Max Comes Home

...Well, kind of.

Max began his "home life" out of home, due to various things going on that I need not go into detail about, and in my boyfriend's home instead of mine when I got everything settled. He got a HUGE crate that was loaned to me from a good friend, a HUGE bed, a bin of food, a rope toy, and a Kong.

My boy and I made our way to his Foster Family's house, and I haven't been that excited since my adrenaline rushes of being on stage back in high school. We got there and Max ran to us right away. Lots of cuddles and loves and puppy kisses. Pretty much the most adorable thing ever. I clipped his leash to his worn down chewed up collar, and basically didn't want to let go of him all night.

Not much else happened this night except for lots of loves between me and my new best friend. And then, really...I don't need much else.

Meet Max

After doing all the paperwork, a meet and greet was scheduled with Max's foster Mom. Saturday at 3. I was so...excited/nervous. I had already broken down once after hearing that I couldn't have him... What if he didn't like me? What if he was more angry than I thought? Questions like these made themselves known several times and bounced around in my brain for a couple days. I decided not to worry. However I was still quite excited to meet the pup I had been raving about for a good week.

I had a busy day: meeting with my future landlords, picking up basics for Max (though I wasn't sure I could adopt him yet) and actually getting to meet him. We pulled up to the driveway, parked, and walked up to the front door. (When I say "we" I mean my boyfriend and I.) She (the foster mom) must've known we were there because the door swung open before we could even knock. "You must be here for Cookie." Well...he WILL be Max...but it depends on how this goes.

"Yup." I said with  a massive grin on my face, and she opened the door and allowed us inside.

As soon as Max was let out of his crate, he ran to me. There was no greater feeling. We stayed at the house, playing with Max and talking to his Foster Mom. She told us that he never acted this loving towards any other family that had come to see him. He gave me kisses and cuddles and played well with me and my boy. He tried to bite me though, which is understandable. He's just a puppy and he's teething. I simply grabbed his muzzle and held it closed, firmly saying, "No biting." He didn't like it...but he got the idea.

After finishing up our "Meet and Greet" with the foster family holding onto "Cookie" Max, I anxiously awaited news saying I was a good candidate and that he could be mine... Waiting is difficult.

See Max Play

Like most weekends, my mother decided to send me links to pictures of adorable puppies she, and my dad, would never condone me getting any of them. Some of Huskies, some of Border Collies, and some that I don't know what breed they are but they're SO CUTE!

Anyways, on this particular day, I decided to continue looking for cute puppies myself. When, I suddenly stumbled upon a link to a craigslist ad. It advertised two very cute puppies that were up for adoption. Posted by their Foster Mom, who was working through Pawsitive Karma Rescue...I dug deeper. This dog...he was mine. I don't know how I knew or why I felt that way. But he was.

I did even MORE research, what type of dog he'd be (the agency says he's an Australian Cattle Dog but I did a little more research and believe he's more of a Texas Heeler) the amount of money a puppy would cost...I thought of everything.  I attempted to convince my parents to allow the adoption to go through but they would have none of it. [That night was my first break down through the entire process.] So, I decided to do it myself. AND, that's exactly what I did. I went through the entire process, and let me tell you...there is a TON of stuff required. After a few questionnaires, some e-mails, phone calls, and the first bit of paperwork...I was done with the first bit.

Then came the madness. An important friend in this was suddenly unsure of me getting my new puppy. I really needed her support due to my parents' lack of such. [Then, came my next break down.] My parents against it, my friend against it, and therefore, my future landlords possibly being against it as well. WHICH, in my case, would be the final say on my side of keeping or giving up Max to another family. By the way, this past year I was offered a puppy that a friend found abandoned by it's owner. He was then taken out from under me by another. I was not about to let that happen with this pup.

Getting everything settled on all 3 sides was an adventure and task in its own way. But now...I don't see myself not having the most awesome puppy ever.

See Max Play in these YouTube videos that were posted on Pawsitive Karma Rescue's website.







Adorable, right? I should probably tell you, his name was not Max when I adopted him. The Foster Family allow their kids to name the dogs they foster and the girls chose to name him Cookie. A cute name...but I wanted something a little more...boy. So, Max it is. Was. And forever more will be. (well...was if "was" meant when I saw his picture and decided from then on fourth...then, yes it was.)

More stories to come about Max...

Meet Max
Shopping for Max
Max Comes "Home"

"So, I see your hobbies include...art, photography, dancing, singing, and...axe throwing...?"

I completed The Hunger Games Series this past Christmas break. I LOVED it. My boy and I went to see the first of the trilogy at the midnight showing and loved that as well. I want to see it again, as well as re-read the books. 

I watched a few interviews with the cast and discovered that Josh Hutcherson, Peeta in the movies, knew he wanted to act when he was just a kid. For those of you who don't know, I've wanted to act since 5th grade. In light of that...I began my search. Looking for information on casting for the next movies; Catching Fire and Mockingjay. I thought about the stories and what character I would like to be. I've always been okay with being an "extra" or a "small part" but I like having an idea of what I'm shooting for so that I can do a little extra to show my efforts.

I knew as soon as I began thinking about auditioning that I'd love to play the part of Johanna Mason. She's a past Victor of The Hunger Games from District 7 who is blunt, deceitful, and won her Games by tricking the other Tributes into thinking that she was weak and not a threat to them in the least...they, then, killed each other off and when there were only a few left she showed how vicious she truly was.
In reading the books I automatically had a connection with Johanna. I decided that, much like how Katniss had to "wow" the judges with her bow and arrow, I should be able to "wow" the casting directors with how I could transform from Me and almost become Johanna herself.  It is time to do some major character research and begin training. Being from D:7 Johanna was an amazing shot when it came to throwing axes and hatches. (Seven was the district that was over Lumber.) My boy is helping me through the entire thing. Even if it doesn't all work out...I'm excited to try. He's helping me eat healthier and work out so that I might start working on throwing hatchets. We're also working together on a monologue/ short script so that I may record that and send it into Lions Gate with a headshot and resume.

