These two thought the pumpkins were giant balls. Dogs are awesome.
Mine is the one on the right, sans mustache.
Awaiting the masses
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
All Hallows Eve
Here are some random shots I took this week.
These two thought the pumpkins were giant balls. Dogs are awesome.
Mine is the one on the right, sans mustache.
Awaiting the masses
These two thought the pumpkins were giant balls. Dogs are awesome.
Mine is the one on the right, sans mustache.
Awaiting the masses
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Ouch.
We need a new bed. I think we needed a new bed about a year ago. We purchased our king-sized Durango (isn't that a truck?) from Denver Mattress back in the fall of 2001. It is a pillow-top monstrosity that used to be our personal savior. But, after 4 moves in 6 years (I'm not kidding) and sleeping on it for 2,190 nights, the ol' girl is ready for the burn pile.
I know this because recently, I wake up tired. I feel like I don't sleep, and honestly, I don't think I do. I toss and turn all night, with intermittent dozing from 11pm to 8am. I am a light sleeper, so this could be expected. But even Rob is feeling the burn. He isn't sleeping much either.
We are looking into a Sleep Number Bed. My chiropractor brother-in-law and sister have one, and I'm sure they are loving it. When Rob auditioned at Augie back in February, he stayed at the Radisson and slept on one. We made a visit over to Northpark the other day, where there is a Select Comfort store. I must have a Sleep Number bed. They might cost me my first-borne child, but at this point, I'll give anything for a good nights sleep.
Halloween is tomorrow, and we are looking forward to having trick-or-treaters! We finally live on a street with lots of kids. Although it's been hard, not eating the Halloween candy that is haunting a cupboard in my kitchen. I just keep thinking "size 8's, Al. Size 8's", and that pretty much does the trick.
Rob and I hit Randy and Vicki's party on Saturday (Yes, since I figured out who my cyber-stalker was, we opted not to go to the Blue Cat. I'd rather gouge my eye out with a spoon, thank you very much) and had a blast. There were lots of fun Augie people there, as well as Randall and Vicki's adorable three children, Rylan, Rachel and Hannah. I didn't get enough pics as I was having too much fun, but here are a few we got in the midst.
Next Thursday the 8th, I head out on the road for the Nati. I'll be meeting with Pat for a voice lesson, seeing my old student Jess, having dinner with Pat, then seeing my dear pal Matt in CMT's Follies. I'll be staying with Matt and Jason again (love those guys!) and cannot wait. I have an appointment with my old stylist Nikki (she really is a goddess), dinner with my baby Chuck, and a cocktail party at Below Zero with all my Nati friends. I can't wait!!
I know this because recently, I wake up tired. I feel like I don't sleep, and honestly, I don't think I do. I toss and turn all night, with intermittent dozing from 11pm to 8am. I am a light sleeper, so this could be expected. But even Rob is feeling the burn. He isn't sleeping much either.
We are looking into a Sleep Number Bed. My chiropractor brother-in-law and sister have one, and I'm sure they are loving it. When Rob auditioned at Augie back in February, he stayed at the Radisson and slept on one. We made a visit over to Northpark the other day, where there is a Select Comfort store. I must have a Sleep Number bed. They might cost me my first-borne child, but at this point, I'll give anything for a good nights sleep.
Halloween is tomorrow, and we are looking forward to having trick-or-treaters! We finally live on a street with lots of kids. Although it's been hard, not eating the Halloween candy that is haunting a cupboard in my kitchen. I just keep thinking "size 8's, Al. Size 8's", and that pretty much does the trick.
Rob and I hit Randy and Vicki's party on Saturday (Yes, since I figured out who my cyber-stalker was, we opted not to go to the Blue Cat. I'd rather gouge my eye out with a spoon, thank you very much) and had a blast. There were lots of fun Augie people there, as well as Randall and Vicki's adorable three children, Rylan, Rachel and Hannah. I didn't get enough pics as I was having too much fun, but here are a few we got in the midst.
