Welcome to 2017 !

I know it has been a very long time since I have posted anything.
It has been some amazing years, lots of personal and business growth.

Both of my girls have gown, youngest has graduated from High School and the oldest received a Bachelors Degree.

Went on a week long Cruise to the Caribbean in August. That was an exciting adventure.

I’m just starring at this screen trying to think of something to write about, I’m not really good at this kinda thing ..

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and welcome to 2017!

Nanny’s Daily Schedule

Most times, I have a pretty easy schedule. It can include a handful of dogs and a cat, mixed in with a dinner with my family.
Other days it can be as hectic as 11 dogs and 8 cats, not mixed in with a dinner with my family. In fact, that day I may not see my family at all.

I actually end my day with checking emails, sending replies, checking texts, sending replies, and rechecking my calender, and making my schedule. All just so I don’t forget a furry kid visit.

Then I put on my jammies, and crawl into bed. If my husband isn’t already asleep we may spend a few minutes gibbering on about our day, the kids, and Emma Joy. If he is asleep then he is most likely already snoring, and I have to roll him over. Of course this is the night, that I have to get up at 4am. But, in short of smothering him with a pillow, I power through it.

I fall asleep while my mind is racing about the next day. Do I have all my keys, do I have alarm codes, did I remember to put fresh water down, move the trash bins … the loud noise of the alarm goes off, right at 5am. I crawl out of bed, find my laid out clothes, run a brush through my hair, and one on my teeth – hoping to get the right ones to the right place. I, by the way, do this all by a night light, as to not wake up the rest of the family. Emma will sometimes get up with me, get a drink of water, checks on the girls, and goes back to bed with husband.

I grab that schedule I made, make some water, and head out to the first visit. I hope that today goes by smoothly, that everyone eats, no accidents, and I have the happy energy to spread my love, hugs and belly rubs to each and every furry kid. By the time I realize my tummy is growling, it is already noon. Then I think back to yesterday, did I even eat dinner? Ugh, I know I should make a lunch bag, but who wants to at 4am? Do I stop for more fast food, do I have a minute to run in for a cold sandwich? Have I even checked on husband? My kids? Crap, I know there is something I forgot! Then my phone makes the normal sound of receiving a text – from a client. Oooh yeah!

Between getting about 4-5 hours of sleep, maybe a shower, just now getting something to eat, making my rounds, I totally forgot to check in with the clients. I know, they all know, that even if I didn’t check in, their furry kids are ok. But I promised them that check in. So while I find a stopping place, I eat whatever crapola I found to shush that growling tummy. I return texts, emails, and phone calls. All is good and lots of happy furry kids. Then I set out on the afternoon rounds. These are the same furry kids that I have had every day for many years. These are the furry kids that never seem to get tired of me and my big loud happy hellos.

Sometimes at this point, I will head home, or mark a few things off the ‘ol nasty “To Do” list, that neeever seems to get shorter. Grocery Store, Home Improvement Store, Bank, Office Store .. you get the idea.

If, I head home, it’s right about the time my oldest is getting ready to head to work, I get to find out a little bit about her day. She gibbers on, and I listen and soak it all in. Who knows when this little memory will one day become a faded one. Then once she is gone, I can then sit at my desk and catch up on any emails, calls and vms that came in through out the day. Some Facebook time, webpage clean up, and some snuggle time with Emma Joy. Then the youngest comes in. She has some stories to tell, and her facial expressions are priceless, they mimic her stories. At this point it has been 12 hours, and I am trying my best to not nod off as she is talking.

It’s now time to start dinner rounds, and then soon bedtime rounds. Same schedule as this morning, same furry kids. When I walk into each home, they are just as happy as they were when I was there 12 hours ago! You know, I think that they were just sitting around, thinking of me, and knowing that I was coming back just as I promised! Food served, walks made, balls tossed, feather toys played with. Tummy rubs, head pats, ticked toes. I never get tired of it all.

The last furry kid visited, and everyone is snuggled in bed, it is now time for me to head home for the night – check emails, send replies, check texts, send replies, check my calendar, make my schedule … …

Some of my Favorite Things!

I’m headed to Anikan, Mena and Chewie’s house. Yes, their mom is a huge Star Wars fan!

I walk in and see Mena and then Chewie peeks around the corner. No Ani, because some days he has trouble coming down the stairs.

I say good morning to Chewie and Mena and pass my kisses around. Mena always has this adoring look on her face and Chewie is just begging for me to pick him up and cradle him like a baby. One of my favorite things.

I tell them “come on let’s go upstairs and see Ani”. Chewie follows and knows its treat time when Ani gets his meds. Mena doesn’t follow, but she’s never too far from the treats.

Before I make it up the stairs I hear Ani’s meow. He’s excited to see me, I know because he is in his sweet head butting pose. I waste no time returning those head butts. I pat his rear and kiss his nose. One of my favorite things.

I get the meds and treats ready. I tell Ani “lets go” and he slowly makes his way to the bathroom. And of course Chewie is right behind him. I tell Chewie he has to wait outside. He gives me a sad face. I close the door because it is easier than the other two trying to take Ani’s treats from him.

Ani puts up his usual fuss while taking his meds. All the while purring really loud. But I am no quitter. He takes them and gets a treat. One of my favorite things.

