Snowball Effect

So you know how one thing goes wrong and it then slowly becomes apparent that the universe is conspiring against you? I won't rehash what that one thing that happened was (because I said I wouldn't), but let's just say I read "The Secret" and it seems that I am attracting CRAP to myself!!!

I am going to make this brief (well, brief for me) so that I can go listen to my playlist and think happy thoughts so the universe will throw some money at me or something.

I went to the dentist yesterday shortly after that happy little blog I posted. He said my teeth look great! And then he said that a cavity I had filled forever ago needed to be refilled. I didn't even know they did that. So, I made an appointment for today to have it filled. Fine, great, no big deal. I don't mind the dentist. It's not fun of course, but needles and the like have never bothered me. So he shoots me up with Novocaine and I wait to become numb faced. I hate to admit this, but I have done this fairly recently another time so I know the drill. I am patiently waiting for the drugs to do their magic. Problem is, there is a large area of my face/mouth that doesn't feel numb (and that area is the closest to the tooth). I tell him this so he shoots in a little bit more, the numbness is in full force, and we are off! Tooth is fixed, I leave to go pick up a three year old from school that I have been watching this week, and everything seems fine. The dentist told me I would be numb for longer than usual, but I expected that. WELL, I was numb for quite a while and the three year old was bothered by the fact that I couldn't really speak clearly. I wanted to say, "yea this isn't so fun for me either" but he's three. He moved on quickly. I started to realize that the immense amount of numbness took away the feeling in my TMJ ridden jaw - so for the 45 minutes that my mouth was open during the filling, it was obviously open in a very awkward way that I was not aware of. How do I know this? Because as feeling came back to my jaw/face it was EXCRUCIATING. So not only did I spend most of today with droopy face, lockjaw, and eventually a migraine, but I forgot to upload my new playlist to my Ipod so that I could sing/dance off the frustration. So much for healing myself...it helps when you are trying to self medicate (even if it is with music) to actually remember to do so.

PS - I am now in the mindframe that this horrendous week is a way of releasing all of the negative before school starts so that the first couple weeks of school are AMAZING (need I say lofty goals/melodramatic?).

"Oh baby when the sun comes up...."

I pride myself on the fact that I try really hard to be aware of my shortcomings...one of which is needing to rant about something just long enough to drive those around me crazy and then coming out of the rant like a new person. Obviously I am referencing yesterday's blog (actually I am referencing ALL of my behavior yesterday for those who were subjected to me). I appreciate the comments very much and it is important to note that I am making a concerted effort to be proactive about what's bugging me.

SO, I have decided to make myself the healer of all healers...the one thing that can alleviate all situations, pains, bad breakups, bad hair days, etc. etc....

....a mixed tape!!!! Rather, a mixed CD - No wait! A mixed playlist?? Whatever, you get the point.

I once got an email that went something like put your Ipod on shuffle and fill in the song for each of the categories listed and this is the soundtrack of your life. I LOVED THAT EMAIL (If you have it or know the categories off the top of your head because you are just that cool, please let me know!).

Anyway, that's the line of thinking I'm going with today. Only this playlist, if you will, needs to be composed of songs that will seriously FORCE you to bust a move in your car on that dreaded BAD DAY...songs that make you want to call everyone you know and sing to them....songs that are unavoidably going to make you HAPPY!!! (Music does this to me...if eating 3 pizzas in one sitting or shopping at every mall in the city is your gig, MORE POWER TO YA).

I am now going to list the songs that have made the cut for me so far - there is a large possibility that you will not enjoy some of them. That's why it's my list. BUT, I would love any suggestions of songs that could be added....or feel free to tell me your whole list! The more options, the better the bad day gets. Oh and if you randomly call me singing one day I promise I won't judge you.

Sun Comes Up - John Legend
Feelin' Alright -Joe Cocker
Home - Marc Broussard
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Soul Singing - Black Crowes
Rock and Roll Heaven's Gate - Indigo Girls
Steamroller - James Taylor
Living for the City - Stevie Wonder

Things I would be thankful for...

