Hopefully, it's the last long drive before the BIG one.🌞🌻🌞🌻🌞

We spent Thanksgiving week in Florida with Dev's side of the family. We don't usually go down for holidays... we're more of a "come down for vacation once a year and for emergencies and unplanned happy events (ie: weddings and Jelly concerts)" type of folks... but Dev's mom asked us two or three months ago if we would come down this year... and... well... I can't tell that woman no to save my whole life.

Sooo... I worked Monday and then we headed South. (With my trusty laptop in tow because I still had some shit to do for the rest of the week because no rest for the weary and all that).

The trip down was pretty good... we made decent timing and our pups were chill and enjoyed the ride. Sure, it's always alot, but once we're there... we're good to go. You know why? Because we pulled up to my MIL's around nine in the morning... parked Trudy... and didn't start her again until we left out for my FIL's on Saturday evening. When I tell you my in-laws are the best, I ain't bullshitting.

The trip back North? Stupid. Between "Severe Winter Weather" advisories and people not realizing they're operating a vehicle so they should probably be paying attention to that... it was mayhem. We ended up taking backroads for the last forty miles of our trip home, because the interstate backed up and people were acting a fool. 

I digress. Mostly because I refuse to spend anymore time trying to figure people out. At least for the time being.

Our pups were probably the most excited. Between all the attention, snacks, cuddles, and general merriment of their existence, they were living their best lives.

My Gatorbaby? He always thrives when he's home. What can I say? He's a Sunshine State boy through and through. He's never not happy and breathtaking when we're there. He loves his family and the happiness that pours out of him when we're around them damn near brings tears to my eyes every damn time.

Me? I also thrive down South. I'm what my FIL (Pops) refers to as feral... barefoot, sunburnt, hair unbrushed, legs unshaved... it's chaos of the highest order. And I fuckin' love it. So does my husband and his entire family. Peaceful Katie is the best Katie.

With all the changes headed our way... we're hoping the next trip we have to make down South is THE last trip and therefore, moving time. *fingers-crossed*

Life has been stressful and chaotic lately... between life changes and house renovations and pups with skin irritation and frigid weather and people in general... yeah, it's just been overwhelming. So, we needed to get away and have a break and spend some time with people we love the most and love us the best.

We spent Thanksgiving with all the family that got to come over and the rest of our days were spent relaxing, hanging out with my in-laws (and one of my SIL's for a couple days), doing projects (ie: refinishing a table and watching my FIL put together a four-wheeler), watching my hubby do some bomb-ass tattoos on my MIL and SIL, and just imagining and planning our future.

When I tell you I've been a nervous wreck and overwhelmed... I ain't lying. The unknown and instability and changes that are coming have been on my brain and playing on loop for weeks on end. I've driven myself to the brink and back more than once. I honestly thought I was about to break in half. But... when they assured us we weren't alone and were welcome and loved and missed and needed? Something in me calmed and shifted. Sure, this is still scary... but worth it and thrilling. I'm still scared because of the unknown but I feel better knowing my hubby's family has our backs.

And the life we're trying to build and is on the horizon? Riveting.

🖤Apparently things do and don't come with age.🖤🖤

I'll be thirty-five in a few days and I have to say... all that shit adults were talking when I was a kid makes alot more sense now.

Yes, when it rains it does in fact pour. My back hurts for no reason as well. And I too miss the grocery prices of my youth, because paying $102 for hamburger meat and a gallon of milk is ridiculous.

I have a bad hip now for no reason whatsoever... just woke up one morning and BOOM... bad hip. Did I sleep on it wrong? How fucking old do you have to be for that to happen? Did I sleepwalk a 5k? Also, if that happened... when did I get the willpower to actually complete a 5k? Did my pups get together and initiate me into Fight Club? Did I Soulja Boy too hard? Like, what happened?

Eyesight? Failing. And failing hard too, not a little blur or anything. No, like full on can't see shit except when I see three of the same thing that isn't even there type level of failing. Driving to work at 6 in the morning with an astigmatism in both eyes ain't for the weak, dude.

Where did all the vitamins in my body go by the way? I've been Vitamin D/Iron deficient since my early twenties and guess what? That shit don't improve naturally with age. I take vitamins and eat proteins and drink milk... and nothing. My body takes a look at those nutrients and is like PASS. And what's the one thing your body needs to thrive? Vitamins. Ugh. (And yes, I know it takes more than that and water is important and blah blah, let me be dramatic).

I've actually thinned out with age... not that I'm complaining about that. 

What I am complaining about though is the fact I spent the first thirty years of my life looking real Henry VIII and now I'm more on the Audrey Hepburn (in body type NOT glamour, beauty or talent) side of things and apparently there's health problems for both? Like... I was heavy and people were like CAREFUL because diabetes and heart disease but now I'm thin and people are like CAREFUL because osteoporosis and heart disease. 

What. The. Fuck. 

Apparently, all of us have weak ass hearts... looking real Grinch over here.

As a woman, they start telling you about all the things that will start going downhill faster than others: weight management, skin elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines, vitamin absorption, hair/skin/nail health depletes.

Like... it's not good enough I can barely walk and bare weight on my left side first thing in the morning but go ahead and make my hair fall out too? The fuck?