Next Thursday the 8th, I head out on the road for the Nati. I'll be meeting with Pat for a voice lesson, seeing my old student Jess, having dinner with Pat, then seeing my dear pal Matt in CMT's Follies. I'll be staying with Matt and Jason again (love those guys!) and cannot wait. I have an appointment with my old stylist Nikki (she really is a goddess), dinner with my baby Chuck, and a cocktail party at Below Zero with all my Nati friends. I can't wait!!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Week in Review
It's nice to be back. It's nice to be on my own space again and say anything I goddamn well please. For weeks I felt disjointed from my fellow bloggers, friends and readers (who, I've discovered, are many and from all over the US) that if I said anything, I would be skewered. Not anymore, my friends. It is a great feeling.
Weight Watchers
Speaking of feeling great, I've failed to mentioned over the past weeks my weight loss! Last week at weigh-in, I had lost another 1.4 pounds, and today, a round 1.0 pounds. Total weight loss over 4 weeks? 5 pounds!!! Yay for me! I'm hoping to rival my friend P-dub, who after losing near 30 pounds, I've deemed "Skinny Bitch". I think if I lost 25 more pounds, I might disappear. However, only about 8 more pounds to lose and I reach my goal and into Maintenance I will go. I'm hoping by next week I'll have to go buy a new pair of pants or two. Incidentally, that would bring me to a size 8, which I haven't been since high school. Sweet.
Dogs
Good news on the homefront - Ike went to the vet yesterday, but this was all good news. They removed his stiches, which the doc said looked great and gave him a clean bill of health. His abscess is completely gone, he is no longer in his e-collar, and I gave him his first bath yesterday!
My clean little guy is happy to be snuggled now. We both felt weird about cuddling him since he was so dirty and smelled sorta bad. He is so soft and snuggly! And he and Maddy? The best of friends. Check it out.
Aren't they so cute? They are getting along just great, and Rob and I couldn't be happier. Here is the fam together.
Theatre
The company is heading in the best of directions, and we are now in talks with a few companies to form a collaborative of sorts for a performing location. I can't say much more, but things are looking pretty positive. I am gearing up to direct a January staged-reading of Richard Greenberg's Take Me Out, which I mentioned in a previous post. What fun this will be! I have close to 8 men committed to the project, the majority of them all Prenzies. I am quite thrilled to be working with all these talented actors, but am jazzed I will be able to work with my old high school chum Jeff. The last show we participated in together was... 14 years ago? Sheesh, we're old.
Tonight we are off to Randall and Vicki's (Randall teaches with Rob at Augie) for a Halloween bash. I'm not going to mention our costumes. Let's see if you can guess by the pics I post tomorrow. Have a good weekend!
Weight Watchers
Speaking of feeling great, I've failed to mentioned over the past weeks my weight loss! Last week at weigh-in, I had lost another 1.4 pounds, and today, a round 1.0 pounds. Total weight loss over 4 weeks? 5 pounds!!! Yay for me! I'm hoping to rival my friend P-dub, who after losing near 30 pounds, I've deemed "Skinny Bitch". I think if I lost 25 more pounds, I might disappear. However, only about 8 more pounds to lose and I reach my goal and into Maintenance I will go. I'm hoping by next week I'll have to go buy a new pair of pants or two. Incidentally, that would bring me to a size 8, which I haven't been since high school. Sweet.
Dogs
Good news on the homefront - Ike went to the vet yesterday, but this was all good news. They removed his stiches, which the doc said looked great and gave him a clean bill of health. His abscess is completely gone, he is no longer in his e-collar, and I gave him his first bath yesterday!
My clean little guy is happy to be snuggled now. We both felt weird about cuddling him since he was so dirty and smelled sorta bad. He is so soft and snuggly! And he and Maddy? The best of friends. Check it out.
Aren't they so cute? They are getting along just great, and Rob and I couldn't be happier. Here is the fam together.
