Vegas was a blast!!! It was definitely a birthday to remember. The Wynn is beautiful, and the rooms are very nice - a little larger than the average hotel room in Vegas. Via the offer we received, we had a meal allowance each day we were there, so we took the opportunity to try a different restaurant each day.
Our first dinner was at Daniel Boulud. Folks, unless you're a vegatarian, I highly suggest the short ribs. I don't think I've had short ribs that good in my entire life. My husband ordered it, actually. I had the salmon - which was also fabulous. But that short rib... oh my.
Tableau was our second dinner. The service there was excellent - thanks Joe! I had a wonderful Lobster with marscapone tortellini appetizer. I never order roasted chicken usually, but for some reason that night - I did. And it was marvellous. I ate every little bit.
For our third day, since we already covered the Terrace Cafe and the Buffet, we decided to try the Country Club. It overlooks the private golf course and magnificent waterfall at the 18th hole (I believe it's the 18th hole). Service was not good. The waitress took our order and we didn't see our food for over 30 minutes. We told the busboy and he came back with a complimentary order of french fries and chips, and the news that our food would be ready soon. The waitress then came by and said that it would be about 5 minutes, and told us to be patient. WHAT? No apologies, and we're told to be patient? Terrible.
A few minutes later, the maitre'd came by and we told him what was going on - he immediate went into the kitchen and within a minute, came back with our food. All we order was a burger, and steak and eggs. Yeah. 40 minutes for that - and it was not all that. But as we finished our meal, the maitre'd came back with a huge apology and told us the meal was on the house. Doesn't make up for it, but at least he apologized and recognized the problem - which is what we were looking for.
That night, MY BIRTHDAY NIGHT (whoo hoo!), we went to Corsa Cucina. Service there was also excellent. The waiters were very attentive and enjoyed talking with us about the different restaurants. I had a delicious meatball appetizer and the tenderloin of beef. It was sooooooo good. Unfortunately, I had too much meatball and calamari (don't bother with the calamari), and a 'tiramisu' cocktail before my entree came, so I was full. I actually couldn't finish my meal. I hate wasting food. And, as it was my birthday, I was told by my husband that I had to order dessert. Fine. So, I ordered these crepes (suggested by one of our waiters) to share. And after the candle blowing I just stuffed myself - they were delicious.
As another birthday treat for myself, I wanted to go to Tryst - the nightclub at the Wynn. I've always wanted to go dancing with my husband - but we've always ended up chosing slot machines over the music. This time, armed with free passes from our slot host, we bypassed the ridiculous line (I have never seen a line that long at 10:30pm for a club - never) and made our way down the dark velvet walled corridor and was greeted with a view of a flowing waterfall. It was beautful. I was way too full to drink any more - but I danced and danced and danced until my feet couldn't take it anymore.
It was a fabulous weekend! And the best part, I actually came back with what I brought to play with, plus a little more. What a birthday gift from the hotel! Anytime I come back with any of what I brought, I consider myself a winner. But this time, I definitely won the jackpot.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Excited for Vegas
Only three days until we're on our way to Vegas! I don't know how hot it is there right now, and I really don't want to know. We're probably going to go from airport to hotel, and then stay indoors for the four days we're there. We'll be staying at the Wynn this trip.
I'm in dire need for this vacation. Yes, we did get away for the rafting trip, but this will be in a nice clean hotel. No bugs, dirt, grass, or sleeping on air mattresses in a tent. Nope, we're going to be in a nice luxury hotel with great restaurants, nice down pillows, and hopefully, we'll get to bring home a nice big momento of the trip - something with a lot of zeros at the end. We all have to dream, right?
My birthday is this weekend, so I'm thinking of splurging and treating myself to a nice spa treatment at the hotel. Haven't decided on exactly what though. I don't do massages, so it will have to be a facial or something like that.
Trying to get all the last minute things settled. Have to bring Monte for a nice stay at grandma's. I've done the laundry. Hemmed my new pants (yep, still remember my sewing class lessons). Need to get a hair cut - I'm hoping to get an appointment for tomorrow evening. Just need to remember to check-in online Wednesday night - hopefully it will save us a little time at the airport.
I wonder with this heightened security, if they'll let me take my knitting on board the plane? We're already planning to check-in our bags, but I have to do something on the plane. I'm usually too impatient to read or sleep... I'll have to check on that too.
I can't wait!!! I can hear those beautiful slot machine dinging sounds now! Hopefully, I'll get to hear that music on my own machine this weekend!
I'm in dire need for this vacation. Yes, we did get away for the rafting trip, but this will be in a nice clean hotel. No bugs, dirt, grass, or sleeping on air mattresses in a tent. Nope, we're going to be in a nice luxury hotel with great restaurants, nice down pillows, and hopefully, we'll get to bring home a nice big momento of the trip - something with a lot of zeros at the end. We all have to dream, right?
My birthday is this weekend, so I'm thinking of splurging and treating myself to a nice spa treatment at the hotel. Haven't decided on exactly what though. I don't do massages, so it will have to be a facial or something like that.
Trying to get all the last minute things settled. Have to bring Monte for a nice stay at grandma's. I've done the laundry. Hemmed my new pants (yep, still remember my sewing class lessons). Need to get a hair cut - I'm hoping to get an appointment for tomorrow evening. Just need to remember to check-in online Wednesday night - hopefully it will save us a little time at the airport.
I wonder with this heightened security, if they'll let me take my knitting on board the plane? We're already planning to check-in our bags, but I have to do something on the plane. I'm usually too impatient to read or sleep... I'll have to check on that too.
I can't wait!!! I can hear those beautiful slot machine dinging sounds now! Hopefully, I'll get to hear that music on my own machine this weekend!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Long time no update
It's been a busy week. But now I finally have a little time to update my blog again.
Our annual white water rafting trip was last weekend. We drove up there Friday afternoon and set up camp. One by one our friends showed and we claimed our little camp circle of tents. I don't know exactly what the temperature was, but I was HOT! After setting up our tent, I felt like jumping into the river.
Early rise on Saturday morning, with a filling breakfast of yummy blueberry pancakes, eggs and sausages. An hour van ride later, we had our lifevests and helmets on, and we set our boat onto the ice cold water of the Middle Fork American River.
We had 11 people, so we had two boats that day. Mike "Bulldog", one of our guides from last year, led the way with boat 1. We were in boat two with a new guide to the company, Garoth. He's a cutie - and lucky for us, a very good guide. He was safe, yet let us have fun as well. We had three vetrans and two newbies on our boat - so he did his best to accomodate both. Did I mention he's Australian? Yes, 5 hours of listening to that wonderful accent. He told of lots of funny stories and some not so funny river experience ones. Really puts into perspective that it's still something dangeous and you have to have some personal responsibility for your safety.
Anyway, we got back to camp around 4pm - and just lazed around. Garoth came and hung out for a little bit before he headed up to the kitchen to help out with dinner service. It was a Luau weekend, so many folks were dressed in something 'tropical'.
After dinner, a couple of guides came down to hang out. We had a lot of 'booze' so they knew where to go. Of all people, this guide that I've had a crush on was finally back, after three years. He's married now, but still 'oh so cute'. I had to do all I could to stop acting like a giddy fool in front of him and Garoth. Funny. And there was my hubby. ;)
It was a great weekend. Even though I say I HATE camping, every year, I always have a lot of fun on these trips. It's a time when a groups of very different people, who normally wouldn't hang out together, share an awesome experience and make more friends. We called ourselves the 'Brat Pack' and even identified several characters from The Breakfast Club. Of course, I was the self proclaimed "Princess". Hee hee... But we had the Brain, the Jock, the Athlete, the Basketcase, and the Criminal... I think we identified a Principal too, but I forgot who that was.
