More Tidbits

OK, so there's been a lot going on lately, and I have a ton of stuff running through my mind.  I want to share it all, and since writing each thought as a long blog would be exhausting (and a waste of time), I've decided to simply do some more tidbits.

*After writing that friendly spider blog, I did some more research.  My first instict was that the big one was a small black widow, but the brown spots made me reconsider.  I knew it wasn't a brown recluse, so I wasn't too concerned.  After doing more research, however, I've discovered that black widows don't turn completely black until they're mature.  Before that they're black and brown.  The yellow one is probably a male, which isn't poisonous.  I haven't seen the bellies, so I'm not completely certain, but all evidence is pointed in that direction.  Anyway, so while I'd love to have a few friendly house spiders, these guys are going to have to die.  I just can't risk having them around when I have so many animals to look out for.  I think they know it too, because ever since I announced their death sentence (and bought the spider killer) I haven't been able to find them.  Frustrating!

* I finally feel I'm starting to regain some control over life in general.  The last few weeks, while wonderful, have been super crazy.  I've been exhausted and snippy.  There just haven't been enough hours in the day.  Last night, however, I was actually in bed by 10:00.  Well, I really fell asleep on the couch at 9:30, and Hans got me up to bed shortly after.  I had no idea how tired I was either.  We had friends over last night, and they didn't leave until 9:00.  Hans and I did dishes, and then I figured we'd chill for an hour or so and be in bed by 11:00.  Nope!  I was out within 15 minutes!!  When I went to bed I thought, "Great!  I'll probably be able to get up early and get some things done."  Nope again!  I slept right on through until Hans' alarm woke me up at 7:30.  Sleep is nice.

*Hans and I are currently shopping for rugs and window treatments.  I'm terrible at interior design of any kind, so if anyone would care to help I'd love a shopping buddy (please remember my budget is small).  Also, I have a few questions for everyone.  When eating dinner, would you prefer to eat with a carpet under your feet or on hard wood floor?  I can't decide.  Oh, and why is it so difficult to find currents shorter than 84 in?  I just want something that's the length of the window...not from floor to ceiling.  It's frustrating!

*Merlin seems to be doing much better in the new house.  He's gotten a lot better with us, but he's still stressing out over new people.  I need to set up a dentist appointment for him (his teeth seem to be bugging him), and I may ask for a thyroid test as well.  Hypothyroidism can cause increased anxiety in a dog which can often lead to aggression.  There are, however, many other possibilities for him.  I know he has a sleep disorder (that dog sleeps with his eyes open...completely open...like he's awake), so the possibility of a REM disorder is highly likely as well.  You know, I wish I had been better at chemistry.  I could have been a vet and run all these tests myself!  C'est la vie!

*Cody has really relaxed and is doing much much better than he was at the apartment.  He's still my little guard dog, but he's a bit more focused on me than he used to be.  Plus, he loves having doggie friends come over and visit, and he loves being able to run around outside with them.  However, I think his favorite time is after the playing when everyone's gone home and he can cuddle.  Ok, maybe that's my favorite time, but Cody seems pretty content with it.

Well, that's about it for my updates.  Yeah, I'm certain there are about a 1000 things I've forgotten, but I don't want to end up repeating myself too much.  Thanks for listening!