Happy Holidays!!!!!

Sorry it's been awhile since I wrote my last post. It's been quite hectic at the Flach household. Jim and I have both been working alot and Jim was wrapping up his first semester of grad school. I'm very proud of him. He got stellar grades this semester!

Gordy is doing well. She is over 50lbs now and just pure muscle. The other day in puppy school I was sitting in a plastic chair holding her leash. She dragged me, in the chair, across the room. It was slightly embarrassing that my once perfectly well behaved dog has gotten alittle bratty. But I'm putting her back in the Flach puppy bootcamp. She did really good at the Flach's family Christmas gathering. Didn't jump on any kids or counter tops (huge improvement). I'm curious to see if she'll do the same at my parents celebration.

In the attached picture, we took about 30 pictures before we got this one. I was holding a treat over my head to get her to look at me. I'm surprised she wasn't drooling at this point.

Hope everyone has a wonderful 2008!!!!! Here's to hoping!

Katie

Gooble Gooble

Okay so here is how my lovely holiday played out. Monday/Tuesday - had two really horrible days at work, very high stressed....had been clenching my teeth really bad. Gums were sore. Needed to work Tuesday night, but Gordy was loosing a tooth and she just wasn't being a good puppy. Guessing because she was so uncomfortable so I got nothing done. Wednesday took off from work. Jim and I were suppose to go to So. Md no later than noon. He went into work and wasn't sure when he was going to be home. He is now under mandatory weekends for work up through X-mas. I went shopping with Becky in the morning. Gums were really hurting. Tooth starts spasming. Pain was so bad that at points I couldn't function. Get home and every time a spasm hit it is crippling. My sinus cavity and ear canal also inflamed. In tears. Call the dentist who is conveniently closed for the holidays. Called the emergency line and got Dr. Farahi's home number!!! He prescribed an antibiotic and for me to take some high doses of advil and to see him first thing monday morning for a root canal. Okay so let's take a step back for a second. He told me in September that I needed one, but I was doing okay....that is eating on the left side of my mouth only and really having no pain. SO I figured since we had blown through our flex spending for the year that I was going to do the root canal first thing in Jan given that I was making out okay for the time being. Okay fast forward back to Wednesday. Dr calls in my prescription to CVS McLean at 1pm. Gordy gets an eye infection. Jim meets me at the vet at 3:30 so that I can pass off Gordy to him to so I can get my prescription. Go to CVS. Pure madness. As of 4pm they still hadn't listened to my Dr's message for the prescription. The pain was so bad that I'm crying in CVS. They tell me 20 minute wait. After 30 minutes I go back to the counter and they get my insurance info and tell me that i have to wait another 10 minutes for the pharmacist to check the tech's work on my insurance info???? Wait another 40 minutes for them to figure it out and finally get the prescription. Get home, load up car and Jim drives us to So. MD. Cry all the way down. I was in such pain when the spasm would hit that I would be crippled. Nothing made it feel better.

Turkey day - spasm slight better and can't really chew on anything hard. Find that Champagne makes the pain go away. Drink alot of Champagne. Turkey day night....champagne wears off and I'm back into the crippling crying stage. Friday, exhausted. Pain alittle better. Jim wants to do things together and I send him off with my brother in law to be entertained while I veg on the couch.

So here we are on Sunday having to work all day and not able to do any cleaning at the house and awaitng for my root canal. Can't tell you that I thought I would ever be so excited for a root canal....but I am.

Happy B-day

Hi there,

It's been awhile, but just wanted to put a shout out there to Dad, David, Jill, and Matthew and wish them a HAPPY B-DAY!

Update on the dog - she's getting huge. I'll attach some pictures of her. We had our first puppy kindegarten class this week. It was so much fun and luckily she wasn't the worst dog in the class. At the end of the class they had play time with the other dogs. Instead of jumping in the middle and playing with the outgoing dogs, Gordy played Cruise director and went around to all the shy dogs and tried to get them to play with her. She is such the pleaser!

She's making the big trek down to So. MD this weekend to meet my parents dog Lucy. I'm hoping it goes well and that she doesn't mess in my parents house or Mom will never let her back.

