Reflection is an important part of learning, so let's look at the goals I set for this past year.
1. Get a raise
2. Find more joy in my duties
3. Be more active
4. Finish reading my Bible
Well, I didn't get the raise...yet. I did complete all my coursework. There was one course that required me to test a student before my credit could be verified, though. I wasn't assigned a student to test until Thanksgiving (you'd have thought they'd be more eager to split the work-load!). I finished all of the testing right before break and sent it in, but the data may not be entered until after the break. I'll apply for the raise as soon as I can and hope that I met whatever the final deadline is. It would really suck to miss out on an earned raise.
Goals 2 and 3 are also a mixed bag. I have been incredibly blessed. I am very thankful for my wife, son, family, job, house, pets, neighborhood, neighbors, friends, health, everything! I have only so much energy and the list of things I want to do is umpteen miles long, though. I find myself running on empty on occasion. At those times, I wish I found a little more joy in the 50th lap around the basement chasing Shane with Bumblebee or that I checked my fantasy football stats one less time when I was with him. I'm only human. I feel like Shane and I have lots of stories together, but I would love more. I want to take him to ride a metro one of these days on break. I'd love to take Carrie and Shane to the zoo, too, but that depends on Carrie's energy level and the weather in addition to mine!
I am, and forever will be, a work in progress. I think I'm doing a pretty good job keeping up with Shane and the ever-changing art of parenting, but that could change tomorrow! Parents seem so permanent as a kid, but kids seem like dynamic little balls of ever-changing chaos to parents. I've found myself looking at Shane's baby pictures and saying "WHOA! He's grown!" before.
The final goal has been good for me. I was a bit slack at the beginning of the year with my reading, but Lent jump started me. I got more organized around summer when I realized I was losing track and re-reading Psalms and Proverbs and then the habit stuck. I didn't finish the Old Testament until the end of November and I saved the gospel of John for last. I've learned a lot and I'm glad I did it. With God's help I'll keep up the habit of reading, thinking and praying so I can be the man my family needs me to be.
The first and fourth goals were where most of my energy was spent, and I believe it was worth it.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
What They Don't Tell You
No parenting book will mention you that you may find yourself holding your spawn over your fence to make him spit out the bite of cheeseburger he chewed without swallowing for a half-hour ride in traffic so that you can put him down for his nap.
The dog was okay with it.
The dog was okay with it.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Resurrected Post: Beginning Again
On March 15, 2010 I found my old LiveJournal and started writing on it. My posts were all marked to private, the shy boy I am, and I wrote like it. I sometimes wrote boring lists, I sometimes wrote with people's real names, and I sometimes exaggerated things to amuse myself that don't translate well if you're not me.
I was working on writing my goals and reflection posts earlier and decided to dredge up an old entry. It's related to one of my goals and seemed like an easy way to post something tonight (copy + paste!).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello, world.
I'm going to give this journal thing another go around. Long story short, I would like to start writing more often. I play a lot of games. I read a ton of books. I've even started watching more TV due to my wife, Carrie. These things are all fine and dandy, but I've been feeling for a while that I want to make something of my own. I want to be a part of the process, a participant instead of someone partaking in another person's story. I don't want to just be a consumer.
Before I married Carrie, I used to have opportunities to game master role playing games for my friends. I like to think that I was good at creating worlds and exciting stories (never mind the fact their set goal was to derail everything as fantastically as possible). Whether I was talented or not, creating and running games was a good creative outlet. Lately, there have been no GURPs games, so I have to find a new outlet.
That's where writing comes in.
I'm not the best writer. My style is far from anything you might consider literary art. It's more of a conversational meandering with grammatical errors. However, I do seem to derive some sort of pleasure or sense of accomplishment out of it. Therefore, I want to get better at it.
My writing goal is to make a short journal entry every day or do some work on a short story. I'd love to get published one day, but I'm a long ways off as I write this. Writing on this journal should help me get into the habit of writing more often. If I get better at it or not is an entirely different story!
I was working on writing my goals and reflection posts earlier and decided to dredge up an old entry. It's related to one of my goals and seemed like an easy way to post something tonight (copy + paste!).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello, world.
I'm going to give this journal thing another go around. Long story short, I would like to start writing more often. I play a lot of games. I read a ton of books. I've even started watching more TV due to my wife, Carrie. These things are all fine and dandy, but I've been feeling for a while that I want to make something of my own. I want to be a part of the process, a participant instead of someone partaking in another person's story. I don't want to just be a consumer.
Before I married Carrie, I used to have opportunities to game master role playing games for my friends. I like to think that I was good at creating worlds and exciting stories (never mind the fact their set goal was to derail everything as fantastically as possible). Whether I was talented or not, creating and running games was a good creative outlet. Lately, there have been no GURPs games, so I have to find a new outlet.
That's where writing comes in.
I'm not the best writer. My style is far from anything you might consider literary art. It's more of a conversational meandering with grammatical errors. However, I do seem to derive some sort of pleasure or sense of accomplishment out of it. Therefore, I want to get better at it.
My writing goal is to make a short journal entry every day or do some work on a short story. I'd love to get published one day, but I'm a long ways off as I write this. Writing on this journal should help me get into the habit of writing more often. If I get better at it or not is an entirely different story!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Wandering Boys
Friday, Shane and I took the Prius to get an oil change. I used to do all my own oil changes, but it's a lot harder when you're in charge of a three year old.
Plus, it was cold.
I'm allowed to be a little lazy in my old age and fatherhood. The coupon kept it cheap.
It was the day of our planned road trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa, so I wanted it done before logging a couple hundred miles.
Shane and I did what we do best while the car was in the shop: we explored.
I like to look around new areas whenever possible. I try different routes to different places on random days to update the map in my head and keep from getting bored.
Shane's a big fan of running around new places, too. The only point we disagree on is how many times we need to ride the elevator before moving on.
We were heading back to the shop when I noticed what looked to be an abandoned building behind the auto-shop.
It required more exploring.
The structures reminded me of some sort of truck depot, but I couldn't place anything for sure. The outdoor roofs over all the asphalt were tall and slanted. You can see them in the background if you zoom in behind Shane's head.
We walked around front, but I couldn't find any old lettering on windows or any other clues. I took a picture of the address, so maybe I'll look it up if I ever remember and have time.
