Simply Working

It turned out that I had to go to work at 9 am on Christmas Eve. I was somewhat surprised that the Self-Dog-Wash were already busy. Mindi, Scott and I began working. I had 6 dogs. All --except one-- are to be groomed. I got one dog done by noon, and three dogs done by 3. The two Westies were fairly easy and fast to groom. The last dog, which was a big terrier dog, was done by 4! I was surprised that I got things done well. I thought I would be stuck at work till 6.

I found out that Mindi officially moved and live in Wyoming now, and will be coming into Dirty Johnson's once or twice a month. She's happy there as long as she's with her girlfriend. Her girlfriend is cute.

There are few more "unquie" dogs: the one westie dog that came in today have one eye. One dog who came in the other day actually have FIVE toes. Usually dogs have four toes. I'm trying to remember what other dog that was very different or interesting... Hmm I think was about it so far.

Dog Fashion Show

To think you could not get enough of your own dog, loving him/her so much, simply wanted to spoil him/her... Well, this check out--People go to extreme for their pets. Dog Fashion Show!



Isle Of Dogs Creative Styling Showcase

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Pet Fashion Week NY 2007 - Buyer Runaway Show

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To check out more go check out this website: http://petfashionweek.com/videolibrary/videolibrary.html

Stressful Day

My husband dropped me off at work early morning. (Slightly before 9 am.) I was so anxious about how can I do the work without clippers. I quickly looked up my schedule sheet. I have four dogs, two small and two big dogs. Three of them are my regular costumers, and one was a new costumer. Two of the small dogs (one-eye black poodle & a bichon) are to be groomed. Two big dogs (a brown big dog and a white big dog--couldn't find the specific breed name!!?!!) are to be bath and brushed, though white one was matted which would take up time. Four dogs for the days sounds great, except for the clippers!

I talked with the worker named Konni Ford. --I liked her a lot, especially when it comes to communication.-- I explained the situation and asked her if she could call the two dogs to hold off a bit, to see if I can get the clipper to work again. Konni called the Boss Tres first. It turned out that Mindi (who works on Saturdays) wasn't coming. So I'm all on my own. (Her dogs are canceled, don't worry.) Tres said that he'll come over and see if he can get it to work. If not, then he'll take me to the shop.

The small dogs arrived and I got them bathed. Another small dog squeeze in, a black mini Schnauzer (with a tumor on the underside), just for bath and brush. Then a large dog (I forgotten or couldn't figure out the breed) came in. I got them all bathed. The last dog comes in later like at 2pm I think.

Then finally Tres took me into his Jeep and went over to PetSmart. I was slightly surprised how busy the store was. There was about 8 small varies of dogs for adoptions. Plus 8 or 12 Chihuahua for adoptions!! We went straight to dog grooming supplies. I found one clipper that was my preference and my type of clipper that stopped working. It cost like $186, almost $200. Because I do not have enough in my bank account that time, Tres was willing to pay for it, but he'll take that price out of my next paycheck. (Don't worry I got $606 paycheck today.) ♥It's a wonderful clippers colored blue with glitter sliver on/off button, including a #10 blade!!♥

I finally started grooming around 11:45 am. The schnauzer was done by noon. I was in the middle of working on the poodle when the owner start asking if it's done or when it'll be done. I was like hold on because the blades gets so hot that I had to slow down. I couldn't switch to other #7 blades because they're not working. I cannot remember when I finally finished Rocky, the owner give me a warm Merry Christmas & Thank-You & $10 tip.

By the time I was about to start working on a Bichon, the owner shows up. Grooming the body are fairly easy because it's fur were all fluffed up from the dryer, but there's other delay: she had a seizure out of blue. I quickly put her on the floor so she won't fell off the table. I asked Konni to call the owner about it. The owner said it's fine and don't worry. I was like um okay. So I waited till the Bichon return to normal and resumed the grooming. There's a lot of knots on the head, so it takes time to get it out, plus trying to avoid being bitten for doing that. The owner comes and goes which increase my stress trying to hurry but cannot make it perfect for doing that, especially when trying to get the knots out!

While I was trying to finish off a Bichon, my sister Katie and her family stopped by, whom I'm glad to see them all but it's all in a wrong time and day. I let them watch and play with the two little doggies of mine; Pepper and Yoda.

To top it off, Konni asked me about when the large brown dog. will be done---not just a bath and brush but to be GROOMED as well! Argh! The big white dog arrived sometime while I was in the middle of grooming the small dogs, so I haven't done anything with it yet, just simply trying to get small dogs done as much as I can.

I gave up trying to get the tiny knots out and just fix up the face in Bichon style with the sissor and call it done. I told the owner to bring her in again soon just for bath and brush so I can brush it out better.

I cleaned up the room by vacuuming up all those dog hairs then pull out the big brown dog. I grab the longest blade I have and tackled him. Most of the body aren't too bad, except for wrestling with him to shave the front legs. The owner called asking when it'll be done. I was like SIGH just gimme 30 mins! For the parts I cannot get the long blade to get through I simple grab the sisscor and chopped them off. I tidy up the face and paws and tail, then finally --after more than 30 mins-- SIGH all done! The owner repeatedly said thank-you and I think I got a $10 from her.

While I was grooming the brown dog, I was increasingly stressing out about the last dog which hasn't been touched. I asked Konni to bathe him for me, but then was reminded that he's matted which is better to be brushed out frist before having a bath. Timing wise I cannot do it at all. I was sending message to Scott begging him to come over to help me out. Not only I was stressing out, I was HUNGRY. I did not have any lunch.

Scott was busy volunteering to help a family with the moving into a house from New York. When he finally got my message, he was on the way. By the time he arrived, it was too late. As soon as I was going to start the white dog, the owner shows up. She wasn't happy. I had about 2 hours left till 6. I ask if I could just brush out as much as I can till 6 without a bath? I explained that I had similiar dog like it where it had to be brought back next time to finish off.... She was mumbling something about family coming home soon and such. She just took her dog home-- unfinished, untouched.

