Lanikai Beach

After Manoa Falls, G and I drove up to Kailua for lunch. Kailua is a really cute surf town. For those of you who follow Lost, it's also where Michelle Rodiguez and the girl who plays Libby were arrested for drunk driving.

G and I tried to go to the beach at Kailua Beach Park. But, since it was Memorial Day weekend it was PACKED and there was zero parking.

We ended up driving a little further east to Lanikai Beach. I'd always heard Lanikai was a prettier beach anyway. And, it really was. The water was flat, clear and gorgeous! The sand was brililantly white. We had a relaxing afternoon on the beach reading, watching the snorklers, and watching the women's kayak teams take out their kayaks for training. It was a very peaceful way to spend the afternoon. Especially nice after all the running around we've been doing.

Manoa Falls

I really wanted to go hiking when I got to Hawaii. I'd heard the waterfalls and rainforests were out of this world! And, they were.

We drove through the center of Oahu to the north east side of the island. The east side of Oahu, or the windward side, get all of the rain. Our resort is in the very dry, or leeward, side.

The hiked up to Manoa falls takes about 10-15 minutes. We hiked through lush forrest, bamboo along a very nice graveled trail. There was even a model out on the path having a photo shoot. She looked less than thrilled to be there. I was shocked by the number of people hiking in flip flops. When did flip flops become hiking shoes?!



The falls were beautiful. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but it's like 200 feet to the top.



Then, G decides he wants to take this other trail another mile or so where we're supposed to have a great view of Diamond Head. This trail is marked "moderate". Moderate my ass !! It was muddly, slippery,and covered in sharp volcanic rock. yes, some of the trail was moderate. But, there were parts where it was just bolders straight up to the point where you were almost rock climbing. Not something I'd call a moderate hike. We only saw one other group of people hiking this trail the whole time we were on it. It was very poorly marked with an occasional splotch of orange spray paint or a tree tie. After about 30 minutes of climbing I'm sweaty, muddy, probably stinky and it seems we're getting nowhere fast. I call up to G "I am no longer having fun!". G looks visibly relieved. He'd stopped having fun too. View of Diamond Head be damned ! And, we headed back down.

Back on the easy trail back to the car G loses his footing. He is COVERED with mud. One big muddy butt print and all the way down the back of his pants. He's less than pleased. Fortunately, back at the car the gentleman who watches the parking lot had a giant tub of baby wipes. I loved this guy! I baby wipe my grimy face and attempt to get off all the mud. For G, it was a losing battle. He just needed a hose.

Sunset Catamaran

After our long morning of surfing, we drove back to the resort to shower and change. We'd made reservations to go on a sunset sail on a forty foot catamaran off of Waikiki Beach.

We battled the Honolulu traffic for what seemed like the twentieth time to get into Waikiki where the boat was launching. We stand in line to sign the waiver, with Rachel and Steve, and then stand in another line to take the obligatory "couple shot" in front of every Hawaiian attraction. They then try to sell you these pictures later for $15-20 dollars. We had this happen at the USS Missouri, the luau, the sunset sail, the dinner cruise in Maui, etc. etc. Only one of them really came out cute... the sunset sail. So, we actually bought this one. But, I haven't scanned it yet.

There are about thirty to forty people on the boat. Ranging in age from 21 to probably 65. Mostly the college age and honeymoon crowd from what i could gather.

The boat shoves off and the view is so pretty! We could see all of Honolulu all the way out to Hawaii Kai. So nice. The crew was great and who can complain about half-naked sailing guys !! Wait.. I'm married now. But, still !!



One of the guys sole jobs was to keep us with drinks. The drinks were included so I had mai tais and the boys drank beer. Everyone started with a mai tai.. but half way through the sail G noticed that all the men had switched over to beer.. while all the women were now still drinking the mai tais. I have no problem with my fruity girl drink. Pass the pina coladas.

The sunset was gorgeous out over the water and the four of us had a great time!!

Surfing Safari

It's the day after the wedding... and I'm getting up at some un-godly hour to go surfing. It's just so... wrong. the getting up early I mean. I was actually really excited to go surfing!

We meet up in the hotel lobby with G's best friend Rachel and her boyfriend, steve. We all pile in our car and drive the 45 minutes north to Oahu's North Shore. The surf had actually been really low all week, but that's okay for us since we're learning.

We find the surf shop, which is basically a little hole in the wall on the second floor of a little forrested strip mall. We meet the instructor. His name is Edison, he surfs big waves and he's from Brazil. A very nice guy, kinda quiet. His wife/girlfriend was there. She showed us pictures of the 8 german shephard puppies she had at home. SO CUTE!

