Cheap Thrills

I love a cheap thrill, yes, it's true. But they're hard to come by....some are just cheap without the thrill. So recently, after skulking around, I saw that this lip balm has just made it to the US. Apparently, women stocked up on this stuff overseas. It is called Labello, or somethin' like that. Big time raves. So the marketing campaign worked and I found some at Walgreens.

I think the hunt is half the fun...I got the last one, which made it even better....but, hmmmm....after product testing, I'm not so sure what the big deal is. Yes, it's nice....but not ga-ga rush to the Walgreens. I'm a Blistex girl, blue tube...and will remain one. The Nivea is made in Germany...so that did have some label snob appeal...all of this back and forth for under $3.00.

Don't worry....school starts on Monday for me and on Tuesday for the kids....hopefully I'll have some better fodder once the routine gets back to normal. Do you have a cheap thrill?

Home Decor

Did you ever see that show where some women pinned leashed live roaches and beetles to their lapels? They even had glued jewels on some of the bugs. EW! EW! EW! It's one of those things I wished I had never seen b/c it sticks in my head to haunt me now and again...anyway, I enjoy this type of live scenery MUCH BETTER.

Cheap Therapy

This was my first time back to the kennel after the Garth incident. It was good to have some breathing room...but that allowed Nasty Nancy and Resentful Rita, two of my many personalities, to have more power than necessary. LOL.

I have been frustrated by the level of care required of me, and perhaps critiqued by, those boys who had their nosie's operated on recently. I have also been frustrated with the lack of blogging going on for the dogs at the kennel. But thought it was best not to post for more blogging in this mood. Curt Carla sometimes wants to take over my keyboard. So, I went and blogged myself, and them doggies at the kennel restored me more toward center.

It's hard to keep all that anger, sadness, bitterness inside, while trying to do therapy on yourself and being appropriate in public. Unfortunately, I called someone a "twot" while driving, and of course Ava was instantly drawn to the word. Twot...twot....twot....twot. Oh hell....so now I'm going to post a picture of my bodies response to this stress. But it's up to you if you want to see it.

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Bloody Boogers on my keyboard....

Really. This is a new low.

Usually, after getting my daughter off to school, I come back to check my email, etc. This morning, I open the ol' laptop to find crusts sprinkled across the touchpad. Gives a whole new meaning to "touchpad", eh? And what's worse, I found myself mentally noting the quality of the clotting factor, making it easy to air whoosh my keyboard clean.

If you're still reading, let me explain, no really, I want to. Yesterday, my son had a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and nasal reconstruction. Thus, the bloody boogers. We had a whole day at the hospital....me and the kids. My daughter was wonderful, even though this was not her idea of a field trip. We were gone the WHOLE day.

The dogs, pictured here on their ORVIS beds...did ok....June did go "shopping" in the pantry and decided to shred some napkins while she awaited our return. I think she was trying to make a tree topper of some sort.

Today dawns anew. Daughter went to school....bloody boogers is still asleep...and nasal lavage awaits me. Oh, BTW....I finished my semester at school, and am exempted from finals as I finished with a 98% in both classes. Rock on!

Oh, PP tree, oh PP tree....

Really, this should have been a no brainer...after all, someone christened the tree last year. So, after hauling up the tree from the basement with sheer brute strength (I am solo this week...hub is away on business) and setting it up, at the demands of my small Christmas slave driver, OH, I mean, eh hm, ELF. We set out for the mall to pick up a new Christmas tree skirt, as the old one got pitched after the christening.

We picked up a great one at Macy's and then went to RuSans for sushi...we made bets as to whether or not history would repeat itself. It did.
So, with that sheer brute strength, I picked up the tree and put it on a table....and wrapped our new skirt around it. "Someone" tried to blame it on June........

However, June was crated.

Looks like some coal might be in "someone's" stocking this year.................

RICH.

The best present this morning....and she IS good at math!

My "bed lizzy".

Back in good graces.

Funkytown

I am in funky town...and have been for a while. Sometimes the grey is a respite from the technicolor of life outside. I saw my first glimpse of yellow today when I heard that Garth is adopted, and is much loved. Leaving him almost tore my heart in two.

