidance from someone who is not in financial sales. (No offense, Jackson. ;)) Maybe I'm just supposed to be an awesome aunt- I'm good at it already...ask Grace. ;)

I know that some people feel that they were born to be parents. I've never had the feeling. The only true feeling I was born with was that I would die young. As I sit here knocking on 25, I think that feeling may have been incorrect...I'm not too bummed about that one. Anyway, I don't think that my life would be any less complete if I chose to have MacKenzie as my "child" forever. (And no, I will not acknowledge the fact that some day MacKenzie will be called home and I will be without her.)

I am truly happy for people who chose to be parents. I love seeing you all fat and pregnant (esp. those of you who are normally stick-thin!). I like a good baby shower shopping adventure. I enjoy holding your babies. I like watching them grow. I share in your pride...I just don't know if that's the path for me.

So now you all know what has been weighing on my mind lately. And before you ask, Jackson is "fine" either way. To our mothers: stop crying. Seriously.

Happy birthday, Aunt Kathi!!

MacKenzie is wishing her Aunt Kathryn Coomes a very happy 30-something birthday today! We love you, Kathi! :)

Boulder

We took Heidi and Andrew to climb our favorite little mountain in Boulder. (I did not wear flip flops for the hike! We only took this photo to distract ourselves while Andrew changed in the parking lot. Ha!)
 I, of course, made Heidi pose in front of the Heidi's deli sign. Why not?!

Then right down from Heidi's was a fish place called Jax! Perfect! :)

I had to get a shot of this furry schnauzer! Have you ever seen such a little fur ball?!

It was great weather and we really enjoyed our time in Boulder. We also stopped to see JonBenet Ramsey's house and I had nightmares all night. :( What a weenie.

Snow tubing!

We went snow tubing on Saturday up in Winter Park. It was really fun! Andrew shot some videos as we went downhill. Enjoy. ;)

If that didn't make you sick with the Blair Witch Project style recording that's awesome. :)

MacKenzie will miss Andrew so much as he has babied her a ton while he has been here. We did get a "confirmation" that Mac was attacked by a coyote. Another dog in the neighborhood was attacked, too. Poor little dogs.

Yay UNC! :)

Slide

Andrew (1st) and Jackson going down the slide at a restaurant here in Denver called Trail Dust. The slide is really for kids...hmm. ;) Excuse my laughter- it was HILARIOUS!!!

Tons goin' on

I'm back from Indiana! This whole back and forth over the last few months for one thing or another has been quite different. I like to travel and all, but I'm ready to be at home with Jackson for a little while.

A few updates:

1. MacKenzie is feeling much better. She has been back to the ER twice since the 1st night. Once to get her bandage off and once to get re-stapled. She deemed herself a vet and removed her first set of staples! The VCA clinic that we have been taking her to is awesome. They have not charged us a cent since the first night. They have been so caring and just wonderful to MacKenzie. I am so thankful for that.

Here she is resting on her pillowAnd here she is resting on dad's side of the bed...ha :)

2. Heidi and Andrew are in Denver visiting. We rode to the Indy airport together and met up again in Denver. (On my flight to Denver I saw Shaya's boyfriend Matt totally unexpectedly! I love that kid!) We have had all kinds of funny adventures that I will post about later with videos. (H&A are excellent about having a camera handy!)

3. We are finally having winter here in Denver...in the spring! It has snowed a lot, but with no real accumulation.

4. A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Laura Vesta! Love you!

That's all for now. We hope you're all doing well!

Battle wounds...

MacKenzie got a clean bill of health tonight. Her hair should re-grow and cover up her wounds. Poor little puppy.

It rained like crazy tonight in Indiana. Love it.

MacKenzie's tough night

I feel certain that most of you have heard about what happened to MacKenzie. If not here is the story: MacKenzie slipped out of the house Monday night. We didn't notice that she was missing for a few hours as we were on the 3rd floor working on settling things in and she usually sleeps on the 2nd floor. I ran outside as soon as I realized that she wasn't home. She was waiting on the front porch covered in blood. She had been attacked by something (the vet thinks another dog) and was waiting to be found. We headed to the vet's ER and waited for 2.5 hours while our little pup was stitched up. She had a drain inserted to help with the bleeding. She is wearing a little cast that looks like a vest to keep the drain in place. She is on pain meds and antibiotics. She has been sleeping a lot and not eating as much. :( I thought I'd post a few photos of her. Jackson has been sending me photos since I am in Indiana working and unable to be there with my hurt puppy. :(

Stretching!

Snoozin' on the couch

Helping Jackson get ready for work...

Ready for bed!

She has been doing really well. She goes back to the ER vet tonight to have the drain removed. I'll update everyone on her progress as soon as we know something.

Please keep her in your prayers. She's had a tough week. (So have we- she means the world to us!)

Update: I even got a ball out today! YAY!