Gotta Love October

As we say goodbye to the month of October, I have much to look back on and be thankful for. Craig and I are a year wiser and older. Well, maybe just older. Our birthdays were spent with each other and family, the way it should be. I received some birthday money, in which I promptly blew at the Canton Flea Market. That place is amazing. It is truly like the Peter Anderson Festival on steroids times a hundred.

The Canton Flea Market is located in a small town north of Jackson, MS. The city looks like something out of an old movie. Well, as a matter of fact, it is. Several films have been created within this city including: My Dog Skip, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and Mississippi Burning just to name a few. I was invited to go by my mother-in-law. We would be going with my sister-in-law who knows her way around the market. She charted our way prior to going, making sure we stopped at the hottest spots first. I was able to see a friend that was set up selling her great artwork. Check her out at Paintings by Holly. I have several of her pieces including a portrait of Bella and Asher, which is amazing!

We moved briskly through each section of the market, but it never felt like we even made a dent in visiting what was there. This place is MASSIVE. Unlike the focus on fine art and pottery of the Peter Anderson Festival, it is geared more towards arts and crafts. I found many great things that were at a decent price (also unlike the PAF). A hundred dollars was gone in a flash, but I had so much fun. That night I was completely exhausted. My in-laws are hardcore Canton Flea Marketers, but I would love nothing more than to visit again.

The weekend of Craig’s birthday, he decided he wanted to stay at his family’s camp. This cabin is secluded within a cypress swamp located right on Caswell Lake in Mississippi. It is very beautiful and quiet, a nice place to just get away for a few days. We took the pups with us and they enjoyed being able to go on walks and tromp around in the woods like we used to do at North Farm in Starkville. Both have become very well behaved, staying close and running right back to me if I call to them. They love being off leash, so I think our next home will have to have land associated with it.

 

 

Craig’s parents had a get together for our birthdays, where we had a special MSU cake to celebrate. Hillary’s name was included for her birthday in September. She loved having an MSU cake with Uncle Craig and Aunt Tara. Muahahaha! (both of her parents attended Ole Miss) It was very nice of them to think of us. Shortly after, Craig headed for Columbus, MS for a fishing tournament with his dad, and I got to go home for the weekend and hang out with my family.

I have also been helping out with my friend’s shop. We painted the entire place, and I helped her inventory her stock. She will be opening this weekend for the Peter Anderson Festival. Everyone should check out her place. I am super excited for this weekend. I haven’t missed this festival as far back as I can remember. I LOVE IT! I’ll get to see some close friends and spend the rest of my birthday money that I stashed away. At least I will get to stay with my folks, where they actually believe in using the dang HEATER! Seriously, I have been frozen the past few days because Craig refuses to turn the thing on!

Last week, Craig and I were trying to find a haunted house or trail to go to, and we thought we found something promising. Wales West Pumpkin Patch was a camping resort and offered a train ride out to a pumpkin patch. I have never been to one so I was very excited. When we got there, I was pretty impressed. Everything was decorated for Halloween, and there was a legit train. However, shortly after we purchased our tickets, it became evident that this “scary” train ride was for children. Every adult was accompanied by a child except for us. We looked like complete doobs. But, we still enjoyed ourselves. When we arrived at the “pumpkin patch” after the train ride, children got to pick a pre-picked pumpkin out of a fenced in decorated area. I grabbed a pumpkin and promptly return to the gate to avoid the over stimulated children. We even got to witness a little girl pee herself. Oh, what fun! I can’t wait to be a mother. Hmmm… I was able to find a for real haunted house in Hurley and got to go with my friends, Kati, Allison and Luke. Needless to say, Luke was a little girl about it and made the night for everyone.

 

 

Which brings us to Halloween. There was a trick or treater tonight dressed up as a mouse. It made me think of Lola. We still miss her like crazy, but it is nice that every time we think of her, we smile. Unfortunately for us, we only had 9 trick or treaters. So that means a crap ton of treats left… as if either one of us needed more of that. I hope everyone had a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN! See ya next month!

