Awesome

My new job is awesome.

School is awesome.

The family is awesome.

Life in general is just...awesome.

Sorry for the short and somewhat lame post. I don't really have any updates. I don't miss Facebook and life is awesome. The end. :)

Deleting Facebook/Twitter, New Job, and Life Update

To put it simply: life has been crazy lately.

This week, I have been asking God to show me how I can spend more time with Him. Facebook and Twitter have been bringing me down lately. To be honest, I don't gain anything from them. I have deactivated my accounts before, but this time...I really mean it. I'm a day without them so far, and I honestly don't miss it. I've had more time to enjoy the little things today instead of mindlessly scrolling through posts that don't benefit me at all. I've spent today catching up on homework, but I'm hoping Monday I can start reading my Bible daily again.

I have been working at Panera Bread the past month, while still applying and interviewing for industry jobs. After interviewing, I accepted a part-time position at Westlund Concepts in Lapel. This week was my first week there, and honestly, I love it. I am working on graphic design and front-end web design as needed. I am still working at the university as a teacher's assistant. Panera left me on the roster to fill shifts if they need someone to come in - I loved it there and wasn't ready to completely leave.

We also got a new apartment (finally)! We are downsizing, but it is perfect for what we need. We're on the first floor, so Mia will have a yard she can pee in. They also have a bark park for her that is only a few minute walk away! They have a pool...which is closed for the season, but it will be nice next summer!! And, drum roll, the best part is a washer and dryer! We are moving in 3 weeks, so the crazy packing and organizing has begun!

Mia and the boys are doing well. The boys are growing so fast! Bo is about 9 lbs now, and Oscar is 8 lbs. Mia just turned 1 last week and is 19 lbs now! Everyone is nice and healthy (except for my allergies kicking in)...

Couldn't ask for better. <3

New Job!

I accepted a job at Panera Bread this week. I filled out the application on Monday, got a call on Tuesday, and interviewed/was hired on the spot Wednesday. What a crazy turn of events!

I'm happy to finally find a job because:
1. Bills need to be paid, and we are already behind.
2. Classes start in 2 weeks.
3. I CAN GET OUT OF THE APARTMENT!

I emailed my contact at IU Bloomington a few times during the past 2 weeks about the status of my application. After not hearing a peep since my interview, I decided I did not want to let Panera Bread go and went ahead and accepted the offer.

But Ashleigh, why Panera Bread? You are ridiculous for stooping down to such a low level.

Well...in a few weeks I will be working 60 hour work weeks (Panera + teacher assistant at school) as well as taking a full load of Graduate cla
sses...after taking a semester off. I really did not want to wait any longer for a job. It's already going to be stressful starting classes back up again. If we would have had to pick up, move, and have me start a new stressful job + classes and lots of commuting....

Yeah. That's why. So no, not ridiculous. Smart. It's time to focus on my Masters and finish that up.

I'm actually really excited about this opportunity. It's as a shift supervisor. The first 90 days will mainly be training (learning all of the positions and duties). Once I get 2 employees trained, I'll be making salary instead of hourly (+ benefits!). I've always had strong leadership skills and I haven't been able to put them to work in the last year. I'm way too excited. I'm also thrilled to be meeting new people. After being in Noblesville for a year now, I have yet to meet many people. I did join a women's Bible study group this summer and made some friends! Now working at Panera, I feel like more friends will be made. So incredibly happy about this.

What's another perk? Free food! I won't get free food until I'm "officially" a manager, but they still offer a hefty discount on meals! It sounds like any leftover bakery items at the end of the night can go home as well - we will see what happens on Monday!

I am also thrilled to get out of the apartment. I love my time with Mia and the boys, but I've been stir crazy. My first day at Panera is Monday! There is a bread baking seminar and then they want me to stay and help close so I can see closing procedures (since I will mainly a day worker).

This is exactly where God wanted me and I couldn't be happier.

Bathtub Cleaner: Trial & Error

Because we are still month to month on our apartment, I have been slowly deep cleaning and packing everything. If I get a job offer, we may need to pick up and move within a week or two. I hate cleaning the bathroom, but the bathtub needed scrubbed..big time. We aren't dirty people, but I feel we aren't the only family who neglects to clean their bathtub more than once a year.

I wish I would have taken pictures, but of course, I didn't think about it until after the fact...

Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner

I had a can of this left over from my college days. I don't like letting things go to waste, so I went ahead and used it on our tub. I sprayed it all over the tub, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrubbed it, let it sit another 30 minutes, and rinsed it off.

Well, it looked a little better...maybe? I wasn't too impressed with the results. The dirt and grime was still visible. I don't remember how much I spent on this can of cleaner, but it was definitely a waste of money - I won't be buying it again.

This cleaner gets two thumbs down from me.

Borax

Borax is my favorite thing to use as a cleaner in the dishwasher and washer - so why not use it in the bathtub? The box suggested sprinkling it on the surface, scrubbing with a damp washcloth or sponge, and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. I did just that, but let it sit for an hour (our tub was really dirty).

