The Poodle Place 2.0

The Room Mate Hunt

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:03:03 GMT

Okay, So Tom had chosen to move out on his own, leaving the nest, spreading his.... well never mind all that!
The point is, we need a room mate now to fill his room. As many of you know, Tom has the far bedroom on the quieter side of the apartment. The apartment is fully furnished, although we do have an additional storage unit down the hall from us for extra stuff! Michael will keep the loft bedroom since he travels so much and is rarely home. The rent is going to be $550, includes utilities, although Tom has been pitching in an extra $40 to help with the A/C bill. Being on the top floor in the dead of summer…. Yeah!
The amenities of the property are amazing! We have a covered parking deck that is gated access only. We are on the 4^th floor, with great views of the pool. The loft actually faces the Buckhead skyline, but that's Michael's! The unit is brand new with all new everything. The community offers a great gym with Spin classes, a cybercafé with free internet, a game room with wii and playstation, a daily continental breakfast complete with Starbucks! The pool is actually salt water, which we love and spend many Saturday's in. There is a trash valet, so no trips to the dumpster! There is a laundry service, one load a day free of charge!
So feel free to call my cell if you have any questions or want to schedule a visit.
404-610-2103

Update

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:12:54 GMT

Wow, with the everything being in such a state of chaos, it hadn't occurred to me that I hadn't written in a while.

Let me get some free time to sit down and think... I'll give you all some story lines.

But for now, just know that Amanda passed away on Father's Day and the family has been in a deep state of grief for a while now. Rest in Peace my beautiful girl. I love you so much!

The Miracle of St. Jude's

Mon, 26 May 2008 13:45:56 GMT

Its a beautiful sunny morning in Atlanta. I have my coffee, out on the patio, watching the world awaken. I got some truly remarkable news this morning and I couldn't be more excited about it!!

AMANDA'S LUNGS ARE CLEAR!!!

Yup Yup!! She is improving far better and faster than they had hoped. You will recall they hoped very little! They told her yesterday that they are considering moving her to the Target House. This is the living quarter project, donated by Target Stores, Inc. for families of inpatients to reside during their childs' treatment at St. Judes. Tammy has been living there for a year now. This means that her lungs and her strength are returning and she will be out of isolation for the first time in over 6 months!!!

This is truly a miracle considering when she went into ICU we were told by some more pessimistic doctors that she would never come out again. Yet, here we are talking about moving her out of the hospital completely and back to an almost normal life!!

The miracle that is St. Jude's lives proud and strong!

I made a promise to Tammy and Amanda that I fulfilled today. I swore, after my last visit to Memphis, that once I got a job and began pulling a paycheck that I would donate monthly to St. Jude's as long as I'm alive! I read about it there at St. Jude's and also on their website, where you can sign up. The program starts at just $19 a month. This program provides care for one child whose family cannot afford the medical care of St. Jude's. I know from experience that St. Jude's picks up the tab on all medical care not covered by insurance. One can dare to imagine what the residual cost of Amanda's extensive, long term care has been since she's been there. After witnessing what they can do there and the awesome care they provide for children swung my vote.

www.stjude.org

Click on Donate Now and sign up for this program. Its literally nothing to give and you can write if off your taxes. I would rather have one more miracle walking out of St. Jude's cancer free, just like Amanda, than to let the Bush Administration buy another pointless gun any day!

I don't advocate solicitation to my friends, nor do I beleive in shoving causes down the throats of people... but this is not like that. This little girl has renewed my faith in God, in people, family & friends. There is no possible way to repay that, but at least I can make a difference in one child's life, just like someone in the past has done for Amanda.

Please, take a minute and go check it out. As my little girl would say, "Keep fighting the Good Fight!!" ... I know no better way!

Thanks in Advance!!

Hope + Beleive = Acheive!!!!

All my Prayers are with these young warriors!

The Poodle

BOAT FOR SALE!!!!!

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:03:26 GMT

Hey everyone!!

Nana is selling the boat. They just don't use it enough and would like to sell it to someone who will enjoy it.

Please check around with anyone you know, give them my link, show them the pics. I have a link on Craigslist as well with the phone number, specifics and phone numbers.

Thanks everyone!!!!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/boa/678204534.html

Mothers Day

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:00:49 GMT

Spent the afternoon at Nana's today for Mommy's Day. Mary was elated to have all the kids home. Sara, Kevin, Taylor & Emma. Michele, David, Kyle & Luke. Melissa, Collin & Landon, Nick stayed for a while. Tammy Sue, Michael and I. Sara did a great job cooking for Momma and we had a great time with the kids.