I was distressed. I couldn't help but hide in the bathroom and bawled my eyes out. When I got a hold of myself, I step out to start putting things away and clean up. Scott showed up and I bawled on his shoulder. At least I got $31 tip today...

Crazy Morning

Two days ago -on Wednesday- I arrived to work pretty much on time, although I thought I was going to be late. I usually park on the curb so the costumers can have the parking space, since there are not very many of them. There were quite a bit of snow. I almost got stuck but luckily the road is bit hilly, so I simply let myself roll down back unto the road. I parked on the other side of the curb where there's less snow. I took Yoda with me in my arm. Pepper was at home, to keep Scott in company.

I arrived to the door and it's locked. I guess the worker Cayla was running late. There's an old guy with a white toy poodle in his arm, waiting. We exchanged greetings and commenting about weather and the dogs. I got the text message from Cayla that she'll be late and was in a hurry. We waited outside by the door in the cold for a while. The man invited me to sit in his car so we can be warm while we wait. His car was leather inside which is lovely! We talked about where we live, and few little tales. He lives in Murray, grew up in Utah, his daughter lives in AZ, where he recently returned from, though he will visit AZ again for Christmas.

I got another text message from Cayla explaining that she's having situation with her mother in the hospital and don't think can make it on time. She tried to get a hold of the boss Tres White but no answer. I send Tres the text message about what happened. He replied that he'll give me the key so it won't happened again. Good idea. Then later finally informed me that other worker Sam is coming.

We waited for half hour. The man mumbled about having an appointment at noon so I offered that I can hold on to his dog named Angel so he can leave. He commented that he didn't want me to stand outside in the cold. I mentioned about my car. So he went ahead to walk with me to my car and put two dogs in. He asked me to make sure to call him when Angel finally in the shop.

The two dogs and I didn't wait long when Sam arrived and parked his vehicle at the curb. We got into the dog wash shop and I put the dogs away and trying to get everything starting with work. I was just about to grab the work schedule when I noticed Sam doesn't sound nor looks so good. He looked very ill. His voice sounds hoarse. I felt really bad for him. I was thinking to myself, "Better hope that Cayla will get here soon."

I busied myself with the dogs to bathe and groom. I was surprised to actually groom three dogs in three hours. Whew!

Aw crap, my mind seem to stop working now and it's getting late. Time for bed and I have early morning work at 9 am. Lets hope there a bad snow storm where work has to be canceled... I'll add more in later.

Beginning of December

>>I copied and pasted into this blog from Deaf Wilson blog<<

I'm at work right now, with three dogs done, and two dogs drying in the cage. So I thought to take some time to do some typing here for the blog. Although I can update the blog at home, but everytime I tried, my mind just went dead. Being at work, my mind often runs really well.

I have not worked at Dirty Johnson's on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. I'm glad to finally have five dogs to bathe and brush and groom today. Things were quite slow after Thanksgiving. The Dog Wash place refused to remain idle: they busy themselves with remolding. The walls were painted in different colors. At frist, they tried light blue (I disagreed with that color), then next they did green one wall then dark orange other wall (much better!). They even painted the floor, tried almost white then switched to dark grey. They cleaned out the bathroom as well, where it use to be stuffed with junks. I am hopeing that the bathroom wall can be painted green... They (finally) considering/planning to add the door on the one wall. I do not know when or how soon. They replaced the front desk counter. I preferred the old one since it's out of metal not wood because dogs often peed on them. Peeing on the wood would make it worse... Tsk tsk.

It was an exciting news to hear of an addition nephew into the family. Katie Husish brought home a baby boy named Abraham Ryan Huish on the last day of November at 3 in the morning. Magnolia is still the only niece in the family. I hope she wouldn't feel so left out when growing up.

My index finger is healing rather nicely, though I needed to return to the doctor soon to have the stitches out, because it was bothering me. My finger sometimes swollen slightly.

The weather in Utah is still unusually nice, not too cold, and no snow. There's some snow on mountains but not as fully covered as it usually be last year. It makes me feel better and safe with the driving for work.

I think I better return to work now. Later Gator!
>> Maggie Holt Wilson <<

Healing

My index finger is feeling less pain, less swollen, and becoming bendable. I can even get to type with that finger now. Well, not a lot but it's getting better. Yippie. I am waiting for Scott to contact me to pick him up from work. Probably at midnight. Which is an hour from now.

I was relief that working with dogs today are not too bad. There are only four large dogs. One already had a bath on the day I was send home, and it was just a groom. One white medium dog was a bath and brush, which got me slightly puzzled because it acted rather weird. Three of those dogs are to be groomed. The last dog came in at three and attacks the blower, so it took a while for her to be dried. Then by the time I'm all done with the dogs (and the clean-up) I left work at 6:30pm with a paycheck and $18 tip. I used that tip for gas. It went from almost empty to almost full. Not bad for $18. -smile-

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is coming so soon already! And I believe it's quite unusual to have nice clear weather lately, where I kept expecting snow storm coming any minute. Hmmm.

Index Finger

A little follow up about my wounded finger:
My finger is still swollen, feeling warmer than my hand. I got the wrapping off couple hours ago. It feels better to have it off because it needs to breath. My finger is still throbbing and sensitive. I know that I can take pain-pills for it, but there's only two left in the bottle. So, I'm saving it for work. Beside, I slept almost all day, which was nice. I got oil-blessing by two priesthood holders in the evening. It was nice to the blessing and the Lord simply said that it will heal nicely as long as I take good care of it.
I'm nervous about returning to work this week because I do not know how I can be able to handle it: unable to use the index finger much, ya'know. Though, luckily the injured are on my left hand so it shouldn't be too bad as long as I take plenty of pain-killer pills. Hmmm.
>>I do have a photo of my finger ripped open before stitched up and if you wanted to take a look at it, please let me know and I can email it to you<<


HAPPY THANKSGIVING YA'LL!
Plan for Thanksgiving Day: Scott and I will be leaving our dogs at home, where Lynette can take babysit them. We will in turn babysit her dog while she work 11-hr shift on Black Friday. We're planning to go to Logan, where Scott's sister lives and the family will be there. I am very excited to hang out with Scott's family again. It seems like a short while ago, that I was with his family last year in Arizona, this time married not engaged. I love his family!