Here is my sound off for the day - Someone needs to put a muzzle on Donald Trump. I am so sick of listening to him mouth off about different celebraties. The thing about it is that he sounds SOOO stupid. Like he can only use an elementary vocab. Really who is he to comment on who is beautiful and what makes a beautiful woman. Has he looked in the mirror lately??? For those of you who don't know what I'm referring to he was mouthing off lately about how Angelina Jolie isn't the most beautiful woman and that he knows beauty because he owns Miss USA....please it's all TNA. He also attacked the gorgeous George Clooney.

That's all for now....off to HH. Have a great weekend!

Katie

October is here!

I can't beleive it's October. I'm in denial that September even ever existed...which is evident by the fact that I forgot Vicki's 30th b-day!!!! Such a bad friend.

So Jim and I've decided that we are living the wrong life and that our Dog Gordy has got it made!!! Belly rubs, treats, playing with toys, plenty of opportunities to sleep, chasing leaves, we have it all wrong folks.

Life as always, is still chaotic for the Flach's. Between school and work for Jim and work, the house, and the dog for me we are just functioning on survival mode at this point. We are having some visitors this weekend. Corey and Mary are coming into town. Very excited to see them! It has lit some fires to get some boxes to be unpacked and also to do some mail purging.

Jim and I are in the big debate on is it time to get a new car now. My car, yet again, had to have some unexpected work on it yesterday. The window regulator broke, so it went down but didn't come back up. The next car will be a SUV....yes, house, dog, and now SUV. We all know what comes after that! But not to fret folks, it will be awhile.

We have some October b-days coming up (and pardon me if I forget anyone. My memory is failing!) Dad - is the big 6-0, Dave, Matthew, and Jill! Happy b-day to everyone!

Is anyone out there?????

Hi there readers of this blog! Actually does anyone read this blog???? Send me a post so I can feel the love.

What a week. That's all I can say. Jim has been working a ton and having to study. We just pass in the night time. Hopefully work will slow down for him and he'll be able to get into a good schedule for school and make some us time. Darn those restatements. Speaking of...I've been terribly busy with work as well and quite overwhelmed. Hate when that happens! Long hours are back and the stress level is really intense. So here I am procrastinating on what I have to do for work tonight...drinking a glass of wine and listening to Miles Davis to take the edge off. Gordy is sacked out under my chair now. We played in the sprinkler this evening. My lovely neighbors have commented several times on the fact that we have not watered our front plants. So I attempted today to figure out the sprinkler.....attempted is a kind word. Gordy and I got really soaked is really what happened but she loved the water and it was really cute to just have that moment.

Can't believe it's only monday...boy do I wish it was thursday and the hell of this week will be over.

Best to all of you.....and may you have a truly wonderful week.

Just one of those days

Okay folks...if I was tech savy at this point this posting would include that song by Limp Bizquit (or how ever the hell you spell his name) Just one of those days. If your not familiar with the song.....it's very good to blare in your car when you're so pissed off. To quote "It's all about the he said she said bull S**t". That's how it feels. And no I am not referring to my loving husband....it's been about work. But being from seeing it happen on other blogs, I will refrain from naming the company I work for or my co-workers I work with on this blog. We'll just leave it with Limp's great words.

So now that I've set up the tone of this blog here we go. I'm swamped at work. I'm going to put it out there that I took this job to enjoy a quality of life....and just after a year well it's become very demanding and now I have to work hard for something that I'm not being compensated it at for market rates. Okay enough on that rant.

So I rush home to hang out with puppy girl, since she has been such a trooper in her crate. We go "empty" and play some. But she is soooo not interested in walking today. So we hang out and play in the living room with her toys. I start doing work while sitting on the ground. Girlfriend is happily playing....with me having to give a few Alpha dog "No's". Anyway she comes up to me and decides I'm a chew toy. So the Alpha dog "No's" are flying and then she attempts to pierce my nose. Now don't get me wrong....in my "sk8tr girl" days I wanted an eyebrow ring so bad....and a nose ring....but Sara would have crucified my ass so quickly that it didn't happen....but now that I'm a wise and older 30.....a nose ring might not be top on the priority list right now. So girlfriend Gordy sinks her teeth into the interior of my nose. And pulls down. Oh my friends, let's just say that tears were a flowing, along with cuss words that my sista taught me, as well as Alpha Dog! Blood a gushing, dog a whimpering and following me to that bathroom I assess the situation. Blood coming out of the nose, while painful, seems to be "merely a flesh wound" (my Monty Pthyon friends!). So we walk into the kitchen. Kleenex stuffed up the left nostral with tears pouring out of my eyes, and bleep bleeep you bleep bleep coming out of my mouth. I decide to still be a loving "mom" and fill up her water bowl. As I'm in the act of kindness she squats and pisses all over the floor. So I grab her.....let out the Alpha Dog "NOOOOOOOOO" and run outside with mascara running, bloody kleenex in my nose, bare foot, with puppy in hand to see my cool neighbors from down the street. I think I was quite the site.