I didn't bring my camera this time to the rafting, but I do plan to order a couple shots of us going down the Middle Fork. Here's a quicky screenshot of the thumbnails - so it's pretty poor quality, but you get the gist of what was going on... This was the Tunnel Chute.
Our annual white water rafting trip was last weekend. We drove up there Friday afternoon and set up camp. One by one our friends showed and we claimed our little camp circle of tents. I don't know exactly what the temperature was, but I was HOT! After setting up our tent, I felt like jumping into the river.
Early rise on Saturday morning, with a filling breakfast of yummy blueberry pancakes, eggs and sausages. An hour van ride later, we had our lifevests and helmets on, and we set our boat onto the ice cold water of the Middle Fork American River.
We had 11 people, so we had two boats that day. Mike "Bulldog", one of our guides from last year, led the way with boat 1. We were in boat two with a new guide to the company, Garoth. He's a cutie - and lucky for us, a very good guide. He was safe, yet let us have fun as well. We had three vetrans and two newbies on our boat - so he did his best to accomodate both. Did I mention he's Australian? Yes, 5 hours of listening to that wonderful accent. He told of lots of funny stories and some not so funny river experience ones. Really puts into perspective that it's still something dangeous and you have to have some personal responsibility for your safety.
Anyway, we got back to camp around 4pm - and just lazed around. Garoth came and hung out for a little bit before he headed up to the kitchen to help out with dinner service. It was a Luau weekend, so many folks were dressed in something 'tropical'.
After dinner, a couple of guides came down to hang out. We had a lot of 'booze' so they knew where to go. Of all people, this guide that I've had a crush on was finally back, after three years. He's married now, but still 'oh so cute'. I had to do all I could to stop acting like a giddy fool in front of him and Garoth. Funny. And there was my hubby. ;)
It was a great weekend. Even though I say I HATE camping, every year, I always have a lot of fun on these trips. It's a time when a groups of very different people, who normally wouldn't hang out together, share an awesome experience and make more friends. We called ourselves the 'Brat Pack' and even identified several characters from The Breakfast Club. Of course, I was the self proclaimed "Princess". Hee hee... But we had the Brain, the Jock, the Athlete, the Basketcase, and the Criminal... I think we identified a Principal too, but I forgot who that was.
I didn't bring my camera this time to the rafting, but I do plan to order a couple shots of us going down the Middle Fork. Here's a quicky screenshot of the thumbnails - so it's pretty poor quality, but you get the gist of what was going on... This was the Tunnel Chute.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Joyous News!
My roommate from college, E, called me last night. She and her hubby were supposed to join us for rafting this weekend. Well, he's coming, but she can't. Why? She's pregnant!!!
While I'm disappointed I won't get to see her this weekend, I couldn't be more thrilled for them. She's one of my most favorite people in the world and I am just so happy for them. I wish I could fly down to Oxnard right now and give her a huge hug.
We had a marathon three hour phone conversation last night. I maxed out the battery on two phones. We finally hung up after I had to switch to the third phone (funny).
We've been through soooooo much together over the years. We were bridesmaids in each other's weddings. And this is just the icing on the cake. She's one of those friends that, even though we don't see each other all the time, we're totally caught up on everything going on and we always just pick where we left off when we do talk to each other. It's wonderful. I keep trying to convince her and her husband to move to San Francisco.
Congratulations E and R!
More baby hats and booties on the way!!!
While I'm disappointed I won't get to see her this weekend, I couldn't be more thrilled for them. She's one of my most favorite people in the world and I am just so happy for them. I wish I could fly down to Oxnard right now and give her a huge hug.
We had a marathon three hour phone conversation last night. I maxed out the battery on two phones. We finally hung up after I had to switch to the third phone (funny).
We've been through soooooo much together over the years. We were bridesmaids in each other's weddings. And this is just the icing on the cake. She's one of those friends that, even though we don't see each other all the time, we're totally caught up on everything going on and we always just pick where we left off when we do talk to each other. It's wonderful. I keep trying to convince her and her husband to move to San Francisco.
Congratulations E and R!
More baby hats and booties on the way!!!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
In love again...
Tonight, my hubby and I did a very rare thing. We actually went out to see a movie. I plunked down $20 and in return received our two tickets. No change. Yep, that's why we don't go out to movies that often anymore.
As huge of a Superman fan that I am, I'm amazed that it took this long before we actually went out to see Superman Returns. Yes, I was very skeptical that they would destroy the legacy of Christopher Reeve as my beloved super hero, but you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It was intense and there were a few things I didn't expect. I believe that the director, Bryan Singer, tried to make this a 2.5 hour tribute to original movie from 1978. And all I can say is BRAVO!
There were so many references from the first movie - it was great. The original theme music really tied the movies together for me, and the usage of the Marlon Brando dialog was fantastic. The picture of Glenn Ford as Jonathan Kent on the piano as Martha Kent was quoting him, wonderful.
See, I'm a huge, huge, HUGE fan of Superman. I've watched the first movie a bizillion times and can recite every phrase and I know a lot of the details of the film. I've already warned my husband that when we become billionaires, I'm buying that statue of Superman from the Sharper Image store. I won't mind shelling out the $5000 for it.
My Superman is Christopher Reeve's Superman. But this movie was well done and I think Christopher would have been very proud that his legacy of this superhero lives on. I just hope they don't botch the sequels.
As huge of a Superman fan that I am, I'm amazed that it took this long before we actually went out to see Superman Returns. Yes, I was very skeptical that they would destroy the legacy of Christopher Reeve as my beloved super hero, but you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It was intense and there were a few things I didn't expect. I believe that the director, Bryan Singer, tried to make this a 2.5 hour tribute to original movie from 1978. And all I can say is BRAVO!
There were so many references from the first movie - it was great. The original theme music really tied the movies together for me, and the usage of the Marlon Brando dialog was fantastic. The picture of Glenn Ford as Jonathan Kent on the piano as Martha Kent was quoting him, wonderful.
See, I'm a huge, huge, HUGE fan of Superman. I've watched the first movie a bizillion times and can recite every phrase and I know a lot of the details of the film. I've already warned my husband that when we become billionaires, I'm buying that statue of Superman from the Sharper Image store. I won't mind shelling out the $5000 for it.
My Superman is Christopher Reeve's Superman. But this movie was well done and I think Christopher would have been very proud that his legacy of this superhero lives on. I just hope they don't botch the sequels.
Friday, August 04, 2006
More projects
During the week or so, I discovered that Comcast OnDemand had a list of Hitchcock movies. Most of which I had never seen. They're free movies, and I'm a semi-Hitchcock fan. These are my favorite movies of his: Psycho, Dial M for Murder, and Rear Window. These are genious.
I've seen several others that I think are ok, but are not my favorite. Rebecca, Marnie, The Birds, and Vertigo. I figured, since they're available, I should give them a shot..
So, every day, I've tried to watch a movie or as much as I can of one (OnDemand lets you pick up where you left off - wonderful feature). Anyway, I've watched the following so far in the past two weeks. Sad to say, I didn't enjoy most of them.
Frenzy (hated it)
Rope (boring)
Notorious (was good after the first 30 minutes)
Shadow of a Doubt (boring, but I like Joseph Cotton)
The Paradine Case (boring - though Gregory Peck is gorgeous - I never realized that)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (frustrating)
The Lady Vanishes (frustrating)
Spellbound (frustrating - but, it had Gregory Peck)
I checked out IMDB, this list of movies isn't even half of what Hitchcock actually released. But the way it's going, I may just stop after I get through the few left on Comcast. I thought I would at least like most of them - but it's very disappointing to discover I really don't.