Bitten By A Dog

I arrived to work at 12:30ish and started working on the 1st dog which is a small poodle mix. On the file paper said to be careful with the sore eye. I decided to give him a shave before the bath since it's very matted. I opened the cage and pat his head. Then I reach into take him, but he bit my left index finger quite hard. My finger felt beaten up, red and throbbing. I exam my finger and there's a small break skin which I think is no biggie.

I sighed and remind myself that some dogs are just odd fear bitter when it comes to taking them out of cage. If you try take him out of cage by hand you'll get bitten. If you slip on the leach/rope on the neck and lead him out and pick him up, he's harmless. I did just that and took him to the table. I sat on the chair and shave him up. I was going to adjust him, as in to turn him around, by lifting his chest/neck and move him, but he snapped at my hand. He grab my index and middle finger with his teeth.

I have been bitten many times before which rarely breaks the skin or hurts bad enough. But this kind of bite was not a bite, it was more like trying to chew my finger off! It took me a moment to finally freed my hand from his jaws. I was bleeding rapidly. I grabbed the paper towel and grab a hold on my finger. I got Cayla's attention that I'm bleeding. I started pacing around, trying to hold my hand up to slow down the bleeding. My body was in shock. I was like trying to breath deeply and trying to calm down. Then I sat back down on the chair. The large 1st aid box was set and open on the table. The guy whom I do not know start to tend my finger. Then I felt myself becoming pale and I became really light-headed. I tried to recovery by leaning forward over my legs, but it does not work. When the guy finish tending my finger, I lie down on the floor. I felt better, but my body was still in shock.

Cayla told me that she called the owner to come over to help get the muzzle on and she'll do the grooming and take care of few of my dogs, and I can go ahead go home. When I believe I'm okay enough to drive home, I left work. By the time I drove on I-15 highway for a while, the shock subside and the pain appeared. It made me preferred to be shock than to feel the pain. It was bearable, but unpleasant.

I arrived home and greeted Scott and DJ by showing them my injured hand. There's a trail of blood down my palm that was not washed off at work. I told them what happened. I took the bloody band aid off to wash the wound. It somehow got me in shock again. Scott and I pour the alcohol over the dog bite three times, then put on the clean new band aid. Lynette came over and tried hard not to gross out over my wound tale. But I asked if I needed to have stitches. Lynette who seem to have more experiences on wounds (she's a farmer) took a look and encouraged me to get it stitched up. We expressed concerned about budget, no medical insurance.

Lynette looked up online for free clinics in the area. Scott, DJ and I went out to try the one in Provo. But it turned out to be the wrong one. The gal gave us a card that listed the three clinic that can take care of those types of injures. There's one in Orem. We went over there.

We got in after 7:30ish. I filled out the papers and the waiting was only a few minutes. After quick questioning and check up, the Doctor who is red-headed and very nice took me to the other room. (Scott stayed with me the whole time.) I was very nervous, feeling like it'll be my first time getting stitches. It wasn't till later I realized I already had stitches before: my "wound" on my belly. Anyways, the doctor got my hand and finger clean up a bit then gave me two numb shots.

I told Scott that I like to have some distraction during the shot, so he did his best to do that by asking me math question. (I talked a mile when I'm nervous, so I couldn't help but saying whatever I feel or thinking.) When the 1st needle goes in, it oddly felt good. I was like talking outloud about how good it feels, feels so nice. Then I started laughing. The doctor poke in the second needle which this time doesn't feel quite as nice. I was like talking quickly about how it feels like the needle was going THROUGH my hand. Then I laugh again, just laughing at myself, feeling silly. When the two needles got out, I calmed down.

The finger began to swell slowly and started to feel like it's dying, numbed up. I had to poke that finger a few times because of curiosity and it felt so weird and stiff. While a few minutes of waiting, the nurse cleaned up my finger some more by squirting water on my wound. Then finally the doctor returned and sat down with the tools ready.

The doctor picked up the cloth that's soak with special soap. He dabbed my wound and look at him questioningly. I was like I don't feel a thing. He scrub up my wound quite deeply which caused it be bleeding. Scott was like, "why is he doing that? Trying to rip up your skin." I assured him that he's just doing some deep cleaning. Then finally, the doctor got the "sewing" tools ready.

At 1st I didn't want to watch it, tried to pay attention to Scott, but for some reason it wasn't helping. So I end up talking to the Doctor who asked me how long I work as a dog groomer and if I've been bit before, etc. I was surprised to see that it only takes two stitches, not three or four. Because my finger felt very dead or felt like it's not part of me, I can manage watching him stitching up the second knot and I can exam my finger closely. When it's all done, I asked the doctor if I can work next day since I have four dogs scheduled. He gave me a doctor note, asking me to have day off. He told me to keep my finger clean and dry for 7 days. The nurse wrapped up my finger with interesting bandages, which I am to leave it on for one day. I also got a prescription for the pills to prevent infection.

I went up front the desk to pay but the lady let me pass. Scott and DJ and I went to Walgreen to pick up the pills. Then we returned home. Scott and I changed the clothes into something nice and went to Olive Garden for "late" 4th month of marriage. It was nice to eat and relax there.

I am ready to go to sleep and I get some rest. Good Night. Hope you enjoyed my eventful moment from work. (Yes, I typed pretty good without my left index finger.)

All Week?

I just found out that Mindi got the other job and can only work on Saturdays. Therefore it means that I can work from Monday to Friday. However, I decided to have Thursday off because I noticed lately that I do not get any dogs on Thursdays which is strange. But hey, it means more money! Perhaps more than $840 a month... Allow me to do the math... (Remember it varies.)

• $35 = 1 dog
• $140 = 4 dogs/day
• $560 = 4 days/week
• $2,240 = a month
• $1,008 = 55% commission

I would get around $1,000 a month! As long as I get dogs that is...