I'm curious by nature and Shane seems to share the trait. I believe if you're bored, you're not trying hard enough. Ask questions, think, be active and keep positive unless you enjoy the boredom.
We would have kept poking around, but the shop called to tell us the car was ready. I still needed to pack!
Friday, December 27, 2013
What Puppies Do
Roxy skinned a tennis ball today. I'll be looking for green, felt poop in the future.
Pop's Brothers and Sisters
Every year some of Pop's brothers drive up after Christmas for a short visit.
They usually bring their kids along with them and it's a fun way to end the year. I've missed out on seeing them a lot in the past years. I was the first in my family to stop visiting Nebraska and early Thanksgiving due to college and work. Then I got married, bought a house, had a kid....all things that don't typically give you more time and freedom to travel.
Carrie, Shane and I got to see them Friday, so it made me a little nostalgic.
Here I am writing about it.
I could write a book on my family history (maybe even a blog). There are oodles and oodles of pictures and stories and then that links to cousins and more stories!
I don't want to write until my keyboard cracks, so I figured I'd keep it short. What are the first memories I have when I think of Pop's brothers and sisters? What are the first quickest things I can type out?
Uncle Kevin & Dennis (Combined):
Every year we visited North Carolina for 'Early Thanksgiving' my parents would rent a hotel room.
My parents always picked the same hotel, because it had the best pool.
The uncles would hop in and fling all of the kids around with velocities that would cause helicopter parents to lift off.
And we loved it.
We would swarm them. We would try to take out their legs. They'd take turns hurling us like javelins. They didn't go easy on us and that only made us try harder and harder. Whenever one went down (momentarily) we would all cheer even if we were the airborne (they worked in twos!).
This continued well into my early teens.
Uncle Dennis (Solo):
Most of my Dad's family is athletic in some fashion. Uncle Dennis is the one I've always identified as being the most 'in' to sports. Both of his boys are sportsy, too. Dennis always stuck out in my mind as being a talker and a joker, too. He was quick with a tease (in good sport) and had stories ta boot. The only story that I can think of right now is more current. It involves my cousin Kyle as a baby singing over the intercom and only too late did Dennis realize what the lyrics were....
But that's Dennis' story! It's hilarious, but his to tell.
This is probably odd, but for some reason I've always felt Dennis' voice sounded the most like I hear my own. I'm not even sure it's true, but the memory/thought/whatever it is is there.
Uncle Kevin (Solo):
Uncle Kevin was always famous for rough-housing. When we were little, he'd dangle us from a foot (playing "bat!") and when we were older he'd wrestle. In 7th grade, I jumped on his back and I swear he squeezed me so hard it bruised a rib. It hurt for a week! I was right back in it again soon enough.
One of my earliest memories of Kevin was he was a gamer. He played the old, old school Nintendo games. I was having trouble beating Final Fantasy. He recommended I buy 99 potions (the max allowed) before venturing into the final dungeon.
It worked like a charm. I was in Texas upstairs in the playroom in the memory and it was before the Super Nintendo came out. I must have been in 2nd or 3rd grade at the time, but no age is attached to my memory. Just dawning comprehension.
Aunt Mary:
Aunt Mary visiting meant that Chris and Stephie were around. However unfairly, most of my memories of her are blurred by playing with her children. I remember the summer Grandpa Vern stuck Chris and I in the back "trunk" of a golf cart and drove us to a local playground (bumping all the way). Then there was another summer we checked out books on ninjas from the local library. We ran around the house trying to act them out and spy on the girls with our newfound stealth skills.
The other memories I have of Aunt Mary are related to quilts. I had a quilt growing up that she made. Bits of the pattern and the colors still stick out in my mind. She made another quilt for Carrie and I, but since I can go down and wrap myself in it I don't count it as "memory."
Uncle Jim:
Uncle Jim wins the "I remember visiting him in the most different places and we usually went to a baseball game while we were there!" award. I used to cheer on the Texas Rangers (and Nolan Ryan) when he lived in Texas. We saw a Tigers game when we visited him in Detroit one year. I think we went to a minor league game in the Carolinas, but I'm a bit fuzzy on whether or not he was there or if it was with the other Carolina branch of the family. Memory is a funny thing. I associate baseball games with visiting Uncle Jim.
Uncle Jim also sticks out in my memory as a big time reader and chess guru. I remember thinking as a kid "I'd love to beat Uncle Jim at chess! That'd show how smart I am!"
Guess what's never happened?
Aunt Beth:
Aunt Beth will forever be linked in my mind to "I'm not pointing! I'm not pointing!" It cracks me up to this day. If you know the story and you know Nana you'll know why.
Whenever I think of Aunt Beth I also think of Grandpa Vern's "Lee sisters" routine, books (and the awe I felt realizing she read all the 'cool' ones), Nebraska, and lots and lots of laughing. She grew up as the youngest, so she got plenty of teasing from all the older jokers and by the time the nephews and nieces came around she was good at it. She also had the dirt on all the uncles and my dad growing up ("Pop did what?!"). I think of Nebraska, because that's where she lives in her family. Visiting Nebraska was synonymous with hanging out with her and eventually her husband and kids (though once again I was the first in the family to start missing the yearly trip. When her youngest, Claire, saw me after many years she thought I was 'serious.' Ha!)
Aunt Beth posts on here, so I guess I should write a "Aunt B is the best aunt I've ever had" disclaimer!
Uncle Matt:
None of my brothers or sisters have met Uncle Matt. He died while still a toddler. I've asked about him before and been told the story, but once I was told I don't think I ever asked for it to be told again or asked questions to fill in any gaps. Some memories stay sad and you move forward. I bring him up, because he does have an impact on my life. My brother, Matt's, name is a deathbed promise from my mom to my Grandma Evelyn. Nana told Grandma E that if she had another boy she'd name him after her lost son.
It's a sad memory, but it has stuck in my head the value of a name and of a promise. It's probably one of the first stories I know that also told the young me that life isn't permanent: treasure your family while you have them.
Conclusion:
I started with the two trouble-making Uncles who were at Nana and Pop's house and tried to go in age-order from that point on. Aunt Mary is an 'Irish twin' with Pop, so I know she's the second oldest. I always get confused/mixed up on whether Dennis or Kevin is older. It's kind of sad. You would have thought I'd have something that simple down by my third decade in the family. So many of my memories of those two are intertwined, though (they even wore the same mustaches for years).