We end up at an area of the North Shore called Chun's Reef. The surf wasn't very high, but it was enough to learn on. After a quick 5 minute on the beach lesson, which didn't even include how to steer... we're paddling out.

OMG is paddling out hard! For one thing, the board is 11' long! For another, I have weak girly arms. Thirdly, the surf was suuuuper super choppy.

But, after two or three tries I get up! I'm UP! I'm on a wave. I kick ass! This is so much FUN! G's friend Rachel tries to paddle out and gives up. She went back to the beach and never managed to get back in the water. Her boyfriend tried to get up two or three times and then gave up. G had that look of determination on his face that said "I'm getting up before my wife!".

And... he did. But, my very next ride I stood up too.

We lasted about two hours in the water. I had a fabulous time! Then I started to feel bad that G's friends were on the beach so long, but... we paid for a three hour lesson for crissake. I'm getting my money's worth!! Although, the instructor told us later that no one can last the full three hours the first time. He was impressed we made it to two. He commented that G and I must be in pretty good shape. That, and even exhausted I was NOT conceeding to G. I was going to get up more time than him, darn it !! We're competitive that way. It's healthy though... really.

Back at the surf shop we pack up the boards and head down the strip center to a mexican restaurant. Nothing sounded better to me at that point, being tired, sandy, and hot than a beer and some fish tacos. DAMN they were tasty!

I was definitely looking forward to my second surf lesson on maui. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of this lesson. None of the ones Rachel took from the beach came out. She was too far away. oh well. I did stand up on a north shore wave.. I promise!

My Wedding Day

I was never one of those girls who sat around and dreamed about her wedding day. I DEFINITELY didn't want to be one of those... "I'm going to be a pretty pretty princess" girls. Oh lord.

I wanted small, beach, immediate family and close CLOSE friends only! And, that's exactly what I got. I picked Hawaii partially because of the financial constraints to get there. My family is HUGE (I have 11 sets of aunts and uncles and don't even ask me to count how many cousins I have). I knew if I went to Hawaii and got married on the beach, even if I invited them, most of them would not be able to attend. I didn't do it to be mean.... but I REALLY wanted a small wedding. I also didnt want my wedding to be compared to all my cousin's lavish 40k weddings. I didn't want one of those.. it's not me.

I found my photographer on the internet. His photographs were STUNNING! I also loved his sense of humor. So, I emailed him. He started asking me what I wanted in a wedding... and he helped me organize it. He was an Oahu local who knew everything about the wedding industry and ran five wedding businesses. He did all of it: Minister, flowers, and helped us pick a beach. So, I had to pay no resort or location access fees. I did the whole wedding for less than $800. And, it turned out beautiful.




After Pearl Harbor, G and I arrived back at our hotel to get ready for the wedding. We were supposed to meet people in the lobby at 5pm. It was only 3pm. I only needed an hour to get ready.

G left me alone about 430. I was putting on makeup, in my hotel robe, and about to start blowing out my hair. I had G send up my mom to help me get on my dress. How embarassing would it be if I couldn't get my dress zipped up! Besides, every girl needs her mommy on her wedding day.

The planner met us in the lobby at 5. G sent him up to my room to help me with my Haku lei. (the ring of flowers I have in my hair) Then, Steve (the planner) ran back downstairs to get the guests out to the beach. The beach/cove we picked was directly behind our resort. Which is why we decided to stay there in the first place. Then, steve came back to get myself and my parents. I had to have my dad walk me in of course!

When we arrived on the beach Steve had leis for all my guests. In Hawaii tradition the bride and groom pass them out. I already had my flowers.. and I gave G his maile lei. (the ring of leaves around his neck) He looked so great !



Our Hawaiian minister was fabulous. He had the best smile and was so happy and friendly. Everyone in Hawaii was, but him especially. You could tell he loved his job. Half of our blessing were in Hawaiian, which I loved, and he also translated it into English for us. (thank goodness) The ceremony was short and sweet and I was fighting back tears the whole time.



G and I had my brother and his wife be our witnesses on our marriage license. My sister in law was shocked about that one!



Then, the pictures. Oh lord.. there was SO MANY pictures. Every time I turned around Steve or my father had a camera in my face. Sometimes it was dueling pictures. I never knew where to look. Finally, Steve took us down the beach alone to take portrait shots. I'm still waiting for the final developed pictures. So, I'll post the ones I do have that my brother took with my camera.