Needless to say it was another adventurous day with Gordy. Never boring...and here I am taking a break from working as Gordy chews on her Khong. Oh and friends she just pissed on my carpet.

I'll leave it at that.

Welcome Home Gordy, Welcome Home

So we got our puppy. I'm sure you are all sighing in relief as she is all I have been talking about lately....but retract that sigh...because I have alot more to say about her! She is so freakin' cute!!! And funny and a puppy! Friday afternoon we drove up to PA to get her at Hillcountry Farm. She was excited to see us and rode home in my lap the whole way home. She was alittle scared at first and we had to stand outside in the rain for two hours to try to get her to go to the bathroom, but she has quickly adapted to the Flach family. She loves her crate and her toys, which has been a huge help! She sleeps through the night and really hasn't had accidents in the house...until last night. Jim and I bought a really cheap carpet for the living room, with thoughts that we weren't going to spend money on it until she was potty trained. Well low and behold, we hadn't even finished rolling out the carpet before she quickly christened it. One hour later she did it again!!!! Not to fret, we quickly disciplined her and cleaned it up and used simple solution....so hopefully she will have learned her lesson.

Saturday I took her to the vet. She did really well (of course!!!). However a small man brought in a HUGE german shepard that tried to kill her. I guess I have some Mommy instinct in me as I jumped in between the german shepard and Gordy (probably not the smartest human thing to do....but I did it anyway). Gordy flipped on her back and started screeching. The man pulled the dog back and the vet yelled at him for not being able to control his dog. The dog so over powers him and was dragging him around. He shouldn't be a pet owner. It's a shame.

Anyway she has tons of character and is such a love bug. We're so happy to have her and are really looking forward to watching her grow up. Hopefully we'll get that walking thing down soon ;)

We're going to be Parents

Today is Gordy Day! We're getting our first member of our family....a dog (Family members please calm down we're not prego). Whew HOO!!! I have to admit I'm slightly nervous about the arrival of our bundle of joy. Will she like us? Will she be a good dog? Or will she poop and pee all over the place? Unforunately I think the reality is the latter. But I'm sure she'll still love us. Last night I made a feeble attempt to doggie proof the house.....very feeble. We assembled the crate, well scratch that...I assembled the crate. It's so freakin' huge! I can fit in it! And I know that for a fact because I actually did crawl in it. But don't let Jim onto this fact so he doesn't have some type of option of locking me up so I don't get in trouble ;)

Our Gordy bag is packed and soon we will off to PA to pick her up. First thing on the agenda for when she arrives is a bath. She's been an outdoor dog for the first 11 weeks of her life. Now she gets to live in the lap of luxury at the Casa de Flach. Lots of great tips from Friends and Family on how to make the transition comfortable for all parties...although I'm hoping that I really won't have to sleep by the crate tonight.

Will post pictures as soon as I can. Yes I am offically becoming "one of those" pet owners and she hasn't even arrived yet.

The count down begins for Puppy Love

Okay folks three days in counting before our pride and joy Gordy enters our family. We're picking her up on Friday. Let the fun begin. Can anyone hear that whimpering sound??? That's going to be my weekend.

On the house front, we had my designer friend come over last week. She was so full of great ideas and is coming over this weekend to measure out the place and give us a floor plan to work off of. I think she added a few grand to what we thought we might need to spend, but it's worth it and we can certainly chip away at it step by step. Patio furniture is coming this weekend so watch out for cookout invites! We're loving the new grill and the patio.

Attended Robbie and Michelle's wedding last weekend in C'ville. It was great! They are such a great couple and did a lovely job on planning the wedding. I beleive there was also some streaking done by a few wedding guest...but we won't mention names...and no my drunk ass didn't do it...although I talked a good game. Just went to bed too early!!! I'll try to have some of their wedding pics up this weekend...time permitting.

