A little late to the party...

It's been over a year since I've posted a legit update. Whoops! I have hopes that I'll remember to start posting again more frequently moving forward. No promises but I'm going try!

This last year a lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same. I have a new job, one that I enjoy. Win! Joe and I officially got back together nearly a year ago now. Not shocking, I'm sure...Haha. Gordie is still the same sweet, crazy goof he's always been. Overall, I would have to say that at this moment, I have no complaints. Life is great.

Lots of exciting adventures coming up so I WILL post again soon.

Slacker

I WILL update soon :)

Love & Choice

For those that know me well, you know I'm obsessed with quotes. I can sit and read quotes for hours. There is always a 'perfect' quote to match every mood and/or situation. Yesterday I came across a quote on a friends Facebook page that for some reason or another truly impacted me. It gave me one of those 'Ah-Ha' moments. Funny how simply reading a quote can change your view and opinion on certain situations.

The quote I'm referring to:

Love is such a powerful feeling and word. In one swoop it can be the greatest feeling and the worst feeling. I am a true believer in love. I am a true believer in finding a 'forever' love and that such a thing exists. One thing I had never thought of before is how 'choice' plays such an important factor in love. This quote is so spot on for so many reasons. You're not required to love someone, it is your choice. It is your choice to make the effort, day after day. It is your choice who you choose. Unfortunately, who you may choose doesn't always choose you. Everyone has their own choice.

Finding someone to love you may be the easy part. Finding someone who chooses you, day after day, that is the hard part. Good mood, bad mood, pretty, ugly...all hours, every day...day after day. I've realized that is what I want, not someone who just verbalizes their love. I want to be their choice. And their best choice at that :)

Gordie :: Not a Stage Mom

We got the word today, Gordie did not make it to the top two spots for the commercial position. Although Joe and I are a little bummed, we're so happy that he even got this far! Out of all the dogs in the world, he was hand selected...I'd say that is a pretty good accomplishment for him.

It turns out that the brand wanted a more 'traditional' breed and they were looking for a dog a little more mature than a two year old dog with loads of energy. I was hoping Gordie's unique and goofy personality would shine through and win the committee over... unfortunately, his charm only worked on a few and not enough. They did, however, say that he'd be kept in mind for future castings for other brands looking for handsome and quirky dogs. So... maybe his superstar days will come in the future. For now, he'll continue to be king of the house, without the celebrity status.

Lake Superior Mini-Vacay

A vacation was much needed and although I wasn't hopping on a plane to go somewhere I was going to one of my favorite places... the North Shore. There is nothing more beautiful or peaceful than the shores of Lake Superior. It is one of the few places that I am content and can relax without hesitation.

Joe, Gordie and I headed up to Chateau Leveaux near Lutsen and met Jon and Talicia up there for three days of doing nothing but eating, drinking, game playing and relaxing. We had a great time and definitely are thinking about making the trip up that way more often. Especially once the weather gets better so we can take Gordie outside to do some hiking and exploring. The cold and snow prevented that a little this trip. Thankfully, Gordie was more than content just laying around watching us and he also took a liking to sitting out on the patio to watch the scenery.

 

 

All in all, it was the exact little mini vacation that was needed.

The Big T-W-O!

Yesterday, Gordie turned the big T-W-O!

Yes, I even enjoy celebrating my dogs birthday and not just my own :) In the last year he has changed sooooo much! Although he is still a crazy little maniac at times with more spirit than any other dog I know, he's also learned how to be mellow as well. Shocking. He now sleeps in later than I do...how does that work?! If only I could figure out how to take advantage of that and sleep in with him. Ha!

In true 'new' Gordie fashion, he spent his birthday snuggled up sleeping. He had a big day of hunting with Joe the day before. And unfortunately, I have no pictures from that adventure.

:: Side note, we're still waiting to hear what phase he's in with the advertising spot process. To be continued. ::

Possible Superstar?!?...

Earlier this week I received an interesting email...it was from a PR Agency. I'm sure most of you are thinking, "what's so great about that? You work in that industry..." Well, this was actually to inform me that they came across a picture of Gordie through my various social media sites and this here blog and that they were interested in Gordie participating in a chance to become a spokes dog for a large international brand. At first I thought this was spam...it definitely turned out not to be. He is currently in the running with five other dogs to have a shot at TV commercials and print ads for this particular brand. EXCITING!!

Out of the top five that he's already a part of, the next phase narrows it down to two and from there...a winner. We submitted all the necessary info, videos, and pictures needed for him to participate and now we wait. Not exactly my strong suit. Joe and I have been joking that we may have to become 'stage parents' if Gordie is indeed selected.

Even if Gordie isn't selected, the fact that he was hand selected out of millions of dogs across the country is a great compliment. We didn't enter into anything, they came to us...social media definitely has it's perks!

We have nearly two weeks to wait to see if he makes it to the next round. Fingers crossed for our handsome guy!

V-Day :: Not a Fan

Valentine's Day...I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not a fan. For two brief years it had grown on me a tiny bit but I'm back to thinking it's 'just another day'.

 

 

This Valentine's Day, Joe and I got together with our friends Jon and Talicia, went out for beers & wings and then spent the rest of the night in a Cards Against Humanities marathon. It wasn't your typical Valentine's Day but it was perfect for us and this year.

 

If you haven't played or bought Cards Against Humanity...you seriously need to check it out. BEST game I've played, ever.



A Few Favorites

"The best way to appreciate someone is to imagine your life without them."

While trying to figure out what life choice I was going to make and if I'd be moving, Joe became my rock. He helped me rationalize every scenario, helped me weigh the pros and cons, and most importantly...he just listened when I needed him to. It's funny how a situation like that helps me realize not to take small things for granted. Although we may not be 'together' any more, he has definitely became my best friend and the one I consistently turn to when I need someone. Some people may find this extremely bizarre and truthfully I may not even understand how this is all possible... who remains best friends with the guy who crushed their heart?! I'm either really smart or really stupid. I'd like to think smart.

The day I was to make my final decision on moving I came home to this...

Three of my favorite things: Orange tulips, lobster, and Excelsior beer. Plus, dessert in the fridge! He knew what a stressful day I'd be having and wanted to either celebrate my new adventure or celebrate to me staying...he didn't know which until I got to the house.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... since the first day I met him he has always known just what to do to make a bad day good and bring a smile to my face. No matter what may or may not be between us, he will forever be someone I truly appreciate.

Ice Bar :: Up North

On Saturday, Joe and I ventured up north to visit Lindsay & Ryan and decided we'd all check out the Blu Ice Bar at Grand Superior Lodge. After an hour drive up the shore we finally arrived...only to find the 'ice bar' was literally a tiny tent with a few Olympic themed ice sculptures and a bar. We had a few specialty drinks and then hit up the Splash Rock Restaurant for dinner. Although the ice bar was a bit of a disappointment, Splash Rock was definitely not. The food was amazing, as was the view! We were all surprisingly impressed and it definitely made the drive up there well worth it.