Me & My Shadow

Presley had her after surgery check-up yesterday and everything is right on track! The vet took her Staples out which I posted pictures of and says she's doing amazingly well. Her knee is healing and the vet says she should have full mobility by mid to late February, just in time for her birthday :)

With January almost here, she'll only be my shadow for another month and a half. Let the countdown begin... 50 days!

Presley's Patella

My two, almost three-year-old Carkie, Presley had patella surgery Thursday, December 17 and it's been an exhausting ride since.

The reason she had surgery is because she was born with a luxating patella which means her knee cap pops in and out of place. The vet told me it's common in small dogs and easily fixed. It's been 11 days since her surgery and she's doing really well, even walking on her leg.

The vet sent me home with multiple pages of instructions on how to care for her which included, no jumping on or off things and no climbing stairs. This is where the exhausting part comes in. Most days she's like a flying squirrel; jumping, climbing and bounding on and off things. It has been difficult to keep her still and even more difficult to keep her from doing those activities she normally loves.

I don't know what it's like having a new born, but I can bet it's similar to having a puppy that isn't supposed to run, jump or climb on things. She's been my shadow for 11 days and will be for at least another two months.

Merry Christmas!

As promised, my Christmas Card. The scanner cut off the message that read:

"Hoping you get all your heart desires this holiday season."

Love, Dianna & Presley

My 2010-ish Top Ten List

With 2010 right around the corner, I've been hearing a lot of Top 10 of the last 10 years, Best of the Decade type lists so I thought I would make my own.

The past decade has been a time of learning for me. From turning 18 in 2000 to turning 28 in 2010, a lot has happened that I never counted on and almost everything I was sure would happen, has yet to.

This list is something I would give to ambitious young women preparing to broaden their minds with a higher education, or myself 10 years ago.

10. You really won't have everything figured out when you're 28. Yes, it seems far away, but in reality it's not.

09. College is important and getting your degree is a must, but you shouldn't stress out about grades. You'll do fine but leave room for random Wednesday night fun.

08. Talk to the cute guy in the student center, it won't hurt and only gets harder to meet qualified men the older you get.

07. Be nice to your siblings, they'll get you out of a lot of tight spaces in the years to come.

06. Friends are nice to have around, but you have to live with yourself everyday, be true to you first.

05. Your career is important, but never turn down a trip to Paris with your Mother & Sister because you don't want to ask for the time off work.

04. Good girlfriends are hard to find.

03. You don't always have to say "Yes" and it is okay to say "No".

02. Don't' think you're too good for any job, "You'll do it and you'll like it." - quote courtesy of Meredith (one of my good girlfriends)

01. A little confidence goes a long way, believe in yourself and watch everyone else follow!