Beagle Mafia

I made my vows to my best friend and soul mate. Through the years, certainly our vows have been tested but still we remain deeply in love and connected. We have experienced for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, and sickness and in health. We have been tested by situations, other people and even by each other. Yet, here we are...stronger than ever. On the outside, we may look like your average couple but there a very deep connection between us. There is a lot of conversation, a lot of bonding and a lot of understanding. We know the ins and outs of each other and we balance one another.

That is enough of the mushy gooshy stuff. Capo and I were discussing this morning that almost all the people including our wedding party we no longer associate with. In a way its kind of sad but in another way its always nice to figure out who your true friends are. My wedding was small, intimate and beautiful. I would not have traded a single aspect of it. We didnt want a big fancy smancy wedding. All we both wanted was to have great time and enjoy the company of our closest friends. Looking back, most of these people were not our closest friends but at the time, we thought differently.

Our wedding was done in a very traditional way with a ceremony and a reception. Our ceremony took place overlooking the beach which is exactly how I always pictured my wedding my whole life. It was a windy yet beautiful day. We said our vows, he kissed his bride and together we strolled right into our reception.

Our reception was probably the best time I ever had in my life. We ate, we danced and just partied. My reception was more than I even imagined it to be. The best part was that we interacted with all our guests the entire 4 hours. There was no "hi, bye, thanks for coming". Each and everyone of our guests were able to spend time with us. It was absolutely perfect.

Often times when I get invited to these big expensive fancy "couples have gone broke" to pay for weddings, it saddens me that receptions are rushed through. Brides and grooms rarely get to spend time together as they are busy greeting the 15o people that they have invited. These couples rarely get to taste the food or even enjoy their open bar. Its just one formality to the next. I will never understand the concept of big weddings. To each their own and however someone wishes to spend their money and day is up to them. I just know, I would not have changed a single aspect of my small wedding. Well, maybe I would have hired a different videographer but that is for a different post.

So tonight, we celebrate by a going to a nice dinner at The Melting Pot. I think that fondue is probably the most intimate way to share a dinner with someone. Tonight, we will discuss these past 6 years and more importantly we will talk about this next coming year. This next year hold a lot of changes for us. We are both hoping that next year will be a new beginning while we embrace these last 6 years. There is nothing that I would ever change but we always have room to grow and change. There is saying that I always think about it when it comes to my marriage "This all started because two people fell in love......."

4! I am just getting over the shock, well I dont think I am really over the shock just yet but each day I get a little more use to the idea. This would explain my brief absence here.

The Boy was not planned at all and I got pregnant with him on birth control. We were young and so not ready but we made it through. Then we tried for 5 years after he was born and we unable to get pregnant. Last year, we decided that it would be too big of an age gap and we could smell the sense of freedom in 9 years when he turned 18. Occasionally, I would get the baby itch, but I would scratch it and move on. I made a decision to go back to school and earn a degree so that I could start a career. I was really looking forward to entering the work force again and finally doing something for myself more than anything. For the past 8 years, I have been a stay at home mom and I would not change it for a single second. However, there comes a point in your life when you get a little selfish and want more of a title for yourself other than a SAHM. :) Marking down "homemaker" in the occupation box gets a little old. I have since graduated to "student" but I was hoping next year I could mark "medical biller and coder." I even decided to go back to school full time vs part time literally the day before I found out this surprise.

I started having sciatic pain which I havent had since giving birth to The Boy. I then realized that I was a couple days late and even tried to justifiy that I must of wrote it down wrong. So the next morning, I found the one test I had tucked away. I was not expecting the result of "pregnant". It was surreal, something I wanted for such a long time and here it is NOW. NOW, when its not the best time, NOW when things in my every area of my life are beyond chaotic, NOW that I became a full time student, NOW that I traded in my suv for a sports car, NOW that I could feel the sense of freedom, NOW? Really? This is happening NOW?

I pretty much let the cat out of the bag immediately because after all this was not planned. I didnt feel like hiding it from friends and family. It would have become quite apparent. I did have it confirmed with my doctor so now begins the 2 week wait for for the first sonogram.

I have tried to figure out what was so different now than the past 5 years when we were unsuccessful. The only thing that has changed is that both Capo and I have lost a considerable amount of weight. That is really the only significant change that could have landed us in this position.

In the end, we are excited still a little shocked and learning to accept each day that this is happening and our life plans need to be altered but regardless, this is a blessing.

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bank balance smaller, home happier, clothes dirty, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

15 random facts about me:

1. I am a Jersey girl born and raised at the Jersey Shore although the " tv show" is not an accurate portrayal of Jersey Shore people but that is for another blog.

