Do the Happy Friday Dance

What's a Homie?

When I went to visit Mike in Indy we went to a local mall. While we were there he checked a bank of gumball machines for "Homies" I had never heard of them so he and Girl J enlightened me as to what they are. So this got me to thinking about what is and what isn't considered racist and or stereotyping. Given the seemingly widespread popularity of these things they must be OK. But why would these stereotyping toys be ok yet other things seemingly more benign set off race riots? I'm just curious. Oh, and Mike, if you need Tennishoe Pimp, I got him out of a gumball machine yesterday.

Crash!

While I was typing this a bird smacked into the window. There is still a greasy mark where he hit. And when he hit tiny little feathers exploded all over the place. Poor baby. I went out to look for the birdy but he was gone so I am assuming he/she is okay. Which brings me back to yesterday's talk about imagination. Of course when the poor little birdy hit I immediately had flashing images of several Looney Tunes moments. I'm not trying to make light of a poor birdy hurting itself, but I was amazed at what images flashed through my mind when it happened.

Crash #2

So, speaking of crashes I was cleaning out the office yesterday. Our office is the messiest and most disgusting disaster ever seen in a home. So as I am dusting and pulling stuff out of the room in order to access more piles of crap in the room I hear a tremendous crash and shattering noise. That is NEVER a good sound. So I go out to the living room to see what all the fuss is about. Well, the dang cat had tried to jump on the speaker which housed a crystal bowl filled with water, glass stones and a floating candle. Well, it used to house a crystal bowl filled with water, glass stones and a floating candle. Now all those said items were shattered all over my living room floor. Oh goodie. As if one complete and utter disaster wasn't enough I now have two going simultaneously. Yippe for me. And of course one is very critical because there is now water all over my wood floor. But for anyone that owns a cat you know that new, moved, rearranged, or piled is the most fascinating thing in the world to a cat. So as I was attempting to clean up the mess and keep all animals away from the broken glass I can hear them dumping, shifting, and making a general mess out of the other project. Sheesh. It was one of those moments that I wanted to stop the world so I could get off.

But we survived it all. The glass is cleaned up and the room is back to normal. Minus of course the crystal bowl filled with water, glass stones, and a floating candle. I should have known that it was a decorative luxury I couldn't have with senior fish breath in the house.

And then I remind myself what my dad and I always say to make ourselves feel better. Animals are living breathing things that give us pleasure and comfort. Whereas a house and all the possessions within it are just things. And those things mean nothing to us in the big scheme of life.

Today Lila and Caleb come to visit. (Hopefully) And C will inspect the house. I'm looking forward to seeing how they "look" in my house. Having two extra small little warm and fuzzies scampering around. I bet it's going to look great.

The hubster comes home tomorrow around midnight. Yippee. When we talked last night he said that he can't wait to get home to see his honey bunny (that's me). And that he was tired of traveling and just wanted to be home. And this came from a guy who is driving to Vegas as we speak with his best friends. On their way to smoke, drink, stick dollars in g-strings, and see Louis Black. Awwww how sweet is he?

Tonight I am going out with Boy J and R to Ikea for their meatball dinner. I shouldn't be so excited about that but I am. I love their meatballs. and even more I love that lingonberry drink they have.

Have a great weekend kids!

Cheers!

Thankfully Thursday

I’ve become the nosey old lady on the block

Well, someone HAS to do it right? I was just minding my own business watching Sex and the City last night (10 pm) when there was this very bright flash out the window. I didn’t think we were supposed to have a storm but ok, cool. So I look out the front window and FLASH! Only the flash was directly across the street – but very bright and very big. Ok, so maybe the neighbors house just got hit by lightening. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s just a neighbor screwing around with a camera. Yep, little red dot, yep, flash, yep, it’s a camera. But why is the person crouching behind a car taking a picture of the license plate? That’s kinda odd. And now he is crouching behind another car and taking a picture of a license plate, and then another, and then another. Ok, now I’m a little spooked. What the hell is he doing? Ok, the dogs are going insane. Good, he won’t be doing anything weird at THIS house. Hmmm, now he’s going up the street, crouch, FLASH, crouch FLASH. Alright, this is too weird. Dialing 911. Tell the police that someone is doing something odd in the neighborhood. Ok, they will check it out. Description: Probably male in a tan coat. Less than 2 minutes later the cop car drives by (good response time) cop car goes up the road, cop car goes down the road. Guy of course is gone. Cop car turns corner, leaving. No sooner does cop car leave but guy in tan jacket comes out from behind a house. NOW it’s very odd. Ahh, but sneaky cops send a second patrol car down street. And cop sees weird man in tan coat. Cop stops to talk to weird man in tan coat. The other cruiser now appears on our street. And they all start talking. Then cop cars both leave. Man in tan coat is still on the street. Hmmmm, ok, so I guess he is just a weird guy that gets off taking pictures of license plates. Then phone rings: “Hello, this is Sergeant blah blah blah, Mrs. Kowalski we just wanted to let you know that the man in your neighborhood is a police officer who just joined the vice squad. He has an assignment to photograph a “crime” scene at night.” “Ok, thank you Mr. Officer for letting me know what was going on. I very much appreciate that you checked it out.” So, I hang up and head up to bed. I feel safer. And then I lay wide awake in bed thinking that I have officially become the crazy nosey neighbor. Oh well, I guess it is a right that comes with age.