Theatre
The company is heading in the best of directions, and we are now in talks with a few companies to form a collaborative of sorts for a performing location. I can't say much more, but things are looking pretty positive. I am gearing up to direct a January staged-reading of Richard Greenberg's Take Me Out, which I mentioned in a previous post. What fun this will be! I have close to 8 men committed to the project, the majority of them all Prenzies. I am quite thrilled to be working with all these talented actors, but am jazzed I will be able to work with my old high school chum Jeff. The last show we participated in together was... 14 years ago? Sheesh, we're old.
Tonight we are off to Randall and Vicki's (Randall teaches with Rob at Augie) for a Halloween bash. I'm not going to mention our costumes. Let's see if you can guess by the pics I post tomorrow. Have a good weekend!
Friday, October 26, 2007
I am the Warrior
There is something to be said about feeling powerful. For a few days, I felt absolutely powerless that there was actually someone out there, trying to make me feel bad about myself. Why? What reasons? My friend Tracy said there was no way any one anonymous would do that to a person unless they were "insane". Or, they knew me in some capacity. Quite honestly, it was eating me alive to think that a "friend" would do this to me. So, it must be someone who feels some sort of hatred toward me.
I racked my brain for a day or so, trying to think of someone I might have pissed off. A singer in the community? Quite possibly, as truth be told, my original post might have been just the thing to piss someone off. But if I had done so, most would also see that I had apologized for ranting and raving. I was all bark and no bite with that post, and I realized the error of my ways. I thought (with heartbreaking annoyance) that it could have been a Prenzie. But my friend D helped me see that it wasn't the case.
Then who? Just who was this person who felt the need to criticize and try to make me feel small?
It pays to have friends who are computer geniuses.
I find it incredibly sad that someone I went to school with, nearly 10 years ago, would feel the need to do such a horrible thing. I know that I have changed since college. It would be ridiculous to think that anyone HADN'T changed since they were 20. What I also find incredibly sad is that said person would let someone close to them fight their battles for them, a someone who would only know me from what old college pal would tell them. Tsk tsk, college pal. Who is the unprofessional one now?
Oh. One more thing. Feel free to comment on my blog all you like now. I'll be watching...
I racked my brain for a day or so, trying to think of someone I might have pissed off. A singer in the community? Quite possibly, as truth be told, my original post might have been just the thing to piss someone off. But if I had done so, most would also see that I had apologized for ranting and raving. I was all bark and no bite with that post, and I realized the error of my ways. I thought (with heartbreaking annoyance) that it could have been a Prenzie. But my friend D helped me see that it wasn't the case.
Then who? Just who was this person who felt the need to criticize and try to make me feel small?
It pays to have friends who are computer geniuses.
I find it incredibly sad that someone I went to school with, nearly 10 years ago, would feel the need to do such a horrible thing. I know that I have changed since college. It would be ridiculous to think that anyone HADN'T changed since they were 20. What I also find incredibly sad is that said person would let someone close to them fight their battles for them, a someone who would only know me from what old college pal would tell them. Tsk tsk, college pal. Who is the unprofessional one now?
Oh. One more thing. Feel free to comment on my blog all you like now. I'll be watching...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Apologies
Severe apologies to any one who thought they were the brunt of my rant on Tuesday.
I know who you are, Anonymous.
I thought that all these years might've helped you release all that angst you had against me.
Well, at least I know that you haven't changed much since our days at Clarke.
I know who you are, Anonymous.
I thought that all these years might've helped you release all that angst you had against me.
Well, at least I know that you haven't changed much since our days at Clarke.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
No more Mr. Nice Guy
If you scroll down, you will be able to read my blog post entitled "An Open Letter..." to this Cyber-Stalker I have dealt with in the past weeks. If you click on the Comments, you will find another nasty one aimed right at me. Or, here...
"Since I spent time with you last week, the thought of spending this Saturday with you sounds quite nauseating."
