Wednesday 10/31, I stayed late at work even though I’d planned to leave early. I went to the bank and got some cash for Mexico. Got a ton of emails throughout the day about Pip’s adoption and Genie gave her approval quickly. Scheduled the HV and hopefully she’ll be going to her new home before I leave for Mexico. At home Eric was in a bad mood about the dogs because Pip keeps peeing on everything. I changed and took off for a run. When I got back we leashed up the dogs and did one time around. Cherry gave me some cookies that looked like fingers that were delicious (Halloween). She told me to give Eric the finger for her. Har. It was cute. I talked to Genie, set up the HV, filled in Pip’s medical stuff, prepared the email for Debbie, ate some dinner, fed the dogs, cleaned up multiple pee spots in the den, took the dogs out and took a shower. Pip then peed on our bed. I was so frustrated and put her in a crate. I don’t know what’s going on with her but she’d just been out 15 minutes prior and had peed multiple times in the den. I think she just needs to be out of our house with all the other dogs. I watched Modern Family and updated this. Went to bed by 11.

Tuesday 10/30, At home I showered and texted with Chrystol to figure out when we were going to meet up at the show. Still working the apps all day for Pip and Perri. Got a lot done. Eric heated me up some pasta and we took off a little early for the mall so I could exchange my mascara. We left for Seattle and made good time. We went in (Fremont Abby) and Chrystol and Sky were already there. I saw Sam right away and said hi and gave him a hug. We chatted for a minute before going across the street to get coffee. We went back across the street to look at the furniture while the boys looked at the meat shop and this drunk guy started chatting us up telling us how he was going to marry Linda Ronstadt and how he gave her advice about fame before she was famous and he slow danced with her. He was really having a moment. Then he told us about the Beatles show and how they got the better of the audience by sneaking out and faking an encore. There was more, a lot more, but those were the highlights. He loved Chrsytol’s red pants and sang, “Chrystol with the red pants on” (like Devil with the red dress on). We told him we had to go and went back inside after talking to Michael Spal*y. Shelby Earl was playing and she was amazing; Eric loved her too. Sam took the stage and I really like all his new stuff. There was some acting from a guy in the audience and it really confused me; I thought it was real then fake then real again. I didn’t know what was going on. Sam confirmed after the show it was supposed to be ambiguous. We did a lot of giggling throughout the show and immediately afterward Sam came over and said it was just like old times how when he would look over at us he would see us laughing and whispering. We’d been found out! We chatted for a bit and Sam said we hadn’t seen each other since Sky and Chrystol’s wedding, two years ago. I just can’t believe it. We hung for a bit, then said our final goodbyes and walked back to the car in the rain. Headed home, let the dogs out while Eric went to the store and got ready for bed. Stayed up a little late (midnight) doing stuff for the adoptions and a few other things.

Monday 10/29, I got home from work a little early and put on my gear to go for a run. I did two times around which is a mile and I ran the whole thing. I was tired. Eric and I took four of five dogs around the neighborhood and Pip loved it though she was totally having party time for the whole walk. I showered when we got home, Eric fed the dogs and we went to Costco where I got a bunch of stuff I didn’t need. Nuts. We went to Mud Bay next to see if we could find some mini diapers for Pip; no dice. When we got home I ordered a couple off etsy (the belly bands arrived today – they’re so cute!). Eric made some pasta and we watched tv. I did stuff online and waited for Genie’s emails to the two apps for Perri and Pip. My email was down, I assume due to hurricane Sandy. We went to bed after 10.

Sunday 10/28, I was up at 8:00 and Alishia texted that she was up. We all got ready and went to Ruby’s on the pier for breakfast. It was ehhh, as expected. We took some pictures on the pier and headed home. I packed up all my stuff and said my goodbyes to Mom, Dad and Alishia. Aubrie took me to the airport and we talked about going on a trip just the two of us; maybe to Kauai. We got to the airport right at 12:30 and I made it through security fine except they almost took my salt for Cherry. We boarded soon after I got to the gate. The flight was fine and I watched Life Aquatic. We landed shortly after and I let Eric know I was on my way. He met me on the curb and we went home. I unpacked my stuff and we took off for the mall so I could get some new mascara. We went to the store to grab a few things and took it easy for the rest of the night. The apps started rolling in throughout the evening for both Perri and Pip. Some looked good, others no so much for the girls and were passed on to other dogs. Went to bed early after a full weekend.