Cheers!
Tara

 

Saying Goodbye

Some of you may have noticed my lack of Facebook participation within the past week and the fact that I didn’t blog. Earlier this week, we lost our sweet Lola rat. And truthfully, it has been really tough on me. Some of you may be thinking, why? Why are you upset about a pet rat? Well, the answer is, I don’t really care if you think it is stupid. She was more than just a pet rat. She was a member of our family.

Looking back, working at a place that sells animals was probably not the wisest thing for me to do nor was choosing a pet with a life expectancy of two years. But I really didn’t have a choice in either matters. Anyways, Lola came to us via my animal collecting skills. I had always wanted a pet rat. My mother hates small critters, so growing up, I was never allowed to have them. And as most of you know, keeping something from me only makes me want it more. So, years later, I purchased my Lola rathead in August 2010. Check out this other blog post for more about Lola and one of my fondest memories of her.

When we got home from the weekend at the cabin, we checked on all the critters like we normally do. Craig checked on Lola and gave her a small piece of cheese. Lola grabbed it furiously as she always does, and Craig jokingly said, “I don’t know about Lola but there’s a shark in there.” However, the following morning, she was not doing well. She just lied there in her cage not moving about much. I lifted her igloo and found the uneaten cheese which is unheard of as well as a little piece of macaroni that I gave her the night before.

I picked her up out of her cage and she said “hello” with her sweet little squeak. She was visibly thinner and her skin would tent due to dehydration. Her breathing effort was increased. This was not good. I sat with her wrapped in a warm towel practically all day. I attempted to syringe feed water and flavored antibiotics to her. She resisted both. I cried many times this day, and I stayed up late with her knowing that when I had to say goodnight, it would probably be the last time.

I woke up early the next morning with a knot in my stomach. I didn’t want to find her dead. I slunk out of bed and found my Lola just lying outside the towel that I left her in next to the mini heater I set up for her. Her breathing was still labored, but she was still responsive. This wasn’t fair. I was not going to let her go through another day like this. Not after all of the memories and love she gave to us. I couldn’t make her do this another day. So, I decided to humanely euthanize her.

As a vet, I am all too familiar with this scenario. As an owner, I am as well. We had to have our kitty, Sugar, put to sleep on February 12^th after days of trying to jump start her failed kidneys with IV fluids and every type of diuretic there is. Sugar came to us by way of adoption, as do most of my pets. The day I saw her, and I just knew she would be a part of our family. Just like I did with Bella and Asher. Sugar was a unique and quite perfect feline in my eyes. She acted more like a dog than any cat would dream of. She loved to be in the same room as us at all times. She played fetch very well. She even sat and would sit pretty on command for a treat. There were so many enduring qualities and unique behaviors she did that made her the light of our lives. Craig, who strongly disliked cats, fell head over heels for this friendly feline. Even though her blood values were off the charts and I’m sure she felt like crap, she was still so sweet during her intensive care stay at the ER and right up to the moment I watched the light leave her beautiful blue eyes. I was completely devastated. I still think about her often and tears well up as they are now. And now, I’ve had to revisit this feeling of despair once more.

 

I have helped many people and their pets with this situation. Putting a pet to sleep is never an easy decision whether warranted or not. Losing a member of your family is something that inevitably happens to everyone. Whether human or animal, the pain is great and something that we all share. And for me, it’s devastating. So please, the next time you learn of someone loosing a pet, show sympathy. You never will know how much that pet, big or small, meant to someone, and you too will be there one day.

