Dog Stuff, Spiders, Netflix, and Other Randomness

I know this is such a blogging cliche, but does anyone else feel like this month is already going by at light speed?

This week has already been pretty full over here at chez Roblin.  It's been so amazing having him home  to run errands and make decisions (mostly pertaining to Cypress), and to act as eye-candy while I work at home.

We've been running into issues with Cypress and her daycare(s) lately, and yes, I'm about to write at length about where I choose to board my dog when we aren't home.  Back in Maine she had an amazing facility that worked perfectly for her style of doggery and that had affordable daycare and overnight boarding.  We assumed when we came to New Mexico she'd just as easily fit into a new place, but sadly we were wrong.  The one facility that worked for us price-wise took a bit for her to get used to, and even when she finally did acclimate, we couldn't afford to actually board her there for longer visits ($25 a day for daycare, $65 a night for boarding! Welcome to fucking Santa Fe).  We found a place that had cheaper boarding, but after going a few times Cypress started showing clear signs of anxiety even after she came home.

So this week we had to start all the hell over again with even more expensive places.  You know what's funny about checking out new dog boarding facilities? You find that it's actually better to find people who can't communicate effectively with humans because chances are it means they're great with dogs.

CASE IN POINT

We were at the vet the other day (MORE CYPRESS STUFF) and I saw a massive spider web with a black widow in it on the outside of the waiting room window.  I've been terrified of seeing one and I'm sort of convinced that there are several living underneath our cluttered bed. Since this one was on the other side of the window I could spend more time appreciating the beauty of it rather than hyperventilating and/or vomiting.  If you'd like to appreciate the beauty of a black widow (or induce hyperventilation and/or phobia) click here and tell me how nice I am for not posting it here without warning you.

Also this week Netflix decided to take a turn for the awesome by adding Season 6 of "30 Rock," a SyFy miniseries called "The Tin Man," and the entire one season of "Freaks and Geeks." This all makes working from home even more awesome, especially because I pretty much finished up all the episodes of "X-Files" that really matter and I've seen every available episode of "30 Rock" at least 16 times.

Want to see something adorable? Cypress has dug herself a little "den" in our dirt-yard and every time we hang on the patio she lays down in it (always spinning around 3 times to scare away snakes first, of course).

Finally, Rob informed me that I forgot to share with you some out of context quotes we wrote down from our Grand Canyon trip:

"You should never assume you don't need to bring a machete."

"Holy Jesus on a stick!"

"I'm not drunk, I'm just drinking."

Have a lovely week, melon farmers!

The Camel Spiders Get Revenge, and Other Things (Warning: Bug Photos)

A couple of months ago I shared with you a story about Rob's psychological battle with a camel spider back in Iraq.  I guess I must've pissed off the camel spider population, because last night they decided to get even for my libelous diatribe.

As I was preparing for bed, not thinking about camel spiders or any other terrifying beasts, I noticed a small bug-like creature zig-zagging around my kitchen and hiding under my trash can.  I grabbed my shoe and killed it without much of a thought.  However, as I looked closer, I realized that this zig-zagging little fucker was in fact a small version of the very camel spiders Rob had encountered in Iraq.

I was creeped out, but accepting, since we live in the goddamn desert and it only makes sense that there would be terrifying creatures haunting my home, right?

After disposing of the beast, I went into my bedroom before coming back to the kitchen.  As I went to pick up my phone charger, I noticed yet another camel spider running around in the act same place that the deceased one had been.  At this point I started to freak out a little bit, quite honestly.  I killed the second arachnid, and returned to my bedroom significantly shaken.

As I prepared to get into bed, I noticed a fucking third camel spider, the biggest of the three.  It was dead, and stiff, which makes me think that I may have stepped on it prior and brought it with me into the bedroom.  Despite its lack of vitality, I totally fucking lost it guys.  I cried, hyperventilated, contemplated going to a hotel, and looked at Cypress for support.  I triple- and quadruple-checked the bed and the entire kitchen three or four times (and even woke up in the middle of the night to check again, just in case).

This morning I woke up early and headed straight to Home Depot.  I think the camel spiders came through a gap between our patio door and the floor that I've been worrying about for months, so I bought a draft sealer, deadly bug spray, and sticky traps.  The camel spiders shall not have their night tonight.

Also, this is still happening:

So I am alone in my battle.  If you could say a prayer to the patron saint of Camel Spiders, I would much appreciate it.

Bad News/Good News

Bad news: I talked to Rob and he definitively nixed the second dog idea and I didn't want to argue about it while he's still in the middle of the woods. So for now, we're just a one-dog home.
Good news: Rob called last night after not calling for a week.

Bad news: When I went to put my socks back on after taking my TOMS off at home there was a fucking spider on the inside of them.  Thank Christ I checked first.
Good news: It's been warm enough that I can wear my TOMS everywhere I go.

Bad News: I made George Michael Bluth on The Sims 3, and I gave him the "neurotic" trait since it seemed to fit.  Now he stresses about things like the faucet.  I can relate, buddy.
Good News: The Sims is a great way to keep my mind occupied.

Bad News: Robbie is still gone and it's kind of a struggle to get through the day without worrying about him.
Good News: I have great friends who text me just when I need it.

Bad News: Since Rob is gone (and working 16 hour days) we can't talk much.

Good News: Every so often he sends me a really sweet text message that totally turns my mood around.

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend so far.