I'll probably think of 1,000,000,001 things I could have written now that I've jotted down these thoughts.
Some other night, perhaps.
They usually bring their kids along with them and it's a fun way to end the year. I've missed out on seeing them a lot in the past years. I was the first in my family to stop visiting Nebraska and early Thanksgiving due to college and work. Then I got married, bought a house, had a kid....all things that don't typically give you more time and freedom to travel.
Carrie, Shane and I got to see them Friday, so it made me a little nostalgic.
Here I am writing about it.
I could write a book on my family history (maybe even a blog). There are oodles and oodles of pictures and stories and then that links to cousins and more stories!
I don't want to write until my keyboard cracks, so I figured I'd keep it short. What are the first memories I have when I think of Pop's brothers and sisters? What are the first quickest things I can type out?
Uncle Kevin & Dennis (Combined):
Every year we visited North Carolina for 'Early Thanksgiving' my parents would rent a hotel room.
My parents always picked the same hotel, because it had the best pool.
The uncles would hop in and fling all of the kids around with velocities that would cause helicopter parents to lift off.
And we loved it.
We would swarm them. We would try to take out their legs. They'd take turns hurling us like javelins. They didn't go easy on us and that only made us try harder and harder. Whenever one went down (momentarily) we would all cheer even if we were the airborne (they worked in twos!).
This continued well into my early teens.
Uncle Dennis (Solo):
Most of my Dad's family is athletic in some fashion. Uncle Dennis is the one I've always identified as being the most 'in' to sports. Both of his boys are sportsy, too. Dennis always stuck out in my mind as being a talker and a joker, too. He was quick with a tease (in good sport) and had stories ta boot. The only story that I can think of right now is more current. It involves my cousin Kyle as a baby singing over the intercom and only too late did Dennis realize what the lyrics were....
But that's Dennis' story! It's hilarious, but his to tell.
This is probably odd, but for some reason I've always felt Dennis' voice sounded the most like I hear my own. I'm not even sure it's true, but the memory/thought/whatever it is is there.
Uncle Kevin (Solo):
Uncle Kevin was always famous for rough-housing. When we were little, he'd dangle us from a foot (playing "bat!") and when we were older he'd wrestle. In 7th grade, I jumped on his back and I swear he squeezed me so hard it bruised a rib. It hurt for a week! I was right back in it again soon enough.
One of my earliest memories of Kevin was he was a gamer. He played the old, old school Nintendo games. I was having trouble beating Final Fantasy. He recommended I buy 99 potions (the max allowed) before venturing into the final dungeon.
It worked like a charm. I was in Texas upstairs in the playroom in the memory and it was before the Super Nintendo came out. I must have been in 2nd or 3rd grade at the time, but no age is attached to my memory. Just dawning comprehension.
Aunt Mary:
Aunt Mary visiting meant that Chris and Stephie were around. However unfairly, most of my memories of her are blurred by playing with her children. I remember the summer Grandpa Vern stuck Chris and I in the back "trunk" of a golf cart and drove us to a local playground (bumping all the way). Then there was another summer we checked out books on ninjas from the local library. We ran around the house trying to act them out and spy on the girls with our newfound stealth skills.
The other memories I have of Aunt Mary are related to quilts. I had a quilt growing up that she made. Bits of the pattern and the colors still stick out in my mind. She made another quilt for Carrie and I, but since I can go down and wrap myself in it I don't count it as "memory."
Uncle Jim:
Uncle Jim wins the "I remember visiting him in the most different places and we usually went to a baseball game while we were there!" award. I used to cheer on the Texas Rangers (and Nolan Ryan) when he lived in Texas. We saw a Tigers game when we visited him in Detroit one year. I think we went to a minor league game in the Carolinas, but I'm a bit fuzzy on whether or not he was there or if it was with the other Carolina branch of the family. Memory is a funny thing. I associate baseball games with visiting Uncle Jim.
Uncle Jim also sticks out in my memory as a big time reader and chess guru. I remember thinking as a kid "I'd love to beat Uncle Jim at chess! That'd show how smart I am!"
Guess what's never happened?
Aunt Beth:
Aunt Beth will forever be linked in my mind to "I'm not pointing! I'm not pointing!" It cracks me up to this day. If you know the story and you know Nana you'll know why.
Whenever I think of Aunt Beth I also think of Grandpa Vern's "Lee sisters" routine, books (and the awe I felt realizing she read all the 'cool' ones), Nebraska, and lots and lots of laughing. She grew up as the youngest, so she got plenty of teasing from all the older jokers and by the time the nephews and nieces came around she was good at it. She also had the dirt on all the uncles and my dad growing up ("Pop did what?!"). I think of Nebraska, because that's where she lives in her family. Visiting Nebraska was synonymous with hanging out with her and eventually her husband and kids (though once again I was the first in the family to start missing the yearly trip. When her youngest, Claire, saw me after many years she thought I was 'serious.' Ha!)
Aunt Beth posts on here, so I guess I should write a "Aunt B is the best aunt I've ever had" disclaimer!
Uncle Matt:
None of my brothers or sisters have met Uncle Matt. He died while still a toddler. I've asked about him before and been told the story, but once I was told I don't think I ever asked for it to be told again or asked questions to fill in any gaps. Some memories stay sad and you move forward. I bring him up, because he does have an impact on my life. My brother, Matt's, name is a deathbed promise from my mom to my Grandma Evelyn. Nana told Grandma E that if she had another boy she'd name him after her lost son.
It's a sad memory, but it has stuck in my head the value of a name and of a promise. It's probably one of the first stories I know that also told the young me that life isn't permanent: treasure your family while you have them.
Conclusion:
I started with the two trouble-making Uncles who were at Nana and Pop's house and tried to go in age-order from that point on. Aunt Mary is an 'Irish twin' with Pop, so I know she's the second oldest. I always get confused/mixed up on whether Dennis or Kevin is older. It's kind of sad. You would have thought I'd have something that simple down by my third decade in the family. So many of my memories of those two are intertwined, though (they even wore the same mustaches for years).