Canoe and I have been putting miles under our feet, and his attitude is improving...and I might like him again...a little.

I am thankful for all my blessings...just under the blanket.

The Bully Pig

In racing, they call it "swapping paint"...but that means both cars get injured in the crash. So, Lightning McQueen attacked Doc Hudson, but only got one tooth mark on his rear bumper. Doc Hudson was seriously injured, and had to go to the repair shop. It was over a BONE that wasn't picked up.
Not only does my foster have two drainage tubes and more stitches than I can count, HE IS CONVALESCING at my house. Yep. Sources say that dogs buddy back up, even after a fight. Not so much. At least in my experience. So, I'm practicing my surg tech skills and nursing skills as I get this ol' guy back to new for his new foster home on Wednesday. Lightning McQueen's, or the "bully pig"'s mouth has been incarcerated in a muzzle, and all bets are off as far as a reunion.
So, this has cooled my ardor for being that "hero" I talked about earlier. It has been a horrific experience...and I have some resentment about being made into a better dog owner by dealing with the aftermath of the attack.
Garth is doing remarkably well...Canoe has made it completely clear that NO males, young, old, gay or straight will be tolerated. After I get all the blood out of the carpet and off the walls, Canoe and I are going to do some training....and I have learned a lesson the hard way.

What's in a name?

I've been thinking about renaming my blog...the black hearse part was appropriate, as I started this blog soon after my mother's death...but I am healing, and black hearses, while still poignant, are no longer a mainstay in my brain.

SO. I really liked "rants in my pants"...but so did someone else. Other names I'm throwing around are:
Reallywrite

DiaMaria...a favorite childhood nickname...but I can't imagine saying out loud, oh yeah, check out my blog at diamaria. LOL.

Freudianslip...haven't checked this one...

Needle Knows...

Another Chants...

Pun and games...

This may take a while. As you can see, I do love double entendres.
It has been a virtual wild kingdom around here. I am fleeing the animal womb of my house to school today. Can't wait.

Lightning McQueen and Doc Hudson

In the wonderful movie "Cars" the struggle between youngsters and the older generation is highlighted in the relationship between the young and brash Lightning McQueen and the bit grumpy but wise Doc Hudson. If you haven't seen this movie, do yourself a favor and get it!

I am fostering a 10 1/2 year old boy, Garth, who was recently returned because his family was working long long hours. It is so funny to see the characters play out in my backyard.....

We have young Canoe starring as Lightning, and Garth as the older and wiser racer, Doc Hudson. Canoe is very self assured and sassy....Garth is older, but has a commendable race record under his belt, as well. I can see Canoe giving him a hard time, and Garth rolling his eyes.

I have wanted to adopt a senior lately, but a female, as Canoe gets along better with girls. Although Garth is a boy and perhaps not the best fit for my pack, he confirms that Seniors are absolutely wonderful dogs, and managing both of their jockeying for position is making me a better pack leader. With all the marking going on outside...there have been no accidents inside! Ka-chow!

Canoe K'notes--op-ed

Dear Readers,

I must concur with one astute commentor in regards to my sister's practice, "Plastics for Plastics". The commentor wondered if "she stayed at the Holiday Inn Express"...let me be blunt. I think she should change her name to Dr. Mengele.

Now, it's true that I have been known to be a cobbler in my spare time. However, I have channeled this urge into healthy choices, as my picture shows. While I mind my manners and curb my basic desires to eat off the table and lick dirty plates in the dishwasher, Dr. June runs around this house, nabbing whatever she can find. Did you know after Barbie made her statement, she got trashed??????

Needless to say, I believe that the ONLY true doctor in Dr. June's practice is the one that spins.

Now you know the rest of the story.

"Plastics for Plastics" Surgeon Makes Headlines

World renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. June Peters has made medical history once again. Known for her bold approach and pioneering spirit, Dr. Peters is notorious for her frontal lobotomies and head-ectomies of such celebrities as Polly Pocket and My Little Pony.

