Friday 7/31, Eric was out when I got home. I worked on packing for my weekend trip to Plain. Eric came home for a few minutes to say good bye to me before I left. Traffic was oddly light. I made great time until Genie called to fill me in on the AC interview with Marty’s applicants. That was a 20 minute delay, but the call went well so we’re moving forward. I made it to the property by 9:30 and sat in the motorhome with Mom and Dad talking until late. We talked about me feeling dissatisfied with my existence and Dad was asking all of these questions trying to get me to focus on what I want to change. It was helpful. He went upstairs with me to show me the new tv and surround sound setup. We all went to bed around midnight.

Thursday 7/30, Mom and Dad left in the morning. I got home before Eric and got the dogs situated. It was extremely hot outside. I answered some emails and researched some stocks and funds. Eric left and I had some dinner before starting on work. I watched the rest of Skyfall, then Uncle Buck. We got ready for bed and I updated this.

Wednesday 7/29, Got a great app for Martin, so I had to work on his long bio later that night. When I got home Eric and Dad were sitting in the courtyard talking. Since Eric had the day off he and Dad got a new water line run under the house and two new hose bibs put in. Yay! Mom came home and her and Dad got ready for dinner with Mark and left around 6:30. I had leftovers, Eric took off for a meeting, and I started working on the LB. It took me longer than I expected and afterward I started watering the plants, which took me 1.25 hours. Eric came home and we got in a minor tiff but figured it out quickly. Mom and Dad came home, we talked for a little bit then we all got ready for bed and turned in.

Tuesday 7/28, Mom and Dad were coming to stay for two days so I was able to leave work a few minutes early and called them on my way to see where they were. I got the dogs outside and kind of settled before they arrived. We took two of the dogs for a walk then went to Jak’s for dinner. It was an excellent meal and we mostly talked about Eric. We went home and sat in the living room and talked, mostly about Thanksgiving and Christmas plans, until Eric got home around 10. We all talked for 30 more minutes then started getting ready for bed. I was tired and slept okay.

Monday 7/27, I beat Eric home and cleaned up after the dogs. He was only home for a minute before he jumped on the phone. I needed to go to the store so I set off on foot and knew I’d see him later that night after his meeting in West Seattle. On the way home I saw Sherry and we talked for a long time before I went inside, fed the dogs, called Dad, and started dinner. After dinner I spent time in the kitchen cleaning up then put away some laundry. I showered and got into bed for the Bachelorette finale. I updated this before starting on some work.

Sunday 7/26, I got up and instead of working out did a bunch of housework and chores. We cleaned out the shed until some bees started flying out, which stopped us. Eric took off to the dump and I started vacuuming and doing laundry. It felt good to get a lot done and it was nearing lunchtime so I cleaned up and got dressed. Bruce brought Martin home, and also brought Tom and Pippa with him. We all went out in the backyard so the pups could run around after the long drive. Dex, Pip, and Marty all played and chased. Bruce and Tom took off with their dogs and shortly after we left for Rattifest at Robinswood. There were only four of us volunteers, including Janell, Blair, and Becky. It was pretty skinny. Lots of dogs showed up though, and we got to see Ruby, Ember, Perri, and Percy (whose people just had a baby and she loves the baby!). We had a nice visit, though the dogs all need to lose weight. We went home to let out the dogs then set out for errands. We went to the GO, Super Supplements, Office Depot, and QFC. Eric made dinner when we got home and I took off for my massage, which was much better than the last one. When I got home I ate dinner and it was so good. I’ve missed his cooking. I ate way too much. I put on Skyfall and started working again. A little after 10 I wrapped it up and got into bed.

Saturday 7/25, I was up before 5 with Nyx, Eric was up and out of the house by 6:30, I got up and fed the dogs, ate some breakfast, and went back to bed. I woke up at 9:30, got ready, and left to get my oil changed. I went to Mom’s afterward to see the progress on her bathroom and the living room. Everything looks really good. We talked for a while with Dad then I took off. I stopped by to see Eric at work for a minute then back home. I started my day of working and watching movies. First was Swimming Pool, then Midnight in Paris, and lastly Whale Rider. I got a ton of work done. I worked out in the yard for 40 minutes and got a lot cleaned up and done. Eric was out for the evening. When he got home he watched Dateline with me in the living room. I got into bed and managed to stay awake for SNL but fell asleep after about 20 minutes.