There's things you do to try and counteract some of this nonsense... I put vital proteins/collagen peptides in my coffee everyday. I started taking Mary Ruth's multivitamin yesterday. I use retinol and fancy lotion on my face and I moisturize with coconut oil like you wouldn't believe.

Honestly, I don't know if any of it helps or if my MIL just managed to placebo me into thinking the shit I put in my coffee was gonna make me look killer, but either way, I'm rolling with it.

Why? Because with age might come alot of bullshit (and I do mean A LOT), but not all of it is bad.

I've never been more comfortable with my body than I am right now. Yes, even though we tend to close it for maintenance, it's still the best it's ever been... for me. No, I don't look like I used to and we all know I'm not getting any younger... BUT... I'm comfy. And I'm comfy because I'm just me.

I wear what I want, eat what I want, spend money on what I want, live like I want... and I get to do it all with the other half of me. Because we all know Dev just keeps getting better and better with age.

My husband ages like whiskey and I age like fucking bread.

Seriously though, I would say the best thing about age is perspective. I know the things I've done and lived through... and I know there's still more to come. I've come to terms with not every single person liking me and I've realized that the only person my decisions should affect are me. If living my life to my happiest and most comfortable is affecting someone else that much in a negative way... they should probably get some help for that. Why? Because it's not my problem.

You know what is my problem though? This fucking hip. Kidding... mostly.

A we do what we want kind of weekend.🛻🌲💸😍

This weekend was... eventful. Actually, now that I think back on it, last week was INSANE for all of us. Not just Dev and me, but ALL of us. You, me, and probably the dude on the corner. Seriously, y'all have those weeks, right? Where you're super productive but also it feels like you have a million things to do?

Happened to me. To us. 

We decided to get a jumpstart on the weekend and paid our mortgage on Thursday after work. Smart, right? Would've been if I didn't also get a case of "fighting for my life" but whatever. I also got a little update on my cousin, Shanny, while we were out that way. She's having a second surgery on my birthday and another one in three-four months. Hopefully, everything goes ok with her and she's alright as can be. I should probably call her to check in on her and my uncle.

Even with my gut being an asshole (they were in a fight and yes... pun intended) we still managed to get in a WRTTMM Friday evening and were back home in time to get some rest and prepare for the day ahead.

Meanwhile... our pups were wylin out because that's what they do.

Saturday rolled around and Dev had a tattoo appointment up in Muncie. Like the true daddy he is... he made sure I got Mickey D's breakfast and coffee to fill me up before we made that trek. While it was an all day event, it was a good time and the piece turned out AMAZING. I'm so proud of Dev and the things he's accomplishing. Also... just to put it out there... being married to a tattoo artist? Fuckin hot. Being able to be tattooed in the comfort of my home by the sexiest man I know? Also hot.

His client was actually Macey's bio-dad and since Travis had a piece on her stepmom, we got to meet that side of their family. They were SO nice and he trains Malinois's for a living... so obviously he must be the dog whisperer because Sparkles was all up in his business. Seriously, my grumbly pup that doesn't like much of anyone... ok not true... he just doesn't like men... he's a real ladies man... was ALL OVER this dude. 

It was so amazing to see and actually made me a little emotional, because Sparkles has been real down since we lost Xur-Xur. Like, real down to the point of depression and we can't seem to pull him out of it. But after Saturday he seems a bit more like my old pup and it is without a doubt, more precious than I could describe.

We got home late from that appointment and successfully made our list of everything we needed to get off Amazon... and while the pups, Dev and me are now covered in all our areas... fuckin ouch, dude. Shit be spensive.

Sunday rolled around and wouldn't you know it... there was things to do. Luckily, it was minimal and we had everything done and were back at the house by 10:30AM. We headed out about 9:00AM so we could get Trudy her very FIRST oil change. She's officially almost 5,000 miles deep and it was that time. Technically, she had another like thirty miles left in her, but I'm trying to take care of her to the best of my abilities. Have I mentioned how much I love that truck? Because I do... we really do. Also... shout out to Jiffy Lube! They're not only open on Sundays... but that's where I took Doug Judy... and now Trudy. They had us in/out in like twenty minutes. Fuckin, G's.

After the oil change we filled Trudy up, picked up a few things from the grocery (this gal needed coffee, our pups needed food, and Dev needed burgers), had another Mickey D's breakfast run and hightailed it back to the house before church let out.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out and not doing anything... but I'm still somehow exhausted?

Also, now that Trudy is a bit broken in with a new oil change and a full tank? Pheesh. Fuck out of my way, because she is a BEAST.

So yeah... we had an incredibly busy weekend... we spent way more money than we intended... we're so tired you would think we haven't slept in three days... BUT it was so worth it and I had an amazing time.

I love spending all my time with my family and seeing them as happy as possible. Watching Dev do what he loves is incredible and I'm blessed to be able to share in that with him. The fact we all get to be together and can travel with him (most of the time) while he works is just an added bonus onto the ever-evolving amazingness that I call life.

And now... we start this work week over. It's all good, we're on a mission to be as chill as possible from here on out. The only things we have are my work schedule and Dev's appointments... other than that... home free!

Oh yeah... today is also Macey's birthday. So... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MACEY-JO!!

Chaa... chaaa... chaaaannnggeeeeessss.