Run Away

I put the dogs outside through the kitchen window. We set up "fence" in our small yard so that way we do not have to go outside with them. I guess there's a gap in the backyard fence that they went through and escaped. When they eventually returned, Yoda was covered in poop, which stinks so bad. I had to grab him and toss him to into shower. I changed my clothes that I can get wet in and scrubbed him deeply. It was unbelievable. UGH.

New News About My Work

I have been told or hearing that there will be some change in Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash. Mindi, the groomer, are going to move out of Utah at the end of December, more or less. Mindi worked at Dog Wash for 5 years. She'll be watching over me to make sure I can meet her costumers' standards or expectations, so she can recommended them to me while she prepare herself to no longer be part of Dog Wash.

However, we met a gal who's a groomer for 11 years. We didn't catch her name, though. She may be taking over Mindi's place. We shall see. I think she's going to have a "test" this coming Wednesday.

With the cleaning maid out of the way, I may be working extra day. As far as I know, I'll be working on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, if there's dogs ready for me to groom.

With possibly of having Scott with me to work every Saturday, Tres White, the boss, are planning to have him included into his workshop. He started cleaning out the tubs and doing the laundry and filling up shampoo-bottles today. The business is indeed becoming busier.

That's all for now of the News from my work.

Budget

Speaking of money...

Scott and I had fun using the Excel program on the computer into budget chart or plan. I do not think I can be able to paste some Excel view onto this Blog. Anyhow, from what we've calculated so far, Scott will have about $1,000 a month and I will have about $840 a month. Since Scott's job is basic on per hour, mine is basic on commission, so my income varies.

My work now pays me 55% commission, since I've been working there for over three months. The $860 a month is basic on $35 per dog on 4 dogs per day on 3 times a week with 55% commission. However, if I found a second job where I can work for 24 hours per week for $8 per hour, I can earn around $768 a month, not including tax removal. Adding up the doggie and second job, I would make over $1,000 a month.

But then again, my doggie work paycheck amount varies. I may have 3 or 5 dogs some days, or some dogs cost $40 to $45 instead of $30 or $35. I can earn from $650 to $1,500, more or less, a month.

Slow Days...

My doggie work schedule will be on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Unfortunately, my work does not have much dogs scheduled for me lately. I did not get to work on Saturday. I found out recently that I do not have dogs to do tomorrow, either. Poor gal said that not one person came in today. We supposed it must be the rain that kept them inside. If my doggie work is not working very well so far, I shall start searching for a second job...

On the bright side, today is the first day of work for Scott. I will be picking him up at 11 pm. I'm currently relaxing in Provo Library since it's closer to where he works. Though the library closes at 9 pm.... With Scott's job, he should be able to bring home $1,000 a month.

Odd Furball

I've been working for a full week at Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash, except for Tuesday when it was closed. And not to mention the cleaning maid in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Wednesday was the busiest or longest day of work. I worked from 8 am till 7 pm. Surprisingly, I wasn't exhausted at all.

Scott came to work with me everyday as well except for Monday, when he had to go run some errands, doing some job searches that is. It was nice to have Scott helping out with washing the dogs and some cleaning. While things are done or slow, he would use the internet at Blue Star Cafe to apply more jobs online or staying at work watching 24 on the laptop.

I have got interesting dogs coming in lately. A bichon missing a left-front leg. A small black poodle missing an eye. A senior yorkie missing all of the teeth. What's next...

Cleaning Maid - No More

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I was in the middle of working on the laundry when a lady appeared saying that she's doing the cleaning around the house. I texted Alisha asking her if she knows about that lady. She forgotten to tell me that both of us no longer working around their house. They couldn't afford us anymore and this lady owes them money.
Rather than being dismayed, I accept it gladly, though I'll miss working there. I was quite relief because I wasn't so sure how I can make it, climbing up the hill in a car through the snow during winter season. And it gives me more time availablity to work at Dirty Johnson Dog Wash. I left a note saying that I enjoyed working around the house and wished them Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas then left.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Another Week Gone By

♥♥♥♥♥ We're suppose to be working at Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash last Monday and Thursday, but there weren't any dogs scheduled for bath/groom. ♥ We spend most of the time window shopping. We're trying out different outfits that are fitting to our body frame. It was fun learning new things about ourselves and fashion. My fashion style are New York and slightly Gothic (pink & black). Scott's fashion style are British type and something else I forgot what. Our friend Lynette should seriously take a fashion career. The clothes at the store called Buckled made Scott looked oh so handsome! I was so tempted to spend $100+ on those clothes for Christmas presents for him. But we needed to save money because work is very slow this month. ♥ However, the good news is Scott had a job interveiw at SorensonVRS company in West Jorden last Wednesday. It appeared to have high chance of hiring him. *cross her fingers* It is a very good position because it's $10 per hour! Imagine having him working 35 hours per week there and earn big bucks! ♥♥♥♥♥

Today...

Today is a wonderful day. I actually worked up to 4.5 hours as cleaning maid, and better yet, I didn't feel tired with the cleaning. I can keep going and going... I spend a lot of time cleaning up the kitchen because someone seem to be in a cooking mood during the weekend. There are a lot of dirty dishes and such. I decided to do some deep cleaning. I washed most of the dishes by hand because the dishwasher were full. For those are not easily wiped off, I used a spoon to scrap up the bits and bits off the counter. Because I could not find the broom, I just vacuumed up the kitchen floor to pick up all those crumbs I brush off the counters. Of course I vacuumed up the family room. I saw opened large boxes which turned out that they recently got themselves a new toy: Wii Rock Bank Drum! Then I finally tidy up mama's bedroom and bathroom, which was not too bad. Except for a fern plant appeared to be in a shedding mode. I vacuumed up all those loose pile leaves from the carpet. I could keep cleaning because there are laundry needed to be done, (I was ignoring that part while I was cleaning up the kitchen), the boy's bedroom and office to tidy up...