Too all the mother... and god I have plenty!! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Poodle Party a TOTAL success!

Mon, 12 May 2008 03:54:03 GMT

Ok, ya'll, I'm sorry for taking so long to get these up. I had to coordinate multiple cameras to get them all in. Don has more I haven't gotten yet, so check back. We had SO much fun! By far, the best party I've every thrown!! Will definitely do more often!

BIRFDAY BIRFDAY!!!!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:09:54 GMT

ATTENTION CREW!!!!!

POODLE BIRTHDAY!!!

SATURDAY, MAY 3RD!!!

PARTY AT THE POODLE PAD!!!

(See link)

CLICK HERE TO SEE EVITE!!

Quiet Saturday

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:19:22 GMT

Its been forever since I've written, but so much has been going on.

First and foremost... I'm praying for Amanda today. She has been in ICU for over a week now at St. Judes. She is having breathing problems stemming from lung inflammation brought on by her weakened immune system, medications and basic complications from the bone marrow transplant. They can't determine if its viral, bacterial, or just plain bad luck. They have her on forced oxygen since she doesn't have the strength to pull enough air into her lungs on her own. Tammy is terrified and the whole family is just on the edge of our seats, dreading more bad turns like this one. This little girl has been fighting so hard for over a year now and she hasn't given up. But she is terribly frustrated and I hope her strength holds out.

Mom is going back on higher doses of chemotherapy. We were all hopeful that changing to lesser doses more frequently would alleviate a lot of her pain, and other symptoms without deminishing the outcome of the chemo treatments. We were wrong. Her last round of labs are showing elevated tumor markers and the CT shows progression of the tumors. They have decided to return her to the massive 3 week doses of Abraxin (chemo). They are restarting the Avastin which is designed to inhibit blood flow to abnormal tissues (tumors) but with harsh side effects. (Psoriasis, extreme double vision, fatigue) Sometimes I want to smack her doctor because, while he knows what he's doing and is an established expert whose written studies and trials, I think he jumps ahead with treatment variations instead of letting the treatment work for longer time periods before switching paths. But hey, I'm just a poodle.

Michael's mother is sadly in her last days with us. They found a tumor entwined around her bile duct imbedded in her liver. Its inoperable and incurable. They put her on chemo and radiation, but after 3 weeks, it advanced significantly. They said she would not be able to live long since the tumor is severely impacting bile and liver functions. The sepsis is rapidly deteriorating her other bodily systems. They expect to lose her sometime in the coming week. Katie is now home at Karen's with Hospice. Michael flew home to be with her. Karen says she's been asking when Michael is coming home. She truly thinks Katie is just holding on for him. This is really a huge blow to the Murry's since Katie lost her husband a year and half ago, was getting out and about and really enjoying herself, only to be halted by this. As you know, Katie is the one person Michael relies on for support and this will be a tremendous blow to him. While we all have had our spats and differences where Michael is concerned, I must give him praise for enduring this tragedy with a great deal of dignity and patience. Keep Katie in your prayers as this awesome lady prepares to leave us behind.

In other news, I finally got a job! I started about 2 weeks ago as the Production Administrator for Mechanical Enterprises, Inc. over on Fulton Industrial. The company manufactures industrial grade plastics, the largest of which is aircraft parts. My job is simple in theory, but terribly busy! I handle all incoming orders, procure material, and help coordinate production on the factory floor. Its really a very cool place for me as it incorporates my need for organization, which they have badly needed, it fuels my passion in aviation, and I have my own office too. The owner has given me a lot of compliments, they are very happy and impressed with me thus far, so I'm doing well there. I'm still new and there is lots to learn of the Industrial World, but I'm getting it. I've been pulling 10 hour days getting things caught up after the last girl quit and they are fine paying the overtime.

The job came about through Chris, which also fell apart in the process. His friend Brian is the Production and Finance Supervisor for the plant and he and Chris got to talking about me and... voila! Unfortunately, the extended unemployment and depression had taken its toll on our relationship and I had broken it off during this same time. It was a bad move since everyone now assumes I used Chris to get this job and proceeded to dump him. But my friends that have been around us saw it as clearly as I did that it was coming for a while. I just haven't been very happy and I refused to drag him into it or further bring us down. I'm still down about it among other things. Once my paychecks start rolling in and I can start catching up on all the past due bills I have, my attitude will improve. It just sucks so bad to have the power cut off, the cable cut off and the roommates pissed when there is truly nothing I can do about it. They've had to fend for themselves and that something they aren't used to handling.