When Dev and me said we weren't fuckin having it in 2024... we weren't playing. The amount of changes and decisions that have been made to put our best foot forward into an amazing life together, just for us, is astronomical. 

Two steps forward and one step back is still a step forward.

I don't know what it is or what exactly happened but it was like one day I had this epiphany that I wanted to live a happy life full of laughter and spectacularness with Dev and I didn't give a shit what anyone had to say about it. I wanted to be so different than what I've ever had the opportunity in life to be.

And since that moment... whatever it was... Dev has been my never-ending support... both in emotion and spine. Yeah, 2024 is in fact the year I decided to reinforce my spine and start handling life the way it was coming at me and not the way I thought I had to.

It's been fucking spectacular.

I feel like my body and mindset will forever feel the need to jump into survival mode... fight or flight at this point is ingrained... but there's a peace to knowing somebody has my back in all things... hands down... no questions asked... just mine.

With all that said... changes. More changes in the list that is 2024.

We sold the Juke. And we sold the Juke for a number of reasons... my favorite one being that it allowed us to pay off that pesky credit card that happens to be the bane of my fucking existence. Selling it made our car insurance go down a bit. We also sold it because while Dev said it was in fact his dream car (he's had it for five years), it's also not super practical for a man that stands at 6'3. Look at us... being adults and shit.

While we were hopeful we had a year or two (maybe even three?) left in Judy... I think we're gonna have to bite the bullet and upgrade. It doesn't feel like it's been that long but I looked the other day and it's going on three years. Which isn't alot... but is considering we've got an extra almost 100,000 miles on that motherf*cker since it's been in the family. In our defense we didn't think we were gonna get a new car and then immediately have to make like a dozen trips to FL right after. It wouldn't be the worse to upgrade... we need more space for our pups... Judy worked great for two big pups and a small pup but three big ones is pushing it. Xur and Sparkles ain't getting younger and Steve ain't getting smaller. The only thing that makes me anxious is the payment. If we can stay around the same or not go up by much, I'm good. But, I just can't justify a $1,000/month car payment. Who the fuck can afford that? So... we'll see. It's definitely on the list. We are a traveling family.

Xur's hip is still hurt. We were honestly hoping it was just one of those injuries that needed time but it's not getting any better... so I think our boy may have to go to the vet. It's obviously not constantly in pain but it's immobile and super sensitive. I don't know what they'll do but the more Dev and me talk... the more I think he may have to go get a workup.

Our water heater went out. Again. And my front tire on Judy is going flat. Again. Both those things are on the list to fix in the next... oh I don't know... somewhere between the next two mental breakdowns.

I don't even want to get into the whole battery for the Juke/my brother story... another day perhaps. *cue eye roll*

Dev's client base is starting to pick up a bit more as time goes on. He's still doing the mobile thing but we've also set the house up where clients can come over and he can work from home too. Don't get me wrong... we don't want everybody in our house... but we also don't want him in everybody else's house... you know? We've talked about converting the garage/mancave shed into an "in home" tattoo studio situation and while the plans aren't set in stone, we've got some real good ideas.

So yeah... just a little catchup and some plans. 2024 has been hectic but we're all just trying our best. Dev and me are doing all we can to make ourselves and each other happy because we promised each other... if we got married we would be as happy as possible and live the exact life we wanted.

Lucky for us, we don't need much to make us happy. And honestly, that's my favorite part.

This weekend was not quite a shitshow... but not at all restful either.

You ever have one of those weekends that you're so busy or something is happening and it throws everything all the way off? Happened to me. Like... just now.

I honestly thought running to do my main weekend errand on Friday would put us ahead and jumpstart a fun little time. It did not. Instead... once we had everything settled and snuggled in for the night (where I had finally convinced my hubby to watch a horror movie because spooky season!)... we learned our internet was down. So I contacted support and they informed me they had to have a technician come out to work on the line and he would be there... Sunday.

Ok then.

Saturday Dev had a tattoo appointment to finish up Bonehead's forearm and Sum's ankle. The day started off weird... Dev slept in because we were up super late trying to get things situated on Friday... but our pups had me up at a bright and early six thirty. Because children. I ran to the store, waited on Dev to wake up, and hung with the pups. Once we made it to Bonehead's what we thought would be a three hours (tops) appointment turned into like a six hour thing. Babies will do that to a timeframe.

Ok then. (But that chili was bomb!)

Sunday... again... weird. Our service technician showed up at noon... and was there over three hours. Apparently new cable for everything had to be run and it took some damn doing. It wasn't a problem... just threw the whole day off. I mean, it cut out the entire middle of the day and made things... I don't know... random? Later last night I decided it would be a good idea to wrestle around with Dev... because I'm a child... and he picked my little ass up and chucked me onto the bed. Ha... fun right?! Nope. Steve thought it would be a good idea to leave her very red... very hard... bone on the bed and it got introduced to my spine. 

Ouch.

And to top it all off... my little XurXur's left leg is still a wreck. We still don't know what's wrong with it... thought maybe it was a pulled or torn muscle but it doesn't seem to be getting any better. We're making him take it as easy as possible and I'm giving him meds but I'm starting to think we just might have a three-legged dog now. Either way, I love him more than life itself... so whatever we gotta do for him moving forward, we will. Maybe this is our new normal.