Scott and I will be working at Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash three times a week. Today was suppose to be the day, right after the cleaning maid, but it appeared to be no dogs scheduled for us to do. Oh well. Hopefully we will have dogs scheduled this Thursday. We will be working on Monday, Thursday and Saturday in Dog Wash. As long as there are dogs for us to do, that is. So far things are doing great, though it seems Saturdays works out better because it is the busiest day of the week.

Last week, we worked at Dog Wash on Friday and Saturday. Friday seem to be an "Old Large Senior Dog Day". Two of the dogs are mainly bath and brush while the one are being groomed. Big dogs makes good money. We enjoyed that day since it was not very stressful.

However, Saturday was busy. We had five dogs where nearly all of them are to be groomed. We worked from 9am to 5pm. A cocker spaniel takes longer for me to groom while two shih tzu dogs are quick to groom. The last dog I groomed was a beautiful black female lab. To think I have to groom her is silly because she's fine the way she is for she's naturally short-fur-coated breed! But it was fine anyways because I get paid to do it. Heehe.

Bits and Bits

*HAPPY EARLY HALLOWEEN*

Couldn't you believe it's October already?!

Cleaning Maid: When I was carrying downstairs the basket full of clean folded clothes, I nearly stepped on Dusty, a dog. He was just laying on the step, never moved out of the way. I was lucky to walk down slowly and cautiously. It gave me almost a heart attack since I could have tumbled down the stairs along with the clothes. *muttering*

Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash: It is really nice to have my husband Scott coming to work with me to help out with all those bathing and washing works, which helped out with the timing better for me to groom the dogs, making things done faster and earlier; We can be able to go home slightly early than 6pm or have extra dogs coming in for extra money.

More Cleaning Maid History

The house I worked at as a maid is a very nice home. The house was mostly decorated with fake leaves and ivy on window stills, top of fireworks, shelves, cupboards, table, etc. In some areas have small collections of dolls, fairies, mushrooms, and gnomes. I noticed that some room such as kitchen and bathroom have wide border wall paper on top and middle with maroon color. The parent’s bathroom is full of beach theme. There are seashells glued around the mirrors, cups, and baskets. There are large sea shells set around the hot tub. The artworks of mermaids are hang on the walls. The kid’s bathroom too have beach theme, but with lighthouse as part of the decoration. There is a candle shaped as lighthouse, few framed pictures of lighthouse on the walls. I liked this bathroom better because the master bathroom decorations are too much. Though, it makes one wonder if the parents grew up as pirates in the sea. That would make it a good story in the book.

I learned new things each time I work there. When I started working there, I noticed couple of things that needs repairing. I figured that it’ll be fixed soon. But it remains partly broken. Allow me to name a few. Couple of the cupboard doors are being hang by one hiedge. One cupboard door is completely off, and been sitting behind the toilet.

I will add more about the Cleaning Maid later because time ran out. Take care.

The Cleaning Maid History

♥ I enjoyed being the Cleaning Maid. Cleaning a house three times a week wasn’t so bad. I learned new things each time I cleaned around the house. The house has three floors: upstairs, ground floor, and basement. I only clean on the upstairs and the ground floor. Once in a while, I would vacuum the basement stairs, and nothing more.

The ground floor contained kitchen, family room, living room, half bathroom, and a bedroom.

The upstairs contained a laundry room, a bathroom, two bedrooms, an office with three computers, and a master bedroom with master bathroom.

There’s another maid who worked in the same house for two years. Her name is Alisha Groo. She is about the same age as mine, and knows some sign language.

♥ The family living in the house was quiet but interesting. It’s rare to see the father home. I have seen mama, a son and a daughter around. With school starting, the house was usually empty, except for a dog and two cats. The dog stays home while the two cats comes and goes. Earlier, the dog named Dusty, looks like a mess. I left a note saying that I’m a dog groomer. Mama asked me to shave him up. I groomed him well, and the family’s happy. Pretty soon, Dusty will need a trim up. One black cat is a mess, too; its fur is matted solid. Your face will curl in disgust if you pet it. I am no expert with cat grooming, so there’s nothing I can do.

What's Wrong With Thursday?

$$ For three Thursdays in a row this month of September, I do not have work at Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash. It is making me becoming concerned about my budget for the month. The three thousand dollars were deposit into my mom's account - a payment in buying her car - and my checking account appeared very low. Yup, I'm poor once again. Don't worry, I will get the Cleaning Maid check tomorrow and a Dog Wash paycheck this Saturday. Hopefully it will add up to $300, more or less. $$

Happy Labor Day

Monday, September 1, 2008
Happy Labor Day

 RABBIT RABBIT. Today is Labor Day and the first day of the month. On 4th of September shall be my 25th birthday. An age I’ve been looking forward to and not a bad age to be married. I have two jobs to enjoy while my husband attends Utah Valley of University. We have only been married for over a month since July 22. We love it so far, living together in a sweet simple home in a basement for $550 a month. We will have to pay $200 extra for September because we split the $400 deposit into half when we move-in at the beginning of August. We shall be pretty tight on budget for a while. I believe after September ends, the budget should become better, unless something happens with the Social Security Income. With my two steady jobs and one on-call job, it may not be enough for the month expense. However, it can be taken care of if I add a third day of work at Dirty Johnson’s Dog Wash in South Salt Lake City. I know that they wouldn’t mind having me working three times a week because I’ve heard that customers loved how I did my grooming skills with their dogs. 

