More Snow!

It's snowing here in Pullman again! We're expecting a total of about 10-14 inches by tomorrow night. Right now we're probably at 6-8 inches since it started snowing late last night.

The responses are split between childlike excitement and total disdain and loathing. Although, I've noticed those who are most resistant to the snow are those who wear Uggs and light North Face jackets instead of snow boots and a winter coat. Well, besides David who just resents the snow due to his fear of driving in it.

Grif is enjoying the snow again, although you can tell he misses Bella when we're outside. Overall, actually he has changed a lot since Bella left. We've had to seriously talk about possibly getting him a buddy. This weekend he's going to Seattle with me though so he'll get to see Bella and have some serious play time!

Off for a walk in the snow!

January?! Where'd you go?!

Where did the month of January go?!
Seriously, I can't believe its nearly over.
We are a few months out from the wedding, and graduation. Things are changing so quickly!

I'm at the point where I can't wait to start a full time job and be away from academia for a year or so.
The option of online graduate school through the state has become a very real possibility, so I'm definitely looking into that! It would be nice not to have to wait another 5 or so years to start grad school. Plus the tuition isn't awful (right around $3k a semester).

Next weekend I am performing my first wedding- I got ordained January 12 through the Universal Life Church of Seattle. I'm very excited and getting a little nervous! I have a couple of cool little subtle things planned for the ceremony that I can't talk about yet, because its a surprise for the bride! I will hopefully post some pictures after the wedding! I've joked that if I enjoy this I might freelance minister for weddings around Pullman haha! Doubt it!

There isn't too much else to report, just school and work, school and work, school and work. If anything exciting happens I will let you know...

Personal Growth- an awesome feeling

Every once in a while you recognize that  you've grown as a person.
Sometimes its obvious- you grow a few inches taller, or your hair changes colors.
Sometimes it isn't- an opinion, a belief, a philosophy that has grown/changed.

A year ago I would have told anyone and everyone that I would never own, go near, or interact with a pitbull, or a pitbull mix.
Tonight, I sit on the couch with two pit mixes cuddled up after a long walk in the snow.

Grif is one of the single most kind, gentle, loving dog I've ever met. He revivals my childhood dog, Mac. Grif will let me do just about anything, has no qualms about being touched or thrown around, loves to be a couch potato, pretty smart (he has his moments of dumb), and adores children. He's been mauled by children he doesn't know in the park, has sat quietly waiting to be allowed to sniff our neighbors infant, and has guarded me against questionable characters.
He's also quite obviously part pit bull.

I've met many pits over the last year, and have yet to meet one I don't love.

Biases I had against pits are gone. That's not to say I'm not cautious- everyone should be cautious around any dog/animal they aren't familiar with!

I've educated myself, pit bulls have been inbred by bad people, and the reputation comes from media and the actions of bad people. The dogs themselves are victims a lot of the time. I mean in every breed, species, civilization there are bad apples, but as a whole are good. Pits are not an exception to this rule.

Did you know that there are about 300 million pits in the US at any one time? They are the most bred dogs in the US. For every 1 pit that gets adopted, 599 will be euthanized. Its really horribly sad. There are few other breeds that have the same bias against them, while still being bred at such a rate! Education is needed, I needed it and I like to think I'm a pretty smart person, which means a lot of people need it! Uneducated people are banning pits in cities across the country. They aren't even the "Most vicious" breeds out there... odds of being pit by a pit rival those of being bit by a labrador.

Things I have said before about pits were ignorant, hateful, and uneducated ramblings. And I apologize for them. I am redetermined to keep learning, living, and growing. If I was wrong about pits, what else am I wrong about? I can't wait to broaden my views and become a better human being. 

This is My Year

2013 is going to be my year.

I'm graduating with my Bachelor's degree in History in May.
Getting married in June.
Starting my first full time job this summer. 

And who knows what other adventures lie ahead!

This year is my year, its going to be awesome. 

My birthday was a little out of the ordinary this year, but still quite wonderful. Its the first year I've celebrated without family, but my friends and David definitely made up for it. David and I started the day with a massive breakfast at our favorite restaurant, and then took most of the day to relax. After David went to work some friends came over and we played Cards Against Humanity, and ate pizza. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, even though my family was so far away.

Next week I start classes and go back to work, and then next weekend I travel to Seattle for the wedding show.

This is my year, and I'm going to make the most of it!