Monday, October 26, 2009

Living in Michigan With Dave

So, here I am, finally with Dave longer than a few days every month. I was settling in quite nice and we were getting used to each others habits and such. Then a string of not so good things started happening. I'm still wondering if Dave thinks he made the right decision. LOL! First, I develop an infection in my tooth including a trip to the ER for pain meds. (poor Dave was really stressed out about it, and rightfully so, infections like that can actaully kill you, lovely, and I just got here). Wow that was way worse than child birth. I'm telling you. And pain meds alone don't cure infection pain. So, walking around totally drugged up and still have pain striking at any moment, not fun. The first few days after I first started my antibiotics was a little hairy. The first day I woke up in so much pain I had to go take a walk to get the pain to subside a little, Dave was a little worried to say the least. After the antibiotics kicked in though I think I took like 3 naps that day just catching up on sleep and energy. Sheesh! Not fun. So, then I go in for a 3 part root canal. I can give shots to animals just fine. Getting them, my palms start sweating and all that. LOL! Anyway, so then Brando, Dave's dog, gets an infected abscessed anal gland. So now were dealing with a dogs rear end. Hot compresses twice a day and all that. Very interesting to see two people hold a dog down while one holds a hot cloth to the dogs ass. Suffice it to say we got through all this besides me missing Mr. James and getting a plane ticket to go see him. I think Dave wins an award for all this plus starting his comprehensive exams. I love you babe, your awesome! :D

So, besides that, I've been going to garden club meetings, found a local chicken club meeting and a women's meet-up group beside the game meet-up group. Meeting some nice people and enjoying myself. Though its funny, every group I meet they all tell me to make sure to get a warm jacket and good boots. Got both now and I think I'm ready for the winter. It's actually really nice weather wise now and I'm enjoying the Fall leaves. Just beautiful.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Cathy Moves to Michigan

The week I got back from Florida I had a ton to do before I left CA for Michigan. I tell you what though, everything was conspiring against me before I left. A tire completely went flat, I needed to take Shelby in for a heartworm test since Maddie tested positive, and last, but not least I hit the neighbor's dog (totally his fault), but whatever. Anyway, I did get everything finally squared away, packed up my truck and headed to live with Dave in Michigan.

It was actually a really nice drive and at the end of the first day I found myself in wet Wyoming. I love the rain, but I really don't like driving in the rain especially at night. I can handle it during the day because I can see, but night time, not so good. Driving through Nevada the first day was kind of yucky. The landscape was kind of dusty and plain and the rest area's left something to be desired. I mean when you stop and obviously several people had dumped their RV sewage, that is just nasty. I mean that is just pure pollution. I almost stepped in it. That would have been an epic disaster. I would have tossed my shoes over that. Sheesh! Besides that the bathrooms were just outhouses. So the end of the first day I found myself in Evanston, Wyoming. Nice place, really a nice Motel 6. Will stay there again, it wasn't creepy at all, like most Motel 6's. The dogs are always welcome too. Nice. Shelby liked that we stopped, she actually wanted to play. :D

When I woke up the next morning I hopped in the truck after eating a couple hard boiled eggs and a Clif Bar. Gave Shelby a few beef sticks from Trader Joe's and put the bird in his spot next to me. What a nice morning for a drive even though it was a little foggy at first. Wyoming and Nebraska weren't too bad of a drive and I was actually enjoying the scenery, besides that, the rest area's were very clean and accommodating. I was only about 90 miles behind that day, which was fine. I ended up in Omaha, Nebraska in a slightly shady Motel 6. He even put me in a smoking room when I asked for non-smoking. I was too tired to get a new room. It was only one night, right?

Left Omaha Wednesday morning and was happy that the end of today would end up in Lansing, Michigan in Dave's arms. Mmmmm....... :D :D :D It's interesting to note that I took I-80 all the way past Chicago from California. All the way through to the State line of Nebraska the speed limit was 75. Really nice besides all the slow downs to 55 while they re-paved I-80. Kind of annoying, but I guess that's how it goes during the summer on the highway. *shrug* Anyway, when I stepped foot in Iowa the speed limit went down to 70 and then when I got into Illinois down to 65. When your on your last day somewhere and you steadily go slower its a little frustrating especially after going 75 for two whole days. 24 hours of 75, why must I now go 65. Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!

When I got closer to Lansing I called Dave and he was stressing out that he needed the place looking nicer than it being what it is........a bachelor pad. As long as the bathroom was clean, I was alright with it. I would eventually get him more organized anyway and equipped a little better in the kitchen. Anyway, the thought of having him make me dinner and margaritas was more important than cleaning and anyway, I wouldn't mind skipping all that just to be with Dave. Food can wait. Plus, I needed to set Rufus up in his cage when I got there and the dogs needed to be acquainted. So, anyway, I got there and Dave wasn't back from the store yet. That's ok, I wasn't going anywhere, besides I needed to call my dad again, because calling him 20 miles before I got to Dave's house was not good enough. I needed to have my feet on the ground in front of Dave's house. LOL!