 Last Saturday was a great day, even though I worked from 9am to 7pm. A groomer named Mini and I worked with our dogs then worked together with the last three dogs. I groomed five dogs and received $37 tip. I bought myself a strawberry/peach smoothie with protein from Blue Star café across the street with my tip. It was not very stressful and I was happy that things went well, unlike the other Saturday. That day was like a total breakdown. I had few customers asking when I’ll be done with their dog which adds more pressure with the timing while I was juggling with 4 or 5 dogs. Some had to wait because it was still wet or I was in the middle of grooming a dog. It was crazy. By the end of the day, by the time I was finally grooming on the last dog, my mind stopped working/thinking. I was ready to get out of the room and pass-out. It was not a very good day. When I got home from work; Scott surprised me with some new arrangement around the basement -- including a creative desk in the bedroom -- and with dinner ready to be served. He was very sweet! He made a “desk” by using a long flat wood on the two blue storage box and covered it with a sheet and topping it with my laptop, jar of pens, stack of notebooks and Ensigns. In fact, I’m using the desk as I am typing this “blog” in the word document. The two new desk lamps from IKEA today looks fabulous on this desk. Though I know I won’t be using this creative desk very long because mom’s bringing in the desk from grandma’s place on my birthday. 

 It’s almost 9 o’clock and I better join in with my husband in the living room to have a family home evening. I wish you all a good night and a happy labor day! 

Ruff House

I finally got called from Ruff House on Tuesday to groom three dogs. They're adorable and sweet and easy to groom. I was excited to get extra money from the three dogs -- instead of grooming only one or two dogs. Unfortunatly, there's an accident. I do not know how it happened. I assumed that I must have poked the eye and it jerked away but the clipper caught the bottom eyelid and made a deep cut. It was bleeding and had to be taken to the Vet to have surgery to get it stitch up. Because of that accident bad enough to be taken to the Vet, the Ruff House won't charge the owner and had to pay for the Vet. No check for me. *FROWN* 

Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash

I finally got a paycheck last Saturday, which is about $185! Imagine one month of work at Dog Wash, twice a week... it should be around $370. Actually, work is going slow right now, but things will be picking up by next month. I am thinking about adding an day into Dog Wash, working three times a week. I should be getting over $500 a month by then. $$$

I enjoyed working at Dog Wash so far. I groomed a dog on Thursday which the owner is pleased with it, then on Saturday she returned which made me freaked out for a second, asking "what's wrong?" She only returned to give me $10 tip and commented with my work. I was relief and impressed that she took her time to give me the tip. It was very sweet of her. So far, most of the customers liked me and were impressed with my talents. (That's what the boss told me.) Yay!

Very Busy New Life

Everything was happening so fast in the past few weeks in July.
♥July 14th: A dog became a member of the family.
♥July 22nd: I became a wife to ♥Scott Wilson♥.
♥July 24th: I became a new Groomer in Salt Lake City.
My life is getting better and becoming busier.

My Week Schedule:

♥Maid: Monday, Wednesday, Friday = 8am - 10am/11am, $10 per hour.
♥Ruff House: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday = Base On Appointments: 1 or 2 dogs to groom, usually small dogs, range from 1 to 3 hours, earning from $20 to $33 so far from each appointments.
♥Dirty Johnson Dog Wash: Thursday = 11am to 6pm & Saturday = 9am to 6pm, 4 or 5 dogs appointed each day, earning $20+ tips as well [perfect of gas money].
♥Wife: 24 hours for 7 days, not so bad so far, I'm loving it... ♥

Gold's Gym

♥ Because I have been lectured that in order for me to eat more or gain weight, I should be exercising. Therefore, I became a member of Gold's Gym.
♥ The 1st day I went over was simply for a swim, with Scott. I actually swam six laps. I swam slowly in relaxing way plus resting for few minutes at each end. I enjoyed the Sauna room but I love the Steam room the most. When I stepped into the Steam room, I can BREATHE. It feels so wonderful to have some moist into my lungs.
♥ The 2nd day I went over is for my fitness training appointment. I learned that my body fat percentage is normal, not very low or none. The two guy trainers are very friendly, helpful and fun. At the end of section, one even bought me a protien drink. It's almost like drinking strawberry smoothie. It's really good. I trying to find the free time to attend the next appointment...

A Very Long Saturday

I got up at 6:30am to eat breakfast, put on clothes, brush out the hair and collect things I need then finally hit the road before 8am. I arrived to the shop in South Salt Lake City area, 20 mins early for the 9am interview. I had a tour around the shop called Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash. I liked it immediately. I groomed a dog named Shakespeare. The workers and the boss are very friendly. The boss named Tres White bought this shop from his brother. The shop has been in business for four years. Tres expanded the grooming room a month ago. It turned out to be successful. There are two groomers and I believe Tres is planning to have me replace one groomer since I heard that she was pretty mean. Anyhow, to the point, yes I got the job! I will start working there on Thursdays and Saturdays with four dogs to groom each day. I got $10 tip for grooming Shakespeare and $20 for gas from Tres.

I drove back to Provo and celabrate by buying myself two chicken tacos and sprite at Del Taco with my tip money. I took about an hour nap I think then head over to Ruff House in Orem. I groomed two dogs and earned myself $31 check. Back at home in my apartment, I cooked up Egg Drop Soup for dinner. Very yummy!

I was about to start working on the blog when I got a message from Jon Roberts, asking me out for a movie. I drove over to West Jordan to meet him at the movie theatre at 9:30pm. I had BBQ chicken wrap and Spirte at Red Robin. Then we took our seat inside the Theatre to watch Dark Knight (Batman) with captioning. It is a long good movie that makes you think. I like it and I enjoyed the date with Jon. I finally arrived home at 2am and hit the sack almost 3am.

A very long day indeed...

Condo?

There's no luck so far about the Condo. Heather and Veronica decided to live somewhere else which does not include me. I've tried University Villa but the female rooms are all full. It has bee full for two months!! My name is on the waiting list for now just in case. I missed University Villa apartment!! So many good times there! Good memories!! Espeically with Bridgette and Melissa. ♥ My wonderful favorite old roommates. ♥ Funny how they're both married now... I wonder when I will get married. Hmmmm.