Godspeed my babies, I love you and will see you again!
Love, Your Mommy

Watch this video of Lola and Sugar sharing some yogurt, makes me smile every time

Another Year Bites the Dust

My sister came into town from Indianapolis a few weekends back for a short visit. Finally, she was able to enjoy the ‘rent’s boat and go out to Horn Island. It seems like every time her and her husband come down they bring terrible weather with them. But, this weekend was niiiice. We got to relax and enjoy the summer sun for one last time before cooler temps hit. Side note: I loathe winter weather hence why we live on the coast… I would take a hurricane any day over a dang blizzard. Anyways. We went out and stayed out a bit to late in downtown Ocean Springs. We found a small pub and pretty much drank our faces off. As usual when the sis drinks one too many, she requests "cheesy bean and riiiiice!" In other words... give her Taco Bell , and do it NOW. However, she settled for a build-your-own burrito place instead. Ashley also got to take the pups down to East Beach too, something I do believe she really really enjoys even though she doesn’t have dogs. She is definitely a cat person. Seriously, every five minutes she would make a statement about how she misses her “sweet angel baby kitties…” I like cats and always have but I definitely enjoy my pups more. They would go everywhere with me if they weren’t so big. And as for Junebug... well, she doesn’t consider herself a cat. I should know - she told me…

The Beer House in downtown OS - a late night sampler

Senor Lopez Burrito Cafe - a late night snack

Me and my kids on East Beach

So, my birthday came and went. I’m still alive, so I guess that’s good. Craig and I celebrated by going to my favorite place, the beach. Imagine that. We stayed pretty much all day. I got to drink some beers and get my tan on. So, overall, a marvelous day. Originally, we were going to dinner at Lulu’s but opted for the less expensive route and chose Lambert’s instead. For those of you that have never been to Lambert’s, I will describe it to you briefly. Lambert’s is the “home of the throwed rolls.” Basically, they throw your dinner rolls at your face from across the room. They serve home style southern cooking with pass arounds (they pass around large buckets of food which you can choose to get heaping portion plopped on your plate or pass). The pass around foods vary from black-eyed peas to potatoes and onions and are delish. Needless to say, my birthday was filled with the three Bs: beach, beer, and binge eating! Yesss! Oh, and if you were curious, Craig got me a lifeproof iPhone cover - this sucker withstands dropping, dust/sand, and is waterproof up to 6 feet. Perfect for me just in case my phone takes a dive which is a common occurence. We are also going to the Smokies in November for a mini vaycay. Yesss!

                                 Craig lovingly wrapped my gift all by himself...

The following weekend I had the privilege to attend a beautiful Mississippi themed wedding. My friend, Kati, married another friend of mine, Luke. Check out Tina's blog to get the scoop on how we unknowingly united these two.The wedding and reception were held at The Old Place in Gautier, Mississippi under the oaks and right on the Pascagoula River. All of the wedding design from the floral arrangements down to the print on the programs were put together by the bride. She is a truly talented individual. She had lawn games, live music, and BBQ. The food was very cleverly put together. There were several food stands similar to what you would see at a carnival, set up along with a separate bar. You could go up to any of these stands and request whatever you would like - popcorn, cotton candy, funnel cakes, homemade potato chips, stuffed jalapeños, and of course various types of BBQ. It was a great wedding weekend with great company and great times. (Just wish I wouldn’t have stayed out till 4 am the previous night…) and to all the haters, I wore a dress... both nights... ha! I even got to try out my photography skills and editing skills. Check out my pics below...



The Old Place - Gautier, Mississippi

  

 

 

Kati is an interior designer and event planner. If you have an upcoming event or project and you need some help or guidance, check her out at Abode Design Studio and you can follow her on Twitter or Facebook. She will be opening a studio in downtown Ocean Springs late October as well. I promise you, she is awesome! Tomorrow, I will fill you in on the Canton Flea Market and Craig’s birthday weekend. I know, I know. You’re on pins and needles…

Cheers!
Tara

 

Facebook Purge

Hmph… I know I said that I wouldn’t unfriend folks. However, the difficult decision to remove some negative influences/people was necessary. Removing these disapproving individuals then led to unfriending unnecessary acquaintances. I like people, but facebook is personal and I don’t want randoms stalking me. And, I know all about this. Yes, I am a facebook stalker. It’s ridiculous, I know. Now let’s set something straight. When I say stalker, I mean scoping out the news feed 20-30 times a day. When there is a status update, I do NOT go to each individual page unless there is something that really interest me, usually pictures.