You can see in my post that I have gone out of my way to be nice, to understand this person and why they feel the way they do about me. But it is clear that this person isn't out to play nice. They are just, quite simply, mean.
Let me say this, Anonymous. I can count the number of people I spent time with last week on my fingers, and I'm sure I know who you are. So I ask, why in the world do you feel the need to be so hurtful to me, then turn around and be so nice and sweet to my face? You've just proved my point at how infantile, small, unprofessional, sad and bitter you are about something I APOLOGIZED FOR and have since retracted. Please let this go. I never once "bashed the QC music community", and I never claimed to be the "end-all-be-all" of singers, voice teachers, artists or anything of the like in that first post all those weeks ago. And if that was what you thought I was saying, then I'm sorry you misunderstood me. I was pissed and frustrated, and please, understand, a blog is a pressure valve to release those frustrations. I never intended to piss anyone off, I was merely trying to vent annoyances of MINE.
I hate what the Internet has done. There are millions of people out there in the world with blogs, voicing their own opinions on their own space, and shit like this happens. Apparently I'm not allowed to have opinions about ANYTHING without being slapped on the hand for it. Like hating California (yes, I saw you out there in Humboldt County). That was MY prerogative to hate it if I wanted. I think republicans are dicks in suits. I may hate a play or musical. Or a specific kind of food. I hate Cole slaw! There, I said it. Will I get postings now from a million bloggers who think I'm a bitch because I can't eat mayonnaise-based salads?
I talked to a mutual friend of ours today, anonymous, who is pissed and embarrassed at your behavior. This friend can't believe they are involved with you in the least, and I, frankly, can't either. Because when you are around me, you feign like we are friends (or in the least, acquaintances), then you turn around and do something like this. How can you be so two-faced? At least if I feel a certain way about someone, I'm not afraid to confront them about it. So how 'bout it? You obviously feel this rancid energy toward me. Why don't you do the same and send me an email or call me and tell me what an asshole you think I am. Because if you don't, I (and the entire blogging community) will forever know what a coward you are for not doing so.
I am sorry you continue to feel such hostility toward me. I think if you got to know me, you might feel otherwise. I went out of my way to extend an invitation to you to begin to understand each other and create some positive energy. Because of this, I never want to see you bash anything I say ever again, whether it be here, on a theatre review or anywhere. You have no room to do any such thing anymore after this. And if what I say upsets you so much, please discontinue to read my blog.
Incidentally, I'll still be at the Blue Cat on Saturday, should you decide to show up.
"Since I spent time with you last week, the thought of spending this Saturday with you sounds quite nauseating."
You can see in my post that I have gone out of my way to be nice, to understand this person and why they feel the way they do about me. But it is clear that this person isn't out to play nice. They are just, quite simply, mean.
Let me say this, Anonymous. I can count the number of people I spent time with last week on my fingers, and I'm sure I know who you are. So I ask, why in the world do you feel the need to be so hurtful to me, then turn around and be so nice and sweet to my face? You've just proved my point at how infantile, small, unprofessional, sad and bitter you are about something I APOLOGIZED FOR and have since retracted. Please let this go. I never once "bashed the QC music community", and I never claimed to be the "end-all-be-all" of singers, voice teachers, artists or anything of the like in that first post all those weeks ago. And if that was what you thought I was saying, then I'm sorry you misunderstood me. I was pissed and frustrated, and please, understand, a blog is a pressure valve to release those frustrations. I never intended to piss anyone off, I was merely trying to vent annoyances of MINE.
I hate what the Internet has done. There are millions of people out there in the world with blogs, voicing their own opinions on their own space, and shit like this happens. Apparently I'm not allowed to have opinions about ANYTHING without being slapped on the hand for it. Like hating California (yes, I saw you out there in Humboldt County). That was MY prerogative to hate it if I wanted. I think republicans are dicks in suits. I may hate a play or musical. Or a specific kind of food. I hate Cole slaw! There, I said it. Will I get postings now from a million bloggers who think I'm a bitch because I can't eat mayonnaise-based salads?