Photos

I would love to post photos of my new hairstyles and all that if only my sidekick have the camera! I can get it if I upgrade from this Sidekick ID into Sidekick Slide. But I'm starting to hear rumors that Sidekick devices are becoming bad or lousy. So I am not sure if I wanted to do it. My Sidekick ID has been working FINE so far. Though I have been using it somewhat less and less now that I am being hooked to my laptop because I spend a lot of time staying at home. -chuckled- I often called my laptop Precious. My precious laptop... What would you say if I should upgrade my cellphone into something different? Perhaps a differnt type instead of T-Mobile? Please leave me comments of suggestions. ♥

Second Week of July

On Thursday the 10th of July was a very busy day! After only 4 hours of sleep at night, I got up at 6am and check for messages or emails in my laptop. Scott stopped by at my apartment to drag me out since I've been very blah all day, staying inside at home on Wednesday. We went to relax at Barnes & Noble bookstore; I had fun looking through the Illustration books (artworks where what you see aren't what you're seeing). Then we stopped by at Gold's Gym for a swim. I swam 6 laps across the pool. I relaxed in the Sauna room. When I tried out the Steam room, I was in heaven. I can BREATH! Then we picked up the two friends, JR & Bob and checked out a small house for rent. The guys were thinking of living there. It is three bedroom and one bathroom house for $675. (I think.) We went straight to church

New Life Of July

Good Times Bad Times Gimme Some of That

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BAD NEWS
I lost my Riverwoods Pet Hospital job on July 1st. I got a text message saying that it's my last day of work and I shall get the last check by mail. I must have had enough "accidents" that is too much for them so they released me. It is a big bummer for me since I love that job very much. I felt bit better when I had a good cry on the shoulder and watched Frist Knight with Kris Powell that night. At least I'm glad that I have those two jobs: Maid & Groomer, though it is barely enough for me to live on.

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GOOD NEWS

• I joined into this really awesome website which is simliar to Facebook, but it is created and approved for Young Single Adults. -- "Social Network for the Young Single Adults of the East Bay 3rd Ward in the Provo South Stake." Go ahead click on the link to take a peek. East Bay 3rd Ward


• I am living in the Branbury Apartment for a month now. (Please feel free to check out its website to see all the free featured services.) Summer rate for Shared bedroom are only $159. However, I learned that the Fall/Winter rate for Shared bedroom are $289 while Private bedroom are $339 - $349. My Summer Contract ends in August 22nd. The Fall/Winter contract goes from August to April, 9 months long. I needed to quickly decided if I wanted to remain in Branbury apartment or search for another place where it is hopefully cheaper.


• I found a Riverside Condominiums, not far from here, for only $825 for 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Splitting between three roommates would be $275 rent. Comparing to Branbury Private bedroom, it is cheaper. I already filled out the application sheet and I'm waiting for the approval. The plan with the Riverside Condo is to have three deaf roommates living together: Heather and Veronica and me. Would that be fun?

Seven Peaks Water Park

There was a Young Single Adult Multi-Ward Activity taken place at Seven Peaks Water Park in Provo, Utah last night from 6pm to Midnight. We wore the wristband to be able to enter for free. There's music, pizza, soda pops, water bottles, and fun! I arrived by myself a little after 6:30. A "gay" friend of mine named JR did my hair; he braided them up into pig-tails. It looked really cute. I was overwhelmed by the large number of young single men. High percentage of them are cute, handsome and in good shape. My flirty mood became a shy mood. I spend most of the time hanging out with JR.

I cannot say for sure if all or most of the Deaf Singles attend the Seven Peaks. They're all scattered everywhere. I managed to found some of them, about 10 I would think... Though they're not all hearing, I counted those who knows ASL. -chuckled-

I spend the daylight nibbling on pizza and drinking Orange Soda Pop, two of them actually, and chatting with JR. Then when the sun set, I finally decided take a dive into the water. JR & I continued the conversation by floating on the tubes around the "River". The water wasn't too bad. However when we decided to join into the Wave Pool, the water was much warmer! The waves aren't very large, due to large amount of people I believe. I enjoyed the music very much although I didn't bring my hearing aids. No, I didn't go into the fun Slides and other Rides. I guess I was more of a casual mood than to play around.

By 10pm, I dried myself and put on a shirt and jacket to be warm and chatted some more with JR and my old friend from EFDY named Christina. She lives in SLC, attending 2nd Deaf Ward. The exciting part: a cute guy came up and start signing with us. His name is Mitch Laubaugh. He's a return-missionary, served in South SLC area. He's from Ohio. He lives in Orem and works as a MTC Teacher since couple of months. And the best part, I got his phone number! Heehe!


♥ HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! ♥

To Groom or To Be Groom

Today is another wonderful day! The work at Riverwoods are very slow and relaxing. I spend most of the time just moving slow or sitting. I water & fed all the animals, cuddled with a yorkie, pet a cat, wrote two notes, did some laundry, did light sweeping, raked the backyard, ate some snacks and drank a can of orange juice as I go. Because there's like NOTHING going on at work, they decided to close the place at 1:30pm. Even though I get off work early, the hours of the week made up to 26.5 hours. I must have worked extra time on the other days. I will get a paycheck on Monday. Yippie.

I came home to relax for a bit. I was about to prepare myself for a free haircut appointment at 3pm when I got text message from Ruff House. I have a dog to groom! I got my hair trimmed and added more layers. Because I have extra time left before grooming time at 4pm, I order myself some Taco Bell to eat. The dog I groomed (and bathed) today was very easy & fast to groom. With a little over an hour I earned myself a $23 check today.

The Friday Kennel Tech

Today is a wonderful day! After working two jobs in the morning, I still have the energy to work. Thankfully, I had a good 8-hr sleep last night. When I walked into Riverwoods Pet Hospital, something smells strange. I couldn't figure out what's from till I saw an adorable baby skunk! It's there to have a surgery to remove the stinky-glands. Later, I get to briefly hold a sugar glider. It looks very cute but pretty odd to have as a pet because its claws are very sharp and gripping. Later at the end, I saw a new-born baby hedgehog!! Its spikes are white and its eyes are not opened.

