Our search for Tig

A couple of weeks ago, Tony surprised me with the idea of adopting a pet for companionship for me.  Sounded like a simple easy task, just find a dog and adopt.  The process seemed bleak and disappointing as I had my heart set on an adult male Yorkie.  I starting emailing about ones I found via PetFinder.com, and email after email, they were all adopted.  Not that that is a bad thing, as they all need loving homes, but my search was going nowhere.  Finally, I found the little male Yorkie I thought was mine.  So off to Toledo we went.  We drove two hours, the little guy was at the pet adoption event and adoptable.  I was overwhelmed with excitement!  I had already submitted an online adoption application the night before, which the rescue had not received, but nonetheless, I filled out a paper application in person and waited.  The lady who was processing my application comes back about 10 mins later and tells me she needs a vet reference because my personal reference stated to her that I had previously owned pets.  I was dumbfounded, as my personal reference is a lifelong friend of mine, who knew it had been some 15 years since I owned a pet.  I asked the lady if she was sure that is what she was told and her reply was "yes, so I need a vet reference".  I tried explaining that I thought there had to be some some sort of mix up because my reference wouldn't tell her it was in recent years that I owned a pet when she knew it was a very long time ago.  The lady acted as though I was trying to be dishonest with her and didn't want to give her a vet reference.  I offered another personal reference to try and straighten out the misunderstanding but was told they didn't accept family members as references.  I was so upset and my heart was broken.  She then asked why I had to give my former pets away, I explained that I moved into a small townhouse with my son (who was only 12 months old) and I didn't have the space or time to devote to my pets.  I further explained that the pets were kept in the family and within 10 mins from where I lived.  She still treated me as though I was lying, and said my reference told her I had to give the pets away because I couldn't have them where I moved to.  I again, told her I thought she maybe had mixed up the information she was given as my reference wouldn't say that.  I asked if she would call my reference back to sort all of it out, and she not so kindly, said it would have to wait until Monday, as she didn't have time.  I, at this point, was livid!!!!  We walked away heartbroken and angry that this lady was unhelpful and just plain rude!  Later that night, I spoke with my friend (who was my reference) and we figured out where the lady went wrong with my information and in doing so, denied me a pet.  She first mixed up the time I had the pets with the time I actually owned them.  My reference told her it was years ago that I owned them and had owned them about 3 years.  She also, (I believe), thought that because we had moved we gave the pets away.  Tony is in in the military, so we believe her having this information assumed that we had given our previous pets away because of a military move.  SO NOT TRUE!  I didn't even know Tony that many years ago, and the move nor giving away of our pets had anything to do with the military status.  When it was all said and done, the rescue didn't even apologize for the way we were treated nor did they try to straighten out their mistake.  We accepted that that little guy just wasn't meant for us and our search continued.  We also had accepted that we would not get the little male Yorkie I had my heart set on.  

On Sunday night, I started my search again, and much to my surprise, there he was our little Yorkie!!!  He had just been listed on PetFinder and was available at a local humane society.  I immediately emailed and called to leave a message.  Monday morning, I received a call letting me know he was still adoptable, but they could not hold him for me.  So Tony left work early Monday and we headed to Elyria to Friendship Animal Protective League.  Dolce was still there!!!!  We took him for a walk, spent some time getting to know him and within an hour we were on our way home with our little guy.  We have re-named him Tig since the adoption and he seems to like his new name and home very much!  Tig is quite a bit overweight, at 7.7 pounds, when he should be about 4 1/2, so he is on a special diet and is taking several short walks a day to keep him active.  The only concern with the vet was his breathing is being strained because of his weight.  Apparently, Yorkie's have problems with their trachea's collapsing because they are such a small breed of dog, and Tig has an even greater risk due to his weight.  She thinks with his diet and exercise, he will be just fine.  We sure hope so too, as we are already just head over heels in love with this man.  

Our adoption process was wonderful with FAPL in Elyria, Ohio, and we highly recommend anyone in this area looking for a pet giving them a try.  Tig is a happy, fat little guy who is so more than appreciate of his new home and shows us by being a very well mannered, lovable and showering us with his little kisses.  