After rinsing the Borax out of the tub, I was disappointed that there were still some spots with scum and grime!

When I can't figure out something, I turn to Google. I searched for homemade bathtub cleaners, and came across the next recipe...

Hot Vinegar + Dish Soap

We have a winner!

I used all of the dish soap we had left (maybe 1/4 cup) and put it into a spray bottle. I microwaved about 3/4 cup white vinegar for 90 seconds. I put the vinegar in with the dish soap, and shook the spray bottle to mix everything up. I sprayed the bathtub until the solution was gone. After letting it sit for about 10 minutes, I scrubbed away. Most of the Google results said you didn't need to scrub, but our bathtub has so many little grooves..I wanted to make sure the tub was covered. I let it sit for another 50 minutes. I then turned on the shower with the hottest water setting. I let it run for about 10 minutes. The bathtub looks amazing - almost like it did when we moved in!

Another article recommended keeping a scrubber brush with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 dish soap in the shower. Scrub once a week while you're in there!

This was one of the cheapest solutions, and ended up being the best. I also saw that some use a similar solution for window cleaner. We still have quite a bit of Windex left, but once that is gone...I'll be trying it out and letting you guys know about it!

Welcome to the Family, Bo! (& Life Update)

After picking up Oscar up at the vet last Monday, we went inside the humane society to see if his brother was still there. Bo was there alright, but not the happy kitten I remembered. He was very depressed looking and his fur was so dirty. After closely monitoring his profile on their website all week, I could not believe he still had not been adopted by Friday!

We went in on Friday, ready to add another furbaby to the family. Unfortunately, he was at the vet getting neutered...so we couldn't get him until Saturday. On Saturday, Jon was gone for a guys weekend, so I got to the humane society right when they opened to get Bo. He still seemed depressed and was very anxious the whole car ride home. Once I got him home, he ran around like a crazy cat. He was very, very scared. Oscar hissed when he first saw him, then they immediately bonded again. They've been inseparable ever since - we're so happy we kept these brothers together!

Mia still hasn't figured out how to play with kittens. She was so used to 13 pound Ying, and now she has 4 pound kittens. We have to constantly remind her to be gentle. It's going to take some time, but I think she's finally learning.

Bo seems more comfortable here (less terrified) and his fur finally feels clean! I think we have a pair of very happy kitties. They have also been eating all of their food! The first few days, they were barely eating anything, which made mommy and daddy a bit nervous.

They've been such a blessing this last week and a half. I love them both so much. I originally thought Oscar would be the cuddle bug, but Bo is starting to come out as a sweetheart. I think Oscar keeps reassuring him that he'll be okay and we're a good family.

Bo is on the left, Oscar on right

Last night, we got the call that Ying is ready to be picked up. We are going to go get him this evening. I'm still so, so sad about him leaving us. While the new babies have been a blessing, we still miss Ying. Even Mia misses Ying - they were best buddies (even though they did fight a lot). I keep hoping all of it was just a nightmare that I have yet to make up from. We are still working on what we want to do for him. On our list so far is a memory album and a shadow box with his bowtie(s), favorite toys, and pawprint).

Now for a job update - still nothing. Some of you have been asking, I did get a job offer last week from a company. I accepted the offer, and the salary they sent me was not what they had originally proposed. I rejected the offer because I just did not have good feelings about all of the shadiness that was happening. I do have an interview in Bloomington next week, though. It is for a position I really want (it's in the industry I'm aiming for). If this job doesn't work out, it's my sign from God to focus on my Master's next month and find a part-time opportunity or internship. These past three months have been so stressful, and it is definitely taking a toll on my body. I don't feel well very often. I have canker sores and migraines all of the time, and my IBS is constantly acting up.

The unemployment office has been ridiculous, but it looks as though the new claim will be starting next week. I just need to keep reminding myself - God has provided this whole time. He knows what He is doing. I'm ending this post with one of my favorite verses (that will soon be added to my Breathe tattoo).

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" 

- Matthew 6:25-27

Welcome to the Family, Oscar!

On Sunday after church, Jon and I decided to go take a peek at the Humane Society across the street. We went in there and it was so chaotic - they were having a sale on cats this weekend because they had over 400!! I have never been into a shelter before and had no idea what to expect. They had 4 different cat rooms, as well as some kitties in the lobby.

There were so many sweet older cats, but because we have never experienced kittens, we mutually agreed we would try to find a kitten (or at least a younger cat).

Then we looked over and saw this little boy (4 month old Luke) >>

He was crying and once I reached out to pet him, we had an instant bond. He loved having his chin and nose rubbed. He was so incredibly cuddly and such a lover!

After checking out his information, we noticed he was a stray and came in on Friday. I looked at Jon and said it was meant to be! What a great way to honor Ying's memory.

We couldn't take him home on Sunday because he wasn't neutered yet, so we got to bring him home yesterday evening after surgery. He loves exploring the apartment! He has only sniffed Mia through her kennel. We aren't letting them interact until his wound has healed.