Finally... this happened earlier last week but I feel it deserves a mention... Dev broke his toe... again. This is like the third or fourth toe in the last three or four years... poor guy can't catch a foot break. This time it's his middle toe on his left foot. He's getting around better now... you know... until he accidentally hits it on something or one of our pups steps on it.

So yeah... that's what the Glisson's did all weekend and where we all stand. A little hobbled and sleepy... but good.

We should stay in our fortress more often.💜💜💜

I say that but honestly, we stay home ALOT so I can't really complain. But, I mean... you can't blame me... right? I'm SOOO content at our house when it's just Dev, our pups, and me. But this past weekend was my kind of situation.

Sure, it was thrown a bit off because my brother and his BM were packing up his stuff (almost there... just a little more to go!) but that didn't stop us from doing our thing. Although, I do wish Dev's head would've been feeling better on Saturday... everything was fine and we were one tattoo in and BAM... migraine. I don't know where it came from but I felt horrible for him.

Migraines are no joke and make me want to vomit... both for me and him.

Aside from that though, we cleaned house together... Dev cut the back yard... we made lots of nanner bread... did some laundry... got some snuggles in (my husband can literally cure my insomnia by holding me down and barely touching me)... and I am the proud new canvas of two more Glisson Simplistic Tattoos.

Aka... my smoking fine hubby put some new ink on me (and me wants more).

We talked to my brother about his new living arrangements and finally came to a conclusion for him on Friday night. Come Saturday... he put his foot down and his life is on the right track (I think). This is his last full week at our house (he has a few off days the weekend after next but if we get his place set up I doubt he'll want to be back) and then they'll be setting his new place up. We offered to help this weekend/next week after work if need be. I want him to do good and be happy... hopefully this is a good first step.

Aside from that... my babies are still the cutest little gremlins on the planet. Sparkles is all about extra snuggles with me lately and I have to admit, I f*cking love it. Xur is forever anxious but is so full of love and the fact he gets up with me in the mornings makes me all fuzzy inside. Steve is growing like a damn weed and is going to eat us out of house and home. She's adorable and keeps her big brothers on the edge.

Of glory or sanity... I'm not sure.

And now, here I am. Trying to make it through this Monday without a nap or any motivation. I would really appreciate crawling back into my snuggly bed, surrounded by my babies and maybe getting some nanner bread and some food to warm my belly... and maybe a little more ink.

Because I don't know why... since it's literally dead ass July... but my mood is very laid back fall already.

Sometimes it's the little things in your everyday life.

Dev and I had a fairly busy weekend. We usually do, as there are few times we just get to hang out and do absolutely nothing (ie: what I want most of the time). We had a WRTTMM to handle, grocery trips to make, and another trip to see Mavis before they head out to FL this week.

I mostly just wanted to stay in bed and not move because my body is so damn sore. Apparently, thirty-four year old Katie doesn't travel as well as she used to and my left hip is going to be my demise. However, we pushed through (I make it sound far more dramatic than it really was... probably) and finished out our weekend with some snuggles and season two of La Brea. 

And now we get to start the week with no errands to run and all the love to come. Perhaps I'll have Dev give me a couple more tattoos and we'll finish out our show... all while banana bread is in the air.

Until then, I'll be enjoying long drives and beautiful skies with the love of my life and our furbabies.

Helloooo.... from the FROZEN SSIIIDDDEEEE!!

I know that reference is somewhere between nine-eleven years dated... HOWEVER, if there was ever a time for it to make a come back, IT'S NOW.

Y'all, it is so motherf*cking frigid outside. FRIGID. Capital F through D. It was a total of -2° outside when I left for work this morning and let's be honest, it has not improved much in the hours since. Frankly, it's gonna start dropping here again in just a couple hours. Just thinking about it makes me want to wrap a heated blanket around me. In fact, I have a low tire and decided at 6:30 this morning that it was afternoon Katie and Dev's problem because f*ck.

I DIGRESS. 

I have been blissfully holed up in my house with my hubby and pups on every available opportunity of this new year. Do I regret the things missed? NO. Because nothing was missed... things have been accomplished and no shit has been taken. It's been a good time.

What's new these last few weeks? 

Per every paranoia the hubby and I possess, we did in fact stay inside the first day of the new year. In fact, we stayed inside that entire three-day weekend as much as possible because last year started off with a shit show and carried on throughout the entire damn thing... we weren't trying to have a repeat.

We had another visit with Baby J and he is the cutest and snuggliest little baby this side of the Midwest. Sometimes a person just needs some baby snuggles... and then to hand said baby back to their parents because they gots to get home and eat snacks.

Sparkles ear is looking better. It's still not 100% but it's looking better by the day, if only a little, and it seems to bother him a little less. Poor baby just wants to nap and eat treats and honestly... same. He and Xur mostly hang out with us and I seriously don't know what we'd do without those little assholes.

After three years of marriage, Dev and I are finally on the same phone plan. Here's what happened... when he moved up here (five years ago) he switched to Sprint (later bought by T-Mobile). I was already on my Aunt P's friends/family phone plan (with Momma) with Sprint (again, bought by T-Mobile). We've been meaning to get my number switched from my aunt's plan to Dev's for a long time but haven't got around to it (for various reasons). We finally decided we were doing it regardless because damn we've been married for a minute and it felt weird.