Flashback

While walking the mall the other day I came across something from the way back machine. A Swatch watch store. Yeah, go figure. I thought they had gone the way of the dinosaur but apparently not. And let me tell you, they had some cool watches. And not just the jelly bands we remember. It was a lot of fun to look at all the different styles.

Next up, leg warmers and big hair. Actually, if I put a swatch on my wrist all is ok. But if I come into work with leg warmers, shoot me. PLEASE just shoot me. Same with big hair. Some things we should never go back to. Well, ok, I admit, leg warmers in Minnesota would probably be quite nice.

***Non-bookworms skip ahead****
Anxious Dad


I also picked up The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Apparently it is a very good book. I am currently reading book three in the Cliff Janeway series by John Dunning called Bookman’s Promise. And Dad was SOOOO excited for me to read that book. But to my surprise he has called me almost twice each day to see if I have started Thirteenth Tale yet. For him to switch that excitedly from one book he really wanted me to read to a different one must mean it’s incredible. He’s not even asking me where I am in the Bookman’s Promise. Or how I like it. It’s all about the Thirteenth Tale now. I’m half tempted to stop reading the one and pick up the other. It’s been ages since he has been this excited about a book. Actually, the last time he was this excited was right after he discovered the John Dunning books. Go figure. I have had my share of nagging though too. The last one I pushed for him to read was Shantaram. And he LOVED that one. It’s not often that I walk away a changed person from reading a book. Shantaram was one of those experiences. I have talked about that book on and off since I started blogging. I have more sticky notes hanging out of that book than 3M normally supplies in a year. And every once in a while I open the book up and just read through the marked passages.

***Non-bookworms may continue the blog here: ****

Imagination – another great gift in life

With all the stimulating, simulated, and in your face technology I have to wonder how much imagination children develop today. I honestly don’t know the answer. I don’t have kids so I can’t say whether or not kids are capable of imagination these days. But I grew up in a bit of a simpler time. I’m not THAT old, we did have electricity, radio, t.v., hell, color t.v. for that matter. But we didn’t have the technology inundation kids have today. In fact it was forbidden to have a calculator in class. And all reports were done by hand or on a manual typewriter.

Where am I going with this? Well this morning I was walking across the bridge over the Mississippi to get to work and I had my Ipod tuning away in my ears. I was listening to a kick-butt “Ear Candy” mix from a friend. Anyway, as I was walking I was creating in my little noggin a music video. Ok, grant you, that is technology related. But as I was imagining dancing elephants and swirling clouds of butterflies I got to thinking about what kids can/can’t do today along those same lines.

The same thing happens when I read. With a good book I can be there, in the book. I can smell the “used book” smell. I can see row upon row of dusty shelves. Quiet midnight streets in a rural town.

So, maybe I’m not going anywhere with this thought. I guess I was just wondering. Do people still wonder?

Alright. I’ll stop now.

2 days till the hubster is home!

Cheers!

These feet are made for walk'n

Well, of all the sucky things one has to do for work today I had to force myself to go to Mall of America and prepare a plan for the next class. The mall is an excellent place for "real world" training in our industry. Each level is approximately 1 mile around. So to walk all three floors means 3 miles. Good excercise right?

Wrong. First of all I had, I repeat, HAD to walk past cinnabon. And damned if I forgot to have breakfast before I came. So of course I had to stop and get a cinnabon. That right there negated the calorie's burned on the walk. Then I went into B&N to grab the new paperback from George R.R. Martin. 3 count them, 3 books later I noticed the Star Bucks cafe and thought, wow, that would go really good with my cinnabon. So, even MORE calories consumed vs. used. But I was wearing a heavy sweatshirt and the mall was about 1,000 degrees so I did get to sweat a little. But due to the extremely warm conditions I felt compelled on level 3 to stop for a cold drink. Well, a cold fresh squeezed lemonade and a corn dog. So that really killed any health benefit from the walk. Dang..........

But I now have a floor plan we can walk. And I have two perspective restaurants to choose from for dinner.

I watched a funny but not very good movie last night - Mr. Wrong. With Ellen Degeneras (spell?) and Bill Pullman. Also arriving in the mail was disc 1, season 1 of 24. I'm almost glad I didn't get addicted till season 4. I have 72 hours to catch up on. Yippee.

I think I want to also add Scrubs to my dvd line-up. I watched a little of it last night and really liked it.

On the puppy front I talked with "C" today. She is Caleb and Lila's foster mom. She is coming over Friday afternoon to inspect the house. Bonus! She is probably going to bring Caleb and Lila with her. This way they can meet Sophie AND Max. I know they will be terrified and not social but still any excuse to see them. She said that she feels really good about them going to live with us. And I guess "L" the woman in charge of the shelter is very excited that we are taking them. "C" also told me that she is preparing herself for the pups leaving. She isn't sure how she is going to feel. They have been living with her for almost a year now. But I let her know that she is always welcome to visit. She thinks that would be nice especially since she adopted Becca who is probably Sophie's sister. So we figure we will arrange somewhat regular play dates for the dogs. She only wants to wait until we think Caleb and Lila are ready. She doesn't want to confuse them. So once they are adjusted and in love with the hubster and I then we can get back together with her.