So needless to say, I've been going all day long for the last two weeks, I haven't stopped except to sleep, so today I'm exhausted. The coffee isn't even waking me up. I'll be napping again here shortly. I got to chuckle yesterday when Mom calls to tell me I should be getting a box and not to open it. When I asked her why she got pissed... my birthday is Saturday... I hadn't even thought about it!!! So, I may try to put together a gathering place and invite everyone, but we'll just have to see. Money is too tight. I can barely afford the gas to get back and forth from work and living on one ham sandwich a day is not fun either.

Its been a long hard year so far already and I am praying that the birthday milestone ahead will mark a long needed change in luck and kharma and life as it has been will pull up from below the red and I can have some time, strength and will to have some fun and enjoy myself. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it.

Keep all this in your prayers and thoughts. I have trouble with my faith a lot these days, but its the most hopeful thing I can do in a world of insurmountable obsticles.

Hope + Believe = Acheive

Amanda's Gift and Recovery

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:40:43 GMT

I wanted to share something with everyone.

I spoke to my Mom today, who always has her daintly little finger on the pulse of the family most everyday. I've know that Amanda was recovering from her ICU nightmare at St. Judes and has returned to her room. What I didn't know was that she received a new laptop this weekend. After reading through her Caring Bridge Journal I learned that Chris Richardson and Elliott Yamin, as well as the other amazing people over at American Idol where the ones that made this happen. "The Richness" is a term Chris Richardson's Team uses to describe their ever widening network of supports, friends and fans of his common goal. To spread his love, his music and his message.

Amanda has been a fan of Idol since its beginnings and has established personal friendships with Elliot, Chris and countless others whom her battle has touched. I was amazed to learn that The Richness had every cent donated by fans to get her the new laptop. It is her one source to the outside world as she enters yet another year in virtual isolation at St. Judes. I mean no insult to the amazing staff that keep her grounded on the road to recovery and provide the best care I've known to a patient. However, Amanda's connection to friends, family and interests has grown through the Internet and the effect is tangible!

I found that this weekend, the artists for American Idol known as "GraceStreet" formated a tailor made background for her laptop. I have placed it on my main page and is my personal desktop image now.

The outpouring of love and honor to my little cousin brought tears to my eyes today as I learned she is out of ICU, back on solid foods, no tubes and her skin is clearing.

My respect and admiration to Tammy, the Super Momma that is by her side day and night, can only be comperable to The Poodlemom, who is an endless inspiration to us all, and from whom Amanda draws tremendous strength and love.

God is on the side of this little fighter and her Momma. I often wonder why she must endure this, and what plan could He possibly think is worth all this pain. Then I see the companionship, the caring, the love and the Hope that has come through Amanda to all of us. She has returned my faith, whether she even realizes it or not. I can only imagine the global impact she has made, given the endless notes of courage and hope she gets daily.

So, to the St. Jude's Team - Your skills are unmatched and no words I can put together on a page can properly express my thanks and respect.

To The Richness - Simple thanks don't cover the humility and appreciation I have for your cause, your gift or your loyalty.

To Elliott and ETrain - My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother, from whom you grew to the caring, loving, loyal friend you are, creating the bond with Amanda that is a huge piece of her soul.

Certainly to Jan, Mandy and the countless others that help keep the world on top of the news of our Miraculous Little Star, who is herself an American Idol, through you. The love and thanks of this family are boundless!

For any and all of you that actually read my blog, please take a moment to pray and thank God for the continued strength of this amazing little girl. I hesistate to call her little as she reaches 21, but she will always be a little girl to me.

To me, she is a fighter greater than any Hero you read about, any Queen to ever rule, or office to be held; for she touches lives with love, indifference and compassion. When she has every right to be selfish and seek pity, she is fighting for her freinds, her family, her Warriors. In return she received the divine love of all she encounters.

You are my Hero too, little one. I'm with Jan on this one. You are amazing and I love you more than you possible could know.

"The only difference between Dreams and Goals is that Goals have a date."

Keep fighting the good fight! Hope + Believe = Achieve!!!

Random Tom thoughts...

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:07:39 GMT

"You know, the guy that I had a crush on who knew that guy from that movie with the girl from that show with the hot dude meets that hooker that my ex says looks like your mother?"

"Um, what was that thing I said yesterday that made perfect sense to me?"

PC attempt at blogging.

