Intense mental health day

I had back to back appointments with my psychologist and psychiatrist today. They're in the same building and the appointments fell on the same day so we ran with it. I spent 90 minutes talking about my frustration with my neurologist and how he's handling my possible thyroid problem. The psychologist gave me a pep talk and some steps to regain control of the situation and the psychiatrist is going to call the neurologist and try to get to the bottom of things. Yea! Some background information: my neurologist tested my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in December and it was high (5.26) so he re-tested in January and it was still high (4.92). He then sent me back for more tests: TSH again, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies. Is he an endocrinologist or does he just play one on TV?

Comfy den inside our home: check

Stella's crate is in the kitchen and will some day feature a custom crate pad. We'll put in the order with RDA Tailoring once potty training looks promising and effective.

Description: Midwest Metals I-1524DD 24 Inch iCrate Double Door Home Training Crate.
Designed completely around the safety, security and comfort of your dog. The Midwest Metals I-1524DD 24 Inch iCrate Double Door Home Training Crate comes to you equipped with every feature you can think of; two doors for easy access to your pet inside either thru the traditional front door or from the side with the second door, the double door also affords you more opportunities to fit larger crates easily in your existing rooms or vehicles, a composite plastic pan for easy cleanup in the event of an accident, two plastic carrying handles to move the dog crate from one location to another comfortably, safe and secure slide bolt latches for the safety and security of the pet inside and the furniture on the outside, and most importantly a free divider panel for use while your puppy is still growing up.

Cute, airline approved carrier: check

Stella will ride in style to her first vet appointment on March 2nd.

Description: Each PETote carrier is superbly designed, meticulously hand sewn and painstakingly handmade here in the US with an uncompromising dedication to quality. Optimum safety and security for the pet. Strong, durable hi-impact shell and platform construction. Multiple zipped access openeings. Multiple fresh air ventilation system. Roll-down privacy flaps. Light weight and balanced for effortless carrying. Handle or padded shoulder strap carriage. Designed to fit body contour for easy carrying.

ANOTHER pair of prescription glasses!

This time I got prescription SUNglasses. I'm working out a theory connecting my worst vestibular problems to wearing my contacts so a pair of prescription sunglasses seems like just the thing for the trip to Mexico. I don't understand the contacts/vestibular connection and I'm testing out different conditions now to see when it's better or worse. In the past week while I've been wearing glasses, I've had some great days with no swimming head or spinning. It's so strange but I'm just happy something feels better rather than worse.

The search for a lounge chair for the garden returns to the favorite from last year.

My cousin checked out the Ikea candidates yesterday and reported back that they don't look too cheap and flimsy in person but might not be the best choice for sitting back, kicking up my feet and reading. I contacted CB2 about the chair I liked last summer and heard good news back today. Yea!!! Last summer I waited and waited for the CB2 store to open in SF in the hopes that this chair would be available in the store and that it would be on sale by then. It did go on sale but it was still an on-line only item so I skipped it. This year I might just do it.

Thank you for your email.

It looks like the Grasshopper Chair will be back this spring and summer. Although we are not certain, all indications are that the chairs will be available at our stores as well as online and through the catalogue. Look for them to be available at the end of March or in April. We appreciate your interest in CB2.

Feel free to call us at 800-606-6252 or email us if we can be of further service. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sandra
CB2 Customer Service

Do you think Stella can tell the difference?

Her outdoor bed is a seat cushion from Target so mom and dad saved lots of money which they used to buy toys.

I know I said no clothes for Stella...

but the rain today makes me think she needs a little slicker. The hat isn't that great but the coat is cute.

Pet Rain Jacket from Lands' End

Meet Stella!

Here she is!

The case for Marvin grows: a boy dog might be better for Lexi

Inter-species introductions follow the same basic rules of adoption as same species, i.e., choose a dog that is younger and of the opposite sex of your cat.

Introducing a new dog to a cat

Great paint color

I'm keeping this photo in case we decide to paint our kitchen.

Arturo?

We've been planning on a little girl but this male is just so cute!

UPDATE: This puppy is now named Buddy and he's going to live in Marin with a nine year old girl who seemed really nice and cute.

Or possibly this one!

Yes, this is Stella!

This might be our puppy!

I'm sure the cat is thinking how stupid the dog in the purse looks.

It will be interesting to see how a cat person handles all aspects of dog ownership. Maybe Lexi and I will make fun of the dog all the time...

How about somewhere to lie down while mom's gardening?

The puppy wish list is growing!

Kelle Carrier Baby Pink and White Small
Kennel Aire Designer Color Wire Dog Homes - PetSmart