Saturday 10/27, I woke up before 8, but was still tired. I got ready and waited for Courtney to text that she was on her way. She arrived by 9:30 and we sat in the living room chatting. Abby Lynne finally wanted something to do with me and engaged, yay! We talked the whole time and I showed them around the new house. We played upstairs with Aubrie’s stuffed animals and took a picture that Courtney posted on fb. They left by 11:30 and we tried to get a hold of Alishia for our trip to Temecula. Finally when we were getting ready to leave she called; we went over to her house and picked her up and off we went to Temecula. We went to lunch first, Public House. The staff was all dressed up for Halloween and our server, Andrew, was a hipster and a very good one. I didn’t know he was in a costume, I just assumed that’s how he dressed. The long ponytail was the only thing off, but it made sense once he told us that in real life he’s metal. I would have made out with him. The blue eyes and dark complexion. We went to the olive oil company next and tasted all of them and I bought a bottle, a sample vinegar pack and some sea salt for Cherry. We walked back to the car, went back to Alishia’s and on the way home stopped at the store. Aubrie was home when we got there, with Christian, but Dad wasn’t home yet. We chatted then Dad got home and debriefed us on his birthday-day. I went upstairs and called Eric to let him know all was well. We had dinner: fondu, fries and veggies. We watched Lost Boys after dinner and Dad and I had pie and ice cream. After the movie was over we all headed to bed. I called Eric and we talked for awhile then I had to cut him off because I had a large splinter in my foot and I wanted it out. Aubrie and Christian did some surgery and got it out. We talked for 20 minutes or so then I got ready and went to bed.

Friday 10/26, Eric picked me up from work and we went straight to the airport. Eric dropped me off and I went through security easily. I had like three hours to kill. I went to my gate and called Mom and Dad to see who was picking me up and to chat about the weekend. I called Court next and we agreed she would come over the next morning. I went to find something to eat and walked all the way down to concourse A. Fleet Foxes and Blitzen Trapper played back to back over the airport loudspeaker; it was wonderful. I got a veggie bagel and on my way back to the gate picked up a half-off cookie at Dillatante. I ate my dinner, hit the bathroom and boarded after. There was no one sitting in the middle seat so I got to stretch out. We got a late start but made up some time in the air. I watched Scoop and it ended right when we started our descent. Mom met me out at the curb and we chatted all the way home. She showed me around the new house and we ended up staying up until 1:30 talking in the kitchen. I stayed up for a little bit and did stuff on my phone then to bed. Probably around 2.

Thursday 10/25, We took the dogs out in the yard again and let them burn off some energy. They’re all getting along so well, which helps when you have six. We watched the Thursday shows then to bed.

Wednesday 10/24, Eric wanted to watch the last segment of LotR. We took the dogs out again and played with them in the backyard. Blair came over and inserted Pip’s microchip and stuck around and talked for a while. Out in the backyard the dogs ran off a lot of energy together. We put on the movie and it ended right at 9 when Modern Family started. Watched our shows, showered and went to bed.

Tuesday 10/23, We took the dogs out and watched them run around and took pictures. I got Pip’s petfinder and image event all set up and submitted. We ran around and played with the dogs, which I think helps a lot in the evening. I watched some of DwtS and we had dinner in the living room.

Monday 10/22, Stayed late at work and when I got home Eric was making dinner and the dogs had eaten. We ate dinner and watched the first part of the third LotR. We had some dog issues and ended up being irritated with each other.

Sunday 10/21, We were up at 8 because Brizo started barking from the den. I was up and ready to get going for the day; however, I tuckered out quickly. I did a few things in the morning but laid down again by 10:00 and wanted to go back to sleep. I finally willed myself to get up and get going. I put all the dogs into the den with Eric and started cleaning the bedroom wing of the house. Clancy stayed in the bedroom while I vacuumed and washed the floors in the bedroom, bathroom and hallway. I vacuumed the rest of the house but skipped washing the rest of the floors. Eric was outside cutting up the pine and stacking it in the pool room. He told me Chrystol and Sky were coming over for dinner. We showered and got ready then set out to run some errands. We went to Office Depot then had to skip the bakery because it was closed and on to Mud Bay for bullies, more food and pee remover. We stopped at the store and picked up stuff for a salad then home. I watched Project Runway with the dogs on the bed and felt sleepy again. I didn’t sleep but closed my eyes for a little bit. Eric worked on dinner and I fed the dogs. They showed up and it was a dog party, but with no barking. It was insane. Our house is more calm with six dogs than with three. We chatted and Chrystol took turns holding each of the dogs. She wanted to take home both Pip and Perri and Sky liked Rudy. We ate dinner at the dining room table and it was delicious. Sky and Chrystol brought it: sweet potato stuffed with brussells sprouts, nuts, blue cheese and cranberries and maybe some other stuff. Eric made one of the best salads ever. For desert Chrystol made apple pie brownies which we had with vanilla ice cream. We sat in the living room and I sat in front of the fireplace and we played musical dogs. We relaxed for a bit in there and they left around 10. We packed up all the dogs and went to sleep.