Dave finally arrived while I was talking on the phone to my dad. He just stood there for a few moments. I'm not sure why. Maybe stunned I was there standing in front of him with my truck loaded down with my most important items for the winter and a bird and a dog to boot. That first hug was awesome. I think it was an, are you really here hug? I was and it was still light I was ready to start a new chapter in my life. One that included Dave, whom I really think is my soul mate. It's an amazing feeling to be with someone who totally gets you and is ok with all that is going on in your life and a child. Shoot, its pretty darn awesome. I couldn't imagine anything better. One who really supports your dreams and ambitions in life.

I have to conclude that this trip showed me how mainstream America still is. I was on I-80 most of the way and can't believe how much crap American's eat. I'm glad I brought most of my food. I don't know how many people travel on I-80 a year, but you really can't find any good food, like wholesome good for you food on that highway. And yes, there is a gas station called the Kum and Go. Very interesting, though I didn't stop at one, I should have to see what they were like, I think they were in only one state though. Iowa it looks like. Besides that I saw atleast 10 XXX rated stores, big stores and directions to a bunny ranch. I think that was in Nevada. Just thought I'd note that since it was quite interesting to observe. I really think our society would be more normal if we all were up on our amino acids. 80% of Americans are low on their amino acids. My naturopath had me read "Mood Cure" and I've never felt better in my life. I needed to put in a plug for that. If I help one person out, it was worth it. :D

September 2009: Florida

So, after Dave and I saw each other in August, became engaged, and all that we had already had a trip planned for me to meet up with him in Florida. His family was getting together to discuss their corporation that Dave's great-grandfather had started since his grandmother recently passed. So, I was getting ready to meet his whole family. I was excited! They seemed like a nice bunch as far as I could tell. :D

At least this time we only had 20 days between this trip and the last one. It was, I think, harder to wait this time to see each other though it seemed to go faster. During this time we decided to move up the date for me to move to Michigan with Dave. James would be going to pre-school soon and I was having a hard time watching my mom in so much pain. I knew being with Dave when my mom finally passed would be the best for me. I told my mom I loved her, she happily told me she would see me in December and I left with that, feeling I made the right decision.

So, I started packing up my stuff to move besides what I needed to take to Florida in late August. I arrived in Florida September 4th. Besides seeing Dave I met his sister Beth and their cousin Will. It was so good to see Dave and get a big hug from him. From what I could tell from the plane Florida is very wet. It is also very humid, but very green and crawling. I mean literally crawling. It was amazing all the bugs and reptiles you see on a constant basis. I saw some really cool huge spiders.

Anyway, the drive from the airport to the ranch was nice. Orlando airport wasn't as Disneyfied as I thought it would be. On the way I talked to Dave's dad on the phone and he said he was quivvering with excitement to finally meet me, which instantly made me laugh out loud. I was excited as well to meet him and get some target practice in. :D

When we got to the ranch Dave's mom had made dinner, which reminded me of something my mom would make when I was growing up. Everyone I met was wonderful. Very laid back, which was nice. We stayed up and played board games with Beth and Will. I love playing board games. Oh, and a game of pool with Dave, which we both epically sucked at. LOL! It was pretty funny.

Saturday morning all that wanted to got to shoot some of Dave's dad's rifles, handguns, and his new 20 guage shotgun. We had a great time and I out shot everyone with the 20 guage. LOL! Also on Saturday Dave's family had their meeting while Dave's dad, Michael, and I watched the kids while they played in the lake and made "Hooker Butter." It took us awhile to figure out what "Hooker Butter" actually was. Of course, you would assume it was something really bad, but upon asking them it became clear. "Hooker Butter" was butter made from Captain Hook. We both were like, OH, of course, "Hooker Butter." LOL! Michael and I had a nice chat while the kids played. After the meeting was over we had dinner.

That night we hung out with Dave's siblings and their families. They played card games and drank a stanky scotch (I made Dave brush his teeth before he came to bed, I mean stanky) while I read.

On Sunday most everyone went to Disneyworld. Dave and I stayed behind and had some time alone. We went to visit neighbors that lived down the street from the house Dave's grandmother owned and then we made a trip to Orlando. Dave needed to find an internet connection and so we made a trip to Orlando and stopped at Whole Foods for some Kombucha and amazingly enough they had WiFi. Yeah. There was also a sushi place in the same parking lot and we went there for dinner. Yummy. I'm really liking sushi. :D

Monday most of Dave's extended family left for home while his immediate family stayed and we all hung out. It was Beth's birthday, though Dave's was that week too so we celebrated both. We had cake and then Dave and I took a nap. I guess Dave was snoring because Beth was amazed I slept through it. Ha! I guess having a piece of cake with butter in it will do that to me. LOL!

I think at this point Dave and I were both a little stressed out and took a walk. I think my stress was mainly caused by the fact that I was moving in less than a week when I got back from Florida. When we got back everyone was picking out stuff they wanted that was in the house. Dave and I picked out a camel saddle. It's pretty cool.

Monday we cleaned up the ranch house where we stayed and had to say your goodbyes. Dave's dad pulled me to the side and gave me the double thumbs up. :D I think that's a good sign. We rode with Dave's brother Jim to the airport and then departed. Our airplanes left about the same time so Dave walked me as far as he could and I got to my gate right before they started calling seating numbers.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Dave's family and had a great time. It was so good to see Dave again.