....to prove to myself that I'm not a fool. It was inevitable that I would eventually go back to school to complete my Master's degree. If I choose to continue to pursue Education (which I do) then I must enroll in another 10 courses and a teaching practicum. Previously, I had taken a few courses for Special Education in the spring of 2009. However, I didn't continue with them. I had realized while working at my current job that my desire to become a Sped teacher had quickly dwindled.
Needless to say, I love writing. Also, I think that my love of writing has really taken shape here in my blog posts. I've received many compliments on how much people enjoy reading my writing, and I've even been told that I should write a book. I haven't always been the best writer or even enjoyed writing at all. My love of writing started to become prominent during my first year of college. I enjoyed writing papers and expressing my thoughts, however I wasn't very fond of being required to write 10 pages on an assigned topic. I would much rather write for fun. One of the reasons that I started this blog was so I was able to document our lives as newlyweds, but more importantly to brush up on my writing. You may be thinking does that mean that I want to become an English teacher? Well, No.
After much deliberation I decided to major in Reading. I have various options in this major. I could take a position as a literacy coach, reading specialist, title one teacher, or a reading or Language Arts teacher. To be completely honest I'm not the least bit thrilled to be starting back to school again. Completing my master's at this point in my life will now be an even bigger challenge for me than previous years. I not only have to worry about working full time and going to school, but on top of that I now have a husband, dog, and house to care for. At least I don't have any children yet! For now, I'm only tackling one course due to the fact that I'm also studying for the GRE's. It is crucial that I score at least a 900 on that exam to ensure admission into the Reading M.Ed. program at Bridgewater.
I attended my first class this past Monday. The course is titled Literacy Instruction in Elementary Education. The professor was incredibly friendly and assured us that she is very lenient with assignments. She explained to us that she understands life gets in the way sometimes and balancing work and school isn't always the easiest thing to do. It seems like it will be an interesting course. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A sign from heaven
Overall this past long weekend was pretty uneventful with the exception of Saturday afternoon. That afternoon I had made tentative plans with my aunt to bring Colt to Petco. Ever since Tucker's death Saturdays have been especially difficult for her due to the fact that she would take him for a long walk and spend most of the afternoon with him. I know she is lonely so I'm trying my best to include her in activities as much as I can. My original plan was to take him to Petco in Plymouth, but on a whim I decided to take him to Pet Smart which was a couple exits up from Petco.
When we first arrived at Petsmart Colt was petrified and literally shaking like a leaf. I opened the back door of the car to get him out and he immediately jumped right back in. I was finally able to drag him into the store, but he was shaking uncontrollably by his point. As we were browsing the aisles we came across one of the dog trainers. She instantly commented on how handsome Colt was. She asked me a couple of questions about his breed and what organization I had adopted him from. She could tell that he was very anxious and scared about being there. After talking briefly with her she suggested that we trying training. Cory and I have discussed putting him in training and we recently met with a private dog trainer here in Middleboro. I spoke with the head trainer about the best way to help Colt and she assured me that training would help tremendously. It was great to hear that my dog might actually overcome his anxiety. Colt starts beginner dog training classes February 6th at 2:30pm. I can't wait!
I suppose I should probably begin to explain the relevance of this blog title. Well.. after we had finished talking to the dog trainer we proceeded to browse the aisles. When suddenly, I noticed a dog about 100 feet in front of us that looked an awful lot like Tucker. I mentioned it to my aunt but we both just brushed it off because we figured it would be too painful to get a closer look. After about a half hour of dragging Colt around the store we decided it was time to checkout. At the checkout I saw that same dog. This time I felt something come over me and I knew I just had to get a closer look. Colt and I confidently walked up to the dog and his owners and introduced ourselves. I was in complete and utter shock over how much this dog looked like Tuck. I felt like I was looking straight at my baby. This dog was literally his identical twin. By this time my aunt had joined me in amazement at the sight of this dog. Exactly three weeks prior our sweet baby was taken from us too soon and it was almost as if he was still here with us. We politely asked the owners if we could take a picture of their dog because we knew nobody would believe us. I could tell the owners were a little freaked out about how much we were obsessing over their dog. We showed them a picture of our Tuck and they were just as shocked as we were over their resemblance.
Honestly this is the first time since Tuck's death that I haven't felt so empty inside. I feel like this was some sort of closure for me. This might sound a tad bit absurd but I truly think that this dog was a sign from heaven. My aunt thinks that we were meant to run into this dog so that Tuck was able tell us that everything was going to be okay and that he was up in heaven. Maybe it was a coincidence. I say it was fate. What were the odds that we would be there at the same day, time, and store as this dog? Especially exactly three weeks after Tucker's death, and on top of that the dog's name was Jack (my Dad's name). I'm content at this very moment because I finally got my wish...to see him one last time happy, healthy, and jumping around. That is how I'll always remember him.
