December 17, 2010

Oh Man! 3 months since my last post. I suppose time flies when you're having fun!

I just finished addressing our holiday cards for the year- sending out love during this season to our closest family and friends. I felt a little something in my heart as I addressed one card to "The Staff" at our local Animal Hospital (VCA), and I wrote a little note reminding them of our experience there, almost 2 years ago. We are reminded everyday about the terrible (and wonderful) things that can happen to our loved ones (both human and canine), and we are still thankful beyond words to all of those who were involved in our event of March 2009. Sampson is curled up next to me as I write, and I'm happy to report that he is still living a happy and snuggle-filled life with his parents who adore him.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

September 11, 2010

Trying to Stop and Smell the Roses

Here I am.. sitting in a complete funk.. trying to pull myself out. I have my moments of "the world caving in on me," but quickly realize that it could be much worse. I have a job, I have an amazing fiancee that makes me unbelievably happy, I have a house, I have friends and family that I can turn to, I have a healthy (and happy) dog/son, I have the thought of a better future in continuing my education, and I have my health. It's Saturday night and it has officially taken me over 24 hours (and a few Sex and the City episodes) to get my mind off the stress I feel at work. I have a huge week ahead of me and I'm literally watching the clock as the time passes and Monday approaches. But why? So that I can completely ruin my weekend? So that I can put even more pressure on myself than what I already feel from others? Ugh. Enough is enough. Thankfully, Carrie Bradshaw and Charles Shaw are here to help me outta this fog. :)

On-deck: "How to De-stress & Enjoy Being Engaged," compliments of my "Brides" Magazine.

August 1, 2010

It's Sunday, and it's officially the last day of my vacation. I have been away from work for 9 whole days... and I want to do it all over again! I started it off by cleaning the house, bathing Sampson, hittin' the gym, studying, homeworkin', and shopping... everything I wasn't planning on doing during the second half of my vacay.

Last Sunday morning, we went golfing with Andy's boss Anthony, and our friend Aaron. I literally used 3 clubs the entire time- 7, wedge, and putter. My game was definitely "off", but I made up for it on Tuesday in Napa at Kennedy with my mom (who's awesome) and my friend Roo (who's awesomely hilarious). After laughing with them for a few hours, and enjoying a fabulous meal with Roo at Taqueria Rosita, I headed home to do some last minute studying for my 3rd exam.

On Thursday, Andy and I did some Outlet shopping in the morning, and hit the road to meet up in Berkeley with Leslie & Chris, and we headed to a BBQ at Leslie's in-laws house. We chatted it up with Bob & Cherie and heard about all their recent fun (and no so fun) events (see txtrib.blogspot.com). After crashing at Leslie & Chris's wonderful home, we drove into the city bright and early and checked into our amazing hotel room at Parc 55. We were upgraded to a room on the 25th floor with amazing views of the city. We ate some grub, did some shopping/people watching in Union Square, and then retreated back to the room for a quick nap before our night on the town.

We headed to Roy's (which we were told is one of Obama's fave places in the city) for appetizers, a few glasses of wine, and delicious meal- Andy had the steak and I had the absurdly huuuuuge herb chicken (we ended up giving half of my meal to a homeless man holding a sign that read "If you can read this, I'll let you give me a dollar"). After dessert, we caught a cab and were magically whisked away to the Orpheum Theatre to see WICKED. If you haven't seen it, I would HIGHLY recommend seeing it (and if you've heard bad reviews about it- don't listen to them..... Cindy). We went back to the hotel, had a few drinks at the bar ($$$$), went up to our room, melted into the plush bed, and were out for the count.

On Saturday, we swung by Napa to see my folks, and to see how my poor mother was dealing with her thrashed living room (remodel), grabbed a quick bite and hit the road. Which brings us to this lovely Sunday... and the fact that I want to do this entire vacation over again, one more time :). Whew! I'm exhausted.

July 9, 2010

"Stay cool, dudes."

Again, I apologize, for the few of you that check in with my little blog, for the delay in a new post. With summer in full force, we are keeping busy trying (yes-trying) to get the pool up to par, working numerous jobs to pay our air conditioning bill, falling asleep with our noses in school books, and generally enjoying ourselves with our wonderful friends (and dogs).

