Hi folks! Have you missed me? I’ve had so much going on lately (on purpose, really). I thought I’d just share some of what’s new. Most of it is great but there’s a not so great thing, too. I’ll start with the great.
I got a dog! Her name is Joy. She’s a Shetland Sheepdog/Australian Shepherd mix (as far as we can tell anyway). She was pulled from a shelter in Michigan the day she was scheduled to be euthanized. She was so shut down and terrified that the people at animal control didn’t think anyone would want her.
Her foster mom brought her down here to Illinois and worked with her for five weeks. She’s gone from being a scared, nervous wreck of a dog to a delightful little girl who I just adore. She’s still quite anxious and jumpy but she’s getting better every day. She’s on the bed with me right now, destroying a stuffed lizard. She even has her own blog, if you’re interested but I’m sure she’ll make lots of appearances here, too.
I’ve been in my new apartment for about three weeks. I’m all settled in and now I’m in the furnishing and decorating phase. This apartment is twice the size of my old one, so I have plenty of space to spread out still. My next project will be setting up my home office, so that’s fun!
I turned 30 over this past weekend which wasn’t bad at all, especially since I totally distracted myself with moving and getting a dog. I decided that I’d do something positive instead of wasting energy on being bummed out about my birthday and it worked great. I feel like I’m entering the next phase of my life and I have a furry little companion with me!
The only really negative thing going on right now is that I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. I’ve known for months and months that something was going on with me physically and I’m glad that I have a diagnosis now. It also explains the constant exhaustion, anxiety, etc. It really is a pain in the ass but it’s treatable. I had a sleep study last week with the CPAP machine and I slept better than I have in months. I’m excited to get my own machine and start sleeping normally again.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, I urge you to consult your doctor. It seems like a minor disorder but it can be deadly. And also keep in mind that sleep apnea doesn’t just happen to fat people and snoring isn’t the only symptom. I actually snore very little, sometimes not at all, and I have moderate to severe sleep apnea. If you’re tired all the time, talk to your doctor.
Joy is possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen!
Posted by: Meems | March 24, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Glad to see you back. Worried you got Depressed or your PC suffered an BSOD.
It's great you took in shelter dog. I want another pet myself. Waiting until we move outside to someplace with some Land. Going to get Attack Toy Poodle. Wife wants Big Dog. I want one that I won't have to say "Achoo".
Just be safe when you walk him!
Posted by: Steved | March 24, 2010 at 09:15 PM
joy looks like she really lives up to her name! happy to hear an update. happy birthday!
Posted by: emily | March 24, 2010 at 11:54 PM
What a beautiful dog!
Posted by: meerkat | March 25, 2010 at 04:19 AM
Joy is adorable!!
My boyfriend has severe sleep apnea. He has a BIPAP mask and it works really, really, well for him. Be picky about what mask you get with your machine. There are lots to choose from. I'm glad you'll soon be enjoying refreshing sleep!!
Posted by: Ducky | March 26, 2010 at 02:37 AM
Congratulations on both the change of personal venue and the new family addition! I also adopted a shelter puppy for my 30th birthday and she is the best gift ever! I can tell you from my own experience that she will bring you more love and happiness (and sometimes frustration :)) than you can even imagine. May you enjoy many years of cuddles!
Posted by: Meg | March 26, 2010 at 06:26 PM
Welcome back! Your dog is adorable, and I'm glad you had a nice birthday. 30 is still very young, so why not enjoy it!
Posted by: Jared Nuessen | March 26, 2010 at 11:23 PM
I got my apnea diagnosis and my machine in December, and I've been slowly getting back on track. In all likelihood, it's been something I've been dealing with since childhood even. And it's hereditary, so make sure all your family takes it seriously and gets checked! Like meerkat said above, make sure to try several different types of mask, and realize that what seems OK at first will likely not be so great in a month or two. Don't be afraid to call the sleep center or your medical supply company and ask for something different to trial at home, because that overnight you do at the Center sure isn't long enough to know if it's something you'll be able to handle for the long term.
Posted by: sistrmrylazarus | March 28, 2010 at 02:47 AM
Aw, Joy is sooo cute! So glad you have a new love in your life.
Posted by: Emily | March 29, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Very cute four legged friend you got there...so many dogs have there own blogs nowadays! :-)
Posted by: Plus Size Mother of the Bride | March 29, 2010 at 04:32 PM
Yes, as a matter of fact, we DID miss you! Getting worried we wouldn't have your fantastic words to brighten the day of us "pears". Sounds like things are getting better and now you have a lovely, lively doggie pal to make your days better. So glad to have you back - looking forward to enjoying the adventures of you and your Joy!!
Posted by: Kathleen | March 30, 2010 at 07:21 PM
SO gald your back! cute puppie dog!
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Posted by: katy | March 31, 2010 at 01:52 PM
What a beautiful little dog. I hope she brings you years of joy as my dog Trevor has brought me! Don't sweat the 30th birthday! I just had my 59th birthday...that's when you start sweating birthdays and wondering if you're going to make it to the next one! Enjoy your puppy and Happy Belated Birthday!
Posted by: sclingerie | April 03, 2010 at 09:24 PM