Once I have the professional shots I'll post them as a slideshow.

The wedding was everything I wanted it to be. It was gorgeous. My immediate family and G's immediate family all got to be there. Unfortunately, my best friend didn't make it, she was missed. But my wedding was something I'll never ever forget.

Walking back up to the hotel.. G and I were finally alone. The family went to get ready for dinner. G and I had a few minutes alone on the beach. Steve left us alone and packed up. We walked back to the resort hand in hand. Every person we passed smiled and said congratulations. I guess we kinda stuck out. But, for the first time I really didn't mind being the center of attention. Everybody smilies at you when you're in a wedding dress.

Pearl Harbor

My mother freaked that G and I wanted to go to Pearl Harbor the day of our wedding. Um mom, the wedding's not til 5pm. I'm not going to sit in my room all day twiddling my thumbs waiting for 5pm. Yeah... no.

So G, my parents, my brother, my sister in law, and the nephew all met up at Pearl Harbor early Wednesday morning. They tell you get to the Arizona Memorial early so you can get a time. Only so many people can fit on the memorial and they take you out there for 15 minutes at a time.

we were there by 8am. The line wrapped around the building. We got a ferry boat time of 930am. So, we had about an hour to kill on the grounds. We took pictures, bummed in the museum, toured the gift shop. My brother headed over to one of the submarines to check it out. Submarine with lots of people felt like claustrophobia central to me. So, I passed.

Before we boarded the ferry, they showed us a twenty minute video on the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Not much I didn't already know, but still good.

We're still laughing about how bad the Navy girl was who piloted our ferry. she couldn't dock our ferry boat to save her life. (she had to have been learning because the other Navy guy on the ferry was chuckling under his breath).

The Arizona Memorial didn't effect me as much as it should have. Maybe I was distracted by everything else that was going to happen that day. Maybe it's too far in the past for me to really relate to. Lots of people were putting leis in the water , or around the posts with the lists of names of soldier who died. G and I spent a lot of time looking at the schematics of the ship. I also couldn't believe that oil was still bubbling up out of the ship 60 years later. That just seemed weird to me. You'd think all the oil would be gone by now.



One of the park rangers gave us an extra detailed talk about the ship. He spotted me in my UT National Champions shirt.. and told us that since he won a bunch of money on the game from his USC loving boss.. he'd give us an extra twenty minutes on the memorial if we wanted a private tour. SURE! how many people get to do that ? That.. and he was probably bored. But, he was a really nice guy and explained to us exactly why Arizona sank as fast as it did. HUGE battleship.. sank in like seven minutes.

After our tour, we headed over to the USS Missouri to tour the battleship. Very cool to see, climb on things, etc. Also need to think that my Uncle Dick used to work on one of these things.


After lunch at the snack area near the Missouri it was time to head back to the hotel to get ready. WEDDING TIME !!

Luau time !!

In lieu of a rehearsal dinner, G's family decided they'd like to take us to a luau. The resort we stayed as is supposedly the best luau on the island. (Paradise Cove)

We arrive at the luau at 5pm (when we're were told to) only to find out that the luau show and dinner don't start til SEVEN! EEK! G and I were already starving.. so we did what any couple would do... headed to the bar. Yay drink tickets !


The parents got to mingle, since they hadn't met yet.. unbelieveable, but true. G, my brother, his wife, and I wandered off to watch people try to be polynesian. They threw spears, they tried to cast fish nets, we drank mai tais and pina coladas. The brother took many many pictures of the baby.

Finally... we get the FOOD ! It was decent, nothing spectacular. The pork was good.

The show was great. One of the guys at our table had to get up and shake it on stage with three hula girls. (G was jealous of the hula girl sandwhich, but not the public humilation)

Overall, a very fun night.

I love scuba diving..... it rocks my socks.

While still adjusting to Hawaii time, G and I woke up at an ungodly hour to head to the east side of Oahu. We had to meet the dive boat at 730am... and it's a 1.5 hour drive to Hawaii Kai from Ko'Olina. We found out the hard way that taking the HOV lane on H1 DOESN'T go all the way to the other side of Honolulu. We lost a good 20 minutes trying to get back to the "real" H1. Things on Oahu are NOT super well labeled. You'd think they would be with as many tourist as they get.

