21/366 Reality

The reality of owning a sweet, adorable, loving... but disabled dachshund can be challenging at times. For the past 5 years, we've had to clean up after Mili as she never regained control of the movements of the nether regions after the disc in her spine ruptured and paralyzed her. After surgery, she learned to once again walk and wag her tail. She just never learned to squat again.

In our world, poop happens. Every day. It just falls out of her.

Before you think my husband and I as martyrs, I have to confess that there have been conversations about putting her down. It is not easy to have to clean up so much after a mere 8 pound dog.

The day her burden becomes heavier than the joy we get from her is a day I dread. Until then, we are very happy to live in a home with no carpet and a very active steam cleaner.

20/366 Incognito

Today was the first Friday the back packs went home to deserving students - so that they have food for the weekends. Each pack has enough food for 6 meals and 4 snacks.

Seeing the look of excitement on each child's face... well, that was better than Christmas!

19/366 On the way back to normal

Went back to work today and it was a great day (minus that moment when an upset mom called me a b-tch). Even went for a walk with a friend after work.

I am so happy about feeling like things are getting back to normal.

The tea olive in the picture is one of my favorite plants. It has tiny flowers with the most awesome scent when in bloom. When I first started dating my husband, he recognized the plant in a pot on my front porch. A guy who is familiar with tea olives is a keeper in my book.

18/366 Gray days and skylights

Even on gray days, the sky light brings in some natural lighting.

Just trying out some ideas I've read about in some photo books about windows...

17/366 Travel Plans

A girl just shouldn't be allowed to watch the Travel Channel all day...

I'm ready to make some plans to see the world!

16/366 Like the stars in the sky

The Japanese Magnolia is full of blooms and unbelievably pretty on this gorgeous winter day. There are so many blooms, they remind me of stars in a sky.

My grandparents called me this morning to sing to me. LOVE! My grandmother makes up songs and my grandfather grunts along -- and then she fusses at him for forgetting the words. It is priceless!

15/366 Friends are a spot of sunshine for the soul

Spent the day watching football and visiting with friends. I found out I was able to pick up the dog once again. And I got dressed -- with shoes and all.

Today was a good day.