Time to list five random things about our week!

1. Maggie LOVES my sister! Biker Witch came over yesterday to hang out and go to lunch. Maggie was all excited, played with her, and basked in a ridiculous amount of attention. She was so sad when Biker Witch left, I had to take her for a walk to distract her. I think it’s the first time that Biker Witch was here alone and could have Maggie all to herself.
2. Wizard and I met his brother, who is herr from out of state for our niece’s wedding last weekend, for dinner. We had a good time. The only downside is we live 50 miles away from most of our family, so it’s always a time-consuming to do these things. On the other hand, we’re grateful to have family to visit, so we can’t complain too much.
3. I keep waiting for life to slow down. But then again, being busy is better than being bored.
4. This is one of Maggie’s many expression. In this shot, I have her on sit-stay on one of our walks. Wizard and I worked pretty diligently to reinforce this one command over others for safety. She’s pretty good about stopping and sitting when whenever we give her the “sit” or “stop” command. It keeps her from pulling me when we’re on uneven slopes, slippery rocks or steep stairs like this set I posted on my FB page: It also allows me to put her in a sit when trucks and offroad vehicles come by, and keep her safe at my side. Someone riding an ATV or motorcycle might not see her closer to the ground, but the almost always see me. If I have her sitting by my leg, then she’s safe. While she can heel, I’m not as big a stickler about that as the sit or stop command.
5. We had an earthquake Thursday morning at 2.10 a.m.  Of course it’s the one night I was actually sleeping, LOL. But it wasn’t strong enough to do any damage, so I’ll take lost sleep over a huge quake.

That’s my Friday Five, now it’s your turn to share yours! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Yesterday was a little rough, but people who’ve had these epidural shots are assuring that the second one often works much better, sometimes creating a dramatic difference. That sent a shot full of hope into my pity party! However I’ve also made an appointment with my GP to go forward with a neurosurgeon consult.  Mostly because Wizard made me Okay he didn’t make me, but he pointed out that we should make sure I don’t need surgery sooner rather than later (or never!). Wizard is of the opinion that I’m not medically qualified to decide that on my own.

Whatever…

Just to add to our fun and games, Wizard is in pain and dealing with pretty severe issues too. I don’t want to go into all his personal stuff, but I do want to say this: He’s really been a trooper. The last two years have heen pretty brutal to him, but he keeps going and trying to take care of everyone else around him. He’s the stuff heroes are made of (and why yes, I am biased since I’m married to him!).

While I’m still slow on the book, I had one single moment of utter glory having to do with one of my favorite characters in the book, Justice’s dad, Noah. I hope it works as well as I think it does!

Now let’s go onto our Wednesday Worthy! Here’s today’s candidate.

What do you think, is he worthy?

I may have overdone it a little after my epidural procedure. Friday I cleaned a bit, then Saturday was a marathon long day with a wedding nearly 2 1/2 hours away from us. But the wedding was beautiful, my niece looking like a magical Disney princess, and she married a man who truly loves her. We are thrilled for her, and very proud of them. We also got to see out-of-state family, including a great-nephew. It was joyous on so many levels.

Maggie survived her doggy sleepover. We missed her, but boy, am I grateful we have a place to leave her where she’s safe and cared for. She gets along with the other dogs, but doesn’t really engage in play. That’s fine too.

Sunday I was sore and exhausted from going nonstop after the epidural (which, unsurprisingly, swelled and bruised at the injection site), so I was forced to take it easy for a day. I suspect today will be much better and I’ll be back to writing and causing trouble:-)

That was my weekend, how was yours?

I had the epidural procedure late yesterday afternoon.  I had light sedation and was relaxed but awake through the procedure, and that made recovery a breeze. This specific shot is targeting the pain running down my arms. We have to address the pain symptoms separately, and see what works and what doesn’t. I’m happy to be moving forward and trying to find solutions. Right now, the sorest part is my right hand from the IV

Tomorrow we have my niece’s wedding, and I’m boarding Maggie again at doggy daycare  Sunday I hope to work, even if it’s only a few hours.

So what are weekend plans? Whatever it is, I hope you have a great one!

It’s hump day and you know that that means–it’s time to bring out our Wednesday Worthy Candidate:

So what do you think, is he worthy?

The baby shower turned out fantastic! Here’s a picture of the safari cupcake table. The picture is a little dark but you get the idea.

The whole shower was a family group effort and a blast! Special K and CPA Boy were both there (CPA Boy never misses a chance to be in the limelight, LOL!) It really was a special day to celebrate the baby. I’ll share more photos on my Facebook page today or tomorrow.

Yesterday Maggie and I went on an extra long hike in the hills. It was a warm, beautiful morning and we got carried away going farther than we should But these walks are also part of my overall health plan to get as strong as I can in case I end up having to have neck surgery down the road. I will do everything I can to avoid it, but I’m going to be in the best shape I can manage if it comes to that. Maggie is a big motivator too. She loves to for walks and hikes.

Now I just need to cut out the junk food. Maggie isn’t much help there.

Today I’m writing!

How was your weekend?

This new year has started off at hyper-speed. It’s Friday again! So let’s do our random five things about our week

1. First up, the mudslide devastation here in Southern Ca is pretty grim, but at least we’re having a warm spell to help with the recovery (or rescue if that’s still possible) and assessing the damage.
2. Maggie is a sun dog. She’s finds any spot of sunshine and claims it as her own This is AFTER she’s convinced me that we must go on the dirt trails the day after heavy rains…which means I’m tramping through mud and rocks like I did when I was a kid (I was a tomboy). I’m regressing…LOLOL! I’m also very careful so I don’t fall and break my ankle Wizard would NEVER let me live that down.
3. I’ve already mentioned I’m writing a few hours a day. This is huge and I’m excited. I love this book, but for a few months there, I just creatively shut down, plus the pain prevented me from sitting at the computer long enough to think. I don’t know how long this manageable level of pain will last, but I’m embracing it for as long as it does.
4. Not sure I’ll get the epidural procedure next Thursday or not. For some mysterious reason, our health insurance changed all the member numbers in the new year, and that’s created a ripple wave of headaches. I talked to my pain doctor staff today and they are trying to push it through. But if I have to wait, I’ll see if we can get me in for more trigger point shots to keep me going. I’m thinking positive.
5. Tomorrow is Special K’s baby shower. I love how the family has come together to work on this. I hope Special K enjoys it! I’ll try to remember to take pictures, but I usually have my phone in my purse and never think to do it until later. I’m really looking forward to being a grandmother!

So that’s my week, not it’s your turn to share your Friday Five. Have a great weekend!