Good thing is that during these movie runs, I've been knitting away. I'm almost finished putting together my little Kitty project that I started in Tahoe a few weeks ago.
I just have to sew on the other ear and the tail, and then attached her to the cushion. Oh, and sew on a face (kind of important). This little missy is going to be a birthday gift for my friend in November.
The other projects that I finished just last night and today are the Umbilical Cord hats from Stitch N' Bitch, for the new twins, Kayden and Connor. These turned out really well - and they were quick projects. I like that.
I wanted to make two different colored hats, but the purple one is a little lighter than I'd like since I mixed in the white. Oh well.
My next projects are matching booties for the hats.
I've seen several others that I think are ok, but are not my favorite. Rebecca, Marnie, The Birds, and Vertigo. I figured, since they're available, I should give them a shot..
So, every day, I've tried to watch a movie or as much as I can of one (OnDemand lets you pick up where you left off - wonderful feature). Anyway, I've watched the following so far in the past two weeks. Sad to say, I didn't enjoy most of them.
Frenzy (hated it)
Rope (boring)
Notorious (was good after the first 30 minutes)
Shadow of a Doubt (boring, but I like Joseph Cotton)
The Paradine Case (boring - though Gregory Peck is gorgeous - I never realized that)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (frustrating)
The Lady Vanishes (frustrating)
Spellbound (frustrating - but, it had Gregory Peck)
I checked out IMDB, this list of movies isn't even half of what Hitchcock actually released. But the way it's going, I may just stop after I get through the few left on Comcast. I thought I would at least like most of them - but it's very disappointing to discover I really don't.
Good thing is that during these movie runs, I've been knitting away. I'm almost finished putting together my little Kitty project that I started in Tahoe a few weeks ago.
I just have to sew on the other ear and the tail, and then attached her to the cushion. Oh, and sew on a face (kind of important). This little missy is going to be a birthday gift for my friend in November.
The other projects that I finished just last night and today are the Umbilical Cord hats from Stitch N' Bitch, for the new twins, Kayden and Connor. These turned out really well - and they were quick projects. I like that.
I wanted to make two different colored hats, but the purple one is a little lighter than I'd like since I mixed in the white. Oh well.
My next projects are matching booties for the hats.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Whole lotta shakin'
Well, my goal to live out the two years in my current home without feeling an earthquake was squashed last night. A little after 8p, while my hubby and I were watching TV, I felt the rumble. It was such a low, deep groan, it was surreal. And then it hit. Our plant looked like I had grabbed it by the stem shaking it. It was a pretty hard jolt.
I was like, "EARTHQUAKE!!!" I think my outburst scared Monte more than the quake itself. Actually, our little fur ball was in a deep sleep until I yelled out and grabbed hold of him. Hey, he was sitting closer to me than my husband - so I grabbed the cat first.
Anyway, our building swayed for a while - it felt more than the 10 seconds it really was. But if you think about it, 10 seconds is a pretty long time.
It turned out to be a 4.4 quake. My husband says these smaller earthquakes are good. That means the ground keeps trying to settle itself. It's better than us staying still and building up pressure - and then get a big earthquake. Yeah, yeah, yeah - an earthquake is an earthquake. And I don't like any of them. But I guess if I had to choose, I'd rather a bunch of small ones than one big one.
Oh, and did I ever mention that our building is on landfill. Yeah... not so comforting.
On another note, I've actually been keeping up with a pretty good workout schedule. Well, it's not a good schedule, but I am working out. Almost every week day, and even on weekend day, I'll go to the gym and walk for 30 minutes to an hour. For various reasons, I can't really do a full on run, so I do a fast walk. It's a sweaty walk that gets the heartrate up, so I'm satisfied.
The thing that helps is that each treadmill has a TV hooked up to it. I get so bored when I'm just listening to music that even a 20 minute walk seems like forever. The TV is the key. Yep, so last night, I walked an hour while watching Project Runway. Of course, the new episode started at 10pm, so I basically I didn't end up going to bed until midnight. So, no, it's not an ideal workout schedule. I'm exhausted now, but I'm working out!
I was like, "EARTHQUAKE!!!" I think my outburst scared Monte more than the quake itself. Actually, our little fur ball was in a deep sleep until I yelled out and grabbed hold of him. Hey, he was sitting closer to me than my husband - so I grabbed the cat first.
Anyway, our building swayed for a while - it felt more than the 10 seconds it really was. But if you think about it, 10 seconds is a pretty long time.
It turned out to be a 4.4 quake. My husband says these smaller earthquakes are good. That means the ground keeps trying to settle itself. It's better than us staying still and building up pressure - and then get a big earthquake. Yeah, yeah, yeah - an earthquake is an earthquake. And I don't like any of them. But I guess if I had to choose, I'd rather a bunch of small ones than one big one.
Oh, and did I ever mention that our building is on landfill. Yeah... not so comforting.
On another note, I've actually been keeping up with a pretty good workout schedule. Well, it's not a good schedule, but I am working out. Almost every week day, and even on weekend day, I'll go to the gym and walk for 30 minutes to an hour. For various reasons, I can't really do a full on run, so I do a fast walk. It's a sweaty walk that gets the heartrate up, so I'm satisfied.
The thing that helps is that each treadmill has a TV hooked up to it. I get so bored when I'm just listening to music that even a 20 minute walk seems like forever. The TV is the key. Yep, so last night, I walked an hour while watching Project Runway. Of course, the new episode started at 10pm, so I basically I didn't end up going to bed until midnight. So, no, it's not an ideal workout schedule. I'm exhausted now, but I'm working out!
Monday, July 31, 2006
It's a Boy! And a Boy!
I'd like to give a warm welcome to two new little faces in the world, Kayden and Conner.
They're twin boys, born last Thursday to our friends G and I.
Happy Birthday boys!
Sunday, July 30, 2006
EOS
Spent a wonderful evening celebrating a friend's birthday last night. We went to EOS. While the food was very good, I wasn't crazy about the small portioned, family style theme they go for. This we found out after everyone had picked an 'entree' already and the waiter told us while we were ordering. So, we had to regroup and figure out how to order.
I don't like the 'family style' fusion places because you really don't get much per plate, and somebody always gets left out of at least one dish. We had six people, yet the dumpling dish had only five dumplings in it. I don't like cutting a small piece of fish into six tiny little bite fulls. And if you have a choice, sit downstairs - it was so hot in the loft area. I know, too many complaints - but the food is very good. I do want to go back - and I'll be more prepared next time.
Today is chore day, and clean up day. Have to prepare for guests in two weeks. I don't want to have a marathon cleanup day then, so I'm doing a little at a time to get our guest room/store room ready.
Backtracking a little, I finally downloaded some awesome sunset pictures we took during our weekend in Tahoe. Aren't they gorgeous? The most amazing thing is how the colors go from a radiant orange, to pink, purple, and then a fiery red.
I don't like the 'family style' fusion places because you really don't get much per plate, and somebody always gets left out of at least one dish. We had six people, yet the dumpling dish had only five dumplings in it. I don't like cutting a small piece of fish into six tiny little bite fulls. And if you have a choice, sit downstairs - it was so hot in the loft area. I know, too many complaints - but the food is very good. I do want to go back - and I'll be more prepared next time.
Today is chore day, and clean up day. Have to prepare for guests in two weeks. I don't want to have a marathon cleanup day then, so I'm doing a little at a time to get our guest room/store room ready.