Last week after work one day, we loaded up in Doug Judy, picked my aunt up and headed to T-Mobile. We only wanted to have my number switched from one T-Mobile plan to another. The clerk informed us that they can no longer do that in store, you have to call "customer care." While we were there, Dev asked if he could have a couple things removed from his plan... again... call customer care because they can't do that in store.

*side note* I'm really not trying to be "that" person I am just genuinely curious. If they can't change or update or service anything having to do with your plan in store... what is the purpose of having a store? I mean, you can order a phone online and have it delivered so it can't just be that, right? *anyways*

We left and took Aunt Poot home... attempting to call "customer care" on the way and got nothing. Cut to three hours, two trips, and a bunch of dollars later and now Dev and I are on the same phone plan... with Verizon. We got to keep our numbers and honestly, that's what I was so butt hurt over because it would be such a pain in the ass to switch everything over. 

JUST NO.

Dev and I got the bright idea to try new spaghetti sauces out at the store to "find a new favorite" and ended up getting one called "spicy arrabbiata" that almost f*cking killed us. That shit was so damn hot. All I tasted was tomato and heat. No spice of any kind just HEAT. We couldn't even choke down a full plate apiece so leftovers were totally out of the question. I couldn't imagine eating that shit after it set and got hotter.

We attempted to help Bonehead move a bit. We went over to his house for about three hours or so to help out but he had a whole lot going on so we did what we could and headed out. He did send us off with a shelf that's been handed down for years and now houses our dishes so fun!

Work has been crazy and going a mile a minute but that's all the time so nothing new there.

Other than that, we've mostly been staying home and snuggling in. I have gotten quite a few new tattoos as of late. I had a right rib piece put on a week ago yesterday and said screw it and had my left rib piece put on last night. Because I'm apparently a glutton for punishment or a masochist or something.

My big plans for tonight are for me and Dev to run to the grocery store (getting stuff for spaghetti-redo night) and then I'm taking a super hot shower and snuggling in. Because this gal is sleepy and frozen and not having it. Except hubby and pup lovin. 

I'll have that. Happy (hopefully, let's keep our fingers crossed and put hopefulness out for the best) 2024!

The ramblings of a cold little gremlin. *it's snaining outside*

It's that time of year again where everybody feels the need to be extra. Extra blessings (braggadocio), extra tidings (passive-aggressiveness), extra presents (audacity), extra extra extra. I really shouldn't be as cynical as what I am and yet, HERE WE ARE. You know, I wouldn't be this way if people didn't make me this way. But, I digress.

Christmas is in one week and would you like to know what I've done for the holiday season? Not a damn thing. Ok, that's not entirely true... I did make cards and get them sent out (literally all done on the 15th) and we put up our tree yesterday.

Other than that? Zilch.

It's been an off year so we decided to take an off year. Usually this time of year we're running around like crazy people. D's making jerky and I'm baking treats and we run everything down to the last minute of getting everything done and shipped out. This year? Nope. With D being off work with his health and me having very little to no will to actually roll out of bed in the mornings, we decided this year just wasn't it. So, we didn't.

And you know what? While it feels a little off and there are certain moments that you feel guilt, the majority of the feeling I get is... oh well. And I know that sounds shitty, but I don't mean for it to. I just happen to like the feeling that it's holiday time and there are no expectations. We're not killing ourselves trying to finish baking and cooking. We're not running crazy trying to remember if we got everybody gifts. We're not going into monumental amounts of debt to show people hey we're here. We're just doing our thing and have no set plans.

Sparkles ear is still swelled up. Poor little guy has had this issue for weeks now and while I would like to feel like it's better, I don't really know. It looks like the swelling is going down to me but I'm also not a doctor. I'm just a gal doing what I do and trying to be a good wife and (pup)mom over here. We still have him on round the clock meds and he's still a little turd about all of it (anybody ever tells you pitties aren't stubborn is a damn liar), but for the most part, I think we're doing all we can. He's still stubborn, I'm still a worry-wart, and D probably needs a vacation from us all.

We've had a little craziness at work lately. The last few weeks have been hectic. Between year end and the holidays, letting people (one person) go and people wanting the final of everything, things have been round the clock consistent. We're not doing a big holiday party at work this year like we usually do (and I for one am NOT sad about it), but we are doing a little something. 

I have to get payroll done early so we can get all that lined up because we are having a little meeting on Friday. Everybody is supposed to be at the shop around noon and we'll have pizza (that I preordered last week), soda, beer (no worries, all employees are 21+), and some treats. Then they'll hand out checks and the little treat bags Dani and I made last Friday (she had a cute little idea and who doesn't love a good treat bag?) and everybody can be on their merry way.

Festive and efficient. Just the way I like it.

Other than that, we've been going through the things in our shed/garage. It may not sound like much, but let me tell you, it is quite literally my entire life for the first almost thirty years thrown into boxes and shoved into a bin to deal with another day. The only reason it hasn't been done before now is because I quite literally find the task to be so overwhelming. It's my life, my Momma's life, and some of my Grammy's life. All shoved into boxes and bins and totes and honestly, at times it all makes me want to cry. It's alot. To deal with, to carry, to go through, just all of it. We've made pretty good progress and I'm pretty happy with the results so far. While it is overwhelming and at times wants to take me to my knees, I carry on and eventually, I'll be through it all.

