No sooner had we decided we loved the name Zoey when my Aunt Minnie pointed out that Dad surely would have wanted the pup to have a first name that started with a "K" and the middle name of "Jo." It's a tradition for the females in our family, and as you all know by now, my father loved traditions.
We threw around tons of different names at Minnie's CAbi party. (A quick digression, for those not in the know: CAbi stands for Carol Anderson by Invitation. It is a clothing line sold through house parties, and Minnie's daughter - my cousin Lynn - is a sales consultant. Check out her website - the Spring/Summer line is WAY cute! We are having a party at our house in late April, to give me as much time as possible to get down another size or two before I blow a paycheck on a new wardrobe).
Anyway, since we were at a CAbi party, we thought "Why not name her Kabi with a 'K'?" As silly as that sounds, everyone loved it and the name stuck.
So Kabi Jo it is. We just took her in to get spayed yesterday - the poor thing is not a happy camper. But even when she's miserable, she's still as sweet and cute as can be.
Thank you, Daddy!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Meet Zoey(?)
Okay, so we haven't officially decided on a name yet, but seeing as our little Valentine's present is still around and no one else has claimed her, we're all getting very comfortable with the idea of her staying put. My sister even took her to the vet to get her shots updated and get a clean bill of health. Ladies and gentlemen, here is our 5 (or so)-year old Chihuahua mix sweetpea-of-a-dog:
With my mom and sister.
Tonight we started genuinely tossing around ideas on what to call her. We wanted something Valentine-themed, considering when we found her and in honor of the idea that Daddy had something to do with bringing her into our lives at this time. Our friend Elizabeth proposed "Corazón" (which is "heart" in Spanish) and just calling her Zoey for short. We like it.
Any other ideas, before we settle on this one?
With my mom and sister.Tonight we started genuinely tossing around ideas on what to call her. We wanted something Valentine-themed, considering when we found her and in honor of the idea that Daddy had something to do with bringing her into our lives at this time. Our friend Elizabeth proposed "Corazón" (which is "heart" in Spanish) and just calling her Zoey for short. We like it.
Any other ideas, before we settle on this one?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Valentine From Daddy
Valentine's day was a toughie. I sent my mom flowers and we ordered sushi and just laid low for the evening. But the best part was that we have a new (but probably temporary) furry addition to the family.
Driving home from step class, we saw a little dog in the road who looked very frightened, so we pulled over to check its tags and call its owner. To our dismay, there was no collar! Although it took some coaxing, pretty soon the little sweetie was following me home and eventually allowed me to pick her up.
We called the animal shelter and they scanned her for an ID chip. Nada. So they have our contact information in case anyone calls missing their little dog. Legally the owners only have 5 days to claim her but of course we'd give her back if they tracked her down.
In the meantime, we get to keep her! It's been a joy - she is the most cuddly little dog I've ever seen. She's older, already house-trained and very obedient. People have been encouraging my mom to get a dog for months and she has always protested. But this little one is a gem so maybe, just maybe....
Our last dog Kenzie was also found wandering the streets when my dad went out for sushi. Ironically, we were headed out for sushi this time too. Not to mention the fact that we found our new little friend on February 14th. Maybe Dad managed to send us a Valentine after all...
Driving home from step class, we saw a little dog in the road who looked very frightened, so we pulled over to check its tags and call its owner. To our dismay, there was no collar! Although it took some coaxing, pretty soon the little sweetie was following me home and eventually allowed me to pick her up.
We called the animal shelter and they scanned her for an ID chip. Nada. So they have our contact information in case anyone calls missing their little dog. Legally the owners only have 5 days to claim her but of course we'd give her back if they tracked her down.
In the meantime, we get to keep her! It's been a joy - she is the most cuddly little dog I've ever seen. She's older, already house-trained and very obedient. People have been encouraging my mom to get a dog for months and she has always protested. But this little one is a gem so maybe, just maybe....
Our last dog Kenzie was also found wandering the streets when my dad went out for sushi. Ironically, we were headed out for sushi this time too. Not to mention the fact that we found our new little friend on February 14th. Maybe Dad managed to send us a Valentine after all...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The "D-Word"
One significant chapter of my life is coming to a close. After trying valiantly for 2.5 years, I've decided to end my marriage. The divorce process is underway and it is a bittersweet experience. Thank God I can file here in California, which does not have an antiquated law like North Carolina's about having to be physically separated for a year before even being able to petition.
The writing has been on the wall for a long time, even before my father got sick last year. Through a combination of tragic experiences, culture clashes and financial stress, we found ourselves drifting apart. And the harder we both tried to fix things, the worse it got because our methods of trying to mend fences were completely opposite. When I moved here last summer, I knew that the months apart would be the final straw.
My friend pointed out to me the other day that we got married somewhat under duress because it was either get hitched or don't be together, thanks to immigration policies that required us to say our vows within 90 days of his arrival with a K-1 fiance visa. Under "normal" circumstances, we would have lived together and realized that it just wasn't working long before I walked down that aisle.
I married him because I genuinely believed I would spend my life with him (and have ADORABLE children). I loved him then, and always will. The problems were never about disliking each other or fighting all the time. There is just a fundamental incompatibility (not only due to cultural differences) that cannot be bridged no matter how hard we have tried. Our fondness for one another is not enough to make a marriage work. But we like and respect each other enough that I hope we have laid the foundation for a lasting and fond friendship.