Here is the video of "Jack" Tucker's Twin
When we first arrived at Petsmart Colt was petrified and literally shaking like a leaf. I opened the back door of the car to get him out and he immediately jumped right back in. I was finally able to drag him into the store, but he was shaking uncontrollably by his point. As we were browsing the aisles we came across one of the dog trainers. She instantly commented on how handsome Colt was. She asked me a couple of questions about his breed and what organization I had adopted him from. She could tell that he was very anxious and scared about being there. After talking briefly with her she suggested that we trying training. Cory and I have discussed putting him in training and we recently met with a private dog trainer here in Middleboro. I spoke with the head trainer about the best way to help Colt and she assured me that training would help tremendously. It was great to hear that my dog might actually overcome his anxiety. Colt starts beginner dog training classes February 6th at 2:30pm. I can't wait!
I suppose I should probably begin to explain the relevance of this blog title. Well.. after we had finished talking to the dog trainer we proceeded to browse the aisles. When suddenly, I noticed a dog about 100 feet in front of us that looked an awful lot like Tucker. I mentioned it to my aunt but we both just brushed it off because we figured it would be too painful to get a closer look. After about a half hour of dragging Colt around the store we decided it was time to checkout. At the checkout I saw that same dog. This time I felt something come over me and I knew I just had to get a closer look. Colt and I confidently walked up to the dog and his owners and introduced ourselves. I was in complete and utter shock over how much this dog looked like Tuck. I felt like I was looking straight at my baby. This dog was literally his identical twin. By this time my aunt had joined me in amazement at the sight of this dog. Exactly three weeks prior our sweet baby was taken from us too soon and it was almost as if he was still here with us. We politely asked the owners if we could take a picture of their dog because we knew nobody would believe us. I could tell the owners were a little freaked out about how much we were obsessing over their dog. We showed them a picture of our Tuck and they were just as shocked as we were over their resemblance.
Honestly this is the first time since Tuck's death that I haven't felt so empty inside. I feel like this was some sort of closure for me. This might sound a tad bit absurd but I truly think that this dog was a sign from heaven. My aunt thinks that we were meant to run into this dog so that Tuck was able tell us that everything was going to be okay and that he was up in heaven. Maybe it was a coincidence. I say it was fate. What were the odds that we would be there at the same day, time, and store as this dog? Especially exactly three weeks after Tucker's death, and on top of that the dog's name was Jack (my Dad's name). I'm content at this very moment because I finally got my wish...to see him one last time happy, healthy, and jumping around. That is how I'll always remember him.
Here is the video of "Jack" Tucker's Twin
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Letter to Tucker
Tucker was cremated this afternoon at Angel View Pet Cemetery located in Middleboro. At this facility you have the option of holding a memorial service for your pet. In other words, its similar to a wake for people but its for pets. My dad mentioned that he really wanted a private service; so we obliged. I suppose it was a good idea due to the fact that we weren't present on Christmas morning when he was put down. I was the first one to arrive there. It was just him and I in the room alone for the first five minutes because nobody had gotten there yet. My mom was shocked when I told her.. she said that I was very brave for going in alone. He looked so peaceful just lying there, although some parts of him looked much different (that was probably from being in a freezer for a week and a half) he still looked like the same dog I was always knew and loved. The staff at the Angel View Pet Cemetery were so helpful and supportive throughout this difficult time. They told us that we could put anything in with him for the cremation so we decided to put pictures of us and his favorite toy duck in with him. Finally, I decided to write him a letter in order to start coming to terms with closure.
Tucky, 
Mommy can’t believe that she has to say goodbye to her first baby today. I was hoping that this day wouldn’t come for quite some time, but here we are. I can’t even begin to describe the impact that you’ve had on my life during your time here on Earth. You taught me that unconditional love is something that nobody should take for granted. The joy and happiness that you brought to our family is something that will stay with us throughout our lives.
Most importantly, I will never forget all the memories we shared together. I remember the summer days that I was tanning in the sun while you, of course, were basking in the shade. I remember the Blizzard of 2005 which dumped three feet of snow in our back yard. There is a picture of you and I on top of an enormous snow bank. Most recently, I remember taking pictures with you on my wedding day. I was frantic that morning because you were no where to be found, but you had just gone for a walk with Tia.
Tucky, you were one of a kind. You always seemed to make Mommy smile one way or another. The way in which you loved people was different from any dog that I’ve ever met. You were unique in a way that is almost indescribable. You loved every single person that would walk into our home. You were always so welcoming to all our guests even if you would sometimes begin by barking at them. Everyone that had the pleasure of meeting you instantly fell in love. They had no choice.
I don’t want to continue life without you, but I know that I must. Mommy will be fine. Don’t worry about me. I have Colty to keep me company now. Cory thinks that God brought Colty to us because he knew you were sick. I believe that he’s right.
Mommy is going to miss you boy. I will never forget you. I promise. I know that one day we will reunite again in heaven and when we do you we will never be parted again. You may be gone, but you will never absent from my heart.
Mommy loves you more than you will ever know puppa.