"My latest case involved a young lady who presented with abnormal leg anatomy. This patient came to me complaining of toppling over and not feeling "grounded" due to the absurd length of her legs. My team and I decided on an aggressive approach, and the patient was thrilled with the results."





In addition, "Barbie" also requested an amputation of her left hand, stating that she would never, ever marry Ken, or anyone else for that matter.
"I would recommend Dr. June and her practice, Plastics for Plastics, to all my friends. Whether they are experiencing too much play stress, and need a frontal lobotomy, or like me, are tired of being a terrible role model for young girls, Dr. June comes through time and time again."

Running barefoot and bra-less in the dark.

By the sliver of the moon.

One minute, I'm in my car talking to my daughter about the moon sliver, waiting for the bus...the next, I'm running through the neighborhood like a banshee.

As I'm waving goodbye to Ava, the next thing I see is my hub. THE DOGS GOT OUT! Apparently, Canoe opened the door and let himself and June out! (It's been known that Mr. Canoe can turn a knob.)

Picture this...woman in shorts, with her SEGA shirt on, no less...barefoot, roaming the streets calling out "OOOOOOBIEEEEEE*.....JOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEE. Luckily, there they were! We ran full speed to each other. The dogs were warm and doing silly jumps in the air....Whew.

I'm glad I have smaller boobs.

****as in "ooobie wan Canoobie" and "Jewy". Sad but true.

I didn't get a 100....

I got a 103% as I got the bonus question correct!!!!!!!!!

Thank you from the middle of my brain and the bottom of my heart for all your good wishes. As for the booty dance...it'll have to be tomorrow...b/c this booty is draggin'!

Foxhole Prayers

1 PM.....

Anatomy and Physiology test....haven't prepared adequately. Have been PROCRASTINATING. Will cram this morning. SOS.....SOS.....more good thoughts, please! They worked the last time.

I do get my other exam back today, so stay tuned for that booty dance. LOL.

Alittla' dis, alitta' dat

My Damn Dryer

Sometimes this dryer has a problem. Sometimes it seems that the heat element goes balistic and shrinks all my pants. I HATE when this happens...and it's never predictable. Some mornings I get up and put on my pants...they are fine. Some mornings, like this morning, I put on my pants and darn if that dryer didn't shrink them two sizes. It also likes to shrink my underwear...and I end up with a skin imprint of the waistband. I wish this dryer wouldn't do this! :)

Think Good Thoughts (say a prayer)!

Today I will have my first test in Medical Terminology. I AM READY! I have a few loose neurons to connect...specifically needing to remember: lysis-seperation, destruction, loosening....
plasia-formation or growth AND plegia-paralysis.
I'm going for an "A" people! Shooting for 100% so I can do that victory dance.

Oh Where oh where has my little blog gone?

My blogging has gone to the dogs, literally! With school in full swing, the blogging I do is for our adoptable greyhounds at SEGA. This little blog will just have to wait.

Do you want to see pics of my dog do ya' do ya' do ya'?

Don't really have a choice anyway! LOL. Can I tell you how proud I am of this gorgeous creature?

Clocked at 40 mph. Pictures by Susan LaBarge. Thanks Susan!!!!

If I could change my address.....

How cool would that be???? LOL!

House Ho' seeks Man Maid...

Just a thrill a minute!

Reluctance....

This is my friend, Patti Peterson....(or maybe WAS my friend). She is an amazing person, and does so much for SEGA. One of her "jobs" is to photograph the new dogs that come into our organization...one of my "jobs" is to add to and coordinate the Blogs. So I met her and other volunteer extraordinaire, Kim LeVear, at the kennel to get some footage of our 3 new dogs. Obviously, Patti likes being BEHIND the camera more than in front...but REALLY! Even if she was in my shot, I would edit it....OHHHHH...BUT NOT NOW!!!

I'm gonna' harden my heart.....

Ugghhh. I can't get this girl out of my mind. She is "Go the Extramile"....a beautiful little girl at the kennel (Southeastern Greyhounds). She is petite...balanced....friendly.....she is underweight and has horrible skin, as many of the dogs do that come in off the track...

