Maddy and Me

Well, I just got back from "Marley and Me," and the movie was so poignant, beautiful and true. I think that was the beauty of the story. It was so true, and anyone who has ever had a dog (not any other kind of animal) can relate to the joys, trials, and true beauty of raising a dog. I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it, but you could easily pick out the dog owners in the audience; they were the runs with mascara and/or tears streaming down their faces throughout the movie...they were also the ones laughing out loud as Marley destroyed another piece of furniture or completely devoured another pillow or piece of drywall.
I am going to be honest; I love animals. However, there is something special about a dog that can't be found in any other animal. They are so innocent, loving, selfless, and they truly appreciate life. Now, I know this isn't true about all dogs, but I truly believe that the majority are made in that image.
My dog, Maddy Mae, is the absolute joy in my life. She is a beagle, husky, Australian Blue Heeler...well she's a mutt. My husband, Joe, and I rescued her from a shelter on Oct. 8, 2006, approximately two months after we were married. She completed our family at that point. Yes, we eventually want children; but, for right now, she is our only child and is loving the attention and the spoiling. We went into the shelter "looking" and left with her 30 minutes later, adoption papers signed and all. She really is a beauty, and I fell in love with her at first sight because she has one sky blue (husky) eye and one dark brown eye. When we brought her home, it was a sunny day, and we had no idea what to expect. Was she ornery? House trained? Mean? Accepting of people? We had no idea because she was left at the shelter in the middle of the night without a note or anything. She was at the shelter for approximately two weeks before we rescued her, and according to the vet, she was approximately 1 1/2 years old when we rescued her.
We were surprised because she was better than we expected. House trained...yes! Well-behaved...sweeter than candy! Accepting of others...our 40-pound dog will sit on any one's lap and give kisses to anyone. She wouldn't even get on the furniture and we thought she couldn't bark. God, we were so lucky getting the sweetest dog on the planet. After all, you never know what you are getting into when you rescue an animal from the shelter.
Does she have any downfalls? Sure, but they are completely tolerable. For example, she now gets on the furniture to nap; but that's our fault because we encouraged couch cuddling. She now barks, but it really isn't bad - she is a dog after all. But, she absolutely loves people and puts those puppy dog eyes to work every day.
By knowing and loving her, I have learned that she knows how to love life more than I could even imagine. She learns to love us unconditionally better than I can. She is more forgiving than any person I have ever met. She will give you kisses three minutes after you yell at her for trying to dig to China. She will also jump on and kiss you 5 seconds after you yell at her for getting her squeaks wrapped up in our Calvin Klein comforter.
Come to think of it. I have also learned how to love her unconditionally because I can forget the tear in the Calvin Klein comforter when I look into those eyes of hers.
I have plenty of Maddy stories to share that I will share later.
But, for now, I will go curl up on the couch and cuddle with my Maddy while she barks at the inanimate objects on the street.

2008 in review!

Wow! 2008 has been here and is gone, and now we are in the beginning of 2009. It has been quite a year. Instead of chronicling a New Year resolution that I would only end up breaking in probably three weeks, I have decided to mark the things that I have accomplished throughout the year.
* I learned to make time for friends and family. I have always been very close to my family and have always tried to make it to all of the family events. However, sometimes I let my friends take a back seat. Well, last Christmas one of my husband's best friends and roommate from college, who was also in out wedding asked if he could stay with us from Dec. 20-Jan. 1. At first, I was hesitant because there was so much going on during the holidays. However, I really loved Caleb and agreed for him to come. He spent New Year's with us and celebrated Christmas at my Grandma's. We had friends over, and it was an amazing time. I thank God so much for those three days because on April 1, 2008, Caleb died very unexpectedly. Because of circumstances out of our control we didn't even find out until a month later. It was a sickening and horrible feeling and a time I will never forget. He is in my thoughts every day. The way he laughed, smiled, told jokes and simply enjoyed life is something that will be permanently carved into my being. So, in 2008, I learned to ALWAYS make room and time for everyone because life is so short.
* I also learned how to budget a little more. The first year we were married I was out of control. Now, I realize that to enjoy things I need to save money!!!!
*I learned my husband isn't going to change. I am not saying that I will quit trying to make him stop chomping on his food with his mouth open but I am learning that I will have to live with him and not much is going to change.
* I am learning to let my husband help me out more around the house and get ready for parties. I used to drive myself absolutely NUTS trying to do everything myself the "right" way. However, now I have learned to give him some tasks and let him do them. It has made my life so much easier.

In 2009, I hope I can learn to relax and enjoy life a little more. I also want to be comfortable with my weight. I am slim and healthy and need to realize I am where I should be. I wish happiness and health for my family and friends and yours. God bless 2009!