It is an update. They are all updates.
Since I figured it was more polite to put discussions in the 'discussion' section and leave blogs to well...blog in, everything I've ever written here has just been a bit of an update on my personal life.
So here it is.

We have gone from freezing Scotland to sunny Arizona.
I've gone from insufferable allergies to insufferable sunburns.

Colin's first American holiday was Thanksgiving. We spent it wandering around in a local park, enjoying the late 'summer' rose garden, a waterfall and a pond full of ducks. Our dinner was homemade chicken soup and fresh baked bread. It was warm enough to wear shorts and a tank top.

Two weeks and counting until the puppy comes. Since we have no plans (and took great precautions against) reproduction, this is as close to a child as it gets to us. No offense to you human parents out there. I realize the responsibility is incomparable. You folks go to jail if Junior is out back in a cage. Be that as it may, Colin has spent the last week fussing over the house, buying far, far more toys and such than any puppy will require in a lifetime. It is annoying and cute at the same time. This will be his first puppy...his first dog...ever. What complicates matters for me is that I have trained narc dogs before, but never search and rescue. I have an idea of what to expect, but not enough knowledge to feel secure. I know enough to know he knows nothing, and it will be a disaster. For all my trepidation, though, he seems to take it seriously. He's reading, learning and attending early morning tracking sessions. Paperwork is in order. Education is coming along nicely. I dare to hope.
I don't really look forward to having a puppy. I know what a pain in the ass they are. I don't think Doberman pups are cute. Frankly, our boy will look ridiculous with his ears up and taped. (If anyone wants to debate this, find it in the discussion forum somewhere. It's a dead horse, but I'm open to dialog. Please don't clutter up the blog with flames on the docking/cropping thing HERE. There is room there, and some background.)

I think it's cute that he thinks it is cute. I adore the fact that he is acting like a worried father.


My only regret about leaving Scotland is that I didn't stop by the neighborhood and share a big fatty one with George.
Don't worry, my friend. We will have to return for visits and holidays.
I also feel bad about not sharing drinks with Roospy. He was one of the first people I met on this site, and the one that really got me interested in Scottish politics. It is amazing how fast time goes by. I am really pissed at myself for missing opportunities, guys.

Right. So.. work is going well. I look like a total slut in the naughty school girl outfit, but I have to admit that the money is great, and it has been major motivation to stay on this very difficult diet. I've gone from 132 since we arrived to 124 today. Except for wanting to die (or kill and eat any unlucky bystanders.) it has been pretty great. Another nine pounds to go!


Allergies have cleared up since relocating, but ironically enough, I've had major ear infections....in both ears. WTF? I haven't been diving in.. um... well, it's been a while, ok? Do we really need to bring THAT up?!
But somehow, I keep getting these ear infections that come and go.
I am suspicious that it is due to going off of decongestants cold turkey.......uggh.

Anyway, I need to hand over the borrowed laptop.
Sending mine off to be fixed tomorrow!
Hopefully I'll be back regularly in a week or so!