Well, that's about all folks.

4 days till the hubster is home!

So long and thanks for all the fish!

My Sunday Best

Sunday was one of those perfect days. I sell my jewelry at craft shows Oct., Nov., and Dec. And I needed to make some stuff. One of the requests I get every year is more earrings. So I made a bunch. But it’s slow work and not my favorite thing to make. So to combat that I loaded up the DVD player. And throughout the course of the day I inundated myself in chick flicks. A full day of romantic comedies. Here’s what I watched:

While you were sleeping
Love Actually
Two Weeks Notice
Bridget Jones
Bridget Jones #2
Someone like you

Yep, all in one day. Starting at around 9 and going till after 10 last night.

I stopped only to run to the grocery store and mow the lawn. Oh, and to watch the Simpsons.

5 days till the Hubster is home.

To top off a really nice weekend I found out something that made me smile just a little bit. A long time ago someone had said something very hurtful to me. Without going into a lot of detail I was smugly satisfied to hear that the Karma Cow came through for me. And got that person back. I love the Karma Cow. The Karma Cow works in mysterious ways………………..






On another note Here are pictures of my intended tattoo. I am going to have the idea of the swirly smokey bird pictured left. But the bird looks too robin like, I want it to be more eagle looking as pictured below:

Captain Morgan meets Victoria's secret - and not in a good way

Yeah, I had a little captain in me this morning. But not the way you think. I was turning off my computer to go take a shower. I was still in my pj's. Which is actually a pink flannel nighty from Victoria's Secret. So it's kinda short and a little sexier than the normal flannel nighty. Anyway I wasn't paying any attention to what I was doing. I grabbed the computer and while standing up attempted to shut it down. To balance better I put my foot up on the ottoman - yep, the Capt. Morgan look. Only I looked up and realized that my drapes were WIDE open. And the mail man was standing right in front of my window putting the mail in the box. He kinda looked twice at me, smile and left. I fell down dead from embarassment. Before falling I at least confirmed that I didn't have anything "showing". phewwwwww

Well, then I head for the shower. And yes, you guessed it - half way through soaping up the door bell rings. Shit, I forgot I wsa getting a delivery sent from Mom that I had to get. So I rinsed off quick as I could, dried off, threw on a robe (A full length one mind you), tossed the hair up in a towel and ran for the door. And yes, it wasn't the UPS guy like I thought it would be. It was the same mail man. So now I'm dripping wet in a robe. Bless him for not saying anything or breaking out into hysterical laughter.

Needless to say I think I gave a new meaning to desparate house wife.

So, now that i have shared my humiliation with the world, on to other stuff.

Well, I met Lila. And she's the cute little peanut I hoped she would be. Her brother Caleb is also a doll. They are still too shy around strangers to approach me. I got to pet him a tiny bit. And I got to hold Lila but that was about all. As long as the hubster is okay with it, they are coming home with us. Probably next weekend or soon after.

On the "way cool" side of all this they looked into Sophie's background before I came over. And sure enough she is from the same puppy mill as Lila and Caleb. Not only that but the foster mom I met with today has another dog from that raid that she actually adopted. Her name is Becca. (Coincidence?) And looking back at the records they are betting that Becca and Sophie are sisters. So we are looking very forward to going back next weekend. We can't wait for Sophie to meet the dogs. Becca was exactly like my little Sophie girl. Unfortunately Becca was one of three dogs (Lila being another one) that they left with the man when they took all the other dogs. It wasn't till a year later that they went and got more dogs. That time they took Becca and Lila. So those little peanuts actually spent a year longer in those horrid conditions. That is probably why they still have major trust issues.

The woman "C" is a very nice lady and we got along really well. She is thinking about writing a book about the life of these dogs. So she's very excited that I'll have three of the dogs. And I'm very willing to share everything with her. Progress they make etc......

I talked to the hubster this afternoon and he's very supportive of my insanity. He's also very curious to meet Sophie's sister. He thinks it's awesome.

Aside from that, Life is good. The weekend is almost here and I have a ho-ho with my name on it.

Oooohhh pretty

Well, I have NO idea how to write/edit/read html. But it's amazing what messing around with stuff blindly can get you. I've changed my look. Thanks in part to a good friend. How cool is my banner? Yeah, my friend did that. Isn't she cool? And talented?

Anyway, obviously I have some more figuring out to do on the "look" but hey, it's passable for now :)

More later after I meet Lila.

8 days till the hubby comes home!

Ahhhh, almost Friday

So, this is who I am going to meet tomorrow. This is the little peanut I have been in love with for a year now. Can you blame me? And the picture below is both her and her brother that comes with the package.

I watched more good movies last night. They are "older", I've got a lot of cinema catching up to do. First I watched "Chicago" and that was fun. Then I watched "The Replacements" and that was also a pretty good laugh.

