Tuesday

Today I spent some time outside with my dogs because the weather is absolutely beautiful. I felt a little bad for my dog buddy because he has to go out on a leash and get hooked up so he doesn't run off. He always runs off to visit the neighbor dogs and doesn't come back when we call for him. The only way to prevent this is to hook him up to his leash, unfortunately. It probably bothers me more than it does him, but I don't know. Lady seems to gloat when he is on a leash and she has free rein of the yard. She runs past him really fast with a big stick in her mouth as if she is bragging and rubbing it in. :-) I was thinking today if my dogs were human children, Buddy would be my son who always is in trouble, getting detentions, getting suspended and making me crazy. Lady on the other hand would be my daughter who gets straight A's, never does anything wrong and doesn't talk back! Hehe! :-)

I started the 5 day orientation yesterday and so far so good. Hopefully I pass the two tests and move on to the next phase. :)

Its Friday

My trip to Chicago is quickly approaching, but things aren't going quite as planned. When I called to reserve amtrak tickets for Stephanie and I, they didn't have a seat available for an attendant, just one space for a wheelchair. So, because I have no intentions of going solo, the amtrak trip will have to wait and we will catch a ride with Steve to Chicago instead of meeting him there. :)

Today I went to a disability and healthy relationships meeting. The speaker, who has a disability herself, was a hoot to listen to. I think the talk of sex and intimacy in a room full of people is rather uncomfortable, but she was so funny to listen to that she made it easier for some people to participate in the conversation. She also talked about caregivers, abuse, disability myths, etc. Anyway, it was interesting.

On Wednesday (June 30) I start the 5 day orientation for the support position I applied for. We take two tests during the orientation and if I pass both tests I will move on to do the background check and drug test....keep your fingers crossed! :)

Happy Belated Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there and especially to my dad whom I miss very much! We were very fortunate because we spent many Father's Days together and I'm grateful for each and every one we shared together. :) RIP dad!

My car accident fell on Father's Day in 1992. The date was June 21st, which is todays date. I have been a quadriplegic for 18 years and I can't believe how fast 18 years goes by. Its scary!! The date of my accident used to bother me a bit, but not anymore. Its just another day, but one I give a little more thought to...first day of summer, longest day of year, the date of my accident. :) Last year I composed a letter to the man who was driving the van that collided with my truck. For some reason I wanted him to know how well I was doing and how much I loved my life and how I wasn't angry with him. When I put it in the mail I knew there was no turning back and I felt nervous because I had no idea how he would feel getting a letter from me.

A couple weeks later he wrote me back the kindest letter and said he was glad to hear from me. :) He said his biggest regret after the accident was following his lawyers advice and not sending me a card or getting in touch with my family to check on my progress. Anyway.... :)

Interview

Yesterday I had a telephone interview with the same company I have worked with for the past two tax seasons, but for a different position. The position I applied for is customer support. The interview went well and the next step is to complete a one week orientation/class on the computer. If (after) I successfully complete that and become certified I will need to take a drug test and get a background check. After the comes back clean and clear I will sign up for a 5-week training course in August. So, wish me luck!! :)

My chicago trip is approaching quickly and I'm getting excited. On Monday we got our instructions on what information we need to collect from vendors and which work shops we have to attend, etc. It looks like we will have spare time in the afternoons and evenings to do our own thing. I still have 3 weeks before I leave, but I'm all ready packing a little bit here and there. :)

ClassicFest

Saturday we drove to Cleveland to attend Classicfest at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, which Terrapin Moon was scheduled to play at around 11:00 in the evening. Before them, there were classic rock tribute bands for Pink Floyd, Rush, Beatles and Ozzy Ozbourne. They all sounded great and we had a lot of fun! :) There was also a laser light show in the end, which was cool to watch, especially in the trees.

I met Thumper I-lean, the special needs kitten I want to adopt and call my own!!! OMG this kitty is so adorable and energetic I don't think he/she knows its missing a leg! He/She (still unsure of gender) is a bundle of energy! Unfortunately, I have decided bringing the kitten here is not a good idea. The kitten would need to be separated from my dogs (secluded by itself) at first and be gradually introduced over time. That isn't fair to the kitten. That baby has been through enough, I can't inflict any more stress on him. The owners said they will go ahead and keep it then and I can come visit him/her anytime. :)

Another weekend gone by

Wow, this past week has flown by! As some of you may have read on facebook, this week I was (and continue to be) consumed by a little precious kitten I have the opportunity to make a home for here! This little furry cuddle bug was stepped on by a horse (ouchie) and it did a lot of damage to his back side; therefore, one of his back legs needed to be amputated. :( I'm having a terrible time trying to talk my bf in to it..he is not budging at all! This might be a battle I don't win. I am doing research on the internet on how to introduce a new kitten to a home that has a dog, or two dogs in my case, so I am confident it can work. I'm not worried about Lady, its Buddy that concerns me. He is territorial and won't adjust as easy as Lady. As I type this, I am questioning myself. Am I being rational by wanting to adopt this kitty? Is it fair to my bf? my dogs? my caregivers? I have talked to each of my caregivers and they say they don't mind helping with the litter box. Are they just saying that though? Hmmmmm....I do plan to meet the cuddle bug Tuesday and I will do an update here. :)

What else? My friend's daughter is pregnant and getting induced tomorrow. Friend, if you read this, know I'm thinking of you and your daughter and I will be patiently waiting for your e-mail saying the baby has arrived! :)

Steve had a gig in Columbus Friday and it was a good time. He played with Skeleton Crew and the other band that played was The Bug Hounds. The keyboarder, Bill Kurzenburger, had his cd released that night so it was a party to celebrate his success. :) The door man said I wasn't allowed to drink because I didn't have my ID with me, but I snuck a beer in when he wasn't looking. Just one, that's all. :)