Friday 7/24, I stayed late at work and Eric was out most of the evening attending various program events. I stopped at the store and got some manchego and rice crackers to have with my avo for dinner. It was delicious. I went for a long walk after I got the dogs settled. At home I worked and worked and watched Chocolat. After Eric got home we talked about our day and I went to bed not long after.

Thursday 7/23, When I got home Eric and I did the dogs’ nails then talked for a while about the fam reunion at the property and that he wouldn’t be going. We went for a walk with the dogs then home to feed them. I steamed some broccoli and one last carrot for dinner. Eric took off for a meeting and I spent time in the bedroom researching stocks and funds. I talked to Mom, then Dad and Mom before Eric returned. Watched Dateline and updated this.

Wednesday 7/22, I went to Susan’s after work and we watched two episodes of X-Files and ate cookies. One was the one with Mulder’s writer neighbor, with whom Scully almost gets it on, the second was the alien baseball one. I went home and ate some raw carrots for dinner and watched Wedding Crashers. I expected Eric to be home by 9, but he didn’t get home until 10:30. I was irritated but also tired so I went to bed.

Tuesday 7/21, Eric was working late so when I got home I let out the dogs then went for a three mile walk at the park. I had a dinner of steamed carrots and cauliflower and for dessert I put some cookies on my new baking sheet and got those all baked up. I vacuumed and loaded the dishwasher then showered and into bed to watch Grease. Eric came home and I helped him choose an investment option for his 401(k). Watched tv for a little bit and went to bed.

Monday 7/20, Dexter and Marty took off with Bruce in the morning. Felt quiet with just the three dogs in the house. Eric went into work late so I knew he’d be home late. I was tired from not enough sleep over the past three nights so I laid down and took a little mini-nap. I fed the dogs and laid back down. When Eric got home I got up and made myself a little dinner while he went for a run. I watched Bachelorette then got into bed.

Sunday 7/19, Up early again and Eric took the noisy ones out for me. I got an email about the free toilets I’d put on craigslist and luckily someone came to pick them up by 9:00. We got dressed, I called Mom to tell her I’d decided against the window since it was too hard to coordinate getting it to our house. Eric and I planned a day in Tacoma for a little memory-lane trip. We went down Yakima, went to UPS, walked around, went to a bakery where I had an excellent lemon poppy seed mini loaf, went and found the house I wanted to look at, explored other neighborhoods with historic homes, went to Day Island and Stillacoom, went out to see Eric’s Dad’s gravesite, then headed home. It was fun but I had a stomach ache so that wasn’t very fun. The weather was warm but nice. At home we both laid down and took a nap and Eric went to a meeting later that evening. We got ready for bed a little earlier than usual since we had to be up really early the next morning.

Saturday 7/18, We were up super early because the dogs hate us. Eric went to work early and I got up and fed the dogs, watered the plants, then took off for a walk at the park. I did three miles then ate breakfast when I got home. The dogs spent a long time in the backyard since it wasn’t too hot yet. I took a long nap with all the dogs mid-day. When I woke up I went to Marshall’s to get more lunch Tupperware and Ace for tomato cages for the dahlias. (Ace is closing. Wahh.) Eric was home when I got there and we decided to see a movie and have pizza for dinner. We went down to Tukwila to my new favorite discount theater to see Hot Pursuit. We both knew it would be bad and it was. We got a few laughs in and overall it was nice to get out and do something together, since it’s been a while. At home we hung out and Eric went to bed early. I stayed up to watch a little SNL then to bed.