...if I wasn't having such a CRAPPY day.

Disclaimer #1 - I am actually thankful for these things even if it sounds like I'm not.

Disclaimer #2 - CRAPPY is such a stupid word. It doesn't even come close to the level of explanation needed that other curse words so perfectly convey. BUT, I decided that I have a potty mouth and I would like this blog to reflect a less redneck, more refined version of myself. Because blogs are just so great about letting you know the EXACT times I blog, you will see for yourself how long that lasts.

Disclaimer #3 - If you are looking for a positive outlook on life today, don't keep reading.

I am thankful for the roof over my head even if I would like to torch the place right now (it may light up on it's own due to above 90 degree temperatures these days).

I am thankful for the shirt on my back even though I can't wash it or any of the other clothes I have sweat through in the past 48 hours because my washing machine decided to join my HVAC unit and PISS ME OFF BY DIEING.

I am thankful for the "sound mind and body" that comes with being 28 years old even though I am pretty sure my real age (you know like they talk about on Oprah?) is actually pushing 60 because I still feel like someone beat me up, and all I did was crawl around in some caves for a few hours.

I am thankful for my job even though the most exciting thing about school starting back next week is that my "learning cottage" (AKA TRAILER) has AC.

I am thankful for my gorgeous dog who so lovingly dug around in something that seems to be her own crap (there's that word again) and had to be given a bath in our 85 degree bathroom where the light fixture does not work (no it's not the light bulb - the house is just old and FALLING APART).

I am thankful for my husband who is not going to be upset with me for detesting our house so much today (hint hint Sethy poo).

Lastly, I am thankful for my mom and my friends who have so graciously told me that I can come stay at their house even though what they don't know is that I might not leave until November when it is cold outside.

I know what you are thinking...just get a new AC unit you crazy melodramatic whiny baby. WELL, that in and of itself is a long story, but the short version is THEY COST A LOT OF MONEY. We could do it, but what's the fun in that when winter is right around the corner right? Why do now what you can sweat through and complain about until 9 months from now??? Yea, this is yet another thing I will have to keep you posted on. I can tell you that if I were reading this blog I would be sick of hearing about some nutcase being hot all the time...SO I am going to refrain after this blog from mentioning it...just stay tuned for the blog called I AM FREEZING :-)

Caving and Camp!!!

(FYI - there are about 60 pictures from this trip....I have emailed them to a lot of people, but if you did not get the email and want to see them, leave a comment and I will email them to you.)

BEFORE AFTER

Really and truly, as I sit in severe pain in my super freaking hot house I can honestly say caving is one of the coolest things I have ever done. I never thought that trying to squeeze myself through very small crevices and holes would be something I enjoyed, but enjoy it I did. We all did actually. I think we pleasantly surprised ourselves in how daring we were. I am also proud of the fact that I can say that my big ass fit through the tight situations! It was touch and go in some places, but well worth the challenge. Our caving guide actually just graduated from high school! He was a great guide who let us choose our difficulty level and of course we pushed ourselves a great deal. My proof of that is bruises, the feeling of what it must be like to get hit in the legs with a baseball bat every time I stand up, and shoes that are mud stained for life.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns are in Chattanooga, TN. The caverns are privately owned and there is a campground there as well that we utilized for our weekend adventure. Sara convinced herself that there were some Irish Travelers (AKA - gypsies) camping around us, but other than that our neighbors were either in RV's or big huge houses. We were basically camping in some one's backyard which we did not expect. I have to admit I was jealous of whoever may be on the other side of the fence sleeping in their cozy beds while I "roughed it" on the ground. Kim is brilliant and brought a swimming pool raft to sleep on (mental note - spend a little extra on a good pool raft for the next camping excursion!) I also realized that in my next life I will make a career out of making smores. Not to pat myself on the back or anything, but I make a damn good smore. If you ever want one we have a wood burning stove in our house....come over and I will make you one anytime!