Backtracking a little, I finally downloaded some awesome sunset pictures we took during our weekend in Tahoe. Aren't they gorgeous? The most amazing thing is how the colors go from a radiant orange, to pink, purple, and then a fiery red.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Bringing home Bubbles
My dad called me at work today. The vet called - Bubbles' ashes can be picked up. My dad asked if I wanted to go, and I told him to not wait for me and just go. I know it's sad, but we didn't need everyone to go do that. I would have to take off from work again - which I did many times already to see Bubbles during those final days.
So, Bubbles is home. He's tucked away in a small wooden box. It's very sad. No plans to do anything with his ashes right now, and I don't want to bring up tentative plans that we had from before.
I still can't believe he's gone.
What didn't help was that we have also been doing movie nights, and one of the movies was Failure to Launch. Good movie with Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker. Unforuntately, there was one scene where Sarah Jessica pretends to put her dog to sleep. That just triggered me again. (Horrible timing).
The other movie was saw was Elektra. It was actually OK. Better than Daredevil, that's for sure. And Elektra was not as useless as in the other movie.
Another guilty pleasure that I've been catching up on is the marathon episodes of My Fair Brady: We're Getting Married. I can't help it. I like cheesy TV shows.
So, Bubbles is home. He's tucked away in a small wooden box. It's very sad. No plans to do anything with his ashes right now, and I don't want to bring up tentative plans that we had from before.
I still can't believe he's gone.
What didn't help was that we have also been doing movie nights, and one of the movies was Failure to Launch. Good movie with Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker. Unforuntately, there was one scene where Sarah Jessica pretends to put her dog to sleep. That just triggered me again. (Horrible timing).
The other movie was saw was Elektra. It was actually OK. Better than Daredevil, that's for sure. And Elektra was not as useless as in the other movie.
Another guilty pleasure that I've been catching up on is the marathon episodes of My Fair Brady: We're Getting Married. I can't help it. I like cheesy TV shows.
20 years ago...
A classmate from my elementary school days is trying to set up a 20 year reunion. While I have no intention of going, it did bring back memories of my best friend at the time. Though we lost touch during high school, I have always thought about her every once in a while. In fact, one time at the bus stop, I ask this girl, who I thought looked like my friend, if it was her. Unfortunately, it wasn't.
So, I took a chance and thought, we're the same age, maybe by some luck she's just getting married now and registered online somewhere. My first attempt at searching on weddingchannel.com and I found her!!! Unbelievable. I emailed her - and the very next day, she wrote back. It was her!
All this happened two weeks ago - during the difficult time we were going through with Bubbles. Though we exchanged phone numbers, I really couldn't talk to anyone at the time, so I told her I would have to call later and explained why via email.
Anyway, I called her tonight and we had a wonderful reunion on the phone. It was just like old times - except we're not 13 anymore. Caught up as much as we could for now.
Want to hear something weird? She said she posted her registry just the night before I emailed her. Not only that, her mom was looking through old pictures that same night and found one of the two of us. Another coincidence is that we were in Paris at the same time this year! It was meant to be that we would reconnect. And get this, her aunt-in-law, works at my company and I've known her for almost 9 years! What a small world? And another friend of mine from work, actually tried setting up his friend with her a few years ago.
Both our schedules are pretty packed during the weekends right now, but we're going to try to meet up mid-August. Can't wait to see her.
So, I took a chance and thought, we're the same age, maybe by some luck she's just getting married now and registered online somewhere. My first attempt at searching on weddingchannel.com and I found her!!! Unbelievable. I emailed her - and the very next day, she wrote back. It was her!
All this happened two weeks ago - during the difficult time we were going through with Bubbles. Though we exchanged phone numbers, I really couldn't talk to anyone at the time, so I told her I would have to call later and explained why via email.
Anyway, I called her tonight and we had a wonderful reunion on the phone. It was just like old times - except we're not 13 anymore. Caught up as much as we could for now.
Want to hear something weird? She said she posted her registry just the night before I emailed her. Not only that, her mom was looking through old pictures that same night and found one of the two of us. Another coincidence is that we were in Paris at the same time this year! It was meant to be that we would reconnect. And get this, her aunt-in-law, works at my company and I've known her for almost 9 years! What a small world? And another friend of mine from work, actually tried setting up his friend with her a few years ago.
Both our schedules are pretty packed during the weekends right now, but we're going to try to meet up mid-August. Can't wait to see her.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Hot weekend
A much needed weekend getaway - time to just relax and do NOTHING. Ahhh...
Time for our annual weekend trip to Lake Tahoe with my hubby's parents. With my new work schedule, we timed it so that I had last Friday off, and my husband was able to take the day off too.
We arrive in Tahoe in the afternoon - and it was a bit overcast, but warm nonetheless. I hopped into the pool so fast, it was a definite record for me. I'm one who needs to sit by the pool for 20 minutes, at least, while my feet adjust to the temperature first. It's quite frustrating to my husband who keeps telling me, the water will feel warm once I get in for a minute. Yeah, yeah, yeah - I do it my own way.
Anyway, within 10 seconds I was in that warm blue water. An hour and a half later it started to rain, so I got out. We were treated to the most spectacular lightening storm I've ever experienced. Long streams of electricity burst from the dark clouds and actually touched ground for a few seconds before disappearing. The thunder roared a few seconds later.
Back in the dryness of our condo, we watched the rain come down in buckets, lightening bursts every few minutes, and the rumble of the skies. Fabulous. Luckily, our power never went out - even though it did threaten and flicker a few times.
The next day, I can only describe it with one word. HOT! It was so hot. Of course, I didn't know that a heat wave had spread through California - so techincally the 80 degrees I was in was not that hot. But there was not a speck of breeze in the air. I was in and out of the pool all day - I couldn't even really sit down and read my magazine, because as soon as I lay down, I was burning up again and had to go back into the pool. What a rough life, huh?
The rest of the afternoon, I spent catching up on my knitting. I am making another little surprised for another friend. We had a wonderful dinner at a local casino restaurant. The food itself was ok, but the AC was fastastic. Ah... The rest of the night, we suffered in our hot bedroom - our little fan working overtime to cool us down. We couldn't open the windows, because mosquitoes were coming in.
Our last day, Sunday, we got up early and went to the pool again. One of my mother-in-law's friends has a boat, and they were nice enough to take us out on the lake. My hubby did some tubing. I decided to stay dry - the lake water is just a tad too cold for me.
After a couple of hours lounging by the pool again, it was time to pack up and get ready to go. We were supposed to have lunch with my brother-in-law and his family, but they came late. By the time they arrived, we just scarfed down lunch on our own and headed back to the city.
The heat was insane!!! When we drove through Sacramento, it was 117 degrees!!! Are you kidding me? The hottest I've ever been in was 105 in Vegas one summer. We stopped in Fairfield to get gas. It was 114. We were happy to get back to our cool condo back in SF.
Monte was very happy to see us. In fact, he actually ran to us when we called him from down the hall. Nothing like a nice warm, furry, purring welcome.
Time for our annual weekend trip to Lake Tahoe with my hubby's parents. With my new work schedule, we timed it so that I had last Friday off, and my husband was able to take the day off too.
We arrive in Tahoe in the afternoon - and it was a bit overcast, but warm nonetheless. I hopped into the pool so fast, it was a definite record for me. I'm one who needs to sit by the pool for 20 minutes, at least, while my feet adjust to the temperature first. It's quite frustrating to my husband who keeps telling me, the water will feel warm once I get in for a minute. Yeah, yeah, yeah - I do it my own way.
Anyway, within 10 seconds I was in that warm blue water. An hour and a half later it started to rain, so I got out. We were treated to the most spectacular lightening storm I've ever experienced. Long streams of electricity burst from the dark clouds and actually touched ground for a few seconds before disappearing. The thunder roared a few seconds later.