Doing the kennel tech tasks are becoming easier to maintain. Simply making sure all the animals have food and water, taking the dogs outside, picking up poops, sweeping outside and inside, mopping inside, dumping all the trashes into the bin, watering the hanging plants, cleaning the kennels/cages, doing the dishes, sometimes wiping the windows, and doing the laundry. Every now and then there will be some odd jobs around the clinic when I have extra time such as bathing two of the Doctor's dogs. If there's nothing else to do, I can play with the animals such as holding the baby bunny, playing fetch with a dog, holding the macaw bird, etc. Kennel Tech is not an all work and no play job.

Three Jobs In One Day

I worked two hours as a cleaning maid, then two hours as a groomer, then four hours as a kennel tech today! Having three maids in the house makes the job done faster in two hours. I got $70 check 7 hours worth of work as a maid. I got $20 check from Ruffhouse for grooming a dog. I shall get paycheck on Monday from Riverwoods for 26 hours of work a week, which should get around $182. Total: about $272! My work schedule is basically like this:

• Kennel Tech: Mon - Fri: 2pm - 6pm, Saturday: 8am - 6pm. (Usually get off from 6pm to 7pm depending on when I completed the tasks.)
• House Maid: Mon, Wed, Fri: 8am - 10am. (Will be longer the coming week because one maid won't be there Mon & Wed)
• Grooming: Tues & Thurs: 8am - 12pm, Saturday: 2pm - 5pm. (If I have an appointment, that is.)

If I wanted to, I can squeeze in having a date or two in the evenings. Other than that, I would need to make sure I get enough sleep, eat enough food, and get some things done, such as emailing, blogging, researching, paying debts/bills, running errands, etc. What a beautiful life!

Saturday Work

Working at Riverwoods for 6 hours on Saturday was quite eventful. It's the day where I felt it was going fast yet slow at the same time. There were only five small dogs in boarding and two cats to take care of, beside all those pets that lives in Riverwoods. Things were quite easy to manage now that the business hours are shorter than on weekdays. They open from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays & 8am to 6pm on weekdays. While I plan to take my time with work, even though most of the tasks are done already, I end up finding myself getting into different types of tasks. I hosed and scrub down the outdoor beach-chair bench mattress thingie because the dog peed on it. I vacuumed off the dust and such from the Air Conditioners machine outside. I get to watch how the workers took a quick x-ray on the large iguana and giving medicine by squirting them into it's mouth.

When it was almost closing time, I sat at the front desk to keep the gal in company. The large iguana was given back to it's owner. She was just holding it, more like a hug, but she got bitten. It bit her cheek close to her lips. (I thought it bit her lips, but it's on her cheek.) It just bit and hold on. The doctor quickly give out orders to get things taken care of. They use a Popsicle stick to pry it's mouth open. Then she took the owner in to clean out the blood and wound. I busy myself with sweeping & mopping, so I didn't get much chance to see how serious the wound. But as far as I can see or hear, it wasn't too bad. That was quite an eventful day.

Remember that I mentioned drawf rabbits? Well I was wrong. It turned out that they're actually baby bunnies of giant rabbits. One is a new pet for Riverwoods and other belongs of one of the workers, I believe. No wonder their ears looks pretty big for their small adorable body. I'm curious to see how big they will be when they become full grown.

Third Week of June

Good Morning,

After spending the night coughing, I went to work early morning for the 8am to 12pm shift. I took the cage of two female rats with me to be given away. A gal name Heather wanted to have them. I replaced the dirty smelly bedding into clean bedding, and filled up the bowl with cat food. I cannot keep them because I'm allergic to the rats now. They make my skin itches whenever I touch or hold them. I was asked to go home and return to work at 3pm in the afternoon. Delightfully I hurried home. It was only 10 minutes drive from the apartment.

Animal Tales? Well, I accidentally let a dog out when I tried to enter the backyard, carrying in the rat cage. It was pretty scary to see an ugly fur-ball dog looks like he's going to run through the busy road. Luckily a worker showed up in time to catch the dog before he decided to run off farther. Riverwoods Pet Hospital sits right on University Ave street which is partly like highway than a regular road. I'm sorry that I had to say ugly because it looks like a pomeranian but it's very fat and furry which couldn't be a pomernian. I couldn't figure out what breed is it yet. I suppose I'll ask, if I remember to when I return to work in the afternoon.

The other day, a new boarding dog that just came in. I let him out to clean up the kennel. There's spill of water and food. The dog Matt acted like a scary-cat, with tail tugged tightly under between his legs. I crouch down low, trying to pet him, but he bare his teeth and nipped. I set myself in a way, he won't be crawling around too much. I stayed on the floor, holding my hand out to him. He still nipped whenever I tried to pet him. When I decided that I had enough, I just stood up and cornered him tighter. I press forward till he's standing low with his back at the corner, his paws hanging up. I carefully pet his head, and he doesn't nibbed. Then I let him go from the corner and he behaved better. It took him a while to get use to other dogs and the routine then he's a happy camper now. I just basically show him that I wouldn't let him to behave like that.

You should have seen how the drawf rabbit and tiny Yorkie played together on the floor inside. Sometimes the workers let two drawf rabbits out of cage to let them hop around. It's fun to see their cute white tail bounce when they hop around. They're very soft and light when held. How can you resist not having rabbit for a pet!

Two days ago, I was asked to hold an old dog while the nurse slowly take the drain out of the bloated belly. It's rather gross for me to think and see something being slowly drain out of the stomach, especially with the fact I had experiences to do with my stomach. *shuddered* And that day I couldn't leave work till 7pm because of the late doctor appointment. I had to wait for that last appointment to be over then I can sweep and mop the doctor office room. Though I shouldn't complain because I would get extra money for staying another hour. I was trying to leave work as early as I can because Heather Spreen happened to be in Provo that night. I wanted to visited her as much as I can before she had to leave. I got to visited her for about an hour or less. At least it's better than not at all. I missed her. I'm looking forward to see her again in August, when she returned to Utah from Washington.

That's all I can think of so far this week from Riverwoods Pet Hospital. Perhaps soon or later, I can set up photos of the animals from Riverwoods onto this Blog if I bring the digital camera with me. Or it would have been a lot easier if I could upgrade my Sidekick iD into a newer Sidekick that have camera....