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:10:05 GMT

So, I went to the undisclosed homosexual alcohol establishment last night to meet undisclosed friend for a beverage and conversation. Ran into the lesbian with the star through her name, which was a lot of fun. We were chatting when Gay #3 comes in and plops a seat next to us, clearly already slight intoxicated and begins telling us the events inside his pants from the other undisclosed homosexual alcohol establishment the night before and the goings on with Gays 4,6 and 8. I had to politely suggest that he perhaps discuss this elsewhere as it was a little embarrassing. So he leaves and we continue on before drunk Gay #5 shows up and buys a round of beverages, thereby authorizing him to monopolize the entire conversation for the next hour before stumbling off to the lou. The weekly cosmetic musical display began shortly there after when Gay #2 shows up and also has a seat between us and now I feel really awkward. So undisclosed friend feels out of place, lesbian with the star through her name is in a spot, and Gay #5 with the volume control problem is still simply annoying. So I called it a night.

(Doesn't it seem so much more boring writing like this?)

Redemption

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:24:13 GMT

Over the last few months, I have been through a lot of drastic changes and experienes. I moved. I started dating someone, that has not worked out the way I'd hoped. I destroyed a friendship. I made a trip to Arkansas after my Uncle was hospitalized. I went to see my cousin at St. Judes. I have spent two months job searching with no prospects yet. In this time, I've also lost a bit of myself. I had such high hopes for the new year, and according to many others, I wasn't the only one who has been disappointed with 2008 thus far. I've removed all prior entries as my thoughts and words seem to cause more pain and arguement than good. I've learned its better if I just don't talk and when I do, it's private and personal. The rest is just gossip, heresay and mostly offensive; right T?

So long.

Photo Album: Amanda Jones

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:55:10 GMT

Amanda Jones

amandantammy

amanda

amandarhea

m_fc1bfbff0b2c643849a8a1a09d0ac40b

AmandaRhea96

Photo Album: Killer Bunnies

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:51:10 GMT

Killer Bunnies

kbtop21

amandarhea

AmandaRhea96

m_fc1bfbff0b2c643849a8a1a09d0ac40b

Photo Album: Misc

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:24:00 GMT

Misc

Tristan

Tammy, Michael & Sara

Michael & Chris

Me & Don in CHItown

MeNMuffin

Me & Emma!

Photo Album: Priceless!

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:56:47 GMT

Priceless!

Poodle Mom

Sophie!

My 5th birthday

Flamer

My & Grandma

Weren't we cute?

Chrismas circa '79!

My & Mikey

Photo Album: The Other Family

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:46:05 GMT

The Other Family

Emma Grace

Er' body

Right before she farted on me!

The Bradley Girls

Mary

Tammy & Sabrina

Taylor & Kyle

Me & The Bug

My Rara

Supermodel!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Poodle Pics

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:35:27 GMT

Poodle Pics

Jailbait!

Stewardly!

Fort Stewart Charter

MDW for the day with Muffin

Me & Cindy

Joes

Chicago

More jail bait camera fun.

DSC03820

Custom List: Amanda Jones & Friends

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:34:52 GMT

Amanda Jones & Friends

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Come visit and see what this amazing facility has accomplished and the miracles it churns out each and every day!
The Richness
Chris Richardson's Fan Site featuring Amanda and their efforts in her honor.
Elliott Yamin's Fan Site
His ongoing support of Amanda and his love for her is unparalleled. Thanks Elliot!
Amanda Rhea Jones
My little fighter cousin's Caring Bridge. A journal of updates, progress, and support notes from around the Globe.

Custom List: Friends Links!

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:21:29 GMT

Friends Links!

Tom Mason
Yeah, Blondes do have more fun!
Lori Key
My Ivory Goddess!!
Betts Powell
Poo Preesh!
James McClarty - Lopes
It is NOT Lopez, damnit!
Eric Reimer
*Insert image of Tigger here!* " Bounce, Bounce!"
Sara Beth
Ice Queen - Melted!

Custom List: Family Links!

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:55:01 GMT

Family Links!

Michael
Tammy's Youngest Stud
Matthew
Tammy's Middle Stud
Amanda Rhea (Caringbridge)
The link to Amanda's Journal & Guestbook
Tammy Lynn
The Oldest Cousin.
Porscha
Wendy's Oldest Youngin'
Wendy
One of my favorite cousins!
Christopher
My Army Brat lil' Cousin
Amanda Rhea
Tammy's Leukemia Annhialator!