Out the corner of my eye I catch something white. But when I look it’s gone. Ani gets another treat. Again. Something white catches my eye. I look. Nothing is there.

Scratching my head I get up and wait. All of a sudden Mena’s white arm stretches out from under the door. Every time I gave Ani a treat, she wanted one. I can’t help but laugh. When she did it again I reached over and tickled her paws. She quickly pulls them back under. I laugh even more.

I open the door and both Mena and Chewie pour in. They each get some treats, head scratches and butt pats. One of my favorite things.

While Ani eats some breakfast, Chewie and Mena follow me back downstairs. They decide to swat each other on the way down. I think Chewie loves to taunt Mena and Mena tells him just how it’s going to be. One of my favorite things.

I go sit on the floor and wait for Chewie to come to me. He taunts me. Knows that I am going to grab him and cradle him. He fusses to get lose and runs. But wastes no time in coming back for more. Mena sits high on the fridge and wants her chin scratched, purring loudly. One of my favorite things.

I get ready to leave and collect my things. Chewie jumps on the bar and gives me extra love then he leaves to wait in the window to watch me go. I say my good byes and shut the door. He jumps up and swats the window, as if he’s waving good bye. One of my favorite things.

Mondays

Monday is always an exciting day. Most people despise Mondays. They drag their feet, need more coffee, and running late.

But for me? It’s a new adventure. Even if it seems like I’ve been here before. I may not always bounce out of bed singing, but I am motivated and excited. I start a new week with the sweetest pets in the world.

Today, Mr Walter hears me come in. After I let him out of his pen, he runs to the back door first. Right on past me. Not even a hi. I’ll stand there with a pout and my hands on my hips. He will then run at me full speed. And showers me with affection. I’ll ask if he’s ready for our walk. He runs to the front door. Looks back at me to say “why aren’t you ready?”.

Out we go. He’s a good walker. And we always must stop at the poll. My thought, there’s good news, and there’s great news, I can tell by the amount of pause in his sniffs. Some days we walk a little farther, other days not so far.

Once back home we’ll hang out in the back yard. He’ll lay out and sun bathe, or we’ll play ball. Even if I have to chase him to get it.

Time for me to go, I always give him lots of love, a treat and tell him to be good until his mom and dad get home. I say until, because he’s a great big ol ball of puppy energy.

See you tomorrow Mr Walter.

Big Girls Don’t Cry

Now that the weekend has come to an end, and the day is silent. I’ve had time to absorb the last few weeks.

It’s a bit scary to admit you’re a big girl now and that at some point you need to make adult decisions. Since my girls are older and on the go more,  I’m sitting and wondering what is now in my future.

In October I finally made the jump to register for my own business. But I just stopped there. Tho I had so many thoughts and ‘I need to do this ..’ I just never put them into action.

In January I finally said ‘what is it that I’m waiting for?’ So here I am, with the wonderful help from my family and friends. I am officially debuting my New Pet Sitting business.

I always thought that I would just be doing what I’ve always felt comfortable doing. Enjoying playing with other peoples pets all day long. Never thought I’d call myself a business owner. Sounds grown up, doesn’t it?

In the next few weeks I’ll be focusing on the business part of running a company. So, look forward to reading a blog or two of me crying in frustration…

Until then, I would like to thank those that took the time to help me get to where I am now.

Groundhog’s Day

After my head hit the pillow last night, I don’t remember much. Waking up this morning listening to my girls getting ready for school, lying next to my husband, I’m wondering if today will be like any other day.

My husband decided to stay home from work and surprise me with an early Valentine’s Day gift! So out we go, to Home Depot. I know, romantics, but when you have been together as long as we have, you’re looking for the practical items.

I can’t complain, it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. Being a pet sitter, we have a dog and we board dogs in our home, I’m getting a storm door with a doggy door!

Ok, roll your eyes, but in Texas, we just don’t have critters, we have big critters, and like today, on Groundhog’s Day, it’s 70* and sunny. So we leave our door open. Guess what comes in besides the dog and kids? Yep, critters.

After installing the storm door we help our dog test it out. She’s not so sure about it. But she’s smart. And she’ll love it. Many hours later, she is still trying to figure it out.

Well, today was not all that different than any other day, but unlike that show Ground Hog Day starring Bill Murray, I will get up tomorrow and it’ll be new, with new adventures.

My Family

The Gonzalez Family

This is my wonderful husband Chris, and two awesome daughters Chynna(18) and Samantha(14). This picture was taken in October 2007, so I think it is high time we get some new ones done.

I am truly ❤ Blessed ❤ to have this bunch in my life. Some days they make me laugh, and some days they try my patience, and some days I am in complete awe as I look at each one of them.

Soon Chynna will be off at college, Sami will discover ‘true love’ and soon she’ll be driving, and then college. I am sure one day I will look back, and wonder when they grew up, and think of the moment when I held each one in my arms for the first time and counted each finger and toe, snuggled them close to my chest as I breathed in their new scent.

Nanny D’s Random Thoughts

Welcome to Nanny D’s Blog!

After many years of pet sitting, I have quite a few stories to tell. Some are fun, and some are just plain out of this world. I can’t wait to get started and share some of them with you!

At some point I am going to gather all of my thoughts, and tell stories of those amazing pets I take care of. But for now, I am trying to navigate my way around here.

So please come back often, and see what new treats I will have set up for you! You never know, something you might read, will be worth sharing!