So our journey begins with our first pet together and we both hope it is a long rewarding journey and that Tig will always be as happy as he was Monday when he got to our home.   

The crafts I love

My mother taught me how to crochet when I was about 5 or 6 years old.  For years though, I could only remember how to do a double crochet stitch in a granny square pattern.  Very limiting to say the least.  Over the last few months, I have invested large amounts of time into YouTube videos, web page tutorials and teaching myself how to finally read crochet patterns.  Oh how the possibilities are endless now!!!!  I would classify myself as a semi-pro at this point.  

I also enjoy sewing, but that's one of those, I gotta be in the mood to do it, kind of crafts.  I only like sewing purses or crafts.  I have never really enjoyed sewing clothing.  I will, and I have, but it's just not my thing.  

I dabble in scrapbooking from time to time, but I like instant or at least quick gratification and pleasure, and scrapbooking is just all too time consuming.  I have a nice collection of scrapbooking tools and accessories, but I reserve that hobby for boring cold winter days or hot rainy weeks (like at home in the south) when there just isn't anything else to do.  

Last, but certainly not least, I love to cook.  I love to bake.  I just love being in the kitchen.  I love trying new delicious sounding recipes and adding to our family favorites.  Recently, Pinterest has been my go to spot for new recipes.  

Now let me share a few of my recent crochet creations :) 

This fingerless glove pattern was found on the Red Heart website and I just made up the owl features.  

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/winter-crochet-wristers-0

I loved this pattern, not necessarily the fact that it is an owl, but the overall design of the purse itself, so versatile (as you will see).  The pattern can be purchased from ZoomYummy on Etsy.  She writes amazing patterns with tons of full color pictures and very easy to read instructions.  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90150191/crochet-pattern-crochet-owl-purse

See, very versatile pattern!

and one last use of this pattern :)

The Bama Sock Monkey Hat (people love hats)!

This was just a basic earflap beanie pattern, I used the pattern below to create the face for this cute little monkey!! ROLL TIDE!!!

Jacey is crazy about sock monkeys, so I couldn't resist making her this adorable little drawstring bag.

Pattern can by found here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61083181/crochet-sock-monkey-drawstring-bag

I am working on a series of these angry bird hats for my nephews, this is the first one completed.

Again, just a basic earflap beanie pattern and I borrowed the face features from the this great pattern:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/angry-birds---blue-bird

One of my favorites, so far!  Monster hat, made for Tony's rambunctious little nephew, Michael, who refuses to acknowledge me, but I think he is just adorable!  I made this from a basic earflap beanie pattern, made the facial features up as I went.  Turned out quite cute if I must say so myself!

Just too cute not to try!  Minnie Mouse hat. 

The left ear looks kind of wonky in this picture, but it was actually the same size as the right and they ended up quite symmetrical in placement.

Pattern can be found here:

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/minnie-mouse-ears-stripe-hat-baby-adult-/11702

So that's all I have for today, lots of cute little hats in the work though, so more to come....

Have a great day and thanks for reading my post!!

:)

A little about me....

Hello World!  

I am very new to this blogging thing.  I wanted a place to share my crafting and FB just didn't seem to be the right place, so here I am, blogging!  

To start with, please let me introduce myself, Hi, I am Catisha.  I currently live in Northeastern Ohio but I am originally from Southeast Alabama.  ROLL DAMN TIDE!!
I live here with the absolute love of my life, Tony.  I have two amazing teenage sons, John, who is 16, (and just started driving), Jeremy, who is 14, (and can't wait to be 16)!  My boyfriend Tony came with a delightful little girl, Jacey, who is 11.  Our family is complete, no more babies that turn into kids, that turn into teenagers, in our future. :) Tony has been in the military for almost 14 years, thus the reason we are in the cold state of Ohio.  I am a senior in college, studying at Troy University, through their online degree program.  If all goes well and no major catastrophes come my way, I will be graduating in March of 2013, with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.  I will then reward myself with a year off from college so I can find where to continue my education and work towards my Master's in Counseling.  Eventually, I will be an educated, licensed Substance Abuse Counselor and entering the work force as a professional vs. just an employee somewhere.  