I gave up on the book I had been reading and got through the majority of a short story collection called Loot by Nadine Gordimer. It's ok. Nothing fantastic. No recommendation here.

With the hubster out of town I have free use of the remote as well as dinner selection. For the past couple of nights I have had steamed vegetables with cheese sauce. For some reason that just sounded good. It was also a change to watch Eureka from start to finish without having to flip back and forth between the show and Star Trek. But, I'd rather he be home

Oh, yeah, 9 days till the hubster is home!

MEME's from Jay and other ramblings

10 days till the hubster returns!

Hockey game was loads of fun! There is one big problem with sitting on the club level though. Food is hella expensive. Damn. They have a buffet up there. I kid you not, $32.95 per person. Who has that kind of money????? When you spend $85.00 per ticket. And you go to several games. Seriously, who can blow this kind of cash?
I'm just curious. But on the good side, the Wild won their pre-season match agains Detroit. It was a pretty fun game to watch. And the goalies on both sides did a bang up job. Defending some 20+ shots on goal. It was an impressive night. We even got a fight.

I watched a movie yesterday that surprisingly I kinda liked. It was Phone Booth. I borrowed it from Girl J. It was out a few years ago and stars Colin Farrell as the poor guy who answers a ringing phone in a booth in New York. Keifer Sutherland is exceptional as the "voice" on the other end of the phone. The movie went by rather quickly, in fact it wrapped up and the credits rolled before I thought they would.

I also enjoyed last night's episode of Eureka on the Sci Fi channel. It's a fun series.

Alright, on to the MEME's

1. Who is the last person you held hands with? The hubster

2. If you were drafted into a war, would you survive? No, I get lost too easy. I’d head “North” and wind up in enemy camp.

3. Have you ever drank milk out of the carton? Yep

4.Have you ever won a spelling bee? Hell no.

5. How fast can you type? Pretty darn smok’n fast – just don’t ask me how accurately

6. Are you afraid of the dark? Yes, much of the time I am

7. What is your eye color? Greenish/Hazel

8. When is the last time you chose a bath over a shower? My first date with the hubster

9. Do you knock on wood? Always

10. Are you drinking anything right now? Coffee

11. Can you hoola hoop? Used to, now I just look like one

12. Are you good at keeping secrets? Yep

13. What do you want for Christmas? World Peace - or Season 1 of Farscape

14. Do you talk in your sleep? Apparently

15. Who wrote the book of love? My Aunt and Uncle

16. Have you ever flown a kite? Yes, but more often I’m told to go do so

17. Do you consider yourself successful? A lil’ bit

18. How many people are on your contact list of your cell? A bunch

19. Have you ever asked for a pony? No, apparently I am missing that girly gene

20. Plans for tomorrow? More of what I do today

21. Missing someone now? Yep, the hubster – very badly

22. How are you feeling today? Just peachy

24. Are you black? What kind of question is that?

26. What are you looking forward to? My next tattoo

27. Have you ever crawled through a window? yes

28. Can you handle the truth? sometimes

29. Do you like green eggs and ham? Never had it, but I like eggs, and I like ham so I guess I would like them sam I am

30. What three things do you always bring with you to places? A book, money, phone

31. Any cool scars? One on the back of my hand; a moon shaped one on my thumb; one next to my eye from cracking it open on the fire place in honor of my first birthday (nothing says “Happy 1st Birthday like two black eyes); my left foot, ankle, and calf all have burn/graft scars which I intend to beutify next month with a tattoo of a phoenix rising from the ashes – get it- burn scars- phoenix – how cool is that?;oh, and one on the small of my back from falling onto the roof of a metal dollhouse.

32. Do you like or have a crush on anyone? Johnny Depp

33. How many kids do you plan on having? As many as I can – all of them four legged and furry

34. What do you do when no one is watching? Uh, I’m not sure

35. Have you ever been in love? Yes, very much so

36. Do you talk to yourself? Yep, I find myself quite interesting actually

37. Is there something you want that you do not have? A digital camera

38. Who are you thinking about right now? The hubster, and Scott for some reason

39. Who did you last hug? The hubster – hugged him good-bye – sigh….

40. Where is your phone? Both cell and home are on the coffee table in front of me

41. What is the last movie you watched? Phone Booth

42. What song do you currently hear? True Companion by Marc Cohn - in my head

43. What do you want? For winter to not be coming so soon

44. Would you ever date anyone on your friends list? Yes.

45. What TV Show are you watching? Eureka
Interesting, there is no question 23 or 25 hmmmmmm

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (your first pet and the street that you live on)
Muff 14

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mom’s side, your favorite candy)
Ruth Twizzler

3. YOUR “FLY GIRL/GUY” NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your middle name
R Jo

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Pink Koala

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Jo Fontana

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom’s maiden name)
Kowreka

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The”, your favorite color, favorite drink)
The Pink Hurricane

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers)
Tony Jack

9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes)
Woodhue Sketchers

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: ( mother/father’s middle name and the next name you hear on the tv/radio/talk)
Jane Simpson

11. Stripper name: (favorite dance and favorite snack)
Waltzing Popcorn (I am SO not getting any dollar bills with that name)


Until tomorrow dear friends,
Cheers!