This is me following...pursuing...chasing after my dreams. All I can do is try harder than my hardest...

"May the odds be ever in [my] favor..." hehe

The Term "In Style" is Subjective

Growing up, middle school was my least favorite of my elementary education experiences. Not because the classes were hard, or I had mean teachers. No, middle school sucked because of the social life and air that accompanies the attitudes of the hundreds of adolescent angst ridden preteens that attend it.  Now, I know and understand that everyone had that time in their lives where they were unsure of who they are and trying to find their place in the groups at school. This particular part of this post is just about mine.

Now, at the school I attended, I was picked on for several things; mostly things I couldn't control. My hair was naturally platinum blond and I had skin that matched a porcelain doll. I was also skinny as a pencil and had not hit "that time" in my life so I didn't look very feminine. (It probably didn't help that I wasn't a girlie girl and hated pink, glitter, dresses/skirts, makeup, etc.) But, I had my own style that I was comfortable with. (Physically.) My wardrobe consisted of maybe two skirts and a dress I had to wear for my aunt's wedding, along with a ton of worn out t-shirts and jeans. Comfortable tom-boy was my style.
Unfortunately, I was picked on at church every Sunday as well. (Not a place you'd expect to find bullying going on...but there you go.) Just about every boy I had a crush on either ended up being best friends with a dreaded bully or put me right into the "Friend Zone"and made me feel horrible.

It took me 20 years to get over the ridiculous crap I went through socially growing up. I went through all sorts of styles and phases from Comfortable Tom-Boy to Wanna Be Prep to "Emo kid" to Grunge to Comfortable to City Chic to what I am now. Now, I'm me. What's better is that I love being myself. Changing my style to "fit in" or "please" other people just made me more miserable.

What's even better is that all those boys that were cruel look at me now and I can see in their faces how surprised they are and how much they feel like idiots for treating me the way they did.

I'm me and I'm proud and confident. I don't need to be what society calls "in style" to look good or be happy or have friends. 

...and I'm okay with that. =]

The Book is Always Better

During my long road trips this Christmas vacation, I've brought along a few books. I'm not generally a bookworm, but when I get into a series I like- let's just say it's difficult to catch me without the book in my hands. I also bring books with me to various places and on trips. For example: I had at LEAST 4 doctors appointments in the past month. I bring a book so that I might keep busy while still being able to hear if my name is called. I also bring a book to the much dreaded and infamous DMV (also known as DPS) because...well...we all know what it's like there. Lastly, I always bring a book or two on long road trips so I am entertained in case batteries die. All along with the fact that I actually am starting to ENJOY reading...depending on the book.

This particular trip has been designated to The Hunger Games Trilogy. I began the book to please the many telling me to read it and get it finished before the movie comes out this next year. (Okay, I mostly read it for my boyfriend but I LOVE it!) I finished the book within a week and the day I knew I'd finish it, I went out and bought the next book in the series. I know I grow far too attached to the characters, but I can't help it! They're just so wonderful and ideal. I mean, who didn't completely fall in love with Mr. Darcy, Ron, or Peeta. Yes, they're only a few of my many crushes who just so happen to be fictional characters.

In my experience, movies are nearly always based on books (not the other way around) or original ideas. Well, if it's complete story was rooted to the book. The book came first. In that case, I do my best to read the book before I see the movie. This has only not happened with a movie. I saw October Sky before reading The Rocket Boys (the book the movie was based off of) and still love the book more. This coming March, the movie for The Hunger Games hits theatres and I wanted to be a fully informed viewer. I have high hopes for this one though. The actors are, as I've seen, very talented and this story...it's too epic to mess up. However, I'm sure the mantra will remain the same.

The book is always better.

Tis the Season to go Crazy

fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la.

This past November, I was helping my boy and his family make tamales. (They sell them at various markets and store owners etc.) When the topic came up about family photos and his mom's hope to get some done with their entire family this Christmas break, I volunteered to take them. After all, I'm a photographer. I'd get more photos to add to my potential portfolio. Why not? 

"That'd be great...but you'd have to come with us to Lubbock." There was a pause, while everyone looked at each other in agreement, I looked at my cute boy sitting next to me. He looked to his mom, dad, sister...all for approval...then to me. I was horrified...was that too soon for the relationship? For me to take a road trip and meet his ENTIRE family...after only dating him a few weeks. 

"Well," Cute Boy broke the silence, "do you want to go to Lubbock?" Knowing my family had less than no holiday plans, I agreed to the trip. Excited for more time with my boy. 

Weeks later, Dad discovers that he has nearly 2 weeks paid vacation. That's 2 weeks of a bunch of doing nothing but maybe admiring the 4 walls of a tiny apartment. That, we all know, my dad simply cannot do.

"Hey Punkin, we're going to Vegas for Christmas!" I might as well been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I had plans!!! We eventually decided that I would take the road trip with my folks, fly back home, then drive with my boy to Lubbock. 

Saturday- Drive to Los Cruces stay in a hotel and then keep driving. I did NOT, however, plan to get a sinus infection that is continuing and making me feel horrible.

Sunday- Drive to Phoenix to visit my great aunt (whom I'm named after and I think she's AWESOME!) and continue with the sinus infection and horrible feeling.

Monday- Drive to Los Vegas to see my dad's side of the family. Continue with the infection and nasty feeling. 

Now, I have no idea what any plans are; EXCEPT my flight home on Saturday.

Yup, this holiday season will definitely be...interesting.