Privyet.

A cheery Russian hello to you all! Not sure kids in Russia skate cheerily in the town square as Dora depicts them, but kudos for trying to introduce the world to preschoolers ;).

Before I get too far into this post I just want to say that this dog is awesome. He's doing fantastically well at potty learning, largely because I take him out every 20 minutes or so, lol. I think eventually he'll get sick of going outside so often for no reason and start telling me he needs to go. Until then, we walk every 20 minutes. He had only 1 of each kind of accident yesterday. Not too bad considering I know adult dogs who are not that well trained.

We have decided not to crate him at meal times. He doesn't beg at the table, just lays at our feet under the table (probably one eye open just in case, lol). Last night Neall walked him a good brisk walk before putting him into his crate. I had read that the 2 reasons for barking in the crate are 1. too much energy/not enough exercise or 2. seperation anxiety. We figured it was an energy issue since it continued even when dh was right there. I think we were right and wearing him out did the trick. He was ready to pee when I got up this morning but did not whine or cry at all last night.

School is going very well except that I'm having a hard time with all of these holiday days off and such. In the spring, if you have a Monday class, you miss A LOT of school time. It is quite literally 1 week on, 1 week off, 2 weeks on, another week off. Last week was spring break. It seems like just as my momentum builds to the perfect point we get a week off and I lose it. I know that's my fault, but I'd rather just get into a routine. I THINK this is the last of the holidays. I think, lol. I have a couple of big projects to do in the next week or so, an observation being one of them and the menu project as well. Also there's a paper to write but I don't know what on because it's not due until the 30th (which will be here before I know it, lol). I need an hour to sit and get re-organized after time off. Easier said than done.

Tonight is "Easter" dinner with my IL's. I'm looking forward to not having to cook. I think we're taking puppy with us. I don't think he's ready for us to leave him, even crated. It would be good to introduce him to their dog anyway. Maybe he'll realize he's big and decide he doesn't need to be afraid of everything that moves. We're bringing dessert but I cheated and bought carrot cake cupcakes from the store. Now, if my MIL keeps her word and does not play easter bunny this year I'll be happy. The fairies will still come Friday and we're doing an egg hunt (coloring one day this week too) with a group of Pagan friends at a park (weather permitting) too. Lots going on this week. I hope to make it to the YMCA to the open gym too. Aw crumb, just realized that my niece will be here Friday. I think I'll email the fairies and ask them to come Wed. night so they don't have to bring a basket for her Friday.

Neall has 3 days off this week, adding Wed to the mix. The plant is shut down on Friday in observance of the holiday weekend, but Neall's normal day off is Friday so he gets to pick another day. Wednesday it is! Too bad it's too cold to camp. I'm itching to camp.