kapachino

Category: personal

  • This Is Life As A Girl

    I had a fairly busy and stressful week last week, and one of the main reasons was because I had my first test of the semester this morning in pediatric nursing, which is supposed to be one of the hardest classes we take. I spent a lot of time preparing for the test last week, along with various other commitments that I have going on in my life including, but not limited to: my boyfriend, work, book club, church, running, and Bible study.

    So last night, after another long day of meetings and studying, I settled into bed with Cleo lying beside me at my feet. Two nights ago my roommate told me that she left Cleo out of her crate overnight, and there was no damage done. I thought that meant that we were going to keep leaving her out. Last night Cleo slept with me because I decided that she is going to be allowed on my bed, even if she’s not allowed on any other furniture. Right before I closed my eyes I took a good look at Cleo resting beside me and I thought how happy I was to finally have such a sweet dog sleeping beside me. Then I went to sleep.

    Awhile later, I’m not sure how long, my roommate burst into my room and said loudly, “Hey Kathleen?” I jerked awake, and then she started talking. She listed to me all the reasons why she doesn’t want Cleo sleeping in my bed with me. I didn’t think any of her reasons were viable, but in my half-asleep state I wasn’t going to argue. Honestly, I don’t know if I would ever really argue with her. She has a very strong personality. The end result was that Cleo was taken away and put her in her crate. I wanted to cry.

    This morning I got up and went to school. As I was taking the test I thought that it was easier than I expected it to be. However, we were given an answer key afterwards and were able to see how many we missed. Although I passed, I was extremely disappointed in my grade because of the amount that I had studied for the test. Immediately all energy was sucked out of me. I felt low, low, low. I wanted to cry.

    After class I walked to my car, when I realized that I locked my keys inside. Even though I have a spare key underneath, I sure wasn’t making things any easier on myself. When I got home I decided to go to the gym, because exercise usually makes me feel better. I chose a treadmill in front of a TV screen that was showing some football game – Lafayette v. Penn. I like to watch sports when I run because it’s the only thing you don’t need sound to enjoy. Do I care or know anything about these two teams in particular? No. But Lafayette won on a last second field goal, and the whole team was so happy, that – guess what? I wanted to cry. I actually teared up.

    It just may be quite an emotional week.

  • We’re Getting The Hang Of This Dog Thing

    This is such a busy week for me, and I should be studying right now but I somehow have a hard time really focusing on my schoolwork unless I have other little things taken care of. And I just wanted to check in.

    At this moment Cleo is sitting on the floor at my feet IN MY ROOM. This is a huge deal. It is the first time since I’ve had her that she has come into my room on her own and hung out in here. She is kind of weird in that she is afraid of new rooms. For the longest time she wouldn’t go down any halls, into any rooms, or the kitchen. If I tried to walk her in there on a leash she would refuse. So my answer to this was to carry her into the room, make her sit there with me for awhile, and then let her go. Then I waited a few days and I caught her exploring, cautiously, on her own. And now she’s apparently feeling comfortable with it.

    Furthermore, I no longer have to push her up the second set of stairs leading to our apartment. She will walk up on her own, though slowly. And she’s eating completely dry dog food, from her bowl, in her room. Also a huge accomplishment.

    Over the weekend my roommates and I went out of town, so I left Cleo with Boyfriend David. He has two dogs at his house already, Eddie and Sydney, and boy were they excited to see Cleo. The only other time I’ve seen Cleo so scared is when I took her to the vet. But by the time I came to pick her up the next day, she had two new best friends and I don’t think she wanted to come home.

    Boyfriend David has a poster of The Kramer up on the wall in his living room. It is the ONLY wall decoration that he has up. Apparently, Cleo caught sight of it through the window from outside and began to bark at it. Then she crept up toward it slowly, growling all the way, before crouching in front of it and barking for about twenty minutes. Cleo hates Kramer!

    She also picked up the habit of jumping up onto couches during her sleepover weekend. My roommate Amanda doesn’t appreciate that because it’s her couch and we’ve caught her on it several times since last weekend. Yesterday Cleo was left alone for a short time while Amanda went to Starbucks, and when she came home Cleo had shredded some mail.

    When I saw it I thought it was the cutest thing. Her first tear-up! If this is as bad as it’s going to get, then I think we’ve got it pretty good. After having owned a dog for exactly 10 days (even though she’s Amanda’s dog too, I do pretty much everything for her besides feed her in the morning), I can say that it definitely puts limitations on my life but it is completely worth it.

  • The First Two Days Of Dog Ownership

    I do believe that I might have come across one of the sweetest dogs of all time. There are so many good things about Cleo. She hardly makes any noise; I’ve only heard her bark once. She loves everybody and gives cute little kisses that aren’t overwhelming. She’s extremely calm, which is perfect for apartment living. She knows how to sit and shake, and she’s pretty good at “come.” This morning, as I was rushing out the door she squirted past my legs and ran to the stairs (we live on the third floor). But when I said, “Cleo, no!” she stopped, and when I said, “Cleo, come!” she came back inside! I think that’s pretty amazing for our second day together.

    Cleo

    Here are the things we’re struggling with. I think that these will get better as time goes by, but if you have any advice I will receive it gladly!

    >She does not like going up the stairs. As I said, we’re on the third floor. The first day I pretty much had to carry her up. But I decided I’m not going to keep doing that. Now I say to her, “Cleo, up!” and I push her from behind until she is forced to take a step up. Then when she gets to the top of the flight I praise her, and if she gets all the way up to the apartment I give her a treat. I think she is getting a little better.

    >She isn’t eating her food or drinking much water. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s nervous or if it’s because she’s a snob about what she eats. Hm.

    Other than that she’s adjusting pretty well. She doesn’t move around the apartment much, but just kind of curls up in her little spot by the couch. I think she just needs more time to feel at home, and to know that she doesn’t have to go back to the shelter!

    Her car ride home:

    Best buds already:

    I love her!

  • Meet Cleo

     

    Beagle/ Hound mix, female, 2 years, brown/white. The lady that found me has two dogs and can’t keep me. I get along with older kids, adults, other dogs and am very quiet and sweet. I already know some commands and would love to learn more with you! Come and take me to my forever home!

    My roommate Amanda and I adopted her today! I have been wanting a dog for an extremely long time, so this is a momentous occasion. We didn’t actually get to bring her home today, because she still has to be spayed. But we pick her up tomorrow, and then I can get much better pictures. I love her already!

  • Pita Pizza

    I’ve been trying to eat healthier for about 6 weeks now. And even though I’d like to be, I am not a cook. I just haven’t had the time to get in to that yet. But sometimes it’s really helpful to make things myself: for the variety, because it can be cheaper, and healthier too. So I’m going to give you a recipe now, but since this is the first time I’ve done this I’m going to make some caveats which will hold for all future recipes (if, indeed, there are any to follow):

    a) This won’t be fancy, but when I do give you a recipe it’s going to be quick, easy, good, and healthy. At least in my opinion.
    b) I’m not married, and usually only have to provide a meal for myself or 1-2 others. I have no idea about cooking for an entire family.
    c) The measurements may not be exact, because I estimate a lot. Sometimes I won’t even give you measurements, because I think you can figure it out for yourself, like I did.

    Pita Pizza

    Whole wheat pita bread
    Pizza sauce
    Low fat mozzarella cheese

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
    2. Cover the pita in pizza sauce
    3. Add a layer of cheese
    4. Place on top shelf of oven
    5. Cook for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted

    And that’s it! Oh, and you can add meat if you want, but I prefer plain cheese. If you want to keep it healthy though, stick with lean meat.