If you are thinking, these people are crazy or just bored and need something to do, here's a little back story. Katie, Kim, and I hiked Tallulah Gorge Memorial Day a few years ago and we had such a good time that we started thinking we should do this kind of stuff as much as we can. Mind you, we had a good time but we also did something that all three of us were kind of nervous to do and we had to push ourselves at times. Katie had taken her students to Raccoon Mountain to do the walking tour (a short and easy 45 minute walk) so she suggested we look into the longer, harder tours. Well, a year later we have done it! If you have any suggestions for what our next adventure could be, please feel free to comment. We like to keep them fairly close to home where we can camp or rent a cabin. We are also trying not to spend a lot of money on these trips!

You may be wondering why Seth didn't brave the caves! Seth left Saturday for MDA camp for a week. He is a counselor at MDA camp every summer. I will let him blog about camp and let you know all about it if he wants to, but I can say that I went to visit him for the first time at camp today. I only went for a couple of hours, but I didn't want to leave. The people that run Camp Twin Lakes and MDA camp put so much of themselves into working with these kids and it's such an awesome thing to see. I know Seth was exhausted but he is so amazing with the kids. He and Levi (his brother) are SO much fun and the kids really love them. There will be pictures from camp (hopefully in Seth's blog) coming soon!

Random

So today is day 3 of no air conditioning. I was struck by the thought yesterday that cleaning your house while the AC doesn't work must be what it's like to go to one of those "hot yoga" classes. I have now decided I will never go to one. I have been out of town for about two and half weeks and needless to say my house needed some major cleaning. So off I go yesterday cleaning away (I am one of those cleaners where it becomes more like organizing and less like cleaning). Molly usually follows me everywhere I go when I clean. Well, I had fixed myself a beverage and chose to leave it in the refrigerator so that it wouldn't be hot ten minutes after I poured it. Every time I went to the refrigerator to take a sip (yes I know this wastes energy - unfortunately, I didn't care) Molly would plant herself on the floor so that she could feel the cold air coming out. When the door would shut she would look at me with such hate in her eyes. If only you could explain to a dog that you too would climb into the refrigerator if allowed (or if you could fit for that matter). So, I managed to do everything but vacuum (which needed to be done the most). I also realized that I have found the magic diet plan of the century. I never noticed this about myself but eating when you are hot and sweaty seems so much less appealing. I went to fix myself something for dinner and realized I just couldn't do it. I know I sound incredibly dramatic right now. If you could see my miserable dog (who over the summer had taken to practically sucking the air out of the vents in our house that's how close she would sit to them) you would know that I am at least less dramatic than her.

At any rate, Seth and I finally got to see The Dark Knight last night at the new Movie Tavern in Tucker. I LOVE that place. It's one of those where you can order food and drinks and they bring it to you at your seat (similar to Buckhead Backlots). We are boycotting the Regal on Shallowford due to their really fabulous security that had no problem letting multiple cars get broken into the last time we were there, one of which was ours. Conveniently the Movie Tavern opened soon after and we couldn't have been happier! Mind you, we tried to go there to see The Dark Knight two other times before actually seeing it because it was sold out, but it was worth the wait. If you haven't seen it it's a must!

Lastly, for our blogs avid readers (you know who you are), I will be out of town this weekend CAVING! Kim W., Sara, the Beans and myself will be camping and caving and I really cannot wait. We are going to Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga. Don't worry though, there will be a new posting on Monday with pictures and everything. I know you will be waiting on pins and needles to read it! Seth and Levi also leave tomorrow for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) camp for a week. If you have suggestions for what Seth's talent should be in this year's talent show please feel free to leave comments for him. One year he did the Tom Cruise scene from Risky Business....yea you know the one. On a serious note, if you get a minute say a little prayer for the guys and for the kids...they put a lot of time, energy, and love into this camp every year for some really great kids.