I foster sometimes. And I was asked to foster again, as new hounds are on their way. Knowing the dogs at the kennel, b/c I also do "kennel duty", I asked if I could foster this one....but didn't ask my DH....they said yes....he said No. We got in a little tiff....

I have to admit, that when a new dog comes to our house, it causes an upheaval...Victor obsesses about the dog (but doesn't do squat with helping)....Ava has bad behavior....and Martin gets mad because I sleep downstairs with the new dog until I can teach her how to climb stairs...our dogs are well mannered, for the most part, and of course there is a learning curve for a dog coming from a kennel into a home for the first time. To be fair, I also have to admit that pee pee accidents are not on my list of favorites, and having to leash walk the dog outside to pee at 6AM can be challenging. But sigh........can I tell you good it feels to ACCOMPLISH something? To have a direct correlation between effort expended and results? These dogs give it to me all the time.

A foster looks to me for direction, and when I give it, they respond. They are so grateful for anything I do.....I get to watch them blossom in a very short period of time...and yep, that does feel good.

This little girl has a Daddy that was born in Ireland. She started racing in Tampa, then was shipped to Kansas, and then back to Florida and then to our kennel. That's a lot. I don't know if you can see the white tip of her tail, but in person, it goes back and forth as she has a nice easy steady wag....sweet brown eyes.

But yet, I do live with three other people...and two other dogs. I just wish sometimes that I could say yes freely and also be a hero at home.

Hoofbeats in my Heart

This weekend I got to be a "jump judge" at a lovely event. So the reason all the angles are the same is because I was at jump #1 all day!

I was the girl who always wanted a horse. My parents were kind enough to allow me lessons in an effort to satisfy the longing in my heart...but their pocketbooks (and perhaps, sensibilities) didn't stretch as far as our big back yard. So, I had many girlfriends who had horses. And on Saturdays, you could find me mucking stalls and hopefully riding and giggling with Beth, or Vanessa....breathing in that wonderful horsey perfume and trying to figure out how in the hell you are supposed to keep your heels down and toes in.

Now, as an adult, I've ridden sporadically...you know, those "beach rides" on vacation, where you can't do more than a walk, and usually in a western saddle....I celebrated my 40th birthday in Montana at a horse ranch...and I actually started taking lessons again (a few years back) and wondered what happened to my leg muscles.

The cabash happened when I was posting around the ring, and Victor and the instructor's kids came running out of the nearby office, slamming the screen door, and I was thrown. While it WAS a bit thrilling to find myself face down in the dirt (how many times do you really fall in midlife????) The next day I was SO SORE.

Long story...but the ending is, GREYHOUNDS actually satisfy my need to have a horse....and going to events like this one!

Tastes like Chicken

Yes, Halloween is so right around the corner! NOT....
We got this leg last year...Victor could not resist it. After Halloween, I put it in the linen closet and just about scared myself everytime I went to put away towels! It is very realistic looking.

This year, Victor has already talked me into buying a severed arm...but the dogs chewed the fingers off...(that's what he gets for leaving it laying around). My goal is to sneak this in my uber conservative husband's car...hanging out the passenger side door...and see what happens. LOL! It won't be pretty.


What do you think Rover is saying in this picture?

Lemmings

Yep, they follow me everywhere....the major breakthrough is that they didn't all join me in the bathroom like usual. Must've known I was faking it!
When I was a teenager, this song was MAJOR to me...sweet pictures of my beloved....who knew that they were GREYHOUNDS?????

It can be really annoying...but sometimes it reminds me to "set fer a spell".
PS. Yes, yes...I am "rewarding" the bad behavior and therefore encouraging it in this video. Geez.

A NEW CAREER????

Well, I have applied and have been accepted into Chattahoochee Tech's Surgical Technologist Program. I am really excited! My husband is asking "why?", since my gig has always been communication, video production, script writing....Perhaps it is another sign of an impending mid life crisis! LOL. But really, I have ALWAYS been keenly interested in the medical field. I am one of those people who has no problem sitting down with a roaster chicken while watching the Discovery Health Channel.