I'll probably think of 1,000,000,001 things I could have written now that I've jotted down these thoughts.
Some other night, perhaps.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
All I Want for Christmas...
All I want for Christmas is....
...pajamas apparently! Carrie found a set of adult jammies on Craigslist for $2. That's a good price for a gag gift!
On a random note: these pictures were taken at different times. How can you tell?
Christmas Day 2013
Carrie rose first. There was cooking afoot.
Daddy awoke next, but failed to leave the bed.
Kathleen, Cole and Stu were there! I love it when the family assembles. I get to see everyone and the little boys get to play. Ka recorded Nana and Pop getting a work-out running around with the wee ones. The good times abounded!
There will be lots more time for family over the holiday break. Carrie has to work Thursday and Friday, so Shane and I will be out and about. Uncle Dennis, Matthew and Kyle are coming to visit Nana and Pop's Thursday night. Matt and Renee were with Renee's family for Christmas, but they'll be back this weekend. Hopefully, we'll see them before we go to Carrie's parent's for the weekend, but if not there will be time later. The only local-ish family we won't have gotten to see this Christmas will be B and Megan. They were missed, but they're in India! It's understandable. Hopefully, they'll be around next year.
Daddy awoke next, but failed to leave the bed.
Shane started his morning last. Daddy had no choice but to get up then!
Who wakes when will change next year. Shane's experience Christmas presents. He'll probably wake up next week asking for Christmas again!
Carrie spent the morning cooking while I entertained Shane and Roxy.
We took a short time out for a Christmas photo op!
At 10:30 AM, Nana, Pop, Jama, and Patrick came over for breakfast and presents!
I took my one video and then joined the festivities (I like to record and take pictures, but, most of all, I want to live it!).
It was great to see Patrick there. I haven't seen much of him for a while. Young adults live at very different hours than working parents. He was usually asleep, at work, or out whenever I went to Nana and Pop's. Then Patrick transferred out of town to a bigger college this semester.
Shane wasn't shy around him. My son enlisted his uncle's help with opening presents and general tomfoolery. Later, I tried to play a round of X-Wing miniatures with Patrick and Shane kept running over and grabbing his dice and TIE-fighters! Cracked me up. Patrick didn't mind either. He's laid-back and I suspect he was more interested in updating League of Legends on my computer...
Then there were the usual cast of characters in my families' lives.
Nana could only sit on the couch with Pop so long before she wanted in on unwrapping presents with Shane.
Carrie and Jama talked on the side. Jama enlisted Carrie's help as an 'elf' to order, wrap, and hide gifts!
A couple of hours later, everyone left for their own nap-times. Carrie crashed and slept just as Shane was waking up. He was too excited to sleep for long! The boy, puppy, and I played in the basement with some of his new toys.
That night, we packed up and went over to Nana and Pop's for round two!
Kathleen, Cole and Stu were there! I love it when the family assembles. I get to see everyone and the little boys get to play. Ka recorded Nana and Pop getting a work-out running around with the wee ones. The good times abounded!
Not pictured (yet -- Pop has more photos on his camera), Bill, Jill, and John all came over. It was a reunion!
I loved seeing everyone. It never feels like there's enough time or opportunity during a 'regular week.'
I think my family and friends do Christmas right. It's not about setting unrealistic expectations and killing yourself with preparations, shopping, and all the muddle. Nana heated up mac and cheese and frozen turkey from Thanksgiving. Christmas is more about spending time with loved ones and less about worrying about getting things right.
There will be lots more time for family over the holiday break. Carrie has to work Thursday and Friday, so Shane and I will be out and about. Uncle Dennis, Matthew and Kyle are coming to visit Nana and Pop's Thursday night. Matt and Renee were with Renee's family for Christmas, but they'll be back this weekend. Hopefully, we'll see them before we go to Carrie's parent's for the weekend, but if not there will be time later. The only local-ish family we won't have gotten to see this Christmas will be B and Megan. They were missed, but they're in India! It's understandable. Hopefully, they'll be around next year.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
It's a Dog's Life
The cat hates her, but Roxy has settled in. Most of the initial "We've got a dog now?" wrinkles have been ironed out.
No, I throw open the sliding glass door and say "Get out there!"
Roxy enjoys the yard, too. She often doesn't want to come back in; she wants us to go out with her.
Roxy's brought some new rubs to the equation since.
Our biggest dog investment was finishing our fence. No longer do I grab a leash and venture forth into the cold. No longer do we occasionally borrow our neighbors' back yard to run the young-ins energy out.
I may wander to a window to peek out from the heated indoors or I may not. It's made dog ownership far more comfortable.
Roxy enjoys the yard, too. She often doesn't want to come back in; she wants us to go out with her.
This new tactic, while warmer, has brought some new issues to light.
1. Doggy landmines
I swear I step on one every time I go out. The logs are concealed amongst the tall grass and leaves. The smell following me is usually my first clue something's amiss. I used to scoop piles when Roxy was on the leash, but that stopped the moment I didn't have to be out with her.
I'll have to live in World War T for Turd until I clean yard.
The cold front will be a blessing: I'd rather collect frozen dog logs than a steaming pile of Roxy.
The cold front will be a blessing: I'd rather collect frozen dog logs than a steaming pile of Roxy.
2. Holes
I quote The Complete Idiot's Guide to German Shepherd Dogs: "Don't get a German Shepherd if you can't appreciate the stark beauty of a moonscape. Just think of the extra physical exercise your thoughtful dog has arranged for you as you leap over holes and shovel the dirt back into them, and the mental exercise as you ponder why there's never enough dirt to fill them back up."
Carrie checked out the book. I opened the book up, read one paragraph, and that was it. I thought, "I've never had a dog that was a digger before. Roxy hasn't shown much inclination for it, either."
The next day she was halfway underground. I think she was trying to visit our other neighbor's dogs.
And no, there was not anywhere near enough dirt near the hole to easily fill it back in: Roxy was wearing the rest of it.
She's dug up and run around the yard with the occasional sheet of weed block fabric I installed, too.
3. Dirty Dog Syndrome
Have you seen the video where the fox hunts the field mice in the snow? If not, watch it first (it's awesome).
Now substitute the fox with Roxy and the snow with a giant mud puddle.
You have an image of what I witness out my back window.