So last night I'm trying to educate my mind with all the in's and out's of puppy hood. I'm currently reading the Monks of New Skete's Art of raising a puppy book. I'm in a scramble to know it all before Gordy enters our life on the 14th. I've just finished Ceasar's Way (The dog whisperer). While trying to read the book I mistakenly put on Ray LaMontange in the background. Instead of having pleasant relaxing music that allows me to focus on the book and also was alittle background noise for me since Jim worked late and I was home alone (I'm such a chicken), I kept getting drawn into his lyrics and having flash backs of his awesome concert. So I gave in to the music and put my book down, turned off the lights and chilled to the music. It was quite relaxing. I highly recommend his two cds and seeing him live. It was beyond any musical experience I've ever had. Okay so enough on my obsession with Ray.

I'm trying to be frugal.... I think that's enough said for now....well okay, so anyway I've been trying to search doggie beds and other accessories for Gordy and find the best deals. Many spreadsheets later I'm finally drilling down on a few things, but I still have no clue what to buy....not that far in the Monks training book. Does anyone have suggestions on websites or places to buy from or supplies to get? We have set up her first vet appointment and now I have to pick a puppy training program.

Jim and I had been offered to get some free decorating tips from one of the interior designers at my company. In exchange for her advice we are preparing her dinner and wine. Just the right price. Anyway I have to pull together pictures of things we like to show her since we have no clue on how to verbalize our style. So many years I've been living with my Mom's circa 1980 couches/furniture. Finally I get to decorate for myself and I can't even define my style! How sad. She's coming out next week to look at the house and give us a plan on furniture size, colors, etc. I'm really psyched to hear what she has to say.

God Bless Miss South Carolina

This is way too funny....enjoy!

http://www.maniacworld.com/what-is-she-talking-about.html

Gordy update

Hi Folks,

Thought I would give you alittle update on the newest Flach member Gordy. Here are some updated pictures of her from the Breeder. We should be getting her in a few weeks. She is the lighter color chocolate.

Kate

Oh so sore!

Hey there Folks,

Oh so sore. Moving really takes a toll on your body...but feel no sympathy for me...I had my back cracked and a much needed massage on Saturday. It definitely helped....but I'm still feeling the pain. Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Dipali we have an almost unpacked Kitchen. Made several trips to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and have many more to make. We're so excited to be in the house and now that fun of setting it up is starting.

Vicki and Chris took pity on us and had us over for dinner on Saturday. Jim and I learned how to play poker...no worries we won't be quiting our day job anytime soon.

Not too much more to report....just back at work and exhausted from my weekend! Isn't that backward????

Kate

Home Sweet Home

All I have to say is Welcome home Flach family, Welcome home....

We had our big move yesterday. Quite the journey. We stayed up until 1:30am on Thursday morning finalizing the packing. Poor Jim had to go to work on Thursday...he's a VIP now. So I was left to haul stuff to the house and wrap up the misc packing. The movers showed up a few minutes late, however it took Kevin, Ricky and Bob (at least 70 years old) 5 hours to clear out my apartment. The job should have taken them 2 at the max. Jim and I had everything boxed up and all the furniture dismantled. Apparently Kevin was the only who actually felt the need to work and earn his money. The other two clowns just sat around and took drags off their ciggies. Kevin finally called in one of his boys to help out since his crew sucked so bad. Jim actually had to pick up the guy, Reggie. The move started at 2 pm and finished at 10:30 pm. It should have taken until 7pm. The moving company did compensate us monetarily for the shortcomings of their staff, which was good. And Kevin and Reggie rocked the house as far as wrapping up the furniture and unpacking everything. Ricky kept disappearing and had the nice scent of booze on his breath. Lovely. Good ole Bob almost fell over a few times and Jim was always there to catch him. He would always respond "Boy, you go and have yourself a nice evening. I ain't falling over".
Needless to say we are officially moved in and EXHAUSTED. Jim took off today to get all the odds and ends done with phone installation, cable, alarm, etc. I'm about ready to fall asleep at my cube!!! TGIF.... We only have a few things to move out of the apartment which is nice. Hopefully we'll get unpacked quickly and then have a housewarming!

Hi All,

We are pleased to announce the soon-to-be newest member of the Flach household ...... Gordy! Gordy will be joining our family in September. Stay tune for many more posts on the trial and tribulations of Gordy Flach.

Kate