Saturday 10/20, We were up early and out the door to go meet Julee. Pip was so cute and sweet but very hand shy and submissive. We talked to Julee for awhile then took off for home. Pip was pretty good in the crate and only whined when we first started driving. When we got home we slowly introduced her into the house and she met Clancy first. She wasn’t thrilled with him and gave him a couple growls. She met Brizo next and they just stayed away from each other. Throughout the day we took it easy and juggled dogs. Perri wanted to meet Pip so bad but we knew she wasn’t ready for that yet. Eric didn’t want to do chores and decided we’d do them the next day. I spent the day doing laundry and doing some chores here and there. Peggy dropped off Rudy at 5:00 and he wasn’t so sure about all the dogs. She left and we were up to six dogs. By the end of the night they’d all be mingling and Pip would be trying to get Rudy to play. We decided to watch the second half of the second LotR. Eric went to the store and got some chicken and made rice. I came up with a brilliant plan for remodeling the bathrooms and was so excited to tell Eric. I was asleep before SNL came on.

Friday 10/19, The transport bring up Pip and three other fosters was running late so Janell kept me updated via email. We decided to go down to Factoria so Eric could get some jeans and I got some underwear and socks at Nordstrom Rack. We stopped at the store on the way home and picked up stuff for him to make dinner. He made a big taco salad and we put on LotR, waiting for the call from Janell. At 10 she called and said she was going to do the pickup and overnight them and I was going to meet Julee in Southcenter at 8:45 the next morning. We went to bed not much later.

Thursday 10/18, P left for Vegas. I’m not sure what I did at home but I know I watched Office and Parks and Rec. I showered and probably got into bed early. I did that a few times this week.

Wednesday 10/17, When we got home I noticed the neighbors were home so we got stuff ready for Halloween decorating ready and went over. Sam wasn’t home yet but we talked with Sherry and Anthony for a while and joked that Sherry had “Ratt concert hair” from her nap. Sherry went and picked up Sam and we decorated the courtyard and front yard. It looked pretty good. Eric made dinner and we watched the Wednesday night shows.

Tuesday 10/16, When I got home it wasn’t raining and I wanted to take the dogs on a walk so Eric and I took three of four (Breezy stayed home) around the block and visited with Cherry (who wants Perri), her daughter and Peach then on the other side of the block we talked to Pam and her son while out doing yard work and Perri has quite a fan club. Inside we fed the dogs and took them out in the backyard for awhile. We went to the store to pick up fixins for dinner and when we got home he started while watching the presidential debate. I wanted to do the Halloween decorating but Samantha’s dad wouldn’t let her until the next day. I did some stuff online while Eric did dinner then joined him around 7:15. He made a cream of mushroom chicken over rice with my favorite squash zucchini medley. I ate most of mine. We had brownies and ice cream for dessert while watching DwtS. I got ready for bed at 9:30 and updated this. Bed after 10.

Monday 10/15, I was nervous all day to hear about how they took the rejection of their app / home for Perri. I was forwarded the email exchange and it was better than I’d expected. I think the fact that multiple times I voiced my concerns to them helped them know what had happened. At home Eric was getting started on putting up the new curtains in the bedroom and replacing the rod. The new setup looks much better and brighter. I suggested pho for dinner so we went to the one in Overlake. I tried something new and it was pretty good. Back at home I watched DwtS and did stuff online. Found out about Julee’s next dog, who was attacked by a bigger dog and has puncture wounds on his back and neck. Poor boy. He’ll be on the same transport as Pip, Teo and Nevaeh. Went to bed after 10.

