Well, I can’t say it’s been the best start of a month. Yesterday, I went into Susie homemaker mode and baked cookies. Too bad I had way too many other things on my mind and mistakenly put in 1 tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Worst part is, as I was pouring it in, I said out loud, “wow, this seems like a lot.” HELLO, Mindy!! Anyone home?? It is too much!! *beep, beep* I tried one of the finished cookies and it tasted fine, but once they cooled, they had this horrible aftertaste, which is when I looked at the recipe and discovered my horrible mistake. Nevertheless, I still eat them and wash them down with lots of water. I’m such an idiot.

Yes, I have more bad news. I just took Snippy to the vet (lovely Russian woman), and it appears Snippy has a very severe heart murmur (a 5/5 on the severity scale). I have to watch for all the signs that signal it is affecting her livelihood. The vet said she may live several more years if treated, which is issue number 2, affording medication. I’m already paying $20 more a month for pet rent, and if I can get the generic medication, it’s $7-20/month or name brand for $30-50/month. Plus, there is the angiocardiogram (sp?), occasional blood tests, and other random things. I’m developing a plan of action. She is the sweetest dog in the world. I honestly couldn’t ask for anyone more loving, so I have to try to do all that I can for her. So it seems even more cutbacks in my lifestyle are necessary, only the bare necessities.