All of the odd weather, snow, and rain has turned my back yard into a swamp. Roxy LOVES it. She runs around hopping like a gazelle. She sprints and then slides into a 180 tearing up turf and spraying mud. Today, I watched her run over to her half-dug swimming pool and jam her head underwater.
Roxy's play is highly amusing and cringe inducing simultaneously. I try to let her in and out quickly to prevent the mess. If I see it's too late, I'll let her run around and enjoy the show before clean-up commences. Odds are I'll be the one dealing with the mud.
Wet dog smell never bothered me. It hardly registers. Carrie, on the other hand, can't stand it. Her face crinkles up and she looks at me with no-cat-ever-smelled-like-this eyes. She'll still do what needs to be done, though. My wife is a trooper. She's cleaned a mud-coated Roxy multiple times, but I try to do it if at all possible because I know it bugs her.
Roxy is probably going to get a professional bath for Christmas.
UPDATE - Roxy DID get a pro bath for Christmas! It wasn't the gift she was expecting or would have wanted.
It sure made Carrie happy, though!
UPDATE - Roxy DID get a pro bath for Christmas! It wasn't the gift she was expecting or would have wanted.
It sure made Carrie happy, though!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas Eve
It's Carrie and I's sixth Christmas together.
She was so surprised she ran out the back door while I waited up front with flowers. I didn't even learn she was gone until half an hour of sitting and looking pretty later!
"You're never going to let me live this down are you?" Carrie asked.
We've had enough practice that I think we've got it down.
That wasn't always the case.
1st Christmas -
Carrie and I started dating in July. By December we were fools in love (well, at least I was a fool). Christmas Eve came and we wen't together, though.
Carrie had to work the late shift.
I decided to drive down and surprise her.
She was so surprised she ran out the back door while I waited up front with flowers. I didn't even learn she was gone until half an hour of sitting and looking pretty later!
At the time we were dating, Carrie was a veterinary tech at a referral and critical care veterinary hospital near Richmond. When I arrived at the hospital's front desk, my future wife was covered in animal decorations that shall not be named. In a moment of "He's HERE!?!?" she ran out the back door to rush home and clean up before I could see her in a soiled state.
"You're never going to let me live this down are you?" Carrie asked.
"Nope!" I smiled. "It's much too funny!"
And it is. I love telling this story!
2nd Christmas (our first married one) -
This time it's all my fault.
My family liked to attend a midnight Christmas Eve service when I lived with them. Carrie and I, newly wed, decided to continue the tradition.
However, there was a couple of Christmas parties and lots of people around. Carrie wanted to take a short nap and rest up before the service. I drove over in advance while she slumbered.
As the time for the service neared, I started to get nervous that Carrie wasn't at my parents. I called her phone over and over, but there was no reply. I left a voice mail saying "we're on our way to the church; I hope to see you there!" and we headed out.
A more apt name for the 'midnight service' may have been the 'candlelight service.'
Carrie thought the service started at midnight. In fact, it ended at midnight Christmas morning.
She overslept, woke up, listened to my voicemail and became very upset that she messed up our first Christmas together.
A miss-communication. It lead to some heartache, but we patched things up by 2:00 or 3:00 AM at the latest. It was one of those mutually unintended slips that when you make it through them they strengthen your marriage (aka: "Remember when we made it through that?! It's all uphill from here on out!"
3rd Christmas (Shane's first) -
I started blogging by this one. Basically, Shane was itty-bitty and Carrie was having a hard time recovering from childbirth. We stayed at home and family visited. It was dramatic for us in that we were suddenly entrusted with new life and scrambling to not mess it up. If you've never been entrusted with a newborn you are solely responsible for, you won't understand the immensity of feelings/tasks that come with it.
It was stressful, but I felt an improvement from the year before. We were all together -- a new family.
Every Christmas I have two wishes - to honor Jesus' birth and to be with my family.
That's it.
That's it.
I won't lie - a good present is icing on the cake, but if it's not opened around loved ones the day feels lacking.
4th Christmas (Shane's first he's old enough to do anything!) -
Shortly before Christmas, I lit a hot pocket on fire and Carrie made me buy Portal 2.
Shortly after Christmas, Carrie beat Portal 2.
You can guess how some of the time in between was filled.
This year we made a big effort to spend time with both sets of grandparents. Christmas Eve was spent with my family. Then we packed up and drove down to Carrie's parents house so we could wake up and spend Christmas Day with them. We started a new tradition there: a picture with Shane at Carrie's parents. For the first picture, it was only Shane and I.
5th Christmas (Shane's talking!) -
For the second picture, it was Shane, Carrie and I. This Christmas (the sixth) we'll add in Grandma or Grandpa. We only have two pictures so far, but it's neat seeing the progression and Shane's growth.
I love it.
Carrie's idea of a Christmas present was a get away for the two of us while Shane spent quality time with Grandma and Grandpa.
The middle post had pictures. I hadn't entered the smart-phone revolution yet.
6th Christmas (The here and now) -
That brings us up to tonight. Carrie has to work Thursday and Friday, so we won't be able to visit Grandma and Grandpa until the weekend. I'm looking forward to taking our behind-the-couch-family-photo to keep our tradition intact.
In an awesome twist, some of my family will be coming to our house to celebrate on Christmas Day. Carrie is cooking her apple pie soup and planning on making mint cupcakes and a loaf of something or other.
I'm really looking forward to it.
Carrie spent the morning at IKEA with Genevieve while Shane and I took care of the house. We hired Nana's maids for a one time keep-the-company-is-coming-stress-levels-low for Carrie and Roxy got a professional bath. We got to ride a shuttle to the Christmas Eve service (Shane loved it) and I would post something about the message, but they haven't posted it online yet. We watched an episode of Dirty Jobs together after Shane went down and Carrie's asleep on the couch as I type.
The final thought -
Christmas really isn't about us in the end. We live it and I tell our stories from my lens, but Kevin Sorbo posted a story on his blog last year I really liked.
I think it sums the holiday up nicely, but it's not short.
I think it sums the holiday up nicely, but it's not short.
Merry Christmas Eve to all!
Monday, December 23, 2013
A Few Shane Sayings
Shane says some pretty hysterical things from time to time. I normally think "That's awesome! I should write that down!"