Heartfelt thanks

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and words over yesterday's post.

11 Days till the hubster returns.

Dog dilemma still unsolved but we'll get it figured out.

I watched an interesting movie last night. It's called June Bug. And it is about a couple from Chicago that go down south to meet with an artist that she thinks would be a great discovery and boon for her art gallery. While down there they go to his family's home. His family is from a small town in the south, they don't have extensive educations, nor do they have glamorous high paying jobs. The story is about the family meeting the beautiful, kind, intelligent, and seemingly glamorous new daughter in law. The movie is like a lot of good indy films. It tells a story, the editing and cinematography are far more basic than your normal blockbuster. But I think everyone that sees it can relate in some way to what goes on in the story. This is not action packed, and at times it moves a bit slowly, but I found myself fascinate, frustrated, encouraged, and angered by the characters in the film. And to me that is a good film.

My dad was the one that told me to watch the film. I talked with him last night and let him know that I had it. He said, oh good,and when you are done call me, or call me tomorrow and tell me what characters you liked. I thought it was a strange thing for him to fixate on, that is, until I actually watched it. And just when I thought I knew who I liked and who I didn't the characters would do something to alter my impression.

Tonight I am going to the Wild pre-season game. It should be fun. My friend Boy J got tickets from his future father-in-law. They are on the club level. This will be very cool. All the good food and drink are on the club level but of course access is restricted. One of these days I'm going to figure out how to score tickets in the company suite and then I can return the favor and take Boy J to a game.

To cute: My lil Sophie girl is "sleeping" while her kitty Soc's is laying on top of her and cleaning her. He's actually laying all the way across her back. She's just laying there with her eyes closed. He's cleaning her ears, her head, her bum. He's too cute.

Yeah, I know, if I only had a digital to capture the moment for everyone.

Cheers!

Downer Monday

***WARNING **** Emotional post ****** Don't read if you want to be happy *******

So it’s Monday and I’m not sure what all I want to say. So here’s a blog from the irrational gut:

I was sick all Sunday with anxiety of the hubster leaving for his trip. I shouldn’t be, but apparently I couldn’t turn my damn brain off. So I got a little scared that I was having that feeling right before something really bad happens. So I cleaned the house. I had to keep my brain focused on something other than hyperventilating. He got there ok. But the feeling hasn’t gone away. I guess the evil monster of the past resurfaces sometimes and I can’t seem to kick his ass back down to the depths he belongs in. The last time someone left for any length of time they never came back. I have complete faith in the hubster, I guess it’s myself I don’t have that much faith in. I’m not sure. Like I said, this is coming from the irrational part of me.

To make matters worse I had some McDonalds for lunch. Now I am actually sick to my stomach. Sheesh. That was a very stupid thing to do.

I’m also having serious anxiety over the pup we might bring home. Ok, here’s the story:
Last year I fell in love with a puppy on petfinder. She was another puppy mill rescue and she stole my heart. But I had to go out of town for several weeks so I put her future with me in fate’s hands. And sure enough she was adopted while I was away. My Aunt felt really bad that I wasn’t going to get her. I joked with my Aunt that maybe she’ll end up like Sophie and be returned. And damned if she wasn’t. Only when the shelter got a hold of her again they paired her with another dog so it became a two for one issue. And that would bring our dog count up to 4. Which is just too many. So, I put her out of my mind and stopped looking. Well, I stopped seriously looking. Then of course along came Cora. She’s darling. And we know what to do with her to bring out her puppy goodness. So on the eve of calling her foster mom and telling her we want her I find myself with a sick stomach and an aching heart. Total lb’s of the two dogs: 21 total lb’s of Cora: 21.
So, really the weight of dog in the house wouldn’t change right? But then I feel bad about Cora. She’s darling. And she needs a home too. So then I think about the fact that when we were meeting her 3 different people came up to see her. Not my lil Sophie dog, her. They thought she was the cutest thing. The store manager of the Petco we met at sat down on the sidewalk with us and talked to her and petted her. He thought she was awesome. Again, no one payed attention to my dog. And her Foster mom mentioned that she’s never even been to an adoption event. So part of me thinks maybe we should go for the 4 dog situation. I mean, truly my heart has always been with that other lil pup. For a year now. But then I feel like a horrible person for rejecting Cora. And I know Cora would be a great addition to the family and she would do well. ARGH! I’m damned either way I think. And is it fair to adopt Cora while I still pine for a different dog. And right now I can convince myself that Cora will be adopted the first time she goes to an adoption event. But what if she isn’t. What if a year from now I look and she is still listed. Then how bad would I feel? And no, I can’t bring the count up to 5. We’d have to move…………………..

Dang, this is quite the bummer post. All doom and gloom. Sheesh. I just don’t know what to do. And I miss my hubster. And that REALLY doesn’t help. The problem with having a best friend/soul mate is that no matter how strong I am as an individual, I am that much stronger with him by my side. So when he’s gone I feel sorta half alive.