Anyway, back to diving. We to the boat ramp and we're the only ones there. One of the assistant divemasters shows up about 745. (gee, good thing we rushed over there) So, we head to the McD's next door for egg McMuffins. By 815 we'd met our head divemaster, Max, and loaded the gear onto the boat. The weather was BEAUTIFUL. There was a nice breeze, it was sunny, about 80 degrees and the water was crystal clear and FLAT! Flat water is good when you're trying to organize a group on the surface before you drop in.

There are only SIX of us on the boat (including the two divemasters). One of the other gentlemen is here from Austrailia so he looked at my dive gauges to try to figure out the coversion from PSI to barr (since his dive gauges are all metric). Our first dive for the day was called Baby Barge. The barge was sunk off Hawaii Kai as artificial reef. So, we drop in and hanging out on the barge are three HUGE Green Sea Turtles. They were enormous. Then, we go from the barge over to a series of ledges and some more reef. Under a ledge is an area called shark cove. And, now we know why. We glance under and we see a 5-6ft white tip reef shark. He was very cool ! Unfortunately, I couldn't take our underwater cameras since they only go to 50ft and our dives were all around 65ft. The conditions were perfect though.

During our surface interval I had a raging headache and decided doing the second dive probaly wasn't a good idea for me. After the headache made me horribly nauseased I realized the culprit was most likely my egg mcmuffin. My body rebeled horribly.

So, G did the second dive and I enjoyed the sun top-side and watched a pod of dolphins playing on the surface. (lots of backflips!) G told me the current was super strong for the second dive. But, he did see some even bigger turtles and a few morays.

We make it back to the shore and none of us wanted to get off the boat. The conditions were too good. We were having too much fun!! My headache was gone and i was ready to go back out there. But, alas, all things have to end.. and we had a luau to get to. But, we thoroughly enjoyed a day of diving.

Traveling to Hawaii: Day One

Our flight to Hawaii left Tampa at 6am. It was painful. Since we were traveling on frequent flier miles we didn't really get to pick much. We flew United so we pretty much had to go through Chicago O'Hare. We got into Chicage after 2.5 hours on the TED plane. Then, a two hour lay over... then... the EIGHT AND A HALF hour flight to Honolulu. It was mind numbingly boring

G and I passed the time by watching Arrested Development on DVD. Thank God for portable DVD players. When those ran out we read books, tried to stay awake, and listened to air traffic controllers on the head sets. G also played the pilot's "half way to hawaii game" where you had to guess at exactly what time we'd be half way there based on windspeed, velocity, etc. G got it right within 50 seconds ! He'd like to claim brillance, but it was mostly blind luck if you ask me. No big prize though, he was very sad.

When we finally arrived in hawaii (2pm Hawaii time) we picked up our rental car. A very nice BRAND NEW white mustang convertable. SWEET !! And, we drove to the JW Marriott Ihilani. The resort was BEAUTIFUL! We had an ocean view room on the 7th floor. HUGE room with a HUGE bathroom. The view was amazing.


We had reserved dinner that night in downtown Honolulu for a restaurant G had heard about in one of his travel magazines. The restaurant was called Town. The food was UNBELIEVEABLE! Suprisingly it was also once of the lesser expensive places we went the whole time we were there. not cheap, but so many of the places there in hawaii were just obscenely expensive. I had risotto to die for with mushrooms and asparagus. G had white fish (mahi I think) on white beans with yummy spices and other stuff...I really can't remember now but it was tasty! Dessert was a lovely panna cotta and a panini stuffed with chocolate fudge, bananas, and apple slices. SO GOOD !!

One the way back to the resort , we ran into G's parents. We chatted for like ten minutes and then excused ourselves. We were exhausted, having been up for almost 23 hours. We also had to get up early for the next day: scuba diving !!

Last minute errands... last day off !

My last weekend off before Hawaii was less than relaxing. I had SO many errands I had to get done. I did get to spend some time with G, but most of it was going out for meals to relax after a long day of errands.

Sunday was Mother's Day as you all know. G and I went to our favorite local diner for a breakfast/brunch, had coffee, read the paper, chatted, and started out our morning kinda slow. It was nice, not too hot, and cozy. Then, I headed back home to bathe the mutt. (he sorely needed it) Fortunately, he likes baths so I just dunked him in our guest room tub. So fresh and so clean.

G and I finally went clothes shopping for him for the wedding. I had to convince him that we really didn't have to go that formal. We shopped and shopped... which I really wasn't that into, but I know he needed help. The last place I want to be after working a week at International... is back at International. (even if it is for shopping) We got him some shirts to wear in Hawaii at Dillards, some new swim trunks at Pac Sun (who knew those would be so hard to find in Florida?) and then hit Tommy Bahama for wedding clothes.