Then I don't.
Then I forget.
No longer! Here are some Shane sayings.
In the car
Shane: I don't want to go home!
Carrie: Tough cookies.
Shane: Cookies?
Carrie & I: Uh-oh.
Shane: I want a cookie! I want a cookie! x infinite
Whenever he wants something
Shane: I love you, I need you, Mommy! ::big hug + kiss::
Carrie: Now I understand "affection as a weapon."
Shane's new favorite word
Anyone: Shane, do you want/need/like ______________.
Shane: NOT.
That's not what I meant..
Me: Shane do you want a bunny?
Shane: NO! We don't eat bunnies! Bunnies HOP!!
Friends
Me: Do you want to visit Daniel?
Shane: Oh yeah! He needs me.
After bedtime. The house is quiet; Shane is supposed to be sleeping; I sneeze.
Shane (through the monitor): Bless you, Daddy.
Me (to the ceiling): Thank you, Shane.
Shane (through the monitor): Your welcome.
When Daddy hugs Mommy
Shane: No, Daddy! That's my girl!
On occasion, Shane also mimics some of Daddy's "names" for Mommy
Shane: Good morning, Beautiful!
Sometimes he tries to call me "Mike," as well.
When Daddy hugs Mommy
Shane: No, Daddy! That's my girl!
On occasion, Shane also mimics some of Daddy's "names" for Mommy
Shane: Good morning, Beautiful!
Sometimes he tries to call me "Mike," as well.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
In case...
In case you never noticed: if you hold your mouse over most of the pics I post a little message appears.
It's nothing big. It helps cut down some on my ADHD tendency for tons of tangents.
I like to learn, and there's always something new to learn if you're open to it. It's a state of mind: When you're green, you grow. When you're ripe, you rot.
It's nothing big. It helps cut down some on my ADHD tendency for tons of tangents.
I like to learn, and there's always something new to learn if you're open to it. It's a state of mind: When you're green, you grow. When you're ripe, you rot.
Unseasonal Weather
I can't recall too many late Decembers where I've stood on the back porch barefoot and in shorts in a light rain without being cold.
Someone had to encourage the dog to do her doody without over-frolicking in the mud.
A Night Out
Carrie and I hired Meghan to babysit tonight. Our plan was to go to IKEA, but we ended up going out for dinner and custard with Genevieve and Chris. They also supplied some decorations for my evil plan (more on that later!).
Before we left, we showed Meghan Shane's favorite game on his learning software: Astronaut Alphabet/Numbers Blaster.
When we came home, we found this:
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
This is the kind of thing I wish I thought of/had the energy for more. As a parent, I always want to do more and more for my son.
Sometimes the best thing to do is let someone else take over for a little bit. New perspective, new ideas, new fun and learning.
When they say "It takes a village to raise a child," it's partly to keep the parents from going nuts. The rest of it is for the child's sake.
Before we left, we showed Meghan Shane's favorite game on his learning software: Astronaut Alphabet/Numbers Blaster.
When we came home, we found this:
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
This is the kind of thing I wish I thought of/had the energy for more. As a parent, I always want to do more and more for my son.
Sometimes the best thing to do is let someone else take over for a little bit. New perspective, new ideas, new fun and learning.
When they say "It takes a village to raise a child," it's partly to keep the parents from going nuts. The rest of it is for the child's sake.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Restored+
Tuesday and Wednesday, the floor contractors came calling.
Our house looked like this after the painters bedazzled the walls.
Now, it looks like this.
Carrie wanted to update and personalize at some point. Having our pipes explode wasn't the plan, but it's the hand we were dealt. We're out the 'yard work,' the deductible and the sum we payed to upgrade from cheap-o carpet to laminate, but the insurance paid for a lot of paint and installation. It's way better to upgrade after being hosed than to upgrade and play Waterworld shortly thereafter.
I hereby declare the Great Plunge of '13 to be concluded.
Our house looked like this after the painters bedazzled the walls.
Now, it looks like this.
Carrie wanted to update and personalize at some point. Having our pipes explode wasn't the plan, but it's the hand we were dealt. We're out the 'yard work,' the deductible and the sum we payed to upgrade from cheap-o carpet to laminate, but the insurance paid for a lot of paint and installation. It's way better to upgrade after being hosed than to upgrade and play Waterworld shortly thereafter.
I hereby declare the Great Plunge of '13 to be concluded.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Shane's Birthday - 2013 Edition
I loved Shane's birthday. Maybe even more than he did. There was food. There was family. The were friends.
And there was a very, very excited little boy.
It wasn't a big party - it never needs to be. I went to bed with a tired, but elated feeling.
If it hadn't taken me two weeks to retrieve the footage from my wife's phone I would have chronicled all this by now!
Here it is - Uncut and Uncensored.
Shane's Birthday Cake is the short video for those who want a quick peek.
Shane opening his presents is a much longer tale for those who want the whole experience (commercial free, of course).
All of the grandparents cleared out before bed time. Daniel and his family hung out and the boys played up until bed time. Shane went to bed and then Genevieve, Chris, Carrie, and I settled in for a Dr. Who episode before saying good night.
Thank you, God, for another year with my son!
And there was a very, very excited little boy.
It wasn't a big party - it never needs to be. I went to bed with a tired, but elated feeling.
If it hadn't taken me two weeks to retrieve the footage from my wife's phone I would have chronicled all this by now!
Here it is - Uncut and Uncensored.
Shane's Birthday Cake is the short video for those who want a quick peek.
Shane opening his presents is a much longer tale for those who want the whole experience (commercial free, of course).
All of the grandparents cleared out before bed time. Daniel and his family hung out and the boys played up until bed time. Shane went to bed and then Genevieve, Chris, Carrie, and I settled in for a Dr. Who episode before saying good night.
Thank you, God, for another year with my son!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Rah-Rah-Ship!
Shane's really enjoyed his cardboard spaceship birthday present.
He's not the only one.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Really?
Student: "Mr. M! Where were you yesterday?"
Me: "I was sick."
Student: "Oh! Like you had a little cold?"
Me: "I was throwing up."
Student: "I didn't know adults throw up."
Me: "I was sick."
Student: "Oh! Like you had a little cold?"
Me: "I was throwing up."