Sunday 10/14, Eric had to be up early to be at work and I had Perri’s home visit up in Edmonds at 10. I was hoping he would be back before then so he could come too, but he wasn’t. I showered, got ready and took off shortly after 9. I had visions of a nice house with beautiful sunroom. What I walked into was very different. I was overwhelmed when I walked in and couldn’t believe how much stuff and shit was covering every wall, covering every surface. Not garbage, just stuff. Everywhere. I just tried to focus on Perri and not even look around because I was so horrified. It could have been worse, I guess, but definitely not what I would wish for my Per-Per. Their dog was too much for Perri this time and she was growling, baring teeth and snapping constantly. It just was not good. I let them know my concerns, but didn’t indicate it wouldn’t be a fit. I thought I had to make this work even though I was so depressed leaving. I called Eric on the way home and he was like, this isn’t going to work and I don’t think she should go there. We talked more when I got home and I called Genie. We talked for 45 minutes and she had my back and gave me some perspective and the more we talked the more clarity I had. I called Janell next and she was totally with me and told me about experiences she’s had. She asked if we still wanted Pip to come up on Friday so I said I’d ask Eric. She fired off the first email to the Apps Manager letting them know. I filled out the HV form and sent it on, exchanged some emails with Genie and started working on Perri’s petfinder bio and taking pictures. I put on LotR and worked on it. I had most of it done by the time part one was over and took off with Perri for MI to see Eric. We visited with him at work for a little bit and I got a toy for Perri and some canned pumpkin for her upset tummy. I asked about Pip coming up and he said yes, so I let Janell know. I went to the store before going home. I made some dinner, put on part two and finished up the bio and image event. I sent it off and felt good that it was done. The movie was over just as we were going to bed. I was feeling so bad about these applicants not getting Perri especially since they thought it was going to go through, but the guilt of placing her with them and knowing it was not the best home for her would have been a way worse feeling of guilt. I was dreading hearing the fallout from the rejection email the next day.

Saturday 10/13, I was awake by 7:30 and took out Perri; then back into bed to try and go back to sleep. I did stuff on my phone until 8:15 then woke up Eric because the roofing guy was coming at 9. We took care of the dogs and got ready; the roofer was a little early and gave us the lowdown on everything. He took off and we both headed outside to work in the yard for awhile. I transplanted some small plants in the courtyard while Eric chopped wood and cleaned up the patio, roof and gutters. Inside we each had some lunch and waited for Peggy to bring over Rudy for a visit. He did pretty good considering all the dogs and how pushy Perri is. After she left we went up to Crossroads to get some new curtains for the bedroom and other things. Eric got a coffee from the French Bakery and I got a palmier. We went home and I was exhausted so I took a nap for a while and Eric watched football. When I got up we went to get the pizzas and dessert for our evening with Sky and Chrystol. They arrived right on time at 6:30 and Chrystol loved Perri and wanted to kidnap her. We talked for a little bit then it was time for dinner and Goonies. Neither of them had ever seen it and I think Sky liked it better than Chrystol. Too much boy-yelling for her. They left before 11 and we both climbed into bed and watched some SNL before falling asleep. I had dreams about J. Guthrie and Eric having secret phone conversations with Veronica.

Friday 10/12, Up at 5:30 (wayyy to early) and went to work to pick up P, then back to work and off early. Eric had gone up to the Russian / eastern market during the day and picked up perogis and a bunch of other random stuff. For dinner he made sausage, the perogis and broccoli. I was very tired but managed to stay up decently late, like 10:30.

Thursday 10/11, Eric was working late so I took care of the pups when I got home and took Clancy, Nyx and Perri around the block then took just Perri up to the street we like to see the progress on my favorite house they bulldozed. She did ok, but was a little skittish with the cars. At home I made dinner for everyone and for myself. I didn’t watch the debate; instead talked with Aubrie, then Genie for awhile and Aubrie again. She was upset about Kassie and not coming to Mom and Dad’s for Thanksgiving, and by default, her birthday. Genie and I chatted about the applicants for Perri and everything looked good so we were moving ahead. When Eric got home I told him about Aubrie and he wanted to make sure she was ok and said he’d call her the next day. I didn’t stay up late because I had to be up super early the next morning to take P to the airport.

Wednesday 10/10, When I got home Eric wanted to go up to Crossroads to get some more Halloween decorations so I got some rats and a spider and he got more tombstones. I wanted to decorate that night but he didn’t so we decided to wait for the weekend. Some of our shows were on so we watched those and off to bed.

Tuesday 10/9, Stayed a little late at work. When I got home Eric was cleaning. I went out in the backyard and cleaned up poop and watered the plants. Updated Perri’s file. Emailed with Janell and Genie about Perri’s app. Watched DwtS and updated this. Went to bed not looking forward to the next day’s meeting and getting the dogs all set before work.