The amount of tattoos I now have is a little insane to me. I currently have four healing (two small, one medium and one large) and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. I used to think I would hate being covered in tattoos. It was always a bit of a "no no" and was kind of engrained into me that it was something I just wasn't going to do. And then one day I realized I didn't do it for all reasons someone else had that I didn't believe in the first place... and then the cycle started. 

Personally, I love feeling like a doodle pad. It may sound strange but I almost feel like a piece of art in a gallery. Not a fancy and/or expensive gallery... perhaps not even a gallery at all... yeah, I more feel like a graffiti wall that people adore. Maybe people don't adore me but the art on my skin makes me feel like how I think people feel looking at the art they love. And that's a good feeling to me. I like looking down and seeing pieces of me and reminders of my life told through a story on my skin. It's fun and addicting and beautiful. D's currently reworking a moon piece on my back (he completed my thigh angular fish last night) and I was up until one this morning getting the work done and then all cleaned up. It's nowhere near finished but it's looking beautiful.

D finally got his new/permanent plate. He's going through the adjustment period of getting a new one (you wouldn't think it's a thing but it truly is a hell of a learning curve) and he's still sore from the bone/tooth fragments that are working their way out, but for the most part, he's doing real good. While it's been a hell of a process, he says he would do it all over again to not be in the pain he was in, and honestly, that means it was all worth it to me.

And yeah, that's where we are. We're waiting for the holidays, and getting tattoos, and spoiling our pups while watching Sparkles ear, and unpacking all of my childhood trauma. It's been a good time. Also, I've successfully avoided round the clock Mariah Carey this season, so we're taking the f*cking win.

You ever just been not that all into it? I mean, you were but now not so much? Happened to me.

It's official... I had four days off work... just staying in my house in pajamas... drinking coffee... sitting on a heating pad round the clock... cuddling with pups... getting snuggles from the husband... watching The Machine and laughing my ass off... receiving various and random tattoos... and now I'm back at work.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job (most days), but the effort it took for my ass to crawl out of my demon hole and present myself to the world bright and early this morning was ridiculous. Seriously, you would have thought I was Grandpa Joe... without the golden ticket.

I say that because I'm apparently at the age where I have a bad hip now? Like, both my hips were fine and then I just randomly woke up one morning, after having done NOTHING to require said injury, and now my left hip is my designated bad hip? Because it's always hurting and the cold doesn't help? Wtf?!!

Anyhoos... this past weekend was amazing and Dev and I (and our babies of course!) mostly stayed inside and hid from the rest of the world. We only ventured out on Saturday for a little bit to pick up a few grocery essentials (ie: pup food and chocolate milk) and the rest of the time? Spent together at the house. And I LOVED it. 

Our poor little Sparkles is still feeling rundown but I would like to say he's on the up-and-up of it. I mean, I would like to say it even though I don't know if it's true. We're basically on a routine of Tylenol and allergy meds to try and manage until this thing goes away. My poor baby, I just want all my guys to feel good.

Dev also gave me a few new tattoos while in our own lockdown (we made alot of pandemic references this past week so forgive me). I have a shit ton of ink now and honestly, I love it. Dev essentially helps me put my personality on the outside of my body and makes me feel pretty. Pretty colors and shapes and things that mean something to me. I feel like a walking art gallery and it makes me feel nice. I think the majority of people would be very surprised to see how much of my body is now covered... Dev's family would be pumped and think it matches my personality and quirkiness to a tee... my family... would probably have me committed and that's why I wear long sleeves around them. 

I'm kidding...mostly but not really at all.

OOOHHHH!! So Thanksgiving consisted of Dev, me and the pups at our house. We didn't see the need to have a ginormous meal with all the fixins (Dev is still recovering from mouth surgery and learning to chew again), so I made French dip roast and mashed taters with homemade beef gravy. Y'ALL. When I say that shit was delicious I'm not even trying to toot my own horn. But seriously, that shit was sooo good. 

I hadn't made homemade gravy in a damn minute. Don't get me wrong, I know how (pretty sure they'd have kicked me out of the holler if I hadn't learned), but it's been awhile. Honestly, the entire time I was making it I kept waiting for it to f*ck up. But, it never did and that shit was delicious. Seriously, even Dev said had he not already loved and been married to me, that gravy would have sealed the deal.

And in case you need any pointers for your next gravy run (you know, because expert now obviously), just know, add butter until that shit looks exactly how you want and think it will work. Sure, you may already be using another kind of fat to start off with (bacon/sausage grease, etc.), but honestly, if you get that shit too thick or clumpy, add some butter. It'll help and be delicious. 

Artery clogging but delightful.

So yeah, that's where we are with it. We had a wonderful few days but now it's time to get back to our everyday adult lives. And by that, I just mean I have to wear regular pants for like ten hours and then I'll be back home with my guys getting snuggles and snacks and lovin and tattoos and just living a good life with my babies.

Worth it. 

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!!

Catch up... not to be confused with ketchup.