2. I am part true American Indian as my grandmother's grandmother was 100 percent American Indian. I have yet to use that distinction to my benefit at all. Although, I am very tempted to check that box when I apply for my financial aid for school.

3. I am student studying medical billing and coding and hope to get my Social Science degree next year. I am so happy I made the plunge to go back to school and become something other than just your typical stay at home mom and housewife. I actually really enjoy receiving an education and I am getting a lot more out of it compared to my post high school college life.

4. I was once an only child for quite a long time. There is a 13 year age gap between my brother and I. There is a 17 year age gap between my sister and I. Makes for an interesting sibling dynamic.

5. I have worked as photographer, retail store manager, medical records clerk, nanny, legal assistant and chiropractic assistant. Right now my main job is my beagle rescue as acting director. I usually consider myself a beagle air traffic controller.

6. I was once on HBO Real Sex. It was once filmed in a night club I use to frequent.

7. I am a Disney fanatic and it truly is the happiest place on earth. I will fight anyone who tells me otherwise. There is nothing like the feeling of approaching those magical gates. I also suffer from Disney Depression when its time to leave. The funny thing is, I never experienced Disney as a kid. It was not until I was 25 when I made my first trip. My child on the other hand has been going since the age of 9 months and still loves it.

8. I am obsessed with the color red and I can pin point when my obsession started. It started with my red Kitchen Aid mixer and continued. I now have purses, dishes, shoes, clothes, washer/ dryer, and its part of my rescue logo. Something very empowering about that color.

9. I still frequent the baby isle in stores even when I no longer have a baby to buy for. I adore baby equipment and clothes. Lately, its office supplies and stationary items.

10. I have OCD. It totally consumes my life and I have not found a way to truly control it. Sometimes I am grateful that I do have it as it keeps me neat, organized, and clean. I have a real hard time functioning in clutter and mess. The flip side is that it drives everyone else around me crazy and causes a lot of contention in my life.

11. I also love jewelry and not just any old jewelry that you can buy in a mall jewelry store. I like unique pieces and most of my jewelry is one of a kind.

12. I have come to realize that my rescuing nature doesn't not just pertain to animals, but people alike. I always try to help people in need and rescue them out of their own mess. The longer I do animal rescue, the more I dislike people so.......

13. I do not eat leftovers unless it comes off a hibachi table. I have it stuck in my brain that if I dont eat stuff fresh off the stove, its covered in germs. There is no talking me out of it. I check expiration dates on fridge and pantry items.

14. Dishes are not clean to me unless they come from the dishwasher. I am all about the steam sanitation more than I think they really get the dishes clean. I detest sponges and dish rages. People dont realize how much fungus and bacteria are harbored in them. I have also been known to carry Clorox wipes in my purse and wipe down restaurant tables after the waitress uses those nasty rags. PUKE!

15. I love to dance and I am always looking for an opportunity to do so. Sometimes I just dance around my room when no one is home. SHHH.....

Last but not least, a recent picture: This was taken on Saturday at The Boy's football game.

I have decided to make a conscious effort to post something daily and although my life is always full of chaos I could blog about, I need some fillers here and there. 30 days of blogging it is. I might miss a day here or there like this Thursday and Friday when I go to Disney but I am going to make an effort to not let days go by without blogging. Here is the list that I stole from my friend.



Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you’re afraid of
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you’re looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you’ve learned
Day 25-Favorite memory
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

furbabies will make you look like a liar as well.

I have this special dog in my life and contrary to popular belief, he is not a beagle.I know the shock and horror! Well, he may have some beagle but he is more Jack Russell than anything else. Hands down, this is my heart dog. I know this dog in and out, upside down, sideways and upwards. He is NEVER far from my reach. Always right there. Capo has quite the nickname for him. I want to keep the vulgarity off my blog as much as possible but lets just say, its what you call a( male chicken)followed by the term "blocker". Its true! He sleeps right in between us normally sharing my pillow with his paws stretched out toward Capo and once in awhile he will stretch out to move Capo further away.

I am known to say things about this dog, such as "I would marry you if I could". I tell him I love him 45132132132 times a day. This dog truly and honestly makes my heart happy and I would be lost without him. I also have NO idea how my love for him came to be as we found him running down a busy road and he was very hard to catch. We found owners who asked if we wanted him because he hated apartment life and would escape the minute the door opened. The owners lost their house and had to move to an apartment. Of course, I took him in a minute and the rest is history.

So yesterday, I take him to The Boy's football practice where of course people were fawning over him. I am talking about how great of dog he is, the best one we have etc. He was such a good boy up until this lady came with one of those little small yappy dogs(no idea the breed but one I could never own). It was apparent that they both wanted to meet each other but I am not a big fan of dogs meeting on a leash. I find that they are most aggressive on a leash regardless if they have aggressive tendencies or not. Not only that, I dont know what other people's dogs have and I dont like my dogs to get infected with anything either. I am uber cautious with my dogs just as I would be with my son. Imagine that!