Last night he did so good! He only woke us up a few times with his ninja-ness (attacking, jumping, and running). He is too sweet!

Some may say it's too early, but we were so incredibly distraught and depressed with the loss of Ying. Oscar has brought so much joy into our life already (and he's only been here a day!). Ying would have loved for us to save another cat. We saved him, and now it was time to pass it forward!

Now time for kitty pictures!!

Rest Easy, Ying

Yingy, Buddy, Kittle, Baby Boy...

On Friday evening, my husband and I lost our first child. Our hearts are broken, but we know we gave him a great last year and a half of his life and his last few moments, he was doing what he loved best - playing with a feather toy.

On Wednesday, I heard an awful cry come from the hallway and went to check on him. He was panting, having trouble walking, and looking terrified. Once I got him calmed down, he came out into the living room and pooped in the corner. That has never, ever happened before - I knew something was wrong and called the vet. The vet said since he was panting, he was clearly in distress and to bring him in immediately.

After going to the vet, we were told it seemed he was just constipated or had a urinary obstruction. The vet was leaning more towards constipation. The vet said we could do bloodwork, but it probably wouldn't show anything. His heart and everything else sounded fine. We were instructed to watch him for a few days. As I monitored his eating and litter box, his bowel movements and peeing were normal. He was drinking and eating like usual. He loves wet food, so I made him a batch in hopes it would help clean out anything that was going on inside of him.

Thursday and Friday were pretty usual. He slept most of the day, came out when daddy came home, and cuddled with us at night. He even came to smother me during a nap on Friday.

Friday evening, we were playing with him on the bed with his feather toy. Jon and I were about to walk across the street to get some fountain pops. I looked down the hallway and saw him just laying there. I called his name and no response. I made the noise I usually make when I make him wet food (which always gets him meowing and attentive)....still nothing. Jon and I rushed over and noticed he was struggling to breathe. He made a choking noise and his breathing started slowing down. I immediately ran to the computer to find an emergency vet clinic's number. Meanwhile, Jon was performing CPR on him. He had stopped breathing completely. Jon wrapped him up in a blanket and we rushed to the animal hospital. The closest one was about 30 minutes away (it was around 9:30pm, so not many are open) - we couldn't get there fast enough. Traffic wasn't bad, but it was dark and raining...and on top of that, I was crying my eyes out.

We got to the animal hospital and they gave us a room. They were very caring and let us take as much time as we needed with him. As I filled out paper work, Jon was cuddling him. We asked about getting an autopsy done, but that would include us driving his body up to Purdue and back. We just couldn't do that - this was hard enough. We chose to have him cremated privately. We gave him one last kiss, nose rub, and chin rub before letting our baby go. We threw away the blanket that we brought him in. I didn't even want to deal with washing it (he had peed and pooped in it) and using it again.

After we got home and all family had been called, we held each other (and Mia) a little tighter. This weekend has been so hard, but I'm happy we have Mia. She has made us laugh a few times this weekend. She has also been comforting. Last night, I was folding the blanket I washed that hangs on the back of the chair. Ying hair was all over it, so it needed to be washed because it was a very painful reminder. As I placed it on the back of the chair, I lost it. Mia was so concerned for me. We have put most of his things away, but sometimes memories come rushing back.

Losing a baby is never easy - especially when it came so suddenly and we had no idea. He was only 3 years old. After going online and looking around, it looks like it was due to a heart condition or urinary obstruction. Either way, we couldn't have done anything different to help him.

Yes, we will probably be getting another kitty, but I don't think my heart will ever heal completely from losing Ying. I've taken so many anti-depressants throughout the years, and he was the best medicine I could ever ask for. Whenever I was sad, he would often come and curl up on my lap or hug my neck. If I was sad and he wasn't around, I would go find him (usually sleeping under the bed) and hug him. He would hug me back, purr, and rub his face on mine. I never even liked cats until I got Ying. He was such a sweet little boy.

He was famously known for his bow-ties. My husband and I are currently working on several things to remember him by. A shadowbox with his favorite toys (his blue mouse, fishy, straw, and feather toy), his black bowtie + collar, and a picture. The cremation services includes an urn with his ashes as well as a paw print (we should be getting those in about a week). We are also creating a photo/memory album of him. Friends and family - please let me know if you have any pictures of him as we would like to collect as many as we can!

I was planning a thigh tattoo out in April before I lost my job, but my next one will be in honor of Ying. I can't decide if I want his paw print or a portrait...or even where I want it to be. All I know is a black bow-tie will be somewhere in the design.

It's times like this when I want to say - why, God? Why do you let this happen? I lost my job, we lost our house, and now this? I would give anything just to hold him again. Satan needs to back off, because seriously....I'm not sure how much more our family can take. Jon and I have been through more this first year of marriage than most couples go through in their first five...

We miss you, baby boy. I know we will have a hard time finding a kitty that comes close to you. You were such a sweetheart. Have fun up there with all of the birdies and wet food. We'll see you soon. <3