I found him the perfect color button down short-sleeved shirt for the wedding. It's the same ice blue as the panel of my wedding dress. That, with some gorgeous white cream pants. He looked SO good and the pictures will look STUNNING! I'm so excited. I had to have the sales girl help me convince him it wasn't too casual. It's dressy casual which is exactly what we wanted.

Monday G headed back for his last week in Houston before we leave. I went out to run even more errands. Bank, finding the underwater cameras, groceries. And, I took Tiger to the vet for his two week follow up on his Pb serum levels.

Then, I finally got to have some fun. I went to my three hour tennis lesson. I can finally hit the ball straight. It was fairly amusing having high school kids teach me proper form, but they were really nice. My regular Coach (Chad) did something funky to his foot playing soccer, so he'd give me some instruction and then watching me from the sidelines. He'd have one of the high school kids come demonstrate. I got to hit more balls that way, too. I went through three baskets. A LOT of balls. I didnt' realize how many that really was until I had to hop them all back into the basket. (ugh) But, now I have a farmer tan... which will look so lovely in my wedding pictures. (sigh) But, I got out in the sun for some activity. The shower afterwards felt SO good !!

Stress I *so* don't need right now

I leave for my wedding in nine days !! yay !! I can't believe it snuck up on me so fast.

Mini-nervous breakdown on Wednesday when I arrive home to a cryptic answering machine message from the salon where I normally get my hair done. I call them back.... they proceed to tell me that the stylist I made my appointment with A MONTH AGO no longer works at the salon. WHAT??! WHY the heck are you waiting until four DAYS before my appointment to tell me this! WHY!?

I explain my situation. tell them i'm getting married. Reiterate that Monday is my LAST day off before I get on a plane to Hawaii for my WEDDING! THIS is why I made this appointment... a.month.ago!

"But ma'am, all of our stylist are booked that day".

ME: Fine, I'll find another salon

"oh no! Don't do that, let me to talk to some stylists and I'll call back".

The only stylist they offered to put me with.. agreed to work through her lunch... and it's the girl G won't go do anymore because she made his hair look funky. If she can't cut men's hair there's no way she's going near mine with no grow out time before the wedding.

So, I cancel that appointment. I get a phone call later in the day from the stylist wanting to know why i canceled my "updo". WHAT? I never ONCE asked for an updo! I said I needed a haircut. But, apparently since I'm getting married, I want an updo done ONE WEEK before my wedding! Ummmmmm no. This is why I canceled.

After quite a few phone calls I found one salon on citysearch that had FABULOUS reviews. They were super nice when I explained my situation. They worked around MY schedule and got me in with their best person! She's probably horribly expensive, but at this point I have no time to lose and do NOT want funky wedding pictures. I'll pay whatever it takes.

Maybe this will just lead me to a better salon. Who knows ? They're definitely nicer on the phone. At least they realize I don't want an updo a WEEK in advance. *snort*

First Professional Tennis Lesson

All my errands were done early Monday morning and I decided to explore the HCC campus. I'd heard there was a really nice public tennis complex there. Turns out it's beautiful. 16 courts (some clay) and two practice walls to hit against. After lunch, I decided to head back to hit against the wall.

As it turns out it costs nothing to go in and hit against the wall. which is good. I don't think I should have to pay to play tennis. (with as many public courts as we have in Tampa) After I was out there about half an hour one of the coaches came out to chat with me. probably had mostly to do with the fact that I was the only one in the complex at the time. Later I realized I hope there was no camera system there because I suck big time. He was probably have a good laugh in the control room if such a thing existed.

The coach invited me over to join one of the classes that was about to start. It's only 12 dollars an hour, he told me. Compared to private lessons at 40 dollars an hour it was a bargain! So, I pack up my ball bag and head over to the courts for my lesson.

Rounding the corner: They're all KIDS! LITLLE kids! Oh lord. I'm gonna get shown up by 8 year olds. There were two older girls there (and by older I mean high school). All of these kids were competitive in their respective age groups. *sigh* And then there's me. Taught by G and never had a real professional lesson.

