Future Gardner

It's been two years

Despite the fact that if he could have talked I am sure he would of referred to me in a snide voice as "That Girl" I still miss him something awful. He was Marnie's dog, but when she wasn't around and even occasionally, sometimes, rarely, when she was, he was always there with this look.

Ready to serve, ready to help, ready for love. It's been 2 years since he died and I miss him like he just left us.

Fitz Is A Great Dog!

I Can't Believe It's Already Here

Lucy started preschool last Wednesday. Take a look...

She was really excited.

At home before we left for school.

We arrive and she headed straight to the door.

Ready to go inside.

Oh how fast they grow up. She loves her new school.

One Down

I had my mammogram this morning. My first since ending my treatment last year. All is well. Nothing out of the ordinary was found.

The next big hurdle is my PET/CT Scan at the end of the month.

One down. One to go.

Inked

Back in May I got a new tattoo. I was going to get it when I turned 40 but I was still nursing Lucy. I was going to get it in the spring of last year after I finished nursing Lucy, but I found out I had cancer and had to wait. So finally I got it once I was well and had my strength back.

I got my first tattoo back in 1996, it's the Kanji symbol for dream. It is located on the inside of my leg just above my right ankle. As soon as I got the first one I wanted another, you know what they say once you get one you always want more. It took me a really long time to decide what my next tattoo would be. I finally found this image


in a history of tattooing book. I instantly knew this was it for a couple of reasons, one I liked the way it looked, but I also loved what it means.

It's called an ASO. The ASO is a symbol of the Dayak an indigenous people of Borneo. It is a mythical animal that is a hybrid dog and dragon, functioning as a protective image against malevolent spirits, and was used not only in tattoos but also on shields, baby carriers , and houses. When I first discovered it I loved what it stood for. Over the past couple of years after everything that has happened in my life its symbolism and meaning have become even more profound for me.

I did a lot of looking around to find the right tattoo shop and all the recommendations kept pointing me to Black And Blue Tattoo in San Francisco. It is a women owned and operated shop and the owner, Idexa , did my work. She is an amazing artist not to mention easy on the eyes. I decided to put it on my lower back and its tail goes down onto my butt a little. I sat for her for 2.5 hours and almost broke Marnie's finger a couple of times, but it was all worth it.

I am already trying to figure out what my next tattoo will be. It is really addicting.

Tis the Season

College football started today and we are all really excited at our house. Particularly Lucy.

As you can see she has a football in her hands. She ran and got it out of her toy box so she could hold it while we watched.

I love fall. There are many, many reasons I love fall, the leaves turn (well not here in Nor. Cal.) the air becomes crisp and the light starts to change (well not here in Nor Cal). But one of the best things about fall, now that I no longer live in the land of all Alabama football all the time, is college football. I really really love it. I love to watch The Crimson Tide every chance I get.

If someone had told me 7 years ago when I moved to California I would be excited about college football particularly Alabama football I would have told them they we crazy.

ROLLLLLLLL TIDE ROLLLLLLLLLLLLL!