Back in the dryness of our condo, we watched the rain come down in buckets, lightening bursts every few minutes, and the rumble of the skies. Fabulous. Luckily, our power never went out - even though it did threaten and flicker a few times.
The next day, I can only describe it with one word. HOT! It was so hot. Of course, I didn't know that a heat wave had spread through California - so techincally the 80 degrees I was in was not that hot. But there was not a speck of breeze in the air. I was in and out of the pool all day - I couldn't even really sit down and read my magazine, because as soon as I lay down, I was burning up again and had to go back into the pool. What a rough life, huh?
The rest of the afternoon, I spent catching up on my knitting. I am making another little surprised for another friend. We had a wonderful dinner at a local casino restaurant. The food itself was ok, but the AC was fastastic. Ah... The rest of the night, we suffered in our hot bedroom - our little fan working overtime to cool us down. We couldn't open the windows, because mosquitoes were coming in.
Our last day, Sunday, we got up early and went to the pool again. One of my mother-in-law's friends has a boat, and they were nice enough to take us out on the lake. My hubby did some tubing. I decided to stay dry - the lake water is just a tad too cold for me.
After a couple of hours lounging by the pool again, it was time to pack up and get ready to go. We were supposed to have lunch with my brother-in-law and his family, but they came late. By the time they arrived, we just scarfed down lunch on our own and headed back to the city.
The heat was insane!!! When we drove through Sacramento, it was 117 degrees!!! Are you kidding me? The hottest I've ever been in was 105 in Vegas one summer. We stopped in Fairfield to get gas. It was 114. We were happy to get back to our cool condo back in SF.
Monte was very happy to see us. In fact, he actually ran to us when we called him from down the hall. Nothing like a nice warm, furry, purring welcome.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Like a house of spirits
No call from the vet today - so no ashes yet. Bubbles is still hanging on strong at the house though. Mom says she smelled him for a long time today. The scent actually followed her around as she went from upstairs to downstairs - and then disappeared like that (fingers snapping).
Dad is still depressed, but he seemed to feel a little better when I told him that perhaps Bubbles is coming around so often to let mom be the messenger for him - to let dad know that he is there. Perhaps this scent sensitivity is inherited. My grandmother, mom, and I are the only three to ever have smelled my grandfather's cologne. And only my mom and I have smelled Bubbles. Mom actually smelled grandpa again today too.
As a good friend of mine described it, it's like someone captured that specific scent and is holding it right at your nose. You can't escape it by walking away - it stays right at your nose. My friend lost her husband to cancer a while ago, but she smells his cologne from time to time. As she like to believe, maybe they come back when they sense you need them? I'd like to think so.
We're going over to see my parents' house tomorrow for dinner - I wonder if Bubbles will come to me?
I know, this sounds more like a ghost log now, but it's a very interesting phenomenon. I don't know how I'd take it if I ever saw a ghost. I'd probably freak. So, no, I would prefer never seeing one. But smelling them - it's not so invading, and somewhat comforting. As I told my husband, when I smelled Bubbles that night after we said goodbye to him, it was as if he gave me a big hug. It was that comforting.
Dad is still depressed, but he seemed to feel a little better when I told him that perhaps Bubbles is coming around so often to let mom be the messenger for him - to let dad know that he is there. Perhaps this scent sensitivity is inherited. My grandmother, mom, and I are the only three to ever have smelled my grandfather's cologne. And only my mom and I have smelled Bubbles. Mom actually smelled grandpa again today too.
As a good friend of mine described it, it's like someone captured that specific scent and is holding it right at your nose. You can't escape it by walking away - it stays right at your nose. My friend lost her husband to cancer a while ago, but she smells his cologne from time to time. As she like to believe, maybe they come back when they sense you need them? I'd like to think so.
We're going over to see my parents' house tomorrow for dinner - I wonder if Bubbles will come to me?
I know, this sounds more like a ghost log now, but it's a very interesting phenomenon. I don't know how I'd take it if I ever saw a ghost. I'd probably freak. So, no, I would prefer never seeing one. But smelling them - it's not so invading, and somewhat comforting. As I told my husband, when I smelled Bubbles that night after we said goodbye to him, it was as if he gave me a big hug. It was that comforting.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Coping
It's day four since our little Bubbles left us, and while I'm able to get through more hours now without breaking down when I think about him, there are still those moments when the sadness overwhelms me, and I find myself just gently stroking his cute face in my pictures of him.
I find looking at the older pictures don't get me as sad. Bubbles used to love digging in his bed. Eventually he would form his blanket into a little cocoon around him - like a big doggie won ton. This picture - my dad caught him in the starting stages of the digging. He's so cute here. This was when he was about two years old.
I miss him so much. When the moments of sadness come, it feels like my chest just tightens up and the tears just start flowing.
Tomorrow, my parents will probably get the call from the vet that Bubbles' ashes can be picked up.
I actually smelled him again yesterday around 11am. And my mom smelled him the night before at around 1am again. It's comforting to know he visits me and that he is home. My dad is still devestated. He hasn't been able to smell Bubbles, but maybe he won't ever. I told him, I know Bubbles is home - and he should talk to him in his own way. Just because he can't see or smell him doesn't mean he's not there.
My mom told me that even when Bubbles was having a difficult time walking, in the late afternoon when my dad would usually come home from running errands, he could be found waiting at the foot of the stairs, just as he always did, for my dad. There is no doubt that Bubbles had great love for my dad - I just want my dad to remember that and not dwell on the sickness.
There were moments at work today that I was able to talk about Bubbles with fondness, and there were those moments where the mention of him made me choke up. People were understanding - many know the feeling of losing a pet. They're not just dogs or cats (or any other type of animal). They become a part of the family. Bubbles was with us for 15 years. He was family. He had his own personality, his habits, his likes and dislikes, feelings... he was a part of us.
I find looking at the older pictures don't get me as sad. Bubbles used to love digging in his bed. Eventually he would form his blanket into a little cocoon around him - like a big doggie won ton. This picture - my dad caught him in the starting stages of the digging. He's so cute here. This was when he was about two years old.
I miss him so much. When the moments of sadness come, it feels like my chest just tightens up and the tears just start flowing.
Tomorrow, my parents will probably get the call from the vet that Bubbles' ashes can be picked up.
I actually smelled him again yesterday around 11am. And my mom smelled him the night before at around 1am again. It's comforting to know he visits me and that he is home. My dad is still devestated. He hasn't been able to smell Bubbles, but maybe he won't ever. I told him, I know Bubbles is home - and he should talk to him in his own way. Just because he can't see or smell him doesn't mean he's not there.
My mom told me that even when Bubbles was having a difficult time walking, in the late afternoon when my dad would usually come home from running errands, he could be found waiting at the foot of the stairs, just as he always did, for my dad. There is no doubt that Bubbles had great love for my dad - I just want my dad to remember that and not dwell on the sickness.
There were moments at work today that I was able to talk about Bubbles with fondness, and there were those moments where the mention of him made me choke up. People were understanding - many know the feeling of losing a pet. They're not just dogs or cats (or any other type of animal). They become a part of the family. Bubbles was with us for 15 years. He was family. He had his own personality, his habits, his likes and dislikes, feelings... he was a part of us.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Home
Another difficult day with crying fits - but you know what? It got a little better just now. I just got off the phone with my mom. And you know how I said that I smelled Bubbles last night at 12:55am? Well, she says that she smelled him a little after 1am.
She said she was in the living room watching TV, when suddenly she smelled something. She described it as this sickly dog smell that he was emitting the last few days. She had already put away his towels and puppy pads, so it couldn't have been that. Besides, she was already sitting in the room for a while - this was a sudden new element to the room. It lasted a few minutes and then disappeared just as suddenly.