When I started my purge, I had 650 friends. Not too shabby. I was able to whittle down the list to 579. I was hoping to get it down more, but I’m telling ya, that really took a long time. Unfortunately, facebook doesn’t make this an easy task. There is no list of friends that have an unfriend button next to them. I vaguely remember the list of previous facebook versions being much more handy with this task. Now, you have to go to each individual’s page and unfriend them. When you have reached the person in questions’ page, the mind debate begins. Do I even know this person? You click on a photo. Gosh. He looks familiar, but I just don’t know. Let’s check out where I could know him from. Well, he went to Ocean Springs. Still don’t know. Ok, Unfriend. This becomes mentally exhausting after awhile. Unless, you reach a person that you definitely know you loathe. Immediately clicking the unfriend button sends a signal to my brain to smile deviously. Bitch.

After going through the extensive friend list, it becomes clear that there are individuals that you would like to continue to stalk. However, you don’t want them to know your business. You really don’t want to unfriend, so you are presented with a new dilemma. No worries. Easy fix. You can make groups and add your “friends” into them. I have three. Work. Mentors. Family. After adding your individuals, you can go to your information, pictures, likes, etc. and keep these groups from seeing the information in the edit/setting option. Also, handy dandily, when you post things you can choose to keep these pre-made groups from seeing it. That way if I want to express my feelings through multiple expletives, I can keep my family and mentors from seeing this status update.

I know that most of you reading this probably already know this information. But, if you didn’t, you can now enjoy your facebook comfortably. So now that you have had your facebook binge, it’s time to purge. I feel better now, and you may too. Coming up next, my past two blast in a glass weekends.

Cheers!
Tara

The Most Dreaded Day of the Year

What is the most dreaded day of the year? No, it’s not Black Friday. I realize many women love this day. I, however, am not one of those. Gee, I wonder why? Nothing says “Christmas spirit” more than waiting in line at 3 am outside a superstore only to sprint your way to the desired object and find that the heifer in front of you grabbed the last one. Right? No, it’s not on Christmas as you tear into a lovely wrapped gift given by an adoring family member that still feels you are “too precious” only to realize that your gift is the most disgusting Christmas snowman sweater equipped with little jingle bells on each cuff of the sleeves. And no, it’s not April 15^th. This day is dreaded by many because your tax return is due. I don’t really have to worry because I hastily submit for my return every year. I WANT MY MONEY B! And asap!

This day is the day of my birth. It will occur on Tuesday, October 2^nd. It will be my 8^th 21^st birthday. Yes, you heard that right. Alright, alright! I will be turning 29... Ugh.. I just threw up in my mouth a little. Sad thing is, this used to not be the case. I used to love my birthday. Not anymore. The statement “the last year of my twenties” makes me cringe and deeply saddens my heart. My twenties have been very good to me. I met, fell in love with and married a wonderful, supportive man. I went to college and had the time of my life. I followed my dream and graduated as a doctor of veterinary medicine. I adopted my very first dog, the love of my life. Shhh. Don’t tell Craig. Although, he makes this comment on a daily basis. I traveled to many exotic locations including: Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Honduras. I’ve watched all of my closest friends marry and have children of their own. We purchased our very first home. Basically, lived it up!

Now, rapidly creeping up are the thirties. Time to think about the future and become an adult. We are no longer considered youthful enough to go clubbing, stay out until dawn, or go on spring break. Talks of babies fill the thirty year old air by your family and friends. “So, when are you gonna have a baby?” is a common question asked even by random strangers. Weekends will now consist of trips to the Home Depot, yard work, paying bills, and staying in to watch a DVD for fun. Goodbye binge drinking… because if you do this like you did in your twenties, you are considered an alcoholic. And, the hangovers will hurt way more than what they used to. Like, you need a two day recovery period...