Friday 7/17, Eric installed two toilets at Peggy’s in the morning. Dex was dropped off in the afternoon so he had arrived by the time I got home. Eric came home shortly after and we sat outside and talked. I texted Chrystol to send me pictures of the baby and she sent several with a video. So cute! Eric took off for a potluck and I steamed myself some veggies for dinner. I went to Cost Plus to get candy to send to Kelly for her birthday, then Crate and Barrel to get a gift card for Lindsay. Back home I watered the backyard plants, listed the toilets on craigslist, and showered. Eric came home and I got into bed to update this and watch tv.

Thursday 7/16, Susan came over after work and we watched two episodes of X-Files, both monster-of-the-week episodes. Eric took off for a meeting and Susan left a few minutes after that. I steamed some cauliflower and carrots for dinner then vacuumed and loaded the dishwasher. Showered, into bed, and Eric came home by 9:15. We talked about his job, Sky and Chrystol, and getting the window at Mom’s over the weekend. Watched tv in bed and updated this.

Wednesday 7/15, Got not so great news at work about a client. Helped P pick out new toilets then headed to Susan’s, talking to Eric on the way. We got through two episodes, including the one where Mulder and Scully pretend to be married. I left right at 7, stopped at Super Supplements on the way home, and arrived home about 20 minutes after leaving Susan’s. I had an apple with peanut butter for dinner. Eric was at a meeting until almost 10. I went out and watered the front yard and talked to Dad on the phone to catch up and find out what they’re doing for the next couple weeks. I was in bed right when Eric got home and fell asleep before 11.

Tuesday 7/14, Eric was closing so when I got home I took care of the dogs, watered the backyard, showered, and headed out to Kristel’s for dinner and a catch up session. Kristel made dinner while I filled her in on everything that had happened in the last 7 weeks. She was good and things were going well for her and Troy. I stayed until almost 10 then headed home. She wants to do a girls’ trip in October and maybe do New Mexico. Fun! Eric was home when I got there and we talked for a little bit before I got into bed.

Monday 7/13, Got home from work and Eric wanted to talk about his Mom. Everything was fine but it had been on his mind for days. I showered and got dressed then we took off for the GO to grab a few things then on to dinner at La Bu La. Dinner was nice and we headed back home so I could watch Bachelorette.

Sunday 7/12, We were up around 7, fed the dogs, and got ready for Coco to be picked up, which happened right before 8:00. I woke up with a really kinked neck which made me cranky.  After we fed the dogs we all got back in bed and luckily everyone fell back asleep. Eric went to work and we slept until 10:30. I made myself get up and get going, which included doing another walk. I did two miles, though I started to feel light headed so I went back without doing a third. I had a little lunch then went to Costco to grab a few things. I took a nap then got up and started laundry and did a little cleaning in my bathroom. Eric came home and we talked a little bit while I folded laundry. Stef came over and we went up to the French Bakery to chat and have a snack. She had coffee and I had a marionberry turnover. We sat outside and talked and she’s still having a hard time with what she wants to do, but things are at least getting back to normal. She’s going to apply for another position at Rick Steves and it would be awesome if she got it. We headed back to the house and she came in to say hi to Eric then took off. I made my pizza and had a piece and a half and did some work for over an hour. I changed the sheets on the bed and kept going on laundry. Once Eric got home I got into bed and fell asleep before 11. I had really vivid dreams about the Darlington house and P taking up an office at the RC.

Saturday 7/11, Eric had to open so I was up with the dogs at 6:30. Fed them then went back to bed until 8. Susan came over at 8:30 and we got through two X-Files before she took off for an appointment. I went to the park and did three miles then home where I walked Marty around the neighborhood and worked on his eye contact. Next I took Dotty / Coco and Clancy, and lastly Coco and Nyx. I was glad to be done and had some lunch out on the deck. I watched Sex and the City II then took another two-hour nap. I got up shortly before Eric got home from work. I finally took a shower and got ready for our evening with Justin and Mailen at their place. We went to the store to each pick up our prescriptions then headed into Seattle. We were super early so we drove around Lake City and eventually went into Fred Meyer to just walk around and kill time. We went over to their place and we were right on time. They laughed and said they knew if anyone would be on time it would be us. We just hung out on the deck and cuddled the dogs, ate snacks, talked. It was fun. Will P. arrived with his gf and it’s been forever since I’d seen him. He’s thinner than he used to be. Some other people came that I don’t know, but everyone was super nice. We met a woman from Egypt and her husband who’s an End dj. Hilarious. We gave them some names of rescues to try to rehome the two dogs they rescued and brought back from Egypt. We took off around 10 and headed home. We were both tired, especially Eric since he didn’t get two naps. I wanted to stay up for SNL but knew we’d be up early so I needed to go to sleep.