I talked to a mutual friend of ours today, anonymous, who is pissed and embarrassed at your behavior. This friend can't believe they are involved with you in the least, and I, frankly, can't either. Because when you are around me, you feign like we are friends (or in the least, acquaintances), then you turn around and do something like this. How can you be so two-faced? At least if I feel a certain way about someone, I'm not afraid to confront them about it. So how 'bout it? You obviously feel this rancid energy toward me. Why don't you do the same and send me an email or call me and tell me what an asshole you think I am. Because if you don't, I (and the entire blogging community) will forever know what a coward you are for not doing so.
I am sorry you continue to feel such hostility toward me. I think if you got to know me, you might feel otherwise. I went out of my way to extend an invitation to you to begin to understand each other and create some positive energy. Because of this, I never want to see you bash anything I say ever again, whether it be here, on a theatre review or anywhere. You have no room to do any such thing anymore after this. And if what I say upsets you so much, please discontinue to read my blog.
Incidentally, I'll still be at the Blue Cat on Saturday, should you decide to show up.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Week in Review
For those who are wondering, yes, I feel 30. It's really quite wonderful.
It's been a hairy week, with Ike recuperating from surgery and getting things together after the craziness that was last weekend. Ike is doing well. Yesterday we had to take him back to the emergency vet as he had a wicked bad abscess (pus-filled bump...gross) from his surgery last weekend. The vet gave us 9 zillion milligram antibiotics after draining the thing (again, gross?) and sent us on our way. The abscess is half the size today and looking good. By Wednesday, I'm sure it will be gone.
As you can see by my previous post, my cyber friend hasn't left me alone, so I've called a moratorium on the whole thing. I'm tired of bashing, I'm tired of being bashed by, clearly, someone who doesn't know me. I just want it to end.
We had a lovely weekend, taking the dogs to the Dog Park! It was a lovely Saturday and we thought we should introduce Ike to the way things are around here.
Saturday night we headed over to Andy Koski's for some merriment and fun with the Prenzies. We had a blast!!! We got to meet many new folks, and celebrate with old friends. My friend Jess returned from Ireland and brought some mead for all to enjoy. I didn't get to take many photos as I was having just way too much fun. However, I did manage to snap this one of Mags. I'm not quite sure what she was doing, but I needed to have this. For posterity. One day, I'll show it to her kids.
More good news! We found out today that my sister Tina is pregnant again! Yay! I will be an aunt once again. Congrats to my sister and Lou.
It's been a hairy week, with Ike recuperating from surgery and getting things together after the craziness that was last weekend. Ike is doing well. Yesterday we had to take him back to the emergency vet as he had a wicked bad abscess (pus-filled bump...gross) from his surgery last weekend. The vet gave us 9 zillion milligram antibiotics after draining the thing (again, gross?) and sent us on our way. The abscess is half the size today and looking good. By Wednesday, I'm sure it will be gone.
As you can see by my previous post, my cyber friend hasn't left me alone, so I've called a moratorium on the whole thing. I'm tired of bashing, I'm tired of being bashed by, clearly, someone who doesn't know me. I just want it to end.
We had a lovely weekend, taking the dogs to the Dog Park! It was a lovely Saturday and we thought we should introduce Ike to the way things are around here.
Saturday night we headed over to Andy Koski's for some merriment and fun with the Prenzies. We had a blast!!! We got to meet many new folks, and celebrate with old friends. My friend Jess returned from Ireland and brought some mead for all to enjoy. I didn't get to take many photos as I was having just way too much fun. However, I did manage to snap this one of Mags. I'm not quite sure what she was doing, but I needed to have this. For posterity. One day, I'll show it to her kids.
