Slow down? Not me.

I was just thinking last night that I don't know the last time that I've sat still for more then 20 minutes on a week day evening. If I'm not watching Madison like a hawk and running her outside, I'm cleaning, or I'm watering the flowers, something. I think I need a break. I just want to get back to reading my book so I can finish it! Sound familiar? It's like I'm a new parent!

Maddy is in Day 3 of crate training. The last 2 days she has not gone to the bathroom in the crate-Sunday must have a taught her something! She still does not like to go in there, even with treats, but she seems to do okay. She is raring to go when we get home, so we have to do lots of playing and walks.

Last night we made another trip to PetSmart to investigate a larger, wire crate for her. Plus, we had to return the gate, which made no sense to keep since she can jump it. What was cute is that there were some puppy training classes going on. There was a boxer, jack russell terrier, golden retriever, and 2 mixed breeds. Maddy was so excited! We definitely need to get her involved in a class. Afterwards she was able to greet a few of the dogs, and then she tried to paw the Jack Russell in the face. I think she just wanted to play, and that was her way of letting him know. Plus, she was larger then him.

We came home with a new crate, a water dish, treats, and a floor mat for her food. She promptly tried to chew the floor mat when I layed that down for her bowls. She is really a chewing machine. This morning she again ran over to crap in the neighbors lawn because she doesn't like getting wet when the sprinkler system comes on at 5:30am. Thankfully, these people adore her and I obviously pick it up. I warned them that she is doing this, and they were so nice about it. It's really appreciated!

Tonight Bryan & Mary are coming with their new baby Hanna! We have not seen Hanna yet-she is just a month old. The pictures we have seen are great-she a cute little chub. Also, my former boss at TM and great friend Alana had a baby boy on Monday! He was 2 weeks early. My co-worker Andrea also had her baby last week. Another boy. It seems like everyone is having babies and they are all coming earlier then their due date.

Work is fair right now. I'm still really tired-even without the caffeine. I think I'm sleeping soundly but I just can't seem to get enough sleep. Madison had me up at 3am today to pee, and then again at 5:30am. That can't help, but what can you do? She's been really good about going back to sleep. Hopefully this weekend I can get a little extra sleep. I guess the other thing I have to get my butt in gear on is exercise.

She's a cat

This morning, as I'm eating breakfast, Madison the puppy comes out from the kitchen from where she was eating her breakfast. She didn't see me at the table eating, so I called to her. She saw me across from the table, so she hopped up on the dining room chair, climbed onto the table, and walked across it to meet me. Can we say CAT anyone?

Madison met cousin TJ this weekend, and they seemed to get along well. TJ was a bit jealous of the attention I gave Madison-so he peed on my foot in the sunroom. Her scent was there on the rug and I think he made his point! Later, he laid in my lap while Maddy chewed on a toy. When I left, he did his usual loud barking to signify that I am not to leave! Although he looks a little rough, he is about 75% TJ. I'll take that over anything.

Maddy was a big hit with Mom & Barry, as well as Pam who stopped by. We then made a trek over to Byron where she met Dad, Debbie & Janelle. Puffy the dog did not care for Madison at all. Dad had to keep her separated. Janelle's comment made sense: "Puffy is a widow now." But, they all enjoyed Madison as well, especially Dad. Maddy has a tendency to melt some hearts. Especially hurting hearts. She is a special little dog.

Yesterday was her first try in the crate for about 2 hours. She pooped in it and pawed at the door. Hopefully today she will understand that if she poops and pees in there, she will have to lay in it all day long. I now understand how Pat felt too about putting Dizzy in a crate. It's not fun and I feel bad. But, the vet said it's the best thing you can do for her. She still is having accidents, but it's always because we are not watching her carefully. She has also learned to sit in just a week-and is starting to know her name. Much to learn!

We received our security deposit of $400 back from the apartment, so we went to buy a grill yesterday! We had grilled barbeque ribs and they were tasty. The rest of the money goes to each of us to spend a little on ourselves. I've gained a few pounds and can't get into some of my shorts. nice. So, I need to buy a few new clothes.

Today is my 7th Day of being caffeine free. I do not enjoy it at all. But, I am determined to do this for better sleeping habits. It is helping and I seem to be sleeping sounder. I can't wear the sleep mask because SOMEONE ate it! All in all, I wake up feeling more rested. I'm existing on water, lemonaide, gatoraide, and Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi. Back in the day I used to drink PepsiFree. It's hard to find Caffeine Free Pepsi or Coke at all. Diet Pepsi tastes better then the Diet Coke. Why should it taste different because of caffeine? I have no idea. But it does. Has anyone tasted the new low carb/calorie Coke?

This weekend we head back to Rochester for my cousin Jenni's wedding reception. We haven't had a wedding dance to go to in a long time, so this should be fun. All the cousins are 21 (except Allie) and over so we can have a few drinks together. Nate is also home from Hawaii. Mike is going to go to a bachelor party in Rochester for one of our college roommates, who is a McCabe from Lanesboro. (Grandpa worked for his grandpa, Dad knows his Dad, etc) I like to call him Kyle Petty-looks just like him! Anyway, Doug's party is Saturday night as well.

Puppy training tips anyone???