Gee… that sounds like sooo much fun. But, in the words of my wise husband, “I’d rather get old then get dead.“ Maybe the thirties will hold exciting times. Never a dull moment, right? I really guess I’m going to have to learn to grow up. Yes, it’s time to grow up. But, I don’t wanna!

Cheers!
Tara

 

To Beer or Not To Beer

Whelp… it’s 1 am. I’m up and been a drinkin. NO! to what you’re thinking… Tonight’s menu consisted of Dos Equis, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Yuengling. All lagers of which I do not normally drink. Well, let’s be honest… I will drink practically anything put in front of me that I do not have to use my debit card on (I don’t carry cash, like, ever…)

Dos Equis comes in at number one. Surprisingly, very smooth. I went over to a friend’s house this evening and had my choice between Dos and Mich Ultra. Seeming since I typically drink Mich Ultra or a Bud Light Platinum when it‘s bought for me, I decided to take a walk on the wild side and chose the Dos. It has a crisp taste with a smooth finish. Like corona, without the sting. With a 4.45% ABV, this, I will try again if the price is right.

Next up was Yuengling. After checking out the scene at my friend’s A.P.T., we shuffled on over to Moe’s BBQ. Yeah Yeah. Not your typical BBQ joint after 10 pm. This place usually gets hoppin and Natties are a buck, which is why we come here. Hey! We’re on a budget. Yeah, I know… a drinking budget is nothing less then lame. But, they were out of Natties this evening so the next cheapest option was $2 Yuengling or PBR. UGH! Yuck…

Yuengling was a tough sell. I have had this brew before, and tonight it was equally as blah to me. It is best left for choice after drinking a few. Plus, it is colored like apple cider which is not appealing to me. My rule of thumb… the darker the beer, the nastier the taste… This lager is 4.4 percent ABV, close to the Dos.
 
So, naturally we move to the PBR, which I have also tasted in my younger years. Honestly, it is not much better. However, it holds a slightly higher ABV at 4.74% which is better for our money. This is what I continued to drink until this point. It has done it’s job, ok… not well. I am no beer connoisseur and do not plan on brewing my own batch anytime soon, but I have this on my mind so I figured I would blog about it. Hey, why not?…

Cheers!
Tara

Stop and Smell the Roses

So, it’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog. Truth be told, I have been on the road for a majority of the past few weeks. One great thing about my “free time” is being able to do many things that I would like but otherwise would not be able to. I feel like this is God’s way of saying, “hey, life is all around you! Pay attention!”

Shortly after my last post, I took a trip up to Hotlanta with my BFF, Tina and her 6 week old son, Tristan. We went up there to welcome the birth of her sister and brother-in-laws’ second child, Jeremiah. I honestly have to say I was wondering how the trip would pan out considering the long duration and the fact that we had a small baby in tow. But, Tina was right. Tristan is an excellent traveler. She had recently practically traveled the entire east coast, so she knew what to expect. Apart from a cry fest of about 10 mins, he slept the entire way up and back down. Now, that’s my kinda kid! Seriously though, I have to give props to “Mister Trister.” He has opened my eyes to the kingdom of babies. Before him, I was petrified when someone asked me if I wanted to hold a baby. Would they scream bloody murder? Would they puke up pre-digested milk onto my lovely locks? Would they take a massive deuce on me? Or worse… would I drop them?


Lauren and Jeremiah

Tristan was born as a toddler. Pushing the scales at nearly 10 lbs, his mom took it like a champ. Part of the credit for breaking baby phobia goes to this magnificent woman, my best friend, Tina. Her outlook during her entire pregnancy and labor was jovial even when the worst hit. She just doesn’t know how much I admire her for simply just being her. She can make the darkest situations full of light. And, since Tristan’s birth, I haven’t been as scared to hold a baby I guess due to his shear magnitude and Tina’s better than best attitude during the hospital stay.


me and "newborn" Tristan

Well, back to the travels. After enjoying a meal at the Cheesecake Factory, a great pedicure, and a couple of hospital visits, we headed back shortly thereafter. On the return trip, we stopped at the Bass Pro so that Uncle Craig could meet Tristan for the first time. Tristan was thrilled to be in man heaven, cracking smiles around every corner and mesmerized by the huge tank full of fish. Craig was so thrilled about this, as I’m sure Tristan’s daddy, Drew, was as well. Returning home, I walk into the kitchen to find fresh flowers. I guess Craig was tired of my travels, but alas, more to come.