This semester I will be taking Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology. I am eager to get back in the classroom and flex the grey matter. If nothing else, it feels good to not only "talk" about something, but to actually DO something to achieve it. This may not be all I imagine it to be, but that's ok...it feels good to take action!!!! Woo-hoo!

Pussycat, Pussycat, where have you been?

If curiousity really did kill the cat, Putin better watch it! He is an explorer, a braveheart, a warrior all in a small 9 lb. body!

He's a snuggler too!

Very scary!

Ghost Dogs in Kennesaw

As a prolific photographer of my dogs, their eyes are always a challenge! I loved this one, though...untouched. I am still trying to figure out how to photoshop the flash reflection in normal indoor photos. Does anyone have any tricks?

And then there were three......

Back to spaghetti leash syndrome, as our gorgeous foster, Red Rover, has returned. Martin and I are getting the hang of it...
The comments are so funny now..."gee, do you need another one?","wow, you have your hands full", "are they ALL yours?", "oh, they are better behaved than most children!". I walk the dogs two to my left (Canoe and June) and Rover to the right. They too are getting used to the whole thing and I can easily take them anywhere. Ok, so the only problem I have is when Canoe wants to mark...then the spaghetti leash thing. I walk tall with three gorgeous dogs! (after I jump rope out of the spaghetti!)

"lookin' at you lookin' at me"

6 things about moi.

I was tagged! So finally here it goes:

1. I held the title of Maryland State Rabbit Judge Champion, Jr. Division
Oh yeah! I was a 4-H'er, and raised New Zealand White rabbits. I also excelled at rabbit judging...I still can remember breed standards.

2. I used to be an on-air News Anchor
I love this little clipping. I look so young and spry! Yes, I brought "complete coverage of today's events". I loved this job, and loved working in television. I went on to work at Maryland Public Television, and then got into Corporate Communications and then Agency work.

3. I have my motorcycle license.......
Although I haven't ridden in years....I did learn how to ride for a show about Harley Davidson and Sturgiss. I rode from Milwauki, Wisconsin to Sturgis South Dakota... During this trip, I encouraged many women to get off the back of some guy's bike, and get one of their own, through my example. That was the best!

4. I mashed cake at my wedding.
And I would do it again.

5. If I was stranded on a deserted island and I could only have one food....it would be spaghetti.

6. I know how to drive cars fast, but am better at making tv shows about fast cars.....
Now off to do laundry!...If you haven't been tagged, I tag YOU! Still waiting for Scott's post.....

The "Burglar Phase"

Mommy! What was THAT noise????? Mommy! I heard the door open!!!!! Mommy! I thought I saw someone downstairs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah yes, the burglar phase...a period of time when your otherwise very confident child turns into a paranoid security advisor.

Victor went through this...and being my first child, I went through a bunch of crazy self examination....am I giving him enough attention? Does he feel like he's responsible for his safety b/c no one else is? What can I do to make him more comfortable in our home? Is this an indicator that he doesn't feel safe in his world? Maybe I need to really monitor his PBS shows to see if that is causing it...sometimes "Arthur" can be a bit risque. HAS HE ALREADY BEEN THE VICTIM OF A CRIME THAT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT???!!!!##!

Whew. I'm exhausted after remembering that. With lovely child #2, THANK GOD I realize this is a phase...this too shall pass, and everything is OK. I'm even tempted to ask her if she's checked her closet and looked under her bed...after all, monsters aren't stopped by locks.

I HATE when that happens!

A picture is worth a thousand (curse) words.



My solution to pollution.



Hmmm. It wasn't really her fault. She always has to pee at 3 AM...no matter what time I take her out before. She does this pee pee dance where she runs the length of my bedroom and back...over and over. Needless to say, I rolled over and put the pillow over my head.
***notice the Snickers bar wrapper tucked under her armpit.

There's a New Kid in Town

The Peters family welcomes "Putin", our new kitty!!!!! Ok, so first of all, I AM NOT responsible for the name....my husband is. I tried to tell him that in the South, Putin or "pootin'" means so much more than the Russian leader....

He's a very sweet, playful one year old. We are hoping he lives to be 100!
Canoe was happy....June is ok....Putin says, talk to the paw.