More good news! We found out today that my sister Tina is pregnant again! Yay! I will be an aunt once again. Congrats to my sister and Lou.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
An open letter to the anonymous artists I have offended
Dear Anonymous poster-
Having read your comments on the River Cities' Reader review of Prenzie Players' Othello, it has become clear to me that you (and others...) have taken it upon yourselves to harbor a grudge against me apparently based on comments left on my blog early last month (incidently, comments that have been retracted). In thinking about our "cyber-relationship", I have reached an epiphany. I think it best that we meet in person to discuss the events of the past month and maybe share a few laughs. It is apparent that the internet is unable to convey nuance, irony, or shades of emotion. However, having a face to face conversation will help us to understand one another better.
I say this because you obviously are passionate about music (and theatre) in the Quad Cities - a feeling that we both share. Don't you think it would be best if we found a way to make this energy mutually beneficial rather than adversarial? I realize that my previous words have certainly offended you, and for that, once again, I apologize. But it would seem unproductive to go on bashing one another.
Thus, I am proposing that we meet Saturday, October 27th at the Blue Cat Brew Pub in the District of Rock Island at 8 p.m.. I will be sitting upstairs at the bar and will be wearing a yellow/tan hat. Feel free to invite anyone else who you feel I have offended along the way and I will buy you all a round of drinks. I'm not suggesting this meeting as a challenge to you. This is merely an opportunity for us to bury the hatchet and figure out what makes each other tick. For your convenience, I've turned my comments back on, but I would ask that, in the spirit of "burying the hatchet" that any discourse we have with one another be of the most positive sort. If you are unable to make this meeting time due to another commitment, I am happy to set up an alternate meeting of your choice.
Finally, let me say this: I don't want you to think that I hold any lingering hostility toward you. At this point I am merely curious at what you have to say, and am eager to begin an exchange of ideas. It is clear that you are intelligent and know this area very well. I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Having read your comments on the River Cities' Reader review of Prenzie Players' Othello, it has become clear to me that you (and others...) have taken it upon yourselves to harbor a grudge against me apparently based on comments left on my blog early last month (incidently, comments that have been retracted). In thinking about our "cyber-relationship", I have reached an epiphany. I think it best that we meet in person to discuss the events of the past month and maybe share a few laughs. It is apparent that the internet is unable to convey nuance, irony, or shades of emotion. However, having a face to face conversation will help us to understand one another better.
I say this because you obviously are passionate about music (and theatre) in the Quad Cities - a feeling that we both share. Don't you think it would be best if we found a way to make this energy mutually beneficial rather than adversarial? I realize that my previous words have certainly offended you, and for that, once again, I apologize. But it would seem unproductive to go on bashing one another.
Thus, I am proposing that we meet Saturday, October 27th at the Blue Cat Brew Pub in the District of Rock Island at 8 p.m.. I will be sitting upstairs at the bar and will be wearing a yellow/tan hat. Feel free to invite anyone else who you feel I have offended along the way and I will buy you all a round of drinks. I'm not suggesting this meeting as a challenge to you. This is merely an opportunity for us to bury the hatchet and figure out what makes each other tick. For your convenience, I've turned my comments back on, but I would ask that, in the spirit of "burying the hatchet" that any discourse we have with one another be of the most positive sort. If you are unable to make this meeting time due to another commitment, I am happy to set up an alternate meeting of your choice.
Finally, let me say this: I don't want you to think that I hold any lingering hostility toward you. At this point I am merely curious at what you have to say, and am eager to begin an exchange of ideas. It is clear that you are intelligent and know this area very well. I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Doggie Drama
I've never owned two dogs at once before. Maddy was enough for six years until we realized that if we were going to get a second dog, we might as well just do it before she gets any older or ornery-er.