Friday 7/10, I was happy to be off work and Eric was home when I arrived. It wasn’t long before he took off for a meeting and I watched Easy A in the living room. The dogs kept me busy and Eric came home shortly before my movie was over. I think I went to bed before 11.

Thursday 7/9, The dogs were wild when I got home, including Coco who was extremely excited about my presence. Eric and I talked for a little bit the he fed the dogs and took off for a meeting. I ate dinner then stated the process of watering the plants. It took me an hour and 40 minutes. I finished just as Eric arrived home. We talked some more and he gave me lots of hugs and kisses, then he left me to go to sleep. I updated this and watched Friends. Got a text from Chrystol saying things are good and included two photos. He’s a beautiful baby.

Wednesday 7/8, I was up early because I had my doctor’s appointment for my new IUD. I got there early but also got started early. She took out my IUD, removed two polyps, then put in the new IUD. It didn’t feel great, but I got through it. I almost passed out after she finished and was talking to me, so I laid back and had some water. Eventually I got dressed and she gave me an rx for zoloft and I headed home. I let out the dogs and made my lunch before heading into work. When I got home from work Eric was at a meeting so I did a little minor picking up, went out with the dogs and brushed three out of four of them, fed them, then relaxed. Eric came home and we got the dogs situated for Dotty / Coco being dropped off. I took care of the handoff then we did introductions in the backyard. Eric went and got teriyaki for dinner and we watched Parks and Rec. It was about 8:30. We took a walk with Coco, Clancy, and Martin and stopped to say hi to Cherry so she could pet Martin and the former Dotty. We went in the backyard when we got home then inside to shower. I got into bed with the girls and updated this.

Tuesday 7/7, When I got home it was nice and cool. The weather was about 10 degrees cooler and so much better. I ran to Fred Meyer to get contact solution and when I got home Eric had prepped my dinner so all I had to do was turn on the stove. He took off for a meeting and I ate dinner. I took Martin for a walk and we worked on his eye contact. Then I took Nyx and Clancy for a walk. Back at home I watered the plants and that took forever. Did some laundry, showered, and when I got out Eric arrived. It was about 10. I got into bed and updated this while watching Friends.

Monday 7/6, I stopped at the store for some veggies on the way home. Eric was working late so when I got home I got the dogs all settled. I ate dinner, showered, and watched Bachelorette in the living room. Eric was home by 9:45 and we talked for a little bit before turning in. I went to bed at 11, but woke up an hour later not feeling good. I threw up a whole bunch, but when I was done that was it. No dry heaves or anything like that. I had a good 18-year streak of no vomiting, but broke it in very unceremonious way. I was just hunched on the floor and Eric got up to go to the bathroom and I called him in. He asked what was wrong and I told him. He got me back into bed, made me tea, got some Mylanta in me, and got a few towels. He said Martin was going nuts and wouldn’t calm down so that’s why he got up to begin with. Little Marty, good boy. I think I had about half of my tea then fell asleep by 1:00.