Life has been... lately. Things seem to be moving at warp speed and slowly crawling all at once. If I'm being perfectly honest, it feels a little Twilight-zoney around these parts.

But I digress... mostly because I don't know where that potential ramble is headed off to.

Our days are basically filled with work (both me at the shop and D at the house) and spending all the rest of the time together when possible. 

We finally got a call about Dev's oral surgery... they can't fit him in until October 9th. I'm so frustrated with that but also just want it done so he can stop being in constant pain. Poor man literally just has a toothache round the clock and I feel miserable for him because I know he's miserable as hell. We're just waiting on all the calls from the hospital and labs to confirm appointments/etc. Hopefully, things will go streamlined from here... fingers crossed!

Dev took me to my "lady" doctor appointment a couple weeks ago and I go in tomorrow to have my Kyleena changed out (its due in September). Thankfully, my insurance still covers birth control (for now) so while I'm not looking forward to being poked and prodded, I am happy to have this taken care of on the quick and up.

We've been spending quite a bit of time with Mavis and the cutest little Bean on the planet. We've come to the conclusion that we can rock this whole Aunt/Uncle life. Kids might not be our forte (we're not having any of our own) but dog parents/auntie-uncle life? We got this. Along with spending so much time with Mavis comes the fact we all have many more tattoos than what we started with. Dev and I counted the other night and he's on like forty-five/six and I'm on thirteen, I think? We're basically just all walking canvases at this point. I ain't mad at it.

Dev, Greg, Gabby and I went on a nice long bike ride yesterday. We were gone about four hours and had a real nice time. We ended up riding down to Morgan and Dev and I talked about moving out there someday and finding our forever home. That would be hilarious, right? For me to move myself and my husband and our kids (pups but they count!) to the first ever town I remember living in. Talk about full circle.

Other than that, we've essentially just been living life and going about our business. Work for me has been insane and busy as all get out (though I'm not mad at it and prefer to stay steady busy instead of lagging around) and Dev has been doing lots of cleaning and reorganizing the house. 

I would be lying if I said I didn't miss my Tayderbug so damn bad. Honestly, I look for him everywhere and think about him constantly. I just want to hold and cuddle him and love on him after a long day. But I can't and that makes me so incredibly sad. I still go looking for him and listen for him every single day. Dev told me it wasn't a "habit" that I do this, it's just my natural instinct for almost two decades, so it's going to take some time to be ok. Because I am not ok with it. I mean, I'm "ok" but I'm not "ok." Ok? Ok.

At the end of the day though we're just doing what we can... we're dreaming and making plans and loving each other.

Apparently, I've been around longer than what I realized.

**D and I talking about random stuff standing in the kitchen**

D: “I was reading a thing that said red doesn’t hold in tattoos very well over a long time.”

Me: “My first tattoo still has the red in it like it always has.”

D: “When did you get it again?”

Me: “When I was thirteen so almost twenty yea-…..”

D: “Gonna finish that sentence?”

Me: “Nope.”

A few pieces of aimless nonsense for the day (involving my husband).

With Fall approaching, and me doing my happy dance because of it, we've been decorating and spending more time out on our back porch. Say what you will, but my vampire ass isn't a fan of the heat, sun, or bright lighting in general, so the fact that my husband convinces me to wander out of the cave on occasion is really impressive.

While I was working yesterday, D decided to cut our grass, put out some Fall decorations, make beef jerky and pumpkin seeds, and prep dinner. The man was truly on it and he makes me look like a little bitch on my days off. Seriously, when I have a day off and I'm home by myself, I usually clean the house, do laundry, and make supper, but other than that, my bitch ass tends to not do much else. 

No regrets, motherf*ckers.

I've been really thinking about getting a gym membership. Now, hear me out. I know that I go back and forth quite a bit on things like this, but I think that it may be a good way to get a little healthier and maybe look a bit better. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I look terrible or anything, and my husband assures me that I'm beautiful, but I just feel like if I maybe did something like this, that I would feel much better and in turn, look like I feel better. Does that make sense? Either way, the jury is still out on that one and I'm thinking it through.

Apparently, scary movies are only a weekend thing at our house? Like, I tried to get D to watch one last night and his exact words were, "seriously?! another one!!?! I thought that was only a weekend thing!" Obviously, I have not helped my husband's phobia quite as much as I thought I had and progress is at a minimum. Update to come.

Speaking of my husband, (seriously? when am I not?), I took this picture of him holding our first pumpkin for this year on my lunchbreak yesterday. Isn't he sssoooo adorable? Yeah, and when I got home from work he was completely bald. Like, shaved his whole head and starting from square one again. So much for my Viking braid ideas. He asked if I didn't like him with a shaved head and I informed him that of course I did, I'm just used to seeing him with hair so he's gonna have to give me a minute to adjust to the change. And then I threatened to cut all my hair off and he begged me not to. Ugh, men.

What else? Oh! Another reason for me wanting to get into better shape? A tattoo. I know, I know, that's a dumb reason to do it, but whatever it takes, right? Anyway, I found this shoulder/back tattoo that I really, really want, but I think it would look funny on me if I'm built like I am now (ie: a baby linebacker). Now, I am all for body positivity and loving your true self, but I believe that applies for when you are truly comfortable in your body. I'm not. In all fairness, I never have been, but I'm trying. Who knows. Maybe one of these days I'll just be covered in ink. Why not? As long as I'm happy (and I still get my husbands motor revving), I don't see a reason not to.