Have a wonderful weekend!

...view from the OTHER side...

Alright. So it appears that my wife has decided to share the details of our lives with the entire world. Thats cool. I feel that since this is OUR blog, I have a familial duty to share in the blogging, to ensure that you are exposed to the ENTIRE story.

So here is my introduction.

Welcome.

Now to catch everyone up to the OTHER side of the Burrow Blog, or the BB. I'm Seth. I work on swimming pools. I talk on the phone, a lot. It comes with the territory. The wife wants millions, so the surgical attachment of the phone might be a necessity. But seriously, being a millionaire is not the ultimate goal, however I wouldnt mind a comfortable retirement around age 45. If you want to try and help me/us to this goal, feel free to send cash or checks to.....

You have previously met my wife, Jana. As most of you heard, last year was Jana's first year as a teacher, molding the young minds of the future leaders of America. Hopefully for my sanity and hers, year number two will be a little easier for all involved. I hate to say this, but karma is a bitch. Many years ago, I attended the elementary school that currently employs my wife. I hate to say it, but I have a feeling that her/our misery last year was payback for the multitude of trouble that my friends and I caused in those hallowed halls. I pray year two is better.

Not much else has changed since our last post. It is hotter than the darkest depths of hell. Walking into our house this evening was kinda like being wrapped in an enourmous tongue. It sounds disgusting, but seriously, close your eyes and imagine being engulfed in a big wet tongue. Hot humid stagnant air. Jana put it best, "if hell had an address...." Day 1/2 of no air conditioner has been miserable. Days 1 - Day the A/C is fixed will probably be unbearable. Say a prayer.

If Hell had an address....

...it would be my current residence. I was home a good portion of the day today (you know, training my dog :-) and for someone who sweats about 10% as much as the rest of the world I was breaking a sweat. I will be the first to say that I could be in better shape, but I don't really run around or anything when I am teaching her to stay "down" for an extended period of time. I thought maybe I was getting sick and I had a fever or maybe God finally decided that the sweating issue needed to end. Then I got that panicked feeling like I knew the answer but couldn't admit it to myself. I walked to the thermostat and read that it was set at 71 yet it was reading the temperature as 78. Confirmation number one. I then walked around the house and realized that every room was hot (follow me here...I needed to be sure). Confirmation number two. I then walked around AGAIN and felt every vent only to find that it's like stepping into a lukewarm shower when you really wanted a steaming hot one....lukewarm air conditioning when it's a pushing 100 degrees outside is worse I promise. Confirmation number three (I believe for something to really be true it has to have a lot of backup). I then convinced myself it was just a hot day and the unit was only struggling and I went to my tennis lesson (yes being dilusional is one of my biggest character flaws). I called Seth and let him know that the inevitable may be happening. When we bought this house we bought it knowing the HVAC would kick the bucket sooner rather than later. But seriously? It's July 23rd for God's sake. So Seth and I got home at the same time and it's official. The upsides? I am no longer concerned about the deck or the red wall. I am going camping/caving this weekend and (two upsides in one!) I will be a leg up on the crew going with me because sleeping in a tent in July will suddenly feel like home, and being in a 60 degree cave will be Heaven. Heaven and Hell in one week - that's a record right?

Gregg Allman - Come And Go Blues

This video was shown to me by my now youtube friendly Dad! It's SO GOOD. Do take the time to watch...
PS - If you are reading my blog please leave a comment...I would love to know who's actually reading this! Also, if you have a clue about creating the video strip at the bottom of the blog instead of including videos in an actual post, I would LOVE the know how...

Molly...