Student: "I didn't know adults throw up."
Monday, December 16, 2013
Expect the Unexpected
One of the cardinal rules of parenting: stuff always happens.
I'd like to take it a step further: Stuff almost always happens when it's unexpected or inconvenient.
Shane will use the potty like a pro all day long until we hit a Chic-Fil-A. Or the wake-up call will come at the crack of dawn on the heels of a night we stayed up too late.
Friday, Carrie and I were trying to maneuver a Craigslist find into the house.
It got stuck.
I was by the stairs. Carrie was trapped in our entryway.
Shane's voice came through the monitor. "No...NO!"
Carrie went on full Mom alert. She popped up on tiptoes, brown eyes wide, to look over her find.
I had to leave her grunting and cursing to check on Shane.
I was seconds too late. Shane retched all over his blankets and pillows. I had him in the shower cleaning up by the time Carrie worked her way into the house.
Sunday night, I was about to fall asleep when Shane called out again, "No! I don't want to!"
11:00 PM we were in the bathtub again.
To top it off, 2:00 AM Monday morning I got to be the one to wake up nauseous. I woke up Carrie by hugging a toilet. We both had fevers. I was the only one who got the joy of touring the bathrooms of the house (I clung to the porcelain tour guide all three times).
I don't know if Shane shared or if it was an unfortunate coincidence.
Praise God that the meeting I needed to go to this morning was cancelled. It was rescheduled for Friday. I hope to be back at work by then. There's nothing like chills, fever, and nausea to make you miss being healthy at work.
I'd like to take it a step further: Stuff almost always happens when it's unexpected or inconvenient.
Shane will use the potty like a pro all day long until we hit a Chic-Fil-A. Or the wake-up call will come at the crack of dawn on the heels of a night we stayed up too late.
Friday, Carrie and I were trying to maneuver a Craigslist find into the house.
It got stuck.
I was by the stairs. Carrie was trapped in our entryway.
Shane's voice came through the monitor. "No...NO!"
Carrie went on full Mom alert. She popped up on tiptoes, brown eyes wide, to look over her find.
I had to leave her grunting and cursing to check on Shane.
I was seconds too late. Shane retched all over his blankets and pillows. I had him in the shower cleaning up by the time Carrie worked her way into the house.
Sunday night, I was about to fall asleep when Shane called out again, "No! I don't want to!"
11:00 PM we were in the bathtub again.
To top it off, 2:00 AM Monday morning I got to be the one to wake up nauseous. I woke up Carrie by hugging a toilet. We both had fevers. I was the only one who got the joy of touring the bathrooms of the house (I clung to the porcelain tour guide all three times).
I don't know if Shane shared or if it was an unfortunate coincidence.
Praise God that the meeting I needed to go to this morning was cancelled. It was rescheduled for Friday. I hope to be back at work by then. There's nothing like chills, fever, and nausea to make you miss being healthy at work.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Potty Training Progress Update
Shane asked to sleep in underwear tonight. He survives 4 out of 5 naps dry. Will the flood be stayed till morning?
We shall see.
We shall see.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Two-Hour Delay Day
Today was a well-timed two-hour delayed opening for my school.
1) The truck door was frozen shut. I was able to open it eventually. If it had not been sitting in the sun for a couple of hours I might not have.
2) The painters came today.
Yeah, that's what this post really was about.
Carrie and I spent the morning trading off Shane and dog duties to move furniture. There's no sleeping in when the dog and boy wake up shortly after six and there were things to be done! I was tired before work began.
I think it looks great. Carrie said that the "Irish colors" upstairs "suit me." She's pumped about how the basement colors will match with the flooring she picked out, too.
After a long day of work, I got home after 5 PM and the painters were still at it. I thought I worked hard today, but they arrived at my house before I left and were still working when I returned. My mother taught me to give credit where credit is due. They kept at it until after six. Their goal was to do two days worth of work in one to catch up from their snow day yesterday, I guess.
And, like I said, it looks great.
Flooring and carpeting people come next week.
Flooring and carpeting people come next week.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
How Do You Like That?
We love our quirky neighborhood.
No HOA means that people can undertake all sorts of projects and, in some cases, own some interesting 'toys.'
Shane and I went out to shovel again, met up with Daniel's family, Lisa came out, and then a random tractor drove down the street.
This happened.
I assumed it was someone Lisa or Daniel's family knew, but Bill, the driver, was a random good Samaritan.
Shane was thrilled. After the first pass, I ran into the house and yelled, "CARRIE! GET OUT HERE QUICK! IT'S AWESOME!"
Carrie rushed out sans winter gear and her jaw dropped. Bill was letting Shane drive the tractor. He was holding both of his hands up in the air behind Shane to prove it, too!
Bill made the day. Thanks, Bill!
No HOA means that people can undertake all sorts of projects and, in some cases, own some interesting 'toys.'
Shane and I went out to shovel again, met up with Daniel's family, Lisa came out, and then a random tractor drove down the street.
This happened.
I have proof.
I assumed it was someone Lisa or Daniel's family knew, but Bill, the driver, was a random good Samaritan.
Shane was thrilled. After the first pass, I ran into the house and yelled, "CARRIE! GET OUT HERE QUICK! IT'S AWESOME!"
Carrie rushed out sans winter gear and her jaw dropped. Bill was letting Shane drive the tractor. He was holding both of his hands up in the air behind Shane to prove it, too!
Bill made the day. Thanks, Bill!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Stay-at-home Dividends
The fruits of Carrie staying home are already starting to show.
1) Shane is wearing underwear all day long (including nap time). They're staying dry too! He was getting close before the switch to part time, but he's almost there now that he has a coach. I had to stop and ask if I needed to put a diaper on him tonight or to let him sleep in his Toy Story undies.
I bet he would've been trained by now if they were Superman undies, but CostCo didn't have those.
2) Carrie found a Cyber Monday deal for an educational website. I was skeptical at first, but Shane really likes it. He can use the mouse and he appeared to be fully engaged and learning.
Cool.
It's hard to argue when it's successful. I started giving Shane "mouse lessons" a week or two ago, because I wanted his YouTube reward to be more interactive and less sit-and-get. Carrie must have had the same idea and went several steps further than me.
I'm glad she did.