How is it only Tuesday? And why am I rambling? Oh yeah, I just wanted to show everyone a picture of D holding our pumpkin.

He always knows what to say to make me just stare.... and other happenings in our world.

Yesterday, I had the moth tattoo on my forearm redone. I love the tattoo in general, but the color was coming out and since it's the largest tattoo I have and it's literally RIGHT THERE, I wanted it to be complete and look better. 

I wanted to keep D's original design and as much of him in it as I could, so basically his design was used and Ross just enhanced it's features. To say that I love it would be an understatement, since I adore it, but if it wants to go ahead and un-swell and heal, I would totally not argue with it.

When I got home after my appointment, D was on the phone with his mom. Unfortunately, not all is good with the world and we found out that my FIL has kidney cancer. He goes to have more tests done today and he has to have surgery and a kidney removal coming up soon. D and I talked about having to go down to FL to help out his mom and see his stepdad and help them out if need be. D was extremely worried and I told him we would figure it out like we always do and that I have his back, regardless.

Then we segued into a million other conversations trying to relax and take his mind off of everything. 

Out of nowhere D just looked at me and said, "You're so damn beautiful. Like, forreal. Like, you're whole face, just your face, I'm obsessed. Don't get me wrong, I love all of you and you're sexy as hell, but your face.... you get this one look sometimes, and I don't even know if you know you're doing it or what face it even is, but you make this one face and as soon as you look at me.... I'm gone. Done for. It completely wrecks and ruins me and you can literally have any and everything you want, because I can't say no to you. I just really f*cking love you. I hope you know that."

And what was my reply? I just stood there like an idiot, blinking, because I couldn't for the life of me figure out how I got so motherf*cking lucky to have this dude in my life.  

No matter where I live in my life, Tennessee is in my soul. ❤️

I have to have all of my babies on one arm. ❤️

Well, most of my babies. Excluding D, because I've heard that putting your significant others name on you is bad luck. And frankly, I don't need anymore bad luck. Is it still bad luck if you get something to represent your significant other? I mean, I did get a paw print for each of my babies instead of their names, so maybe that would work?

Either way, this whole D having a tattoo machine and supplies thing is really working for me. Not to mention, this whole working from home thing, I can multitask. I go into the office for a little bit in the morning, but other than that, Dani and I are still in semi-quarantine and working from the house.

Needless to say, I enjoy working on my laptop from my couch. If I could make this a permanent or semi-permanent thing, I totally would. But for now, we're just doing the best we can and in my case, multitasking. 

Aka, doing productive work while watching Hulu from my couch with no pants or makeup on and getting tattooed. Trust me, you don't want to see me at this point in my life. 

We've learned quite a bit about ourselves while in this quarantine together.

The most troubling thing to me is that I don't own a pencil. Not a single one. Not a mechanical pencil, colored pencil, old school No. 2. NOTHING. I'm lousy with pens, but no pencils to be found in this house of ours. People literally have pencils on The Walking Dead and we can't find one around here.

Also, we've watched so much of The Walking Dead that we've started to compare everything in our lives to it, so please just roll with me on this one.

By the way, the most troubling thing about this quarantine should be that I let my hubby tattoo me just because I have hated the tattoo on my foot for 8+ years (the guy never did do it like I asked), because he got a new tattoo gun and I had just the right amount of Fireball to think it was a great idea.

To be fair, he did a great job. And I love it more than I ever have. And here we are. #QuarantineLife

Forever and always a Momma's girl. ❤️

I went to see my "lady" doctor.

(This gown has a way of making you feel very unsexy).

Can I say how happy I am about the fact that after today I'm off for three days? I'm really happy about it. Like, REALLY happy. Seriously, it makes me so happy that I might break out into dance. Just putting that one out there.

Moving on.

I went to see my "lady" Doctor a week ago. Like all other women, I don't particularly like going, but know that it's very important. It's not so bad, because I actually really like my Doctor. She's nice, listens to what you have to say and is on top of her shit. I've had many issues the past few years when it comes all of that and she has been beyond helpful. I'm getting better a little bit at a time.

She decided to put me on one more medicine (I'm already taking Metformin for my insulin resistance, Beyaz for my hormones and vitamins) to try and knock the rest of my hormones back into their rightful place. The medicine is called- Spironolactone.

What is Spironolactone: It's a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. It is used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much aldosterone in your body. (Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body). It also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). It may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

It also has a list of side effects that are a mile long, but I'm not going to list those, because no one wants to read all of that. Including me.

So far, I feel pretty good. I'm tired, but I'm always fairly tired, because of all the other meds. I feel a lot better just because I know that I'm doing better. I'm not as scared. I'm convinced that fear is a horrible sick inducing feeling. I'm still a nervous wreck, but that has nothing to do with any of my "female" problems anymore. I just have a nervous disposition. It happens. Other than that, it's all good. I got this.

(P.s.) I've decided I want to get another tattoo. It just popped into my head randomly. Got to love random ideas. I mean, I want the one on my foot redone SUPER bad, but I have an idea for another one. Someone want to help me randomly fall into a butt load of money?!!