So the owners walks by and both dogs have tails wagging and I was very hesitant but the owner came up for our dogs to meet. I told her that he lives with a herd of dogs and is very friendly but I still dont like on leash meet and greets. One thing lead to another and next thing I know, she picks her dog and leans down to let them greet. I hear her dog yip, and it looks likes my well behaved handsome baby boy bit this small dog right in the face HARD. The lady thankfully didnt make a big deal about it but I was mortified. Here I am gushing over how wonderful my dogs is and he acts a fool. So there I was looking down and him, him up at me waggging his tail like, "Sorry mom, I am still a good boy right?". Remember this is the same dog who meets new dogs on a weekly basis here at Camp Rescue Hound and never acts aggressive.

Meet my little vicious Jackel!(beagle jack russel mix :) This is Siloh. His name use to be Shylow but I thought that named sucked so we improvised. Although, if I really want to get him to come in from the yard, I can yell "SHYLOW" and he comes running. Its rather humorous.



Another day in the life of The Beagle Mafia......

Why yes, yes I am! Quite a lot has happened in the year and a half I have been MIA so I wont bore you with the details but I will shed some light on the new happenings in my life post by post.

I could not resist blogging again as it appears my life is just one sitcom episode after episode. I guess having a herd of hounds, running a rescue, being a mom, wife, best friend, student about to be full time, and social butterfly makes for some good reality tv. The Jersey Housewives aint got nothing on me except too much time and money on their hands. :)

Yesterday alone would have made a great episode. Lets recap:

Day started with a trip the grocery store. As we were checking out this poor lady was very concerned about her running total and I saw her in tears putting stuff back that she could not afford. She was giving quite the story to the cashier and I could not resist trying to help her in some way. I rummaged through my wallet and found a $5 coupon to hand her and then added a few items to my bill so that she could buy everything she needed. She was extremely thankful and even tried to hand me what little cash she had left but of course I refused. Bless her heart.

After leaving the grocery store, Capo and I head to pick up The Boy(who I think I might rename Tween but that's for later). Per our usual weekly occurrence, we find a stray dog running in and out of traffic. We were unable to catch him/her but we at least chased the dog out of traffic.

So thats 2 good deeds, but of course, they never go unpunished. Sigh!

I am on the phone and I get a call beep in. I generally do not answer phone calls anymore because they are usually from rescue world in which I have to hear the same " I cant keep my dog anymore" sob story or some general questions people could figure out on their own if they tried. 3 years of listening to bullshit will generally sour you on answering the phone. Back to the phone call, something(had to be from above) told me to answer this call and place my call in progress on hold. Here is the conversation:

Caller: "Hi, do you have 3 beagles?"

Me:(thinking this was a rescue call), "why yes we have several beagles, which are you interested
in?

Caller: "Well I have 3 right here, "Suzie Q, one that looks like Suzie Q, another one, and one that
that looks like Suzie Q has run off again"

Me:( full blown panic mode now) "Omg, where are you located, they are my babies, I will be
right there".

Now I am screaming to Capo, The Boy and the Teen(I will formally introduce him soon)"The dogs are OUT".

Capo jumps in his car, I jump in mine and the Teen hops on his bike. I have no idea where this lady is located as I was in panic mode and not even listening so I just start looking for cul-de-sac which is all I can recall her telling me.

I screech in and there sits 2 of my hounds just walking around this lady's garage and driveway. I probably looked like a REAL bad pet owner as I get out and "yell, BAD DOGS, get in the car". They jump in and I thank the lady 45641313212321 times in tears. I am hoping that their Coach collars, their cleanliness, friendliness and my sense of panic was not over looked by me yelling at them.

So now, I race back to the house because I have no idea who else maybe missing. I didnt think to do a roll call which would be necessary when you own a herd of hounds. I half ass pulled in the driveway and saw the Teen on his bike and had him bring the 2 in the house that I found. He lays his bike down and I screech out of the driveway only turning in the opposite direction in which I pulled in. AND that is when I ran over his bike and ripped off half of the front end of my brand new car. GREAT!

So now my car is useless, my hounds are running all over the neighborhood and all I can do is cry!

The Teen being the the great kid that he is, starts trying to fix the front of my car so I can finish canvasing the neighborhood for my escapee hounds.

End of the story is, all the hounds have been accounted for, my car is ok but will need a few small repairs, and my sanity has been restored.

All this in the day of the life of The Beagle Mafia......