I'm currently taking a break from writing a paper for my Human Development class (I'm only halfway done... and 4 pages deep!) and my brain feels a little fried. So, I'll be keeping this one short and sweet. But, I'm still here, as are my sweet hunny guys. I'll report back soon.

June 17, 2010

Sacramento Summer?
I never thought I would say this, but, I’m ready for the Sacramento heat! Our pool is sparkling (almost), our flowers are blooming, our vegetable garden is veggie-ing, and we’ve been taking advantage of the awesome gas grill that Nick brought, with frequent BBQ’s with our friends. But, the cool nights are just cold enough to keep us bundled up, and the days are not hot enough to warrant a quick dip in the pool. I’m ready to get my tan on, on our newly stained deck (above the kittens now living underneath!).

Last weekend, we enjoyed an early Fluken Father’s Day with my ‘rents at the Giants vs. A’s Game at AT&T Park. The game was awesome, well, for what we saw of it. Rowdy/drunk bleacher fans were standing/falling all over each other right in front of us for the majority of the game. We witnessed many arrests, a few fights, beer being spilled all over, and other shenanigans before we decided to stand up on top near the Coke Bottle in order to see the final innings. Overall, it was an awesome and entertaining Father’s Day Event.

I started my summer school class on Monday night. The material is very interesting and the 3 hour class isn’t as painful as I had anticipated. One week already under my belt, only 7 more to go!

June 5, 2010

Singing the Flu Blues

After feeling absolutely terrible for about a week, I'm starting to feel like myself again. And after a week of trying to transfer all my important files/pics/software off my old Bee laptop, it decided to commit suicide right before I got my last couple months of pics onto my flash drive. Oh well. I'm new and improved, with a new laptop from work, and new medication to battle this weird cold/flu that's got me in a fog.

Sam, on the other hand, has been a very happy camper lately. After a brief scare the other night- he was nursing his back leg and refusing to put any weight on it for a few hours, very weird- he's been enjoying this lovely weather, and we've been taking advantage of our local Bark Park (before it might close down!!~ terrible!).

More to report later... I'm starting my first class in a few weeks (very exciting), and we have some fun father's day schenanigans coming up with the Fluken Clan!

May 22, 2010

"Today is my Favorite Day"

Andy and I always joke that if Sampson could talk, he would say that any day we take him to the dog park is his "favorite day." And after watching him sprint around The Bark Park with all the other dogs, I think he would have said it today :).

My day consisted of a trampoline "airobics" class this morning, hittin' some balls at the driving range with Andy before a delicious lunch, and watchin' my favorite doggy run around with the biggest smile on his face (and foam around his mouth) at the park. I think this Saturday made up for the hellish couple of work weeks I've had.

Sam's sawin' logs on his puppy couch.

May 21, 2010

After another very stressful work week, here I am, sitting on my comfy couch with a nice glass of red wine, watching it sprinkle (what!?!) outside, with my pup snoring at my feet... and I can tell ya, there's no other place I'd rather be. Both of the boys, Andy and Nick, are working tonight, so it's just me and my little 3-legged buddy.

We have one of Andy's best friends, Nick, staying with us for a bit, which has been awesome. Nick is exceptionally clean, eager to help around the house, and is an uh-may-zing cook- what more could we ask for in a roomie? Added bonus, Nick works in the evening, so Sampson has someone to hang with during the day. It's a good situation.

May 17, 2010

At least I don't have to "crash" any classes this semester!

I've been talking about it and now I'm finally doing it. Tonight, I registered for classes at Sacramento City College, for the summer term (and fall!). I've been talking with counselors the past couple of weeks and ordered my transcript from CSUS a month ago (I can't believe I got a "D" in "Magic, Witchcraft+Religion"- sorry Mom&Dad!). The two classes I registered for are prereq's for the program I want to get into, but after these two classes, I will have two more to go before I can apply. I plan on taking it slow and really feelin' it out. I'm excited to go back to school and feel more focused now than ever.