They put me through warm ups... good to know at least I run faster than the 8 year olds. Then they put me on a court by myself with a coach. His name is Chad and he's really fun. Chad and I were listening to Queen and Guns n Roses while all the kids had some hip hop stuff playing. I'm so unhip I dont' even know who it was. I learned all the main tennis strokes, and even learned a proper serve. It was BRUTALLY hot that day and we had to stop and take quite a few water breaks. Chad kept everything light and fun and I stayed relaxed enough so that I was actually doing a decent job. he told me I learned really fast. Whether that's true, or whether that's something coaches just say I've yet to figure out. But, I was having fun! THREE HOURS later my lesson was over. I ended up getting a three hour private lesson for only 36 dollars. Bargain basement, my friends. I'm definitely going to try to come back next week.

I'm no Maria Sharapova, but as long as I can keep from embarassing myself on the courts I'll be okay.

Tiger update

Tiger has now been on phenobarbital for a week. The side effects of the medication seemed to really hit him Saturday. G and I noticed he was having a hard time with his back legs. He got really slow walking up the stairs. (which, if you know my dog at all is NOT normal) The listed side effects for Pb said the dog can get lethargy and ataxia, especially of the hind legs. It's supposed to only last the first few weeks til he gets to a stable serum level.

Sunday, he tripped chasing after his toys when his back leg gave out under him.

Today he's been sleeping most of the day. Again, NOT normal for my dog at ALL. I just took him out for his nightly walkie... and he hesitated before going down the stairs. The took the stairs methodically, stopping to look up at me every few steps like, "do I have to mom?". It almost made me cry. How do you explain to a dog that you're giving him medicine in his dinner and breakfast to make him better?? Yet, it's going to make him uncoordinated and lethargic for at least a week or two first. It's so hard for me to watch. I don't want to admit my dog is sick. But, if I have to go through this to make him better... I'll do it. This better not be permanent. I was my toy chasing, up-the-stairs-racing, fuzzy running buddy back ! now !

Please tell me the side effects go away! Please! We go back for his first serum level measurement next Monday.

Take my blood... PLEASE!

I decided this morning to donate blood. I logged online to my account to set up a good appointment time. (10am) Then, I trotted my happy ass to the blood center. Which, thankfully, is only 3 miles away.

They check my ID at the door and I'm immediately whisked away for history taking and iron measurement. Iron passes, no problem. After all the pre-requesit, "have you had sex with anyone who has had sex with a donkey in the last 12 months", etc. etc. ad nauseum. They get to the big one... "have you been out of the US or Canada in the last three years". Yes, multiple times.

Okay where ? Paris and Rome last year for a week each. (girl checks list... that's not a problem).

What else ? Um... Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (checks list again) Where in Mexico?
Playa del Carmen. (checks list again) Oh! There it is. (glares at me) You can't donate for a full year.

WHAT?! I've been to cancun before and they said I could donate... AND I visited the Mayan Ruins on my trip. This time all I did was ride in a van to a resort and drink pina coladas and watch a friend get married.

Sorry... you can't donate for a year.

*sigh*

Five minutes (and no cookies) later I'm back in my car. I'm off the list until next year. Which, is really too bad. The blood centers here are on critical for Type O blood. And, they just rejected a type O patient.

At least I tried, eh ?

Internet

The internet is back at work !! yay !!!! :) It makes me so happy

Doggie downers ?

Today was an eventful day. The morning brought that joy of joys.. the visit to the girly doctor. It's always an event women look forward to. heh.

After hanging out at home a few hours, I made an appointment to take Tiger to the vet next Monday for his annual exam and shots. He's due for Bordatella and DHLPP. Not TWO minutes after I hang up the phone with the vet... Tiger starts having a seizure. Not the end of the world, he does have epilepsy, but still scary every time. I was concerned though, since this is his second seizure in two weeks. I called the vet back and said, "You're never going to believe this". The girl even recognized my voice since she had just talked to me.

Needless to say, fifteen minutes later I was at the vet. She had told me if he ever starts having seizures more frequently than every 2 months, we need to talk about putting him on medication. So here I was, on my day off, sitting at the vet with Tiger. Fortunately, I love my new vet. She's super nice and always happy to see us. Tiger got lots of treats at the front desk (he's the king of sucking up) and lots of love in the exam room. After discussing we decided it was time for Phenobarbital. He gets dosages twice a day (every 12 hours , or as close as I can get). It work by depressing his neurons to keep him from seizing. It doesn't mean he won't ever have a seizure again, but hopefully it means he won't have them as frequently. She said he might be lethargic for the first two weeks as his body gets used to the new medication. (One can only hope!) ;) I got back in two weeks to get his blood levels checked to make sure he stays in the therapeutic range of the medication. I also have to go back routinely now to make sure the drugs dont cause liver damage. Oh, the joys of dog ownership. But, he's so worth it !!