This confirms that neither of us is crazy. We both smelled him. He came to visit me first, and then he went home to my parents.
It may seem like we're reaching to find comfort in his death, but it's not that at all. How can two people, miles apart from each other, both experience the same phenomenon within the same time frame?
Bubbles went home.
She said she was in the living room watching TV, when suddenly she smelled something. She described it as this sickly dog smell that he was emitting the last few days. She had already put away his towels and puppy pads, so it couldn't have been that. Besides, she was already sitting in the room for a while - this was a sudden new element to the room. It lasted a few minutes and then disappeared just as suddenly.
This confirms that neither of us is crazy. We both smelled him. He came to visit me first, and then he went home to my parents.
It may seem like we're reaching to find comfort in his death, but it's not that at all. How can two people, miles apart from each other, both experience the same phenomenon within the same time frame?
Bubbles went home.
Visit
It's been a long and difficult day. Amazingly, with all the bawling attacks I've had today, I'm not dehydrated yet.
All day long, I've been in a funk - for obvious reasons. It's been the longest day of my life. I did the laundry. I surfed the web. I went through boxes of pictures of Bubbles and spent hours scanning them onto the computer so that I could do a private slideshow for myself whenever I wanted.
Anyway - tonight at 12:55am exactly, I was in my bedroom getting ready for bed. Austin Powers was quietly playing in the background on TV, when suddenly I smelled something. It was very strong. At first I didn't know what it was - and then it hit me like a cannon ball. It was the kind of weird dog smell that Bubbles had. I can't describe it, but that's exactly what it was. I called my husband to the bedroom immediately - and even while I was trying to explain it to him, I was smelling it quite clearly - but he didn't smell anything at all. And then in an instant, it was gone.
I looked around the room - nothing I wore today while I was holding Bubbles was in sight or nearby. Plus I had moved from the bed to the door, and then back to the bed - all the while smelling that strong dog smell.
I'm not crazy. This has happened in our family before - with my grandfather.
There's something about 49 days when a spirit comes home - in Chinese folklore. When my grandmother was still living at the house she and grandpa shared, exactly 49 days after he passed away, he smelled him in the bedroom. It was so strong she had to leave the room. She said it was strongest by the bookcase where I had put a Father's Day card that I didn't have a chance to give him before he died. She went back to the room a few minutes later, and the smell was gone.
Throughout the years, both my mom and I have smelled 'grandpa' every so often. Her more often then me, but I have definitely smelled him.
A few weeks before I got married, I was trying to sleep, but this odor was just bugging me. When I realized what it was I was smelling, I was afraid to open my eyes - because I was afraid I would see my grandfather standing there. I'm not crazy - but my grandfather had a very distinctive smell. He had an old hat that he would wear all the time, and any time we went to a department store, he would spray some cologne onto the hat - so it accumulated a very unique smell. I have his old hat, in a box, in the closet. It has not had any fragrance to it in years, but that night I smelled that sweet cologne smell as strong as if someone had sprayed it onto my pillow.
So, tonight, I was sitting on the bed. I had glanced at the newly printed picture of me and Bubbles sitting on my bedstand, when suddenly I smelled him. Maybe the 49 day thing is with humans only? Who knows, but I smelled him. It's like, you don't know what it is, but suddenly it hits you and you know exactly what that familiar smell is. You know in your bones.
I looked it up on the web just now, and apparently, 'smelling' a ghost is not an uncommen phenomenon. So, either Bubbles came back to check on me - or he was saying goodbye. Either way, I just started bawling again. I told Bubbles not to worry about us - we're just heartbroken because we miss him so much. I told him we love him and that we'll see each other again one day. I told him to go play and run. He was my good Bubbles.
It's interesting that my husband didn't smell anything while he was sitting next to me - and I was smelling it full on. And in a flash, it was gone. I don't smell anything anymore.
In a way, it calms me a little to know he came by to see me. I know he's OK.
All day long, I've been in a funk - for obvious reasons. It's been the longest day of my life. I did the laundry. I surfed the web. I went through boxes of pictures of Bubbles and spent hours scanning them onto the computer so that I could do a private slideshow for myself whenever I wanted.
Anyway - tonight at 12:55am exactly, I was in my bedroom getting ready for bed. Austin Powers was quietly playing in the background on TV, when suddenly I smelled something. It was very strong. At first I didn't know what it was - and then it hit me like a cannon ball. It was the kind of weird dog smell that Bubbles had. I can't describe it, but that's exactly what it was. I called my husband to the bedroom immediately - and even while I was trying to explain it to him, I was smelling it quite clearly - but he didn't smell anything at all. And then in an instant, it was gone.
I looked around the room - nothing I wore today while I was holding Bubbles was in sight or nearby. Plus I had moved from the bed to the door, and then back to the bed - all the while smelling that strong dog smell.
I'm not crazy. This has happened in our family before - with my grandfather.
There's something about 49 days when a spirit comes home - in Chinese folklore. When my grandmother was still living at the house she and grandpa shared, exactly 49 days after he passed away, he smelled him in the bedroom. It was so strong she had to leave the room. She said it was strongest by the bookcase where I had put a Father's Day card that I didn't have a chance to give him before he died. She went back to the room a few minutes later, and the smell was gone.
Throughout the years, both my mom and I have smelled 'grandpa' every so often. Her more often then me, but I have definitely smelled him.
A few weeks before I got married, I was trying to sleep, but this odor was just bugging me. When I realized what it was I was smelling, I was afraid to open my eyes - because I was afraid I would see my grandfather standing there. I'm not crazy - but my grandfather had a very distinctive smell. He had an old hat that he would wear all the time, and any time we went to a department store, he would spray some cologne onto the hat - so it accumulated a very unique smell. I have his old hat, in a box, in the closet. It has not had any fragrance to it in years, but that night I smelled that sweet cologne smell as strong as if someone had sprayed it onto my pillow.
So, tonight, I was sitting on the bed. I had glanced at the newly printed picture of me and Bubbles sitting on my bedstand, when suddenly I smelled him. Maybe the 49 day thing is with humans only? Who knows, but I smelled him. It's like, you don't know what it is, but suddenly it hits you and you know exactly what that familiar smell is. You know in your bones.
I looked it up on the web just now, and apparently, 'smelling' a ghost is not an uncommen phenomenon. So, either Bubbles came back to check on me - or he was saying goodbye. Either way, I just started bawling again. I told Bubbles not to worry about us - we're just heartbroken because we miss him so much. I told him we love him and that we'll see each other again one day. I told him to go play and run. He was my good Bubbles.
It's interesting that my husband didn't smell anything while he was sitting next to me - and I was smelling it full on. And in a flash, it was gone. I don't smell anything anymore.
In a way, it calms me a little to know he came by to see me. I know he's OK.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Farewell my beloved Bubbles
Today is a very sad day for our family. We had to say goodbye to our beloved Bubbles. My husband and I went to my parents’ house around 9:30a to pick them up and bring Bubbles to the vet for the very last time.
Bubbles was very peaceful and for the first time in a while, he was breathing normally - not out of his mouth. Mom said he was getting more sensitive on the areas where his tumors were starting to show. He must have been in pain. Wrapped in a towel, my dad carried him to the car. For one more car ride, Bubbles enjoyed looking out the window at the passing cars. He used to love car rides.
When we got to the vet, I took Bubbles from my dad's arms and just broke down, right there on the sidewalk. He felt so light and just limp. I believe that he was ready.