So what's next for Teeny Jo? I take back my maiden name (never to be legally changed again, thankyouverymuch). I focus on healing from a hell of a 2007. I keep up the healthy choices and focus on how to make sure I never again let others control my emotions and self-perception. I resume my pursuit of my vocation in nursing. I dip my toe back into the dating pool, but only ever so gingerly. That's the worst part of divorce, in my opinion. You automatically have your guard up against every new guy that comes along. I am willing to give it another go but "Caution" signs abound.
But still, 2008 continues to be the year of the Teeny. I am thankful for that.
The writing has been on the wall for a long time, even before my father got sick last year. Through a combination of tragic experiences, culture clashes and financial stress, we found ourselves drifting apart. And the harder we both tried to fix things, the worse it got because our methods of trying to mend fences were completely opposite. When I moved here last summer, I knew that the months apart would be the final straw.
My friend pointed out to me the other day that we got married somewhat under duress because it was either get hitched or don't be together, thanks to immigration policies that required us to say our vows within 90 days of his arrival with a K-1 fiance visa. Under "normal" circumstances, we would have lived together and realized that it just wasn't working long before I walked down that aisle.
I married him because I genuinely believed I would spend my life with him (and have ADORABLE children). I loved him then, and always will. The problems were never about disliking each other or fighting all the time. There is just a fundamental incompatibility (not only due to cultural differences) that cannot be bridged no matter how hard we have tried. Our fondness for one another is not enough to make a marriage work. But we like and respect each other enough that I hope we have laid the foundation for a lasting and fond friendship.
So what's next for Teeny Jo? I take back my maiden name (never to be legally changed again, thankyouverymuch). I focus on healing from a hell of a 2007. I keep up the healthy choices and focus on how to make sure I never again let others control my emotions and self-perception. I resume my pursuit of my vocation in nursing. I dip my toe back into the dating pool, but only ever so gingerly. That's the worst part of divorce, in my opinion. You automatically have your guard up against every new guy that comes along. I am willing to give it another go but "Caution" signs abound.
But still, 2008 continues to be the year of the Teeny. I am thankful for that.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Family Wedding
Saturday was a GREAT day! Not only did Obama sweep Nebraska, Louisiana, Washington, AND the U.S. Virgin Islands, but I got to attend my cousin Ashley's wedding.
It was a lovely ceremony, the bride and groom were blissfully happy (we all LOVE the groom and his family!), and there was much dancing, eating, and drinking to be had. The band was fabulous. What a party!
The fam.
Cousins!
Mr. and Mrs. "Chalmerington".
I just realized that of the many weddings I attended in Durham, most of them were as an assistant wedding director. It was great fun to be a guest for a change! I did recognize the wedding coordinators right off the bat by the frazzled looks on their faces.
The insane part is, I actually really miss that job! I'm excited to have a dear friend getting married at Duke Chapel in June, and I get to help. Just like the good ol' days!
It was a lovely ceremony, the bride and groom were blissfully happy (we all LOVE the groom and his family!), and there was much dancing, eating, and drinking to be had. The band was fabulous. What a party!
The fam.
Cousins!
Mr. and Mrs. "Chalmerington".I just realized that of the many weddings I attended in Durham, most of them were as an assistant wedding director. It was great fun to be a guest for a change! I did recognize the wedding coordinators right off the bat by the frazzled looks on their faces.
The insane part is, I actually really miss that job! I'm excited to have a dear friend getting married at Duke Chapel in June, and I get to help. Just like the good ol' days!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Let's Go Devils!
Round 1 goes to Duke!!
I watched the game with my good friends Brent and Emily. We've known them forever - their son and I grew up together, and their daughter and my sister are still best friends.
Papa Brent 'n me...
Because they're like family, I'll forgive the fact that Em went to Carolina. :) They invited me to join them at a local sports bar, where we amicably shook hands and agreed that whoever won, neither of us would gloat. When we arrived, I realized it was a UNC alumni event!!! Needless to say, I was the only one with a smile on my face as the final minutes wound down. I'm sure I drew some ire and will probably not be invited back. But it felt so good to (quietly) cheer in a room filled with Carolina blue!
In one month and two days, the rivalry will move up Highway 15-501 to Cameron Indoor Stadium for the last game of the regular season. Oooh, will it be a doozy!!!
I watched the game with my good friends Brent and Emily. We've known them forever - their son and I grew up together, and their daughter and my sister are still best friends.
Papa Brent 'n me...Because they're like family, I'll forgive the fact that Em went to Carolina. :) They invited me to join them at a local sports bar, where we amicably shook hands and agreed that whoever won, neither of us would gloat. When we arrived, I realized it was a UNC alumni event!!! Needless to say, I was the only one with a smile on my face as the final minutes wound down. I'm sure I drew some ire and will probably not be invited back. But it felt so good to (quietly) cheer in a room filled with Carolina blue!
In one month and two days, the rivalry will move up Highway 15-501 to Cameron Indoor Stadium for the last game of the regular season. Oooh, will it be a doozy!!!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Go To Hell, Carolina!
I may have moved back to the West Coast, but I will be a Cameron Crazie 'til the day I die!!
Tomorrow is round 1 of the Duke-Carolina rivalry. I'll be at the local sports bar with my friends (Tar Heels, horror of horrors).
It's going to be a great game!
Super Tuesday!
Waking up this morning, I was like a kid at Christmas. What a momentous day to be an American! We get to make history today.
I'll be voting for Barack Obama. For anyone who is still undecided, I encourage you to watch this video and think about who will be the best person to lead and heal our country.
But whoever you choose, GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!!
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