Jaw Dropping Journey: 04/22/13

Things have been relatively calm around here since my breakout reaction to the meds. Phew! Hopefully I continue on the good and healthy track! I don't want to go through that (or anything worse for that matter) again!

Got to see my boy and Teeka!!!! Ty came down for the weekend and brought our little black dog. She is almost 4. Such a sweet little tender thing that needs LOTS of attention and gives out loves and kisses freely. How can anyone not like dogs? I just don't get it. My dogs have brought me so much happiness and joy in my life! I got a Pomeranian/American Eskimo mix pup when I was 8. Cutest thing I've ever seen in my life! And one little fur ball of energy! He was a little fireball that one! He'd hear the front door open and torpedo out. He wanted to live his life exploring EVERYTHING. He loved being outside- just not when we all left the house and put him out in the backyard. Poor guy had separation anxiety. He was such a pretty dog. Got comments constantly. And up until his time on earth was done, people kept asking, "how old is your puppy".. "ooh almost 19" I would say! Yup, that's right, oldest dog in history right thurr! I was beginning to think he was immortal. Others would ask what I was doing or feeding him to keep him alive and healthy so long. Table scraps since he was a pup, steak bones, steak, potatoes, french fries, oreos, anything and everything! No, we didn't finish all his shots- I dont think they are necessary. We fed him regular dog food from the store- Purina to be exact, then tried new ones as he and I both grew up. And that's what he and I did together.. we grew up right along side one another.

He slept right next to me, curled next to my side for about 13 years or so. My parents kept him at home while I went away to hair school, and the first year I was married he stayed at my parents while Ty and I were in an apartment. Then when we moved to a dog friendly home we brought Simpy over and got Teeka. Oh, Simpy? His name is Simpter. Simpter Fidelious to be exact. Such a hideous name, I know. But it fit him oh so much, and there is a long history that goes with that name. So the story is this:

My family is rarely serious. Sarcastic and goofy is a good definition. I'm pretty sure we get it from my father. When my dad was young and in high school, he decided he wanted to be in the year book twice. So he was! He told the person taking down names his real name- Chad Lee, got his picture taken and hopped back in line. Second time around he said his name was Simpter Fidelious, got his picture taken again and BAM just like that he was in the year book as Chad Lee and Simpter Fidelious. Two separate pictures with two separate names. Hah! He came up with this name from the motto of the Marine Corps "Semper Fi"- people still have these bumper stickers all over. Now when you see one you will think of my precious boy Simpter and the story that goes along with it! You just wait and see haha. But it doesn't stop there! My brother's also thought that this was a great idea, so Trent did the same thing in high school. In the yearbook as Trent Lee and Simpter Fidelious. Brett did the same in junior high. And Kenny did the same in high school as well. Of course the angel child gets caught hahaha. When Kenny said his name was Simpter Fidelious, the lady taking his name looked at him and said "Are you Chad Lee's son?" She was the same lady that took my dad's picture back in his high school days! Can you believe it?! So he got caught red handed. There was one dean that for some odd reason had it out for Ken. He did not like him (everyone likes Kenny!) So he was dead set on making sure Kenny paid for it. My parents had to go in for a conference, Ken had to apologize to the principle, and some dumb record went on file for him. The first and last record.

So as my fam and I were all sitting there throwing out names for my new pup, that one came up. I think I may have thrown up a little in my mouth. I said that was disgusting and no way am I naming my dog Simpter. Simpter?! Once they told me the story I decided that was hilarious and family history so Simpter it was. And it stuck, and there couldn't have been a better name for him!

My old man finally met his maker this February. Feb. 23 he had a stroke at 6am. I am NOT going into detail because that was easily one of the hardest days of my life.. both seeing him go through that and having to put him down. But I know it was the best choice. It was definitely time. He was so old, he lived a super long, super spoiled, super loved life. I think dogs have extra senses. It was like he knew that day was his last. He was so ready. Didn't fight it. Once he passed, he was probably thinking why didn't you do this sooner?! This place is awesome. I know he is as happy as any spirit can be. Chasing squirrels to his heart's content (by far that was his favorite past time) and eating a buffet of his favorite things until he can't possibly eat any more. And I know I'll be reunited with him some day and that makes me so happy! Teeka had a hard time with it. She really mourned. It broke my heart. I was so worried about respectfully burying Simpter that I told Tyson not to let Teeka out after we brought him home from the pet hospital. Teeka is always so excited to see us and all over the place I thought she'd just get in the way. Breaks my heart that I didn't let her see him and say bye. Because at that point she knew something was going on. But I can't dwell on what I wished I'd done. I'm happy I got to spend his last day cuddling and holding him. It was tender to my heart and I will never forget those peaceful moments. I still cry about it to this day. When you have your best friend for 19 years, you think they will be around forever.

I knew Simpter was getting older and must be on his tail end a few years ago. That's why I got Teeka. I knew I would need another dog when his time came. And man I am SO glad I listened to that thought in my head, because having Teeka sure helped my heart to heal once Simpy was gone. And I think I helped her. She lost her best friend. It took weeks for her and I to stop crying. Haha yes, Teeka cried in her own way. That little fatty hardly ate for almost 2 weeks! That's a huge deal for her!

Sheesh, I've gabbed your ears off for so long about my dogs. Well I did say they bring me so much joy! I'll switch it up to Ty and I and let you be on your way!

Ty got here friday night! We spent ALL DAY saturday together and I just loved every second of being with him! My Duck Dynasty man! He has a beard for days. AND on my instagram I made a reference about his beard being Duck Dynasty worthy (look it up and watch the show- it's hilarious). The main guy- Willie- from the show (Duck Dynasty) saw my post and 'liked' it! This made Ty and I happy :) And gave Ty all the more reason to keep growing it! Forget Hollywood and celebrities! All we care about is Duck Dynasty! That's probably the only REAL reality show out there. The show follows those who made the 'duck call' for hunters. They are real. They are funny. I'd love to spend a day with them. Or more!

Then Sunday Ty and I went to my best friend's wedding!! It was so fun!! So pretty. The cake was beautiful/cool. And Riss looked STUNNING! And so happy!! When I saw her walking down the aisle with her dad, she was so beautiful, happy and in love, I actually teared. I am just so so happy for her! It was a great day! And I'm so glad Tyson was there to share it with me.