There will never be another “Mommy’s Couch”
Love always,
Mommy
He was just cremated a few hours ago and I already have a small box with his ashes on the side table in my living room. I'm planning on making a small memorial complete with pictures my letter and of course his ashes.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2010- My year in review
Needless to say 2010 was a truly memorable year for me. It was filled with happiness, joy, accomplishment, stress, and most recently deep sorrow. 2010 was without a doubt the most eventful and jam packed year that I have experienced in my life so far. I planned my wedding, watched two of my best friends get married, bought my first home, married my best friend, adopted a best friend, and lost a best friend all within a matter of a year. Here is a look back at some of the great and not-so great moments of 2010.
January- House hunting was in full swing we looked at at least 6-8 houses this month. This month was also filled with rounding up bank statements, pay stubs and countless other documents which helped us complete our pre- approval.
February- I attended Reni's bridal shower.
We were still house hunting up until the middle of February, on a snowy day, we found "The one" we immediately put in an offer and it was accepted! Finally, I had a friend from college pass away in a car accident. It was devastating.
March- March was filled with countless arguments, stress, and phone calls with our mortgage consultant. We were also interacting daily with our real estate agent. I attended Katie's Bachelorette party and we took a limo to Boston to see the Blue Man Group. I will never forget that it was 70 degrees in the middle of March!
Next, was Reni & Mike's Wedding. Her ceremony was absolutely beautiful and nothing like I had ever seen before.
Finally, to end the month we experienced the worst flood Massachusetts has seen in decades.
April-The stress of wedding planning became more apparent and the day was fast approaching. Most of the month of April was stressful due to the fact that we were rounding up last minute documents, funds, and appointments to get ready for our closing. It was a long month of waiting anxiously on word from the bank. We finally closed on our first home on April 23rd!
May-I turned 25 in the beginning of the month. I had a small gathering with some friends at my parent's house and we had a bonfire.
The day after my birthday, on May 8th, we attended Kenny & Steph's Wedding.
and finally, the highlight of the month..was my Bridal Shower!
June- I witnessed my life-long friend get married on June 5th.
July- This month was filled with stressed due to the wedding, I had a few beach days here and there but mostly wedding planning consumed my life for that time.
On last day of the month, I gathered up my 14 of my closest girlfriends and headed to Boston for my Bachelorette party! Yes, we had a pink limo :)
Jello shots!
August- I married my best friend and we had the time of our lives on our honeymoon in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico!!
September- We adopted our first dog together, Colt.
October- We began to start to settle down and enjoy newlywed life, we had a play date with Tucker & Colt, and had our first Halloween in our new home with almost 90 trick or treater's come to our door!
November- We had our first thanksgiving together as husband & wife and we decorated for our first Christmas together.
December- I threw my mom a 50th birthday party at my house and on Christmas day I had to put down my first pet, Tucker.
January- House hunting was in full swing we looked at at least 6-8 houses this month. This month was also filled with rounding up bank statements, pay stubs and countless other documents which helped us complete our pre- approval.
February- I attended Reni's bridal shower.
We were still house hunting up until the middle of February, on a snowy day, we found "The one" we immediately put in an offer and it was accepted! Finally, I had a friend from college pass away in a car accident. It was devastating.
March- March was filled with countless arguments, stress, and phone calls with our mortgage consultant. We were also interacting daily with our real estate agent. I attended Katie's Bachelorette party and we took a limo to Boston to see the Blue Man Group. I will never forget that it was 70 degrees in the middle of March!
Next, was Reni & Mike's Wedding. Her ceremony was absolutely beautiful and nothing like I had ever seen before.
Finally, to end the month we experienced the worst flood Massachusetts has seen in decades.
April-The stress of wedding planning became more apparent and the day was fast approaching. Most of the month of April was stressful due to the fact that we were rounding up last minute documents, funds, and appointments to get ready for our closing. It was a long month of waiting anxiously on word from the bank. We finally closed on our first home on April 23rd!
May-I turned 25 in the beginning of the month. I had a small gathering with some friends at my parent's house and we had a bonfire.
The day after my birthday, on May 8th, we attended Kenny & Steph's Wedding.
and finally, the highlight of the month..was my Bridal Shower!
June- I witnessed my life-long friend get married on June 5th.
At the end of June I flew to Florida to visit my best friend & maid of honor, Ashley. I had such a fantastic time while I was there. We went to universal, had a few beach days, went out to eat at one of her favorite Japanese restaurants, and had a night out at a local bar with her friend's from work. I was also able to stay at her first home that purchased back in 2009 and meet her new puppy, Fenway.
July- This month was filled with stressed due to the wedding, I had a few beach days here and there but mostly wedding planning consumed my life for that time.
On last day of the month, I gathered up my 14 of my closest girlfriends and headed to Boston for my Bachelorette party! Yes, we had a pink limo :)
All of us in front of fenway park
Riding the bull!
August- I married my best friend and we had the time of our lives on our honeymoon in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico!!
September- We adopted our first dog together, Colt.
October- We began to start to settle down and enjoy newlywed life, we had a play date with Tucker & Colt, and had our first Halloween in our new home with almost 90 trick or treater's come to our door!
November- We had our first thanksgiving together as husband & wife and we decorated for our first Christmas together.
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