 Happy Outdoorsman

 

I got to see a good friend from vet school the following weekend. Erin sought refuge from New Orleans to Orange Beach during Hurricane Isaac. (It’s ISAAC, NOT ISSAC! That irritated me so much when people misspelled it!) Anyways, I met up with her and her folks for a nice lunch. It was great to see my sista from another motha. Her parents are fun times too. A few days later, we invited my friend/old colleague over for dinner after viewing The Possession in theaters. Craig refuses to go to scary movies with me. I can’t decide if it’s because he’s a girl or he doesn’t want me to see him in public in the fetal position during a flick.
 

view from the decks of the Cove

My aunt and uncle invited me over to P-cola for a boat ride the next weekend. We stopped first at a place called Pirate’s Cove in Josephine, Alabama. It’s a hole in the wall right off the water that consists of some plywood, tarp and tin - similar to the Florabama. They have dogs on the beaches and in the bar. We enjoyed a couple of breakfast sammiches, then set off for Lulu’s. I’ve been to Lulu’s many times via car but never arrived in high class fashion as a boater. I have to say, every time I go to Lulu’s there is a 3 hour wait and therefore I end up absolutely trashed prior to being seated. This time was no exception minus the wait time. We had several cold ones, swapping stories and watching the Saints lose their first game, dammit. Then, we toured Old River and yearned to live in the houses on Ono Island. Good times.

 Pirate's Cove, Josephine, AL

 Alabama Bar Scene at 8:30 AM

                                                                           

The following weekend Craig and I went out with the ‘rents to Horn Island, trying to squeeze in some island time before the cooler temps reach us. As always, the island didn’t’ disappoint. It has changed a lot since the last time we went prior to Isaac. Thinned out south, but nonetheless still beautiful. F- BP had a couple of rhinos and port o’s to clean up the tar balls still found on the shores. I leave that just like that for the sake of fewer explicits in this post. While on the island, I got a text from my friend Mindi. “I’m in labor!” She was scheduled for a C-section on Tuesday but little Everett decided that he was ready then. Well, shit… I mean… I’m on a friggin island.

Dunes of Horn Island

Enjoying our home away from home

Lots of new jettis and a more narrow south side

I headed up to Jackson a day earlier then planned. I was going up the following day anyways for my niece’s 8^th birthday party. Mindi gave birth to a precious little boy just prior to my arrival. We watched him quietly squirm in the nursery, then Joey came out to let everyone know that Mindi was fine. “Tara, isn’t it your turn for one?” Dammit, here we go. To be expected… everyone I know says something similar on the regular. To my surprise, Mindi asked to see her mother and me first. I have to tell you how special that made me feel. To see my sweet friend right after her delivery and to watch her hold her newborn for the very first time is a memory that I will cherish. The love in the room was overwhelming. OK, enough of the sappy shit. No, really, she and Joey will make wonderful parents.

Everett Joseph Kern, born 9/14/2012 at 7:05 pm, 7 lbs 7 oz, 21 in

 The Kerns

The birthday party was AH-MAZING. I wanted to participate but being that I was nearly 20 years older than the participants, I felt it was inappropriate. She had her party at a paint studio where they did canvas paintings, sand art, and watercolor with crayon then danced in a black light room. I mean, how awesome! After the party, I was able to spend some time with my in-laws. They really are great people. I have always felt as if I was a part of the family from day one (almost ten years ago, sheesh!)

Even though my situation is not exactly ideal, my time has been well spent. Sharing and making memories with my family and friends is very important to me right now. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I am optimistic for the future. I know that everything happens for a reason, and I just may have found that reason.

Cheers!
Tara