Life's Lessons

The last few school days before Spring Break were quite hectic for me, trying to finish up reports and such. I learned a few lessons in the past week or two that I thought I would share with you:

1) It is is not wise to leave your laptop on the ground with a 4-month old puppy running around. Cost of this mistake = $80

Why you ask? Your dog might scratch the letters of the alphabet off your laptop and chew your A/C adapter cord into 3 pieces. :) So happy I only had one day to live with out a laptop before my new alphabet came over spring break.

<-- A cute picture of Emma about 30 minutes before she destroyed my laptop.

2) Read the recommended doses on cough syrup bottles...

Surprisingly, I do read most labels before I take a medication. But for some reason, I never seem to benefit from cough syrup and it just wears off in less than a half hour anyway. Not Delsym. If you are looking for a powerful, alcohol-free cough syrup, this my friend is your answer. But not with coffee. I soon found myself slurring words when writing a diagnostic report and crashing into things. 2 teaspoons LeAnn, not two tablespoons. Lesson learned after my parents had to drive me to work that day.

In other unrelated news....

Life has changed quite a bit for in the last month or two. I am growing and learning how to be single again. I'm not really looking for any relationship in the near future, rather I think this is my time to figure out who I am and what I believe in. It's definitely a learning and growing process. I have realized that relationships are not very different than having a pet. Some similarities I have noticed thus far:

1) Both are easy to get caught up in

without much planning or thought

2) Kisses are great, but sometimes sloppy

3) Lots of work and forgiveness are necessary

4) Cleaning up the mess is no fun

5) When the relationship ends (whether it be with another person or the pet), it takes the heart a while to process that emptiness and feel ready to move on

But in the end, it must be worth it, so we keep loving and learning.

Here comes Round 2

So this week is the start of my 2nd semester of grad school. I really hope it goes quickly. I have a feeling this one might knock me down to my knees. I can't believe the amount reading already and my clinic load... Whoa. I am doing audiology hearing screenings, adult neurology diagnostic team and a variety of clients which include voice therapy, fluency therapy, young children, a phono awareness group in a local school, and a preteen phono awareness group. It should keep me very busy.

Emma went out for her first walk tonight and did very well. She moves pretty quick for 4 pounder. :) Potty training is going well, she always lets me know when she has to go outside. The biting though... that needs to get better, fast. I have gotten holes in my brand new pajamas pants and one of my favorite sweatshirts. Tonight I tried rawhide bones and Lord, I am finally at peace. It's fantastic. We will hopefully start puppy kindergarten in late February so hopefully we should see some progress then. Who knew puppies were so much work?

Following the Bandwagon...

Ok dear friends...
I have fallen into peer pressure and have actually started a blog. I feel a little silly doing this, as I think that excitement is rare in my life. :) All my friends have many more interesting things to write about, so I will do my best to spice up my life to make it a somewhat entertaining read for you all.

I do have a one bit of exciting news: I have actually become a puppy parent this week.

Meet Emma

I know I'm literally crazy to have a dog in graduate school, as well as a job and a boyfriend, but I guess I thought I could throw another responsibility on my plate. My new puppy is Emma, a gorgeous little brown cockapoo (cocker spaniel-poodle mix) and she is adorable. I think it's a start in the right direction towards feelings settled and maternal.
Speaking of maternal news, my dear friend Jenna is having a baby girl. I'm very excited for her as she starts this new chapter of her life.
In regards to not-very-exciting or pleasant news, I head back for 2nd semester a week from Monday. Hopefully my clinic load won't stress the heck out of me. At least my class load is a bit lighter. Just 11 more months on campus, two externships and I will be in the working world... I am not sure if I am extremely excited or fearful of eternal adulthood and responsibility. :)
On that lovely note, I should go take care of Emma and fulfill my pressing responsibilties.