Sunday 7/5, We were up early again and I got a few of the plants in the backyard watered, dogs fed, workout clothes on, and off to the park to do three miles. It felt good. I ate breakfast, showered, and took off for my massage. It was a little off, which is the first time in a year and a half that it was like that. It wasn’t bad, just not phenomenal like usual. Back at home we cut the dogs’ nails. I had some lunch then we went to Trader Joe’s so I could get some snacky stuff. Back home we pretty much just hung out for the day. I felt a little restless toward the end of the day. Eric went to a meeting and was gone for 4.5 hours. I watched Grace of Monaco, which I thought was good. I don’t know why it got such terrible reviews. I talked to Dad and we caught up about how things are going for me and Eric and also about their trip to MN. I watered the backyard then started on the front yard. I kept expecting him to come home, but he didn’t for an hour and a half later when I was finishing up. I was irritated and he knew immediately. I told him I was annoyed that he was gone all night, and that he’s been gone for what feels like every night. He apologized but then he told me that that’s why he was so late. He got a new sponsor and they were talking, specifically about how our relationship is going and how the meeting schedule and meetups are putting a strain, even though it’s temporary. The new guy is a little more understanding and lenient than the prior one so things are going to change a little bit and that makes me happy. I got ready for bed and we talked for a little bit before I got into bed. Eric stayed up for a while since he didn’t have to work until later the next day.

Saturday 7/4, We were up by 7 and did some watering of the plants. I went to the park and did two miles then home for breakfast. I walked Rio and Martin while Eric went to a meeting. I brushed the dogs’ teeth, brushed them, and gave Nyx a haircut. Eric came home while I was doing some stuff on the computer and asked if I wanted to go to the store. I showered, got dressed, and we went to the GO. When we got home Eric made lunch: salad, burgers, and chips. I went through some magazines and we watched a couple episodes of Office then I went to take a nap. When I woke up an hour later I thought it was the next day and that I had slept in until 2:30 pm. I was so confused and didn’t understand why Eric hadn’t woken me up. I went back to sleep and woke up another hour later. We watched a couple other shows then Eric left for a meeting. I fed the dogs, ate dinner, and watched Holiday. Eric came home and we read a few chapters of our book and closed everything up because of the fireworks. There weren’t too many, luckily. We kept on music, tvs, fans going, etc. Watched a little of SNL then went to bed.

Friday 7/3, Eric was up early and off to work by 6:30. I got up as soon as he left, fed the dogs, closed up the house to keep it cool for the day, and laid down again feeling tired. Rio was dropped off and I got her outside then settled. I did a lot of sitting around and trying to stay cool with the dogs. I watched Married Life and fell asleep. Nap time! Eric came home around 4:00 and we talked about our day. He went off to a meeting and I took off for the Rack. I got a pair of shoes and a few shirts. I headed home and Eric was there. We talked a little and watched tv. I don’t remember what else, but probably went to bed late.

Thursday 7/2, Mom showed up unannounced as we were doing stuff around the house after work. She vented for a while about Dad, then we talked about how we’re doing. Eric left to go to a meeting and Mom asked if I wanted to go to Outback. I didn’t really want to but Eric said I should go rather than just stay home. We had a nice dinner and I tried to choose one of the less-heavy options. When I got home it was still so hot out. I walked Martin around the block and felt frustrated that it was still almost 90 and it was 10:00. We went to bed not long after.

Wednesday 7/1, Susan’s wedding day. I only worked a half day so headed home at noon. I ate lunch, did a few things, showered, and got ready for the wedding. I fed the dogs then went to pick up Eric at work. We made it downtown to the Municipal Court quickly and found Jon and Susan on the 10th floor. We just hung out and ended up on the roof terrace where they did a bunch of their photos and Eric and I talked and caught up since we haven’t seen each other much in the last couple weeks. We waited for our turn to go in and Susan and Jon got a fun judge with a cute bowtie. It was a quick, but very nice, ceremony. We signed as witnesses and off we went. Susan and Jon did a few more pictures while Eric and I walked back to the car so I could grab the card and Eric could call Jim. We walked to Tulio and sat in the bar drinking club soda until S and J arrived. We had a very good dinner and dessert. I helped Susan take off her bra in the bathroom and smuggle it back to the table. We had to cut out a few minutes early so I could get Eric to a meeting down in the Rainier Valley. I got home and fed the dogs the rest of their dinner and relaxed. I probably watered the plants since the weather had been 90+ forever. Eric was home late but had had a good night.