Now, onto the why and how of this blog.  

The how is simple, I have an extremely large amount of free time to dedicate to crafting and just wanted a place to share it.  

The why of it, not so simple.  Let's see, how and where to start, on a cold Thursday morning, last December, as I was heading down my basement stairs to wake my boys  and get them moving so our family could  visit "The Christmas Story House",  I took a nasty little tumble (well more like a violent leap) down 8 of the 10 stairs.  You are probably thinking, as everyone from here to Alabama has asked "What made you fall, or how did you just fall"?  Oh, I don't know, I thought falling so freely and violently would make me feel as though I was at an amusement park on some sort of roller coaster!!!!  Or, maybe I was just needing someway to prove to myself that I really am Superwoman?!  

Seriously though, that has to be the dumbest question I have been asked pertaining to my accident.  As if I know why I fell?  It was unintentional, unplanned and certainly unwanted.  I was in a cheery mood, looking forward to the day and full of excitement, and well it just happened.  So continuing on, some 20 or so minutes later, after Tony and John finally stopped laughing and Jeremy and Jacey kept snoring, I managed to somehow stand up and maneuver myself back up the stairs and to the kitchen sink to stop long enough to down three Advil and off to my bed I went.  Our day was cancelled, it was just me and the heating pad for the remainder of the day.  The kids didn't seem to upset, not as much as I at least.  I promised we would go the next morning and they were all three fine with that, Tony was a little irritable, as he doesn't like to have plans and them have them cancelled or rescheduled without much notice.  The day progressed and my sweet Tony and loving three kiddos came in and out of my bedroom randomly to check on me.  I was sure I had just pulled some muscles and while I figured I would be more sore the next day, convinced myself I could just tough through it and get over it.  

The next day came, cold with even more cold drizzling rain mixed with snow, but we had plans.  I pulled myself out of bed feeling like a Mack truck had run over me in my sleep, but was focused on our trip.  Tony and I, got all three of the kids up and going and off to "The Christmas Story House" we went, along with Tony's mom and aunt who were staying with us for a few days.  

We all had a blast!  The kids had more photo ops than I can count, reacting scenes from the movie and just being silly, like kids do.  I managed to make it through the visit and even fake some smiles for the pictures...the pain I was feeling was unreal!!! I am no sissy, and when it comes to pain, I manage, I try my best to not complain or let anyone know how bad the pain is... I just deal with it.  I have always been and probably always will be like that.  Sometime that afternoon we returned home and I knew I was heading to the doctor, I was pretty sure it was more than just some pulled muscles, as the pressure in my chest was building to a level I couldn't manage.  Fearing a punctured lung from a cracked rib, I headed to urgent care.  The initial x-rays showed nothing and the doctor told me I had probably bruised myself pretty good from the inside out and he was sure there were lots of strained and pulled muscles, but nothing major going on.  He cleared me to return to work, if I thought I could manage, and I agreed, I could.  

Monday morning comes around and off to work I go and maintain my superwoman status and tough through my day.  I receive a call from the urgent care doctor on Tuesday, instructing me to make a visit with my PCP, ASAP, the x-rays were read by the radiologist and showed a fractured T4 vertebrae.  My PCP took me out of work pending a visit with an Ortho Surgeon.  Blah, Blah, Blah, let's fast-forward now!!!

Today, some 9 months after my adventure down the stairs, I am home, unemployed, bored, stir crazy, and having to reassess my future career plans and my physical abilities.  I was left with a diagnosis of a compression fracture at the T4 site, two herniated disks at the T7&8 site, with spinal cord effacement, moderate to severe degenerative disk disease at the C5&6 site, with nerve compression, and osteopenia, the root cause of the fracture, and nerve damage from an unknown origin (more tests to come).  So let's just say, it hasn't been like a ride at the amusement park, more like a walk through the haunted forest, but I am alive, not paralyzed, and pushing forward!!

All this, is what led me to rediscover my joy for crafting.  I was so wrapped up in life and work that I never had time for any of it.  So at the advice of my PCP, I am "exploring other aspects of my life and not focusing on the fact that I can not work".