I have finally decided to face dog training head on with my vivacious (I am being oh so nice here) yellow lab, Molly. It comes from a culmination of events, the latest being that Seth and I went out of town and left her with our wonderful friend Kim. Kim so politely let me know in more or less words that Molly is a total pain in the ass (believe me Kim, you did not upset me - you only brought validity to what I was already in denial about). It's not that I didn't want a well trained dog. I'm sure there are many mothers of terror children who don't sit around thinking "I love this life" yet it continues to be their life just the same. I think that a person can become accustomed to a relationship where, for lack of a better word, power is involved. If the power is not established the one needing the power over them ends up running the show. The "leader" is then at a loss that they may sometimes embrace (this is called laziness). I had accepted that this was just "Molly being Molly" (I/We have become lazy and need to train our dog).

So, today I finally cracked the book that Seth's mom gave me and spent some one on one with Molly. I just spent an entire year teaching a boatload of kids that didn't listen to me either. So I am wondering if I can accomplish this with her if it might translate into the rest of my life. I have always felt sure that I would be a fairly spectacular mother at some point, but you could basically say I went to school for that. I have a degree in Child Development. I have nannied many times. I'm confident in that area. However, this dog and my students have somehow alluded me. Now I say this with great ease not having had children yet. So I'm sure I am patting myself on the back WAY before I even have the right to do so. My excuse for the teacher thing is that I was very green and wanted to be every one's friend. If you know me, you know how that went. My excuse for the dog thing is that while I had a dog growing up, I had very little to do with how he was raised (and let's just say you can 't teach an old dog new tricks or he would be coming to Jana's dog training 101 as well). I now suddenly have this fear that my children are going to end up with the same attitude about life that my dog has. She loves me. I know she loves me. She needs me. However, she 100% walks all over me. So if I can break the cycle now my dog just might teach me how to be a better mother/teacher.

I haven't really spoken much about Seth in relation to Molly because Seth doesn't get as frustrated with Molly as I do. It could also be due to the fact that when I get home from work she could care less. When he gets home from work it's like doggie Santa just showed up. I have let Seth know about my plan to turn her into a well trained dog and I am pretty sure he was very skeptical. I am determined to show him that I can do it!

In our efforts to begin today she was very excited and often fabulous, but I'm still pretty sure she should be on doggie Ritalin if such a thing exists. There are parts of her that will always just be who she is...the rest will have to be consistently, lovingly, and painstakingly forced to cooperate. It may seem a lofty goal (yes those are a theme in our lives) to further this process two weeks before school starts....is it naive to say one will automatically cure the other? Probably. Whatever, I'm down for the challenge :-)

New to blogging...

We may not have the most exciting lives, but in this age of information we can't possibly let ourselves fall through the cracks and not share our lives with others in yet another way. I have been inspired by other's blogs and you could simply say I have to keep up with Joneses right? For those who don't see us all the time, who don't talk to us constantly via email or facebook, or just for those people who might want to know a little more, we hope you find this at the very least entertaining and informational.

Seth is on the fast track to becoming a millionaire one swimming pool at a time. He is very good at what he does which leads to the possibility of surgically attaching the crackberry to his ear. We will keep you posted on that. At any rate, Sweetwater/Aquatic Solutions is moving up in the world every day. Aside from the daily grind Seth may also make millions one day playing golf. In our world, nothing is a lofty goal as you will quickly learn if you continue to read this blog.

Jana is on the fast track to becoming teacher of the year....well, maybe like the year 2020...but who's counting? Yes this marks the two week countdown to the start of a second year of teaching. While it has proven to be the most challenging career choice (and the most marriage testing) she is hopeful and excited about the year to come. I mean who can really complain after completing two months of paid vacation? Jana is also attempting to become a tennis pro so that someday she and Seth can open their own professional tennis/golf club...we promise to give discounts to friends and family when that day comes.

Together we are a hot mess of house repairs, working too much, and trying to stay sane while at home with our almost one year old ADHD yellow lab, Molly. At this very moment we have cement in the ground to build a deck (which has been there since the spring - still no deck) and a room at the front of our house with one wall painted red that Jana did such a poor job painting Seth will now have to re-renovate it.

So this is the beginning of our new venture into blogging. Please check back with us in the near future!