I also think that she likes maintaining Shane's virtual hamster cage even more than he does. I bet I'll find her shopping with his tickets and rearranging things while he naps one day!
and 3) Carrie's really happy. She's enjoying her new job and she's getting to spend more time with Shane. She positively beams whenever he shouts "Mommy!"
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Shane Visits Guitar Club!
Carrie dropped Shane off at Guitar Club on her way to work. He was a dancing maniac!
I LOVED showing Shane off around the school. He wears me out most days, but I adore my family. I was on a Daddy Cloud Nine. Shane enjoyed himself so much he didn't want to leave.
I would have loved to dragged Carrie around with us, but she had to cut and run. She's going to be dropping Shane off with me at work when she's working nights.
Shane's probably looking forward to seeing more school buses in his future.
Testing...Testing...1...2...
I proctored a test for some side income today.
It was 3.5 hours of an anxiety ridden, near silent air as middle schoolers battled academically.
The magnet school for my county is a big deal. Thousands apply and most are turned away. Students from my county, neighboring counties and even other countries take the test as the first hurdle for admission.
It's something of a monster in my opinion.
I have nothing against the magnet school. I think it's a great opportunity for students who really enjoy math and science.
I think it is a problem that many parents view it as a status symbol or a guaranteed road to success for their child and pressure-cook their spawn.
One teacher told me about an email she got last week. A parent emailed because her student had received an A- in Algebra Honors in 7th grade. While "[the A-] was a somewhat respectable grade" she was very disappointed and wanted to know what the teacher would do to make things right.
I think it is a problem that many parents view it as a status symbol or a guaranteed road to success for their child and pressure-cook their spawn.
One teacher told me about an email she got last week. A parent emailed because her student had received an A- in Algebra Honors in 7th grade. While "[the A-] was a somewhat respectable grade" she was very disappointed and wanted to know what the teacher would do to make things right.
Poor kid.
I don't know numbers and I don't feel like taking the effort to look them up, but I do know that less than 1 in 5 who apply will be accepted.
With the right attitude, the high-stakes could be a good learning experience (or even a good "thou art mortal" moment). I said a silent prayer for all the kids in the room and did my job. I had to be alert if anyone coughed too frequently. It's considered an irregularity that could disrupt other test takers and chronic coughers have to removed to test individually.
Like I said: intense. It's not South Korea, but the ante is definitely upped from the end of year tests everyone takes.
The extra cash will help with the plumbing expense and pizza for Shane's birthday party. I'll write about that once I can get all the media off Carrie's phone!
Friday, December 6, 2013
Time to Invoke...
...the Lemon Law.
From the VA DMV site:
If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.
Carrie sent me an email at work on Tuesday: the Volvo was dead again. The dealership she had it towed it to scratched their heads and upgraded the radio.
Carrie contacted the dealership that sold us the car and told them it was a lemon. They wanted to take a look at it themselves (of course). I'll know more after they take a look (and hopefully don't say "FIXED!" when it's really not).
We don't have to worry about the time deadline running out, though. I looked through the blog to see if I had a post mentioning when Carrie surprised me. She traded in the Tucson for the Volvo while I was at work without telling me. I came home and POOF! I couldn't find a post on it, but I know the switch happened before Christmas last year. The Volvo died when we tried to return home from Carrie's parents' house.
Thankfully, we have an amazing family support structure. My parents brought over the Jetta the day the Volvo died. They reclaimed it on Friday, because Carrie's parents brought up the truck when they came for Shane's birthday.
No day of work were missed. There was no need for a rental. Thank God for family.
My only regret is my parents reclaimed the Jetta before I could top it off. I'll make sure that doesn't happen with the truck.
Thank you, family! We are blessed to live near you!
From the VA DMV site:
If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.
If you think your vehicle is a lemon, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs before filing a claim under this Act. All claims must be filed within 18 months following the date you first received the vehicle.
Carrie sent me an email at work on Tuesday: the Volvo was dead again. The dealership she had it towed it to scratched their heads and upgraded the radio.
Carrie contacted the dealership that sold us the car and told them it was a lemon. They wanted to take a look at it themselves (of course). I'll know more after they take a look (and hopefully don't say "FIXED!" when it's really not).
We don't have to worry about the time deadline running out, though. I looked through the blog to see if I had a post mentioning when Carrie surprised me. She traded in the Tucson for the Volvo while I was at work without telling me. I came home and POOF! I couldn't find a post on it, but I know the switch happened before Christmas last year. The Volvo died when we tried to return home from Carrie's parents' house.
Thankfully, we have an amazing family support structure. My parents brought over the Jetta the day the Volvo died. They reclaimed it on Friday, because Carrie's parents brought up the truck when they came for Shane's birthday.
No day of work were missed. There was no need for a rental. Thank God for family.
My only regret is my parents reclaimed the Jetta before I could top it off. I'll make sure that doesn't happen with the truck.
Thank you, family! We are blessed to live near you!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Password Paranoid
Every year, I am required to change a full gamut of passwords.* December 1st is the deadline for my annual login.
Normally, not worth a mention.
I decided to turn an annoying exercise into something constructive: a memory aid.**
I zipped in a new password with part of my anniversary included.
And then I stopped to think.
I botched the date.***
I spent the next 10 minutes trying to come up with some sort of new password that I could remember and would fit the security criteria.****
The network stonewalled me.
On the bright side, my new password is now firmly ingrained in my memory....until next year!
Normally, not worth a mention.
I decided to turn an annoying exercise into something constructive: a memory aid.**
I zipped in a new password with part of my anniversary included.
And then I stopped to think.
I botched the date.***
I spent the next 10 minutes trying to come up with some sort of new password that I could remember and would fit the security criteria.****
The network stonewalled me.
On the bright side, my new password is now firmly ingrained in my memory....until next year!
Monday, December 2, 2013
More Exciting
I introduced Shane to static electricity at a furniture store.
The boy needs a haircut.
No-Shave November Finale
But I didn't really. I quote Carrie, "I've seen bushier."
Not the most exciting post.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Easy Posting Day
If a picture is worth a 1,000 words then a video can substitute for a blog post.
It's hard to hear Nana in the beginning, but she may have been a little miffed that she took Indy to the dog groomer less than two hours before she got caked in mud.
I plead "Not Guilty!"
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