May 15, 2010

After a crazy busy work week, Sampson and I finally had some quality time to relax and lounge around the house together. Andy, on the other hand, spent the day working in the shop, and is now jammin' with all the guys. Unfortunately (and fortunately), Andy is also working tomorrow (Sunday), but it's great to know that things are getting busier at the granite shop. Luckily, he has a few days off from the restaurant this week - he needs to catch up on his sleep.

Sampson has found his new favorite spot in the house, on the ottoman facing straight out the front window. Right now, he's watching a crow bathing itself in the sprinklers. There's a little black cat that likes to walk along the sidewalk and taunt him. He nearly tore down my blinds in his frantic attack on the front window. He's such a good watch dog.

May 10, 2010

Hello loyal readers! I realize that it has been almost a month since my last entry, and I apologize to the handful of you that still check in on us :). The last couple of weeks have been busy, to say the least, with hectic work schedules. I've barely seen Andy, except for a few hours between his shifts, and haven't had a weekend day to spend with him in a few weeks! Hope that changes soon.

Yesterday, Neil, Nellie, Mom, Dad & I ventured into San Francisco for Mother's Day. We spent the day walking around The Academy of Sciences, Ocean Beach, driving through the Sea Cliff neighborhood, and then finishing up with a lovely meal in Corte Madera. Awesome day.

A few weekends back, I took Sampson to the new doggy park in our neighborhood. Andy and I took Sam there again last Friday. It's definitely our new favorite spot, as it's less than a mile away from our house, and it's brand new! Sam loves it too.

It's raining, once again. I hope that this is the last of it.... we're ready for summer.

April 18, 2010

As my darling fiancee said today, "what a wonderful and productive weekend we had." It began with a lovely BBQ on Friday night with the boys- Nick, Matt, Aaron, and Aaron's pup Loki. Sam enjoyed the company very much.

On Saturday, we enojoyed a lovely BBQ/Celebration of Many Things, in Livermore with Andy's fam. Sampson came along, as did my bro and Nellie.

Today, Andy was finally able to enjoy a Sunday off from work. We worked hard in the backyard, and now have our garden in the ground and patio furniture in place.

We are concerned about Sampson's paw-irritation, as it seems to be getting worse. He attacked his paws at the BBQ, and we had family members ask us about the now completely raw spots on his feet. After talking with his doctor who determined that it was nerve damage and that there is not much we can do to alleviate the pain/tickle, I started researching various remedies- ie: massaging, lotions, acupuncture (!). In the meantime, I'm going to try icing his feet and see how that helps. The next step would be talking about medication. Hopefully, we can figure something out to help our poor buddy :(

April 15, 2009

Sun, rain, sun, rain... Make up your mind already! After we stained our deck last weekend, the rain came in. Luckily, we had given it enough time to set-in and nothing was messed up. It continued raining early this week and then we were teased with a few nice days of sun. I snapped this pic while walking into the office one morning this week. It was looking so nice that I rushed out to finally purchase my new patio furniture. But tonight, it's looking very gloomy, even though they are saying low 70's for the weekend. We'll see if they are right. I'm ready to get out and plant my garden! With all this uncertain weather, it's probably best that I wait a few more weeks. Bummer.

April 10, 2010

We spent the day getting our deck ready in anticipation for the summer, and with the hope that we will spend many days BBQing and relaxing by the pool. My parents came up to help fix/sand/stain our deck- and it looks like new! Can't wait to get my new patio furniture, and can't wait for the Sacramento summer heat!

Sampson always enjoys spending time following around his GrandPaws. He spent the day sniffing my dad's tools, bothering him for pets and watching him work his magic on the deck. He also spent some time snuggling on my mom after lunch, and as you can tell (see pic), she likes to "give him a hand." Is that vicious?

April 4, 2010

We've had a very busy week back in the real world. After our big trip to Mexico and a pretty useless week after, trying to get back to our schedule, we are now back to our usual routine - - working, working, working! Andy's been working 2 full-time jobs these last 2 weeks, and my job has been busier lately than ever - which is great! We have still made some time to play with our friends - Andy has had a few "jam" sessions since we've been home, I've finally made it back to my workout classes with Kjer (and new mom, Wendy), and we had my family over yesterday, for a wonderful Fluken Family FEaster. Great fun and food, as always.

