Dude. I never pay attention to the entrance page to blog editing. Never.

But one new “incoming link” caught my eye: Walden University Alumni Association Blog. Whaaaaa?

There it is, listed among “Other Voices” on the sidebar: Meander With Me. Never mind that my blog’s name is “it is what it is.” I’m listed. (cock head sideways) Arrrroooo?

After 1-1/2 weeks, I *finally* got a reply from a company here in town which has a Marketing position that seems pretty much tailor-made to my background. I just shot the HR Director a reply re: salary requirements, and now am crossing my fingers to get an interview.

A real job at a real company. OMG, I might actually have to (a-hem) shower before noon every day! (snicker)

…do people survive engagements when they have six months to a year to plan a wedding?

Seriously, I’m loving having a short timeframe in which to do this — otherwise it could consume one’s life!

I should mention: I think I’m going to really enjoy living here.

The cultural environment…well, let’s just say that there IS one. The weather will be pretty much no change at all. The people seem to be warm and friendly (I’ve already made one “mommy” acquaintance at a local park earlier while letting Maya blow off some steam). Hiking…well, it’s a longer drive than if I lived *in* Colorado Springs, but roughly the same (or maybe even less) as from Monument.

My townhome (feels funny to say that, too — it’s Mike’s place, but his housemate moves out the end of this month, so I’ll be here within the next month) is right next to a paved walking/biking trail, and I have visions of rollerblades and a jogging stroller. Oh, and a tether for the stroller (grin). The gal I met earlier said she thinks the trail runs by a town park, so I’ll have to investigate further. Rollerblading/letting Maya play/rollerblading again sounds like an idyllic way to pass mornings, when I often get little accomplished anyway until naptime.

Then there’s Trader Joe’s. Oh, how I love Trader Joes.

This week’s theme: There is a word for it.

dandle (DAN-dl) verb tr.

1. To bounce a child on the knees or in the arms.

2. To pamper or pet.

[Of uncertain origin.]

Today’s word in Visual Thesaurus

-Anu Garg (garg AT wordsmith.org)

“Out in the chilly Pacific air, people gossiped, drank Red Bull and vodka,
dandled babies and sat around on canvas-covered poufs in a closed parking
lot.”
Guy Trebay; Off the Wall and Off the Hook; The New York Times; Aug 11, 2006.

Hello, my name is Allison.

(Hello, Allison.)

I am an addict.

Read the rest of this entry »

…will be leaving before long.

Yesterday morning, one of my dogs bit Maya hard enough that he drew blood. I understand the circumstances (he was cleaning food off her breakfast tray, which was on the floor), and know that particular circumstance is preventable. You know, I could actually wash the tray instead of letting the dogs pre-clean it for me.

Anyway, this is the third or fourth time that he’s nipped at her, but the first time it’s been serious. (And no, it did not always involve food when he’s nipped at her.) After lots of soul-searching, I’ve decided he needs a new home. He’s been growling at Maya off and on for a while, usually just as a “get out of my space” warning. That, I think he’s entitled to, and I’ve told Maya again and again that when the doggy says “no,” she must respect that. Um, you know, a not-quite-2-year-old just doesn’t get that. ***sigh*** Now that he’s learned that biting will get him what he wants (her, out of his face), I don’t doubt that it will happen again.

There’s training we could consider. I can look at ways for her to seem “alpha” to him, so that he’ll let her in his space. I could keep them separated all the time. But the fact is, I’m a single mom who’s working at home AND taking care of a toddler — and I can’t promise to always be right there to prevent a reoccurrance. When it comes down to it, I love my dogs, but my daughter is my priority. I’d never forgive myself if the “next time” put us in the emergency room (and the dog to sleep).

He’s a young(ish) dog (almost six), and charming toward adults. (All of this made me realize that he’s *never* been good with kids — even growls at my neighbor girls.) While Maya was a baby, he adored her as the fount of all spitup. Now that she’s mobile…not so much. Within the coming weeks, my baby boy dog will be finding a new home, either with the ex-bf with whom I adopted him in the first place (he still gets visitation, LOL) or with his breeder (who would likely then place him with a child-free family). He will have a good home. But I will miss him horribly.

I’m soooo sad.