So I guess I need to do some more house cleaning. The more I clean the less I can think. And then tonight I’ll talk to him about the pup stuff. And see what he thinks. And maybe he can talk me out of whatever I’m thinking.

I really shouldn’t have had McDonalds for lunch……………….

Where did I put those Tums??????

Well, so long and thanks for all the fish. I promise a happier post tomorrow.

It's your vote dear readers

We met Cora on Wednesday night. She's a sweetheart. Sophie seemed to like her. Though lil Cora was too scared to do much but sit and flinch.

Because we didn't just want our hearts to do the thinking we told her foster mom we needed to think about her and we would call her as soon as she was back from vacation. Which is next Tuesday.

The hubster and I discussed what we thought and we both really like her and want to adopt her. Yeah, like ya'll didn't see that one coming. So, I was telling the hubster the names I had picked out and also the preliminary input from any bloggers. He said that I should throw the two final choices out there and let ya'll choose.

So, you vote dear reader.
Your choices are:
Chloe
Phoebe


I will probably be bringing her home Tuesday afternoon. So, you have till then to cast your vote.

Today the hubster and I went back to Doc's tatoo in Medford Wisconsin. He just about finished up the hubsters back. He got a magic using babe and an archer added to his dragon scene. He also got some rocky cliffs and background added. Oh, and most importantly, the end of the dragon's tail. You can see the pictures Colin Firth is pretty damn yummy. I am not sure just what it is about him..........

Anywho, let me know which name you like more.

So long and thanks for all the fish

Conspiracy Wednesday

Ok, so just when I thought it was safe to take off the tin foil hat blogger is out to get me again. I type up this whole interesting and must-read post and blogger will only publish half of it. I'm not alone in thinking the world is full of conspiracy. Just ask Betty. Seriously. My house was a total disaster when I got home last night and there was the faintest smell of cat pee (way to go Soc's). So the only explanation I can come up with is the men in black. I mean, there is no way that the hubster and I are just naturally that messy......................

Anyway, here is part two of the stuff I intended to blog today. There is also a MEME below. (hopefully)

Possible names if we adopt Cora:
Shatzi, Lexy, Chloe, Heidi, Abby, Bailey, Charlotte, Hailey
I have a feeling the hubster will want Shatzi or Heidi.

Book Worm stuff:
I’m very excited to start a book called The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde. He is one of the most creative and imaginative authors I have ever read. He writes a series based on a character called Thursday Next. I absolutely adore the books. So when he started a new series known as the Nursery Crimes I was thrilled. His books are incredibly fun to read. Give them a go. I know you will be glad you did!

Small Victories:
I accomplished something amazing and truly eventful today. I actually sorted and filed ALL my emails. I have a completely empty in box and sent box. You have NO idea how nice that feels. I have learned through experience to keep everything I send or receive when it comes to CYA at work. Of course someday that means they can hold EVERYTHING against me in a court of law but that’s okay. I’m covered for the immediate petty and pathetic issues that arise.

A Salute to Ben:
As personalized service goes the way of the do-do bird it’s nice when you come across someone that still believe in doing business the “old fashioned” way. In the skyway system here is the most amazing jeweler. His name is Ben and he’s the greatest. He can fix anything. I took a pair of earings in that my aunt had just sent me. It would have broken her heart to hear that one of the posts was bent so I took them over to see if Ben could fix them for me. He did. And he wouldn’t let me pay him for doing so.

A very good friend of mine is getting divorced. She had a mother’s ring with her children’s stones as well as her’s and her husbands. She asked Ben if he could put a different stone in place of the ex’s. He said he would do one better. He would totally design her a new ring if she wanted. He would melt down the gold and make her something new and even more beautiful. He is also replacing the stones because he said the ones in there were “no good”. He said that he wanted her to have a ring that made her happy, not one that reminded her of a past that wasn’t very good. Who does that anymore these days? I mean seriously? Who does that?

So should you need jewelry designed or repaired I know the perfect person. He has a good heart and a kind soul. Not to mention that he designs absolutely gorgeous jewelry.

Blog Stats:
August Blog Stats:
Top Countres outside US:
Australia
Germany
Canada
UK
Ireland
Netherland
I even had a hit from Ethiopia and Croatia

Top Search terms that brought people to my blog:
T&P lead roofing – huh?
The muse: bohemian black-tie event – Apparently other people heard what I planned to wear to the fancy wedding
I love juicy shoegasm – someone with a foot fetish perhaps?

September Blog Stats: (so far)
Top Countries outside US
UK
Australia
Ireland
Canada
Netherlands

Top Search terms that brought people to my blog:
California Newt Coffee Death : I can only hope for a death so cool
Social graces in a good personality: Why, thank you………I’ll take that as a compliment
Newt tink: Well, we are two bloggers that get along just smashingly.

That’s all the ramblings for today kids. So long and thanks for all the fish.