We were only at the vet for about 30 minutes, but it was the most miserable time of our lives. I held Bubbles in my arms until the doctor came in. I put Bubbles on the table and the doctor did one last quick exam. He said the lymph nodes were swollen and there was cancer even in his mouth now - which is why he couldn't eat solids anymore. We all agreed it was the right time to let Bubbles sleep.
At this point, the doctor left the room to give us time to say our goodbyes to our baby boy. Many kisses on his little head, lots of 'I love yous', and of course, many tears. Then the doctor came back and took him. We didn't want to see it happen. The doctor had Bubbles in his arm at the doorway, and when he turned to face us to tell us something (I don't even remember what he said), our last image of Bubbles is of him looking at us, eyes looking from person to person in the room. And then he was taken out of the room. That is the last time we will ever see our little baby.
We stayed in the office for a few minutes after that. I was just bawling - and perhaps everyone in the hospital heard, but I didn't care. We knew that in the next few minutes, our Bubbles would not be in pain anymore. He would fall into a deep sleep. I picture in my head that he will wake up, suddenly full of energy. No more pain. He would be running around everywhere as he loved to do in life. He would be surrounded by his favorite toys and foods - and he would never be sick again. He would come check on our family every once in a while - making his rounds, as I like to call it. I know we'll be reunited again some day. I know my grandfather is taking care of him for us until we each get there. These thoughts comfort me.
We drove back to my parents place and already there was a huge void. The puppy pads were still laid out on the kitchen tile, his big basket of toys were under the side table, and his bed and blanket - empty. I realized that never again would I see him running to me with a giant stuffed soccer ball in his mouth anymore. I would never have him snuggle on me anymore. I will never hear him howl every time a firetruck siren blared down the street. Nothing anymore.
It's been a couple of hours now, and it's still hard to believe that I'm never going to see Bubbles again. He's really gone. My Bubbles is really gone.
This is one of my very last pictures of him, from yesterday.
Rest in peace my Bubble Baby. I miss you so much. I will always love you. Always.
July 7, 1991 - July 15, 2006
Bubbles was very peaceful and for the first time in a while, he was breathing normally - not out of his mouth. Mom said he was getting more sensitive on the areas where his tumors were starting to show. He must have been in pain. Wrapped in a towel, my dad carried him to the car. For one more car ride, Bubbles enjoyed looking out the window at the passing cars. He used to love car rides.
When we got to the vet, I took Bubbles from my dad's arms and just broke down, right there on the sidewalk. He felt so light and just limp. I believe that he was ready.
We were only at the vet for about 30 minutes, but it was the most miserable time of our lives. I held Bubbles in my arms until the doctor came in. I put Bubbles on the table and the doctor did one last quick exam. He said the lymph nodes were swollen and there was cancer even in his mouth now - which is why he couldn't eat solids anymore. We all agreed it was the right time to let Bubbles sleep.
At this point, the doctor left the room to give us time to say our goodbyes to our baby boy. Many kisses on his little head, lots of 'I love yous', and of course, many tears. Then the doctor came back and took him. We didn't want to see it happen. The doctor had Bubbles in his arm at the doorway, and when he turned to face us to tell us something (I don't even remember what he said), our last image of Bubbles is of him looking at us, eyes looking from person to person in the room. And then he was taken out of the room. That is the last time we will ever see our little baby.
We stayed in the office for a few minutes after that. I was just bawling - and perhaps everyone in the hospital heard, but I didn't care. We knew that in the next few minutes, our Bubbles would not be in pain anymore. He would fall into a deep sleep. I picture in my head that he will wake up, suddenly full of energy. No more pain. He would be running around everywhere as he loved to do in life. He would be surrounded by his favorite toys and foods - and he would never be sick again. He would come check on our family every once in a while - making his rounds, as I like to call it. I know we'll be reunited again some day. I know my grandfather is taking care of him for us until we each get there. These thoughts comfort me.
We drove back to my parents place and already there was a huge void. The puppy pads were still laid out on the kitchen tile, his big basket of toys were under the side table, and his bed and blanket - empty. I realized that never again would I see him running to me with a giant stuffed soccer ball in his mouth anymore. I would never have him snuggle on me anymore. I will never hear him howl every time a firetruck siren blared down the street. Nothing anymore.
It's been a couple of hours now, and it's still hard to believe that I'm never going to see Bubbles again. He's really gone. My Bubbles is really gone.
This is one of my very last pictures of him, from yesterday.
Rest in peace my Bubble Baby. I miss you so much. I will always love you. Always.
July 7, 1991 - July 15, 2006
Possibly the last...
I called my mom today at lunch to see how Bubbles was doing. The news was not good. He cannot get up at all anymore. She said that this morning, she heard him whimpering, and she found him struggling to get to his newspaper. He just couldn't get up on his own. He's also had other difficult problems with other things, so he requires constant care.
As painful at it was to hear myself say the words, I told her that he shouldn't suffer like this anymore. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but I know he must be uncomfortable.
When he lays down, if he sleeps on his side, he cannot get back to an upright position on his own. My parents have to carry him to his water dish - stubborn dog will not drink from it when they bring it to him. He's like a stubborn old man who wants something, but doesn't want you bringing it to him. He wants to get it on his own, even if you have to help him get to it.
Anyway, lunch was the last thing on my mind at that point. My husband picked me up from work and we headed over to my parents house.
Bubbles can no longer get in and out of his beloved bed - instead, they have him on a makeshift bed near the kitchen. The bed is covered with one of those puppy pads - so is a large portion of the kitchen floor - so that if he needs to go, it's all prepared for him.
He was so happy to see us. His tail wagged a little and he just seemed to come alive. I went over to him and kneeled over him. He snuggled with me as he always does and licked me. My sweet little Bubbles. He was breathing very fast - and his tongue was very red. A red tongue, per the vet, means that he wasn't getting enough oxygen.
After a long discussion with my parents, it was decided that it was time. The final goodbye. We called the vet - and were surprised that we couldn't bring him in today, but were told to bring him in in the morning - and he would see if he could make Bubbles more comfortable. Euthenasia was the last resort, he said. But that wasn't the point of us calling. As a family, we decided that this just isn't what Bubbles' final days should be like. We know he is suffering inside, even though he doesn't look it from the outside. He's still a beautiful dog. With the cancer spread throughout his body, we've accepted that he isn't going to get any better - he will only get worse, and the pain will come soon. We don't want that for him.
So, here I am at almost 1am, thinking tomorrow may be the last time I see my dog - but then again it may not be. If the vet convinces my parents that Bubbles can last a little longer, then I know that's what they would want to do. It's hard enough to prepare yourself to let go - but when you're given an out to delay the decision longer - I have a feeling my parents would want to take it. And I don't blame them. At this point, I don't know how to prepare myself for tomorrow. The right decision for Bubbles' sake is to let him go. End the suffering before he has to go through any pain that the cancer would cause him.
I sit here and look at his picture. It's unbelievable that 15 years has passed already with him in our family. It's not right that soon there won't be a fat Chihuahua greeting me when I go visit my parents. He won't be running up to me carrying a toy that is way too big for him. He won't be there to snuggle up on my legs and lick my face when I ask him for a kiss. It's just wrong that dogs and cats have such short lives. You love them so much and they're just taken away from you too soon.
I don't want to go to sleep. I don't want to wake up and know it's time to get ready to go over to my parents house and bring Bubbles to the vet. I don't want to say goodbye. If I don't go to sleep, then that time will come much slower.
As painful at it was to hear myself say the words, I told her that he shouldn't suffer like this anymore. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but I know he must be uncomfortable.
