Is the Zoo still open?

Helloooooooooooooo, to my beautiful Zodiac Zoo Crew! It has been so long that I bet you forgot that's what you're called, huh? I mean, I see I've lost some followers, and that's my fault. But I'm back and ready to get back in the swing of things.

I must say I have missed you all and your blogs. It's a bit confusing to me how I ended up making LESS time for my blog after I finished school, since I was juggling work, school, and the blog before. I wish I could say it's because I got a snazzy new job with my degree, but that is not the case. All in good time, though. I have high hopes.

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I can't wait to read all about what you have all been doing in my absence. I see it wasn't dusting and cleaning up around this place! Phew! I think there are still remnants of the last Zoo party around here. Ahhh, I miss the Zoo parties. I bet someone has one going on around here now that I'm missing. Eek! 

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Okay, that picture is more than a little disturbing, which is why I had to show it. You all missed me, didn't ya? Admit it! :) 

So, let's see. What do you need to be filled in on since my last post? Actually, not a whole lot of life-changing type information. I've been busy with work and family things, but luckily no more tragedies since the horrible last summer we had. And yes, I am quickly knocking on wood as I type that! 

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I bought myself two of those lucky bamboo thingies after the summer our family had. The real shocker isn't that we've been okay, but that I've managed to keep the plants alive. Need I remind you of the mums? No, I won't post that pitiful picture again. 

Soooooo, I'm back and I'm not going to abandon you all anymore. I realize how much I miss doing this and how big a kick I get out of reading your comments and your blogs. You all make me smile every day, and I need that back in my life. 

Plus, I figured today was a good day to start since it's freaking cold outside so I am definitely not looking for any reason to do anything outside. But mainly it's because I missed you guys... mostly. 

I really want to thank all of my followers who stuck around in my absence. You all are the greatest! It will be worth it, I swear. Now I am off like a prom dress to go check out what my peeps have been up to. 

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Have a great week!

I'm back and ready for fall?!

Hello, my Zodiac Zoo Crew! I have missed you all so much! The reason for the title is that this hasn't been the most wonderful summer for me, which is the reason for my absence. I won't sadden you with the details for now (I'll save that for a day when I'm not so chipper), but let's just say that two funerals in a summer is NOT something I want to repeat EVER again.

On a happier note (I hope), what have you all been up to? I just spent a great Labor Day weekend at the lake with some friends, and this was our horrible view.

It was absolutely perfect weather, including the rain the first night we got there to cool it off before we hit the water. Pretty much all of the guys around here were in the woods since it was the start of hunting season, so us ladies hit the lake. We had a great time cooking ourselves on the water by day, and playing games and drinking the evenings away. What a great way to spend the weekend, no?

I was so tickled to be invited since I only knew two of the ladies, but I hope to be included in more of these outings in the future. I really had a great time and felt like I could be myself around every one of the ladies who showed up. They actually tried to hold me to a comment I made about letting them have the approval of any pictures I posted on Facebook. Ha! First of all, you cannot limit me to things that were said while spending the evening enjoying the company of my good friend, The Captain. (Yes, that would be Captain Morgan.) And secondly... Well, I guess the "first of all" thing said it all, right?

Unfortunately, in the end I caved because honestly, I want to be invited back. I didn't technically let them approve photos, but I made sure only the best photos of them were posted. See, I'm smart enough to stay behind the camera so I don't usually have to worry about what is going to get posted of me. My momma didn't raise no fool. :-)

As for being ready for the fall... I am ready for it to cool off, which it is doing very nicely recently. We had a long hot summer, and I know I'll be whining about the cold before too long, but still. It's nice to be able to breathe again.

Also, fall means football! Although my Steelers did not show up on Sunday against the goon squad that is Baltimore, I did get to enjoy one afternoon at training camp this year. I got some awesome photos, and I'm sure I'll share more with you later. This was one of my favorites though.

LaMarr Woodley (our 61 million dollar man) and Larry Foote

I'm just extremely glad there IS football this year. It was touch and go there for a while, and I was afraid the douche bag Goodell was not going to get it done. I think the players association screwed up in some of the things they gave up, but at least we have football!

So for now, let me leave you.. I have a ton of things to get done, but I did not want to put off posting to my loyal followers for another moment. I have neglected your blogs and mine for too long, but I'll be swinging by soon.

Bear with me....

My Dad had to have a heart cath and a stint put in so I am trying to catch up on things. (By the way, last year he had heart surgery and a brain tumor removed, so this was a bit of a scare for us for him not to be done with all of the health problems.) He's doing well although they had a bit of trouble getting his blood pressure under control. Hopefully, he's going home today. The man really needs to catch a break, health-wise.

Of course, that means I'm behind on school stuff and trying to get that finished! Anyway, I just wanted you all to know that I haven't fallen off of the planet, and I will get back into the swing of things soon.

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I miss all of you, and I'll never catch up on my Reader at this rate. Let me know if I've missed anything important. For now, it's back to work and wishing I could curl up in my bed and sleep for about a week. Can someone arrange that for me? Anyone who would like to do a guest post around here, feel free to let me know. I have a couple of people who are thinking of some things, I think. I haven't had anyone visit in a while though, so I figured it would help get this blog back on track. School should be over in about a month now!