March 23, 2010

What a difference a year makes!

As I was driving home from work today, I hit the usual traffic on the freeway and decided to take my seldom needed "backroad route" home. This route consists of Folsom Blvd to Jackson Hwy to Hedge- which is the area that exactly a YEAR ago we were exploring in our quest to find our pup. It boggles my mind to think that it has now been a year since this horrible event - but, I am happy that we have our healthy (and mischievous) pup home with us, and the two other sweeties at the moment too!

March 20, 2010

These past couple of weeks have been very busy for us- preparing for our trip to Mexico and Sampson's vacation. We got home from our trip late last night, picked up all three pups this morning, bathed them, and they have all been crashed out on the couch the entire day (with me). Our trip was fantastic. We stayed at an amazing resort, ate and drink all we wanted, and partied down with Abe & Kjer (and their families). Couldn't have been a better trip.

February 27, 2010

I had made an appointment for Sampson at the VCA Animal Hospital to get his shots updated so we can board him while we are in Mexico. He was very excited when we pulled into the parking lot (I wasn't sure if he was going to be excited or scared). We were greeted with a nice welcome on the dry erase board in the entry. Same sniffed around while we waited.

The Doctor came in and mentioned that while he had never met us before, he remembered Sampson from when he first arrived at the hospital on the night of the accident. He was amazed to see how well he has recovered. The Doc gave him a quick check up on his teeth, paws, pads, muscles, eyes, ears, stomach, legs, and Sam was given a clean bill of health. After two quick shots, we left with a happy puppy.

February 25, 2010

"Radioactive Iodine & One Sad Puppy"

At noon today, Andy took his pill to begin the radioactive iodine treatment for his overactive thyroid. This means that I must stay 6 feet away from him for the next 48 hours, and that also means no snuggling with Sam. Sam is very upset about this. He's not getting much snuggling from me either, as I'm battling a horrible cold and don't want to sneeze and cough all over our little buddy. Just a few more days and I'm sure we'll make it up to him.

February 22, 2010

This weekend was Kjer's Bachelorette Party and we celebrated in style! A bunch of her family and friends enjoyed cocktails at her house and then loaded into a 12 person limo for a night out on the town. It was loads of fun to celebrate her and her last night of freedom! I cannot wait for her wedding in Playa del Carmen! Only 3 more weeks.

February 15, 2010

Today, after visiting his doctor and having an ultrasound on his leg, Andy was told that there was no longer a blood clot in his leg, and that he no longer has to take blood thinners. Fabulous news! One thing down. Now we're working on the thyroid issue- hoping for Andy to gain some weight and feel better.

Sampson is doing very well. I caught him sunbathing on the concrete today in our lovely 70 degree afternoon sun, and just witnessed a stand-off with a mean cat walking along the fence.

So far, 2010 is looking up. xoxo

February 10, 2010

"It's a Good Day"

On our way across the Bay Bridge, on our way home from San Francisco, Andy told me his dad used to say, "saw a 356 today, it's a good day!" as in a Porsche 356 - one of Bob's favorite cars (a few of which he owned). It was only fitting that we were able to snap a pic of this car on our way home from our visit at UCSF, because it really was a good day.

It started late in the wee hours of the night, when Bob was finally released after over 12 hours of surgery, with his new heart and kidney in place and working well. Bob's crew, which consisted of family and friends, finally retired to their homes to get some sleep, after having lounged in the beautiful UCSF 10th floor solarium until after the surgery was complete around 4am.

This morning, Andy and I dropped off Sampson with Abe & Kjer, and hit the road to meet up with Leslie, Chris, and Cherie. We then drove in to the city, and made our way up to the infamous 10th floor, to meet up with Bob's brother Gary, who had been by his side since the morning. We were able to go in and say hello to Bob, who was still sedated, but able to communicate with us by nodding his head. It was great to let him know that we were there.

We are still wrapping our minds around the fact that this transplant, which we have been talking about/hoping for/waiting on for years, has finally happened. We are excited and anxious about his recovery, but feel thankful that this day has come. It REALLY was a good day.