3's a survey:

A MEME stolen from a few blogs:

1. Three things that scare me:
Closet Monsters, Religious extremists, driving in snowy conditions

2. Three (non-internet) people that make me laugh:
Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Homer Simpson

3. Three things I hate the most:
Mean People, Seafood/Fish, Hate against other’s, Animal cruelty (sorry I had four)

4. Three things I don't understand:
Racism/Bigotry/Homophobia, my VCR, Animal cruelty

5. Three things I'm doing right now:
Listening to a Tink Mix, drinking water, looking at the pink flamingo dad sent me

6. Three things I want to do before I die:
Go to Florence Italy, Go to Alaska, Read 10,000 books

7. Three things I can do:
Juggle, make jewelry, irritate my hubby

8. Three ways to describe my personality:
Introverted, levelheaded, creative

9. Three things I can't do:
Spell, mingle in a crowd, draw

10. Three things I think you should listen to:
Classical music, People’s stories, NPR

11. Three things you should never listen to:
Politicians, Oprah, Dr. Phil

12. Three things I'd like to learn:
Italian, Cooking, Photography

13. Three favorite foods:
Macaroni and Cheese, Oreo’s, Spaghetti

14. Three beverages I drink regularly:
Water, Milk, Coffee

15. Three shows I watched as a kid:
MASH, The Waltons, All in the Family

16. Three people I'm tagging:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Have I been blotted by blogger?

Alright, what I ranted about yesterday was not that bad was it? I mean, it doesn't deserve to somehow just disapeared off the face of the earth did it? Because I find it interesting that my blog is not accessible. Nor can I post on it. Hmmmm? What's that about? I can access the other two blogs on the same account. No wonder we have whacked out conspiracy people. I mean, if I was paranoid I'd be looking out my window right now seeing if there were any black mercedes parked below. Or I'd sneak home to see if there were men in black going through my house.

God I hope Soc's pees on one of them.

Well, whatever.............................

I was going to rant about this. But apparently I can't.

***UPDATE****
Ok, I can put the tinfoil hat away now. The Rant page appears to be working again. Phew. But I still hope that soc's pees on the men in black.

Now on to more regularly scheduled ramblings of Newt:

Let the Whimpification begin.

Yes, you guessed it folks. Up nort' here it's heading toward the cold and blustery days of fall. Well, not so much blustery. That would be too much to ask for since we got those new wind chimes. (that haven't made so much as a peep yet). And yes, you guessed it. We are acting all whimpy about it. Sweatshirts, pants, closed toe shoes (oh that hurt to type) It's in the high 50's to low 60's and you'd think we were freezing to death in the Arctic. It's all relative that's for sure. In March and April when we sneak up to 40 degrees everyone is running around practically naked. I'm not exagerating here. We leave the coat in the car. We push up the sleeves, we even roll down the windows. But now, so soon after scorching summer days. Now, we get all whiney and whimpy. It's kinda pathetic.

A Head Scratcher:

So what does it say about a person that has two giant decals on his back window. On the left side is an image of a very agonized Christ (not a happy one but one with a face clearly in pain and despair) and on the right side of the back window is a Minnesota Viking mascot.

Cora:
We have made the call. I left a message with her foster mom after being accepted by the adoption screener. So, we'll see.........Actually I had to stop typing up today's blog to talk with her. We will be meeting tomorrow night at the Petco near my house. I'm so excited!

Gift from Dad:
Got a package in the mail yesterday. It was a very cool C.D. from a guy that my dad really likes. His name is Frederic Delarue and he always has a booth at art shows in Palm Springs. He does a great job of mixing classical and new age. It's perfect reading music.

Well, kids, that's about all I have for today.

So long and thanks for all the fish.

Weekend Recap

The hubster and I went to the Renaissance Festival on Saturday. We took Max and Sophie. (this picture is of them in their jester costumes.) We all had a wonderful time. It was only in the high 50's maybe low 60's and cloudy. A far change from any other year we have gone. About 20 degrees or more cooler than any other year we have gone.

The dogs had so much fun. They made tons of puppy friends. And got lots of love from people. It always amazes me how many people are facinated by Max. He's a Swedish Vallhund which very few people have ever heard of. Most people, like we did for the longest time, see a Corgi mix of some kind.

We finally treated ourselves to the windchimes we have always loved. They make the most beautiful sound. We bought one's with a tenor sound. (listen to their beautiful sound we got the big ones about half way down they have 516 in their product code) I can't wait for a windy day.

And the hubster got me a spin ring. He's always wanted to get me one so I have something to fidget with. Spin Spin Spin. Yep, it works. Fidget and spin. Fidget and spin.

Oh, and we found a few christmas presents for our friends. You just have to grab those perfect gifts when you see them.

Sunday was a quiet day. I went to the bridal shower for J and R. We got J towels. Well, we got a set for both of them. J is at a loss as to which towels he can use and which are for decoration. This way he knows that the blue towels are his :-) It was a fun party.

I also stopped at the nursery to get a shepherd's hook for our chimes. They are now hanging in the back yard. And they sound beautiful.

So, that's the weekend in recap.

I also blogged a new rant. It will probably offend so be prepared to be upset with Newt if you click over.

That's all folks. Have a great Monday!

So long and Thanks for all the Fish.

Friday Ramblings

Before going to the farewell party last night I went to Borders. I had gotten a gift certificate for my birthday and thought I would put it to good use. While I was there I realized that book stores are one of the most relaxing places I go to. I feel completely at peace with the world and any cares or worries I might have are completely forgotten. I loose track of time too. I think I could have stayed in there all night and never gotten bored.