When he lays down, if he sleeps on his side, he cannot get back to an upright position on his own. My parents have to carry him to his water dish - stubborn dog will not drink from it when they bring it to him. He's like a stubborn old man who wants something, but doesn't want you bringing it to him. He wants to get it on his own, even if you have to help him get to it.
Anyway, lunch was the last thing on my mind at that point. My husband picked me up from work and we headed over to my parents house.
Bubbles can no longer get in and out of his beloved bed - instead, they have him on a makeshift bed near the kitchen. The bed is covered with one of those puppy pads - so is a large portion of the kitchen floor - so that if he needs to go, it's all prepared for him.
He was so happy to see us. His tail wagged a little and he just seemed to come alive. I went over to him and kneeled over him. He snuggled with me as he always does and licked me. My sweet little Bubbles. He was breathing very fast - and his tongue was very red. A red tongue, per the vet, means that he wasn't getting enough oxygen.
After a long discussion with my parents, it was decided that it was time. The final goodbye. We called the vet - and were surprised that we couldn't bring him in today, but were told to bring him in in the morning - and he would see if he could make Bubbles more comfortable. Euthenasia was the last resort, he said. But that wasn't the point of us calling. As a family, we decided that this just isn't what Bubbles' final days should be like. We know he is suffering inside, even though he doesn't look it from the outside. He's still a beautiful dog. With the cancer spread throughout his body, we've accepted that he isn't going to get any better - he will only get worse, and the pain will come soon. We don't want that for him.
So, here I am at almost 1am, thinking tomorrow may be the last time I see my dog - but then again it may not be. If the vet convinces my parents that Bubbles can last a little longer, then I know that's what they would want to do. It's hard enough to prepare yourself to let go - but when you're given an out to delay the decision longer - I have a feeling my parents would want to take it. And I don't blame them. At this point, I don't know how to prepare myself for tomorrow. The right decision for Bubbles' sake is to let him go. End the suffering before he has to go through any pain that the cancer would cause him.
I sit here and look at his picture. It's unbelievable that 15 years has passed already with him in our family. It's not right that soon there won't be a fat Chihuahua greeting me when I go visit my parents. He won't be running up to me carrying a toy that is way too big for him. He won't be there to snuggle up on my legs and lick my face when I ask him for a kiss. It's just wrong that dogs and cats have such short lives. You love them so much and they're just taken away from you too soon.
I don't want to go to sleep. I don't want to wake up and know it's time to get ready to go over to my parents house and bring Bubbles to the vet. I don't want to say goodbye. If I don't go to sleep, then that time will come much slower.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
It's almost over
Our time with Bubbles is quickly coming to an end, and my heart is just so heavy right now, I don't know what to do with myself tonight.
My parents brought Bubbles to the vet today - the regular doctor wasn't there, so another doctor performed some blood work and did two x-rays. My parents say she was very thorough - which was good, but she didn't bring good news.
Bubbles has cancer running almost throughout his little body. From his throat, through this spine, in and around his liver. He also has two tumors pushing into his leg muscles - which is what was causing his hind legs to not function well anymore. The diagnosis is final - he is dying. We maybe have a few weeks, but at the rate this cancer spread, I doubt he'll make it through this week.
The doctor didn't feel it was time to let him go yet - because his white cell count was still high, and he still has an appetite, and is basically still pretty alert. She said that if he stops eating, that means the tumor has grown to a point where it's uncomfortable for him to eat anymore - and that would be the time to bring him in. Also, if his stool becomes dark - that would mean internal bleeding - and it would also mean it's time.
I'm praying hard that he will just sleep on his own. He's not in any pain now, and when I saw him on Sunday, he just looked like he was just waiting... he looked so tired. I want my last memories of him in my head to be those of seeing him snuggle with me the way he loves to. He buries his head into me and then looks up at me - tongue lapping to indicate that he wants a kiss. That is my Bubbles. That will always be my Bubbles.
My head knows the time is near, but my heart is not ready for it. I love him so much. I want to go see him right now, but I just can't. My parents are heartbroken - and I know it just kills them to see him like this every day. My mom hasn't slept in a month. Waking up every 2 hours to check on him. I think for them, even though they don't want him to suffer, they'd rather sacrifice their own health for his - but he'd still be there, you know?
All the happy memories I've had with him keep playing in my head. That is what will keep him alive in me. In my memories, he's a young, vibrant little dog - one I could easily get into a frenzy and make him run at full speed through the house. One who would sit and watch me intently if he even suspected I was eating something - because he wanted some too. It didn't matter what it was. Something that he always enjoyed and that of all our animals I only allowed him to do - I would get down on all fours, and he would jump on my back and lay down - then I would crawl all over the house with him on my back. He loved it - and that was a private game I reserved only for him. Another thing he used to do when I lived at home, every night, he would make his rounds - check on my parents in their room, and then come check on me to make sure everything was alright. He was a hot headed, spoiled brat too, but he loved us.
This is my last picture of him from Sunday. He couldn't get up anymore, so he just lay with me on the floor. Every once in a while he would look up at me.
So, a prayer for my Bubbles, please just rest and sleep. We all love you, and we know you love us. You don't have to worry about us or feel you have to protect us anymore. Just be at peace. Sleep in peace my Bubble baby.
My parents brought Bubbles to the vet today - the regular doctor wasn't there, so another doctor performed some blood work and did two x-rays. My parents say she was very thorough - which was good, but she didn't bring good news.
Bubbles has cancer running almost throughout his little body. From his throat, through this spine, in and around his liver. He also has two tumors pushing into his leg muscles - which is what was causing his hind legs to not function well anymore. The diagnosis is final - he is dying. We maybe have a few weeks, but at the rate this cancer spread, I doubt he'll make it through this week.
The doctor didn't feel it was time to let him go yet - because his white cell count was still high, and he still has an appetite, and is basically still pretty alert. She said that if he stops eating, that means the tumor has grown to a point where it's uncomfortable for him to eat anymore - and that would be the time to bring him in. Also, if his stool becomes dark - that would mean internal bleeding - and it would also mean it's time.
I'm praying hard that he will just sleep on his own. He's not in any pain now, and when I saw him on Sunday, he just looked like he was just waiting... he looked so tired. I want my last memories of him in my head to be those of seeing him snuggle with me the way he loves to. He buries his head into me and then looks up at me - tongue lapping to indicate that he wants a kiss. That is my Bubbles. That will always be my Bubbles.
My head knows the time is near, but my heart is not ready for it. I love him so much. I want to go see him right now, but I just can't. My parents are heartbroken - and I know it just kills them to see him like this every day. My mom hasn't slept in a month. Waking up every 2 hours to check on him. I think for them, even though they don't want him to suffer, they'd rather sacrifice their own health for his - but he'd still be there, you know?
All the happy memories I've had with him keep playing in my head. That is what will keep him alive in me. In my memories, he's a young, vibrant little dog - one I could easily get into a frenzy and make him run at full speed through the house. One who would sit and watch me intently if he even suspected I was eating something - because he wanted some too. It didn't matter what it was. Something that he always enjoyed and that of all our animals I only allowed him to do - I would get down on all fours, and he would jump on my back and lay down - then I would crawl all over the house with him on my back. He loved it - and that was a private game I reserved only for him. Another thing he used to do when I lived at home, every night, he would make his rounds - check on my parents in their room, and then come check on me to make sure everything was alright. He was a hot headed, spoiled brat too, but he loved us.
This is my last picture of him from Sunday. He couldn't get up anymore, so he just lay with me on the floor. Every once in a while he would look up at me.
So, a prayer for my Bubbles, please just rest and sleep. We all love you, and we know you love us. You don't have to worry about us or feel you have to protect us anymore. Just be at peace. Sleep in peace my Bubble baby.
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