February 9, 2010

Taking even more time, to send all of our love over to Andy's dad, who is currently in surgery for a kidney and heart transplant. It's GO time! At 11 o'clock this morning, Bob was told that the organs were available. Andy had some time to talk with him after he received the news. The surgery will take 10-12 hours, but we plan on visiting him as soon as possible. We're ready for a fantastic recovery.

Sending Bob & Cherie all of our love. From your kids in Sacramento- Andy, Linsey & Sampson

February 4, 2010

Taking a moment to send all of our love/positive thoughts/good vibes over to Andy's dad - www.txtrib.blogspot.com

He has been at UCSF for the past 2 weeks at status 1A (top priority) for a heart and kidney transplant. He has now been "approved" for another 6 more weeks. He is where he needs to be, and we're all hoping that this transplant will happen soon, and he will move on toward a great recovery.

XOXOXOXOxoXO<--- big hug

January 27, 2010

Ever since March '09, when our lives were completely turned upside-down, Andy has been losing weight. Months ago, we assumed it was due to stress. Few months ago, we assumed it was continuing due to his broken hand ordeal. Even fewer months ago, we assumed it was continuing due to his blood clot. 40 pounds less later, we are done assuming, and Andy has been talking with various doctors about his situation. The diagnosis: Andy has Graves' Disease.

As scary as it initially sounded to me, I've done my research, and in speaking with many family members and friends about it, I've realized that many people deal with thyroid issues at one point or another. Definition: Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease that most commonly affects the thyroid, causing it to become overactive, with related hyperthyroid symptoms such as increased heartbeat, muscle weakness, weight loss, disturbed sleep, and irritability.

There are various treatment options that we are currently discussing with his doctors, and we hope to make a decision and begin treatment very soon. This is what we know as of now, but I will update as we go.

January 25, 2010

On Saturday, I hosted Kjer's Bridal Shower at my place. We had about 15 ladies, a TON of food (left-overs for days), drinks, and great fun. Kjer's sister and maid of honor, Michael, did an awesome job of coming up with games- toilet paper dress competition and some hilarious questions that she asked Abe, & then Kjer had to match. It was so much fun- I'm still recovering!

On Sunday, I went with Kjer & Michael, to pick up Kjer's wedding dress and to look for bridesmaid dresses. We haven't found any yet for me and Michael, but we have some good ideas.

Andy worked both days this weekend, but luckily, had today off to deal with various medical appointments. He's snuggled up on the couch with Sam at the moment. xoxo

January 19, 2010

Happy Birthday to meee! On Sunday, we celebrated my 27th, with both sets of parents, and Neil&Nellie at our place. We played games, ate tons of food, installed a new washer, put down a runner in the hallway (although Sam still walks backwards down it), and watched some football. I got some wonderful gifts, including these comfy argyle socks from N&N! It was lovely.

I had yesterday off work due to MLK Day, and I used my Birthday Comp day off at work today! I just finished up a picture-wall project I had been working on, and am now running around cleaning the house- getting it ready for Kjer's Bridal Shower this weekend. Busy, busy!

January 10, 2010

The flu has hit our household, in the form of nasty colds. Andy has been sick for a few days now, and I'm feeling pretty crummy today. We spent the weekend on the couch, except for when I ventured out with Kjer to check out the boarding location that will be watching Sam while we are in Mexico. I am even more excited for our trip now, because I feel very comfortable with where Sam will be vacationing with his sister & Lilly. He's going to have a blast.

January 4, 2010

Happy New Year! Sam and I rang in 2010 together since Andy ended up working until late night. I snapped this first pic of the full blue moon- I wish I had a better camera, but I thought this was pretty cool. On New Year's Day, we celebrated 5 years together by going to a late lunch and then crashing out on the couch. He's been working so much lately, it was nice to just spend time relaxing together.

This past weekend, we had another doggy slumber party. Sampson has had so much fun with Brody & Lilly- they spent the majority of the weekend outside since the sun had come out, just being crazy dogs. All three are snuggled-up on the couch now, their eyes closed so tight, and Brody is snoring away!