So, where is your favorite place to loose yourself?

*********************************

At lunch today I will give the shelter a call to ask about Cora. I've been having second thoughts though because I don't know if it would be fair to Max and Sophie. I mean, they already act starved for attention. What if there are now three to compete for loves? And at what point do I become the crazy pet lady? Most people think we are already there. And they are probably right.

*********Warning*********Girly TMI Moment*************

I can feel my hormones getting all squirrelly on me. You know, those days when the commercials on t.v. make you cry. And the songs on the radio. And the dead animal along the side of the road. I think that means I need chocolate.

***********OK, TMI moment over***************

My shirt is missing a button. So everyone can see my belly button if I am not careful.
That's probably another TMI thing right there. Sorry, bout that.

***********************************************

And once again I have to say that I got a kick out of being a girl that can operate heavy machinery and make it look easy. It's an ego boost. I admit. Teaching a room full of big burly men how to work a floor machine is more fun than I want to admit to. Me, the girl, held the machine in place for them while they got a feel for how it runs. The guys are great sports and don't really mind the fact that a girl is holding the machine in place for them. Someone had to do it for me too a few months back. But still, when a girl can be the tough/experienced one in a man's industry, it's a bit of a high.

**********************************************

I miss the people I spent time with in Indy. I really had a great time and got to know some amazing people. I look forward to going back.

*********************************************

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

So long and thanks for all the fish.

Thursday Ramblings

Phew, get back into town and go right into a seminar. Keeps me very busy and makes the week sure go fast. Every month I work with a couple of people and we teach a class. At the beginning of the month I took the reins on the class and am now responsible for it's set-up and communications. All went well and I got rave reviews from the attendees. Well, except for one and I don't think anything makes him happy. Of course I got a few curve balls. 5 people showed up that we didn't expect. So of course the other instructors look at me like I should have known. Only I had been told by the department they worked in that no attendees would be coming in Oct. due to a convention they all had to go to. Nice. But we managed just fine. That's part of what I like about the people I work with from this group, we are very fluid and adjust well to whatever circumstances we come across. The only complaint I have is that one of the other instructors tends to be a drama queen as well as totally incapable of thinking and problem solving. So in the morning he called me 6 times about all sorts of stuff. "I can't find any more bags." so we tell him there is a sealed box of them in the store room. "No, we looked, they aren't there, so I guess that means this group doesn't get any, see, these are the things we need to work on" so we tell him that we have a case sitting in front of us and we will bring them to the class with us. An hour later he tells us he found them in the storeroom. Then when we got to the restaurant (it's a new place that we were trying for the first time with a group) we were at the place 20 minutes early. Well, as can be expected they weren't ready for us. And of course my little drama queen thought it was the end of the world. Well give me a break. He was somewhat against the restaurant to begin with so this was just about the nail in the coffin no matter how unreasonable it was of him to decide that. We were early for cry'n out loud. And a big group. Of course it would throw them.

Anywho, the attendees all gave me big hugs last night and thank yous and said they had a great time, that the food was great, and that the seminar has been very well organized. So I'm not worried. I'm kinda proud of my self for my first run at something that before me had been totally chaotic and half hazard.

For Saz:
I am going to call the shelter this afternoon about her. And then my hubby and I will go see her tomorrow or over the weekend. As I type this I am watching my little Sophie Princess chew on her foot and lick it. She's so cute. God I love that dog. Now she is looking at me with those cute little puppy dog eyes. Oh, I gotta go give her a kiss............................

****elevator music plays while I pause to go give my pup loves********

Aside from that, not much to report up north here. The weather is beautiful. Warm and sunny. Thank god. For a few days there I was panicked and thought we were in for an early early cold fall.

Well kids, I have to get ready and head over to day two of our class. After that I am heading to a bar and grill for a farewell party for one of my hubster's co-workers. I like the guy. It's unfortunate that he is leaving. They have now lost several executives because no one likes the president of the company. It's sad really. I guess the hubster heard rumor that 6 more are going to be heading out the door as well.

Until tomorrow:

So long, and thanks for all the fish.....................

Newt's Back

Wow, what a great weekend!

It was a great trip and that first dinner with my fellow bloggers was WAY too much fun. It's kinda strange to have so much built up in anticipation and then to finally walk around a corner and sit down at a table with people you "know" but have never met.

For me this trip was a reunion with an old and dear friend - Mike. And a chance to meet two on-line friends, Scott and Jay. And then a bonus was meeting Courtney and Charlie. All in all it was wonderful and a lot of fun.

Great conversations and great food seemed to be the theme of the weekend. Not to mention the honor of being a part of the opening of Scott's art exhibit at a local coffee shop. Which we celebrated with fabulous drinks made by the best mocha maker in Indy.

I can't wait to go back and visit again. Until then I have a fabulous momento of my trip. I bought a painting from Jay. It is a picture of what I call my happy place. A girl reading a book by a lake. It's just fabulous. And every time I look at it I will think of all the wonderful people that I met on my trip.