I know it’s been a very long time since I last posted and I’m fairly certain it will be a very long time for me to post again– but, it’s the thought that counts, right?
At the very least I have several good reasons why I haven’t updated:
1.) 
I own this. I have officially become a homeowner. I’m not very good at it right now (made a few mistakes already) but I guess that’s all part of the learning experience. My learning experience started as soon as I tried buying anything at all. I originally put an offer in on a different house and had it fall through. Had a pre-approval that was later rescinded due to an error on my bank’s part (did I mention I had a new purchase agreement?) and then several weeks passed, with more and more issues arising and the future looking more bleak for me to begin my journey as a homeowner.
Obviously, things finally came though, but not before I had to get a lawyer involved, got an ulcer and made a very long list of people I will never work with again if I can help it. Now I’m here and for the most part, it’s pretty exciting that I have a house to call my own and have say over.
2.) 
I welcomed a new baby into my family, here in my new house. This is my beautiful Harlequin Great Dane, Hank. I found out about Hank by pure chance, working at the pet store– I met a family who was fostering puppies– I met one one of Hank’s brothers at the time– and over the course of a few weeks, got to meet the rest of the family. Hank’s mom had been found stray and pregnant. Believed to be a puppy mill escapee, the family took her in and nursed her back to health. She was a Great Dane, but with puppies she weighed 79lbs, without she weight 59. Even as a female Dane, she was clearly underweight and very unhappy with life, to the point she had to be sent to a Great Dane rescue when the puppies were old enough, because she didn’t like men and she didn’t like children.
Because I had met the family before anyone else who had an interest, I was given first choice of the puppies. Hank had made an impression on my Mom and I, so home he came. He was 8 weeks old at the time of that picture– He’s only just 4 months now. He’s more this size now:
As of Friday, the 27th, he weighs 41.2lbs. He seriously doesn’t have a clue how huge he is. It’s hard sometimes, to remember that he’s barely 4 months old given how huge he is. He eats 3 cups of his food, three times a day– I have to try to buy his food ahead, just because he eats so much. Honestly, it’s a joy to have him, even when he’s naughty (though I might not think it at the time). My only fear for him is how short a life span Great Danes have. If he makes it over 7 years old, he’ll be considered an old man. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the breed, that I wanted the experience for myself. I may not be able to not have a Great Dane, after this.
Faith’s opinion of him is slightly less appreciative than mine… Even though he seems to be quite taken with her.
In fact, I’d say her opinion is rather low…
My old lady has gotten over how cute puppies can be.
3.) Since moving in, I’ve been able to convert at least one of my basement rooms into a happy place for my piggies (I hope to get the other one ready for Baxter & Watson soon), of which I now have three:
The baby, Sammahdi (or Maddi).
I feel much better about things now, now that they have a big space to stretch their legs and get to know each other, without living on top of one another. They already seem so much happier then they were and I don’t have that guilt that I’m making their lives suck. I really do love them so much and this makes me truly joyful to see them popcorning around, wheeking happily.
4.) Although I am currently still working both of my jobs, I have just opened (technically, I guess) my in-home business. Which is really a variety of things, just to get something that might strike someone’s fancy. I am offering violin lessons and tutoring (since I became an Orton-Gillingham certified tutor back in September AND, Guinea Pig Salon services.
I know, that must sound ridiculous, but they’re all things I’m good at and to be honest, I have had customers at the store call to see if there is a groomer that will deal with their Pig. Not all Guinea Pigs are sweet when it comes to their maintenance. Dharma is pretty freaking cute, but try cutting her nails and she will turn into a crazed lunatic. If I can potentially offer help for fellow Guinea Pig lovers while being able to pay for groceries or a tank of gas, then I see it as a win for everyone.
As for the lessons and tutoring– I want to maintain my skills and I enjoyed teaching when I did it in high school. I’d like the opportunity again, hopefully, somewhere there’s a kid who wants someone to teach them and also be understanding that practicing 20 hours a day, is hardly a kid’s dream. I like working one on one with kids, something that I’ve had the privilege of doing at my full time job. Now that I have the space to offer any of these things from my home, I’m hoping I’ll get takers.
So that’s what’s been going on here. And those are my excuses for not updating sooner. Had nothing to do with being lazy, or under-motivated to type up an entire blog post… Nooooo. We’ll just stick with that.
Anyway, I will not promise to be faithful in updating this, as usual. However, I will try harder. It’s not like I can say I’m too busy living at my parents’ house!
Until then,
Jaina & the Gang
The Doggy Bloggy 