I also realize that two dogs need to nip at each other and figure out who is the boss. But our situation is a bit different. Ike is deaf, so if Maddy is pissed at him for taking a chewie or getting too close to her food, he doesn't understand because he can't hear her growl. Sunday we had a bit of a scuffle over a compressed rawhide bone that was intended for Maddy. When Maddy left the bone unattended, Ike went for it (who wouldn't! Free food!), which really pissed her off. On her part, she DID warn him with a growl. However, our little dude can't hear it. So, a pretty nasty fight ensued. We got in there and broke it up, but not soon enough, as one of Ike's scars from his previous surgeries burst open! It was pretty scary for all of us, and quite gross. It only bled a little bit, but this DogMommy was scared out of her wits. Within 15 minutes we were at the emergency vet clinic, where Ike got stitched up and sent home with some wicked big pain pills.
After that fight, however, Ike is pretty scared of Maddy. Yesterday I tested them with the chewie again, and as soon as Ike got close to Maddy, she growled at him and he backed off. The vet says that they will get used to each other in time, find a way to communicate, and that Maddy will soon begin to understand that Ike is deaf... dogs can just understand those things. Isn't that just amazing? They are pretty much okay together, it's only when food is around that Maddy gets possessive. We have to monitor them when they eat, to make sure one dog doesn't go for the others food. So far so good...
And as if my dog wasn't ugly enough, lets put an e-collar on him. Courtney said he looks a bit like Miss J. Alexander from America's Next Top Model, with his asymmetrical mohawk and clown collar. Work it.
Nasty scar!
I also realize that two dogs need to nip at each other and figure out who is the boss. But our situation is a bit different. Ike is deaf, so if Maddy is pissed at him for taking a chewie or getting too close to her food, he doesn't understand because he can't hear her growl. Sunday we had a bit of a scuffle over a compressed rawhide bone that was intended for Maddy. When Maddy left the bone unattended, Ike went for it (who wouldn't! Free food!), which really pissed her off. On her part, she DID warn him with a growl. However, our little dude can't hear it. So, a pretty nasty fight ensued. We got in there and broke it up, but not soon enough, as one of Ike's scars from his previous surgeries burst open! It was pretty scary for all of us, and quite gross. It only bled a little bit, but this DogMommy was scared out of her wits. Within 15 minutes we were at the emergency vet clinic, where Ike got stitched up and sent home with some wicked big pain pills.
After that fight, however, Ike is pretty scared of Maddy. Yesterday I tested them with the chewie again, and as soon as Ike got close to Maddy, she growled at him and he backed off. The vet says that they will get used to each other in time, find a way to communicate, and that Maddy will soon begin to understand that Ike is deaf... dogs can just understand those things. Isn't that just amazing? They are pretty much okay together, it's only when food is around that Maddy gets possessive. We have to monitor them when they eat, to make sure one dog doesn't go for the others food. So far so good...
And as if my dog wasn't ugly enough, lets put an e-collar on him. Courtney said he looks a bit like Miss J. Alexander from America's Next Top Model, with his asymmetrical mohawk and clown collar. Work it.
Nasty scar!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Happy Birthday to me/ I like Ike/ Week in Review
Wow!!! What a week. Today I turned 30 (see post following), and it really has been one of the best weeks since we arrived back in July.
Friday, Rob and I walked up the two blocks to 23rd Avenue - Oh wait, sorry, "Avenue of the Cities" (if that isn't the stupidest name, I don't know what is) - to see the Moline High School Homecoming Parade. It's been 13 years since I've seen this grand event of Moline Royalty, and it hadn't changed a bit. Although hearing Wilson Middle School marching band playing "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me" (I'm not kidding) was a little strange. When I was in school, they played stuff like "Hit the road, Jack" or "Low Rider". Times have definately changed.
Friday night, my amazing husband threw me a surprise birthday bash at The Blue Cat Brew Pub downtown Rock Island. In attendance were my folks, Les and Corey, and one of my oldest, dearest friends Courtney from junior high! Also there was my dear friend Matt Nicol, all the way from Cheyenne, Wyoming (see my trip blog post in July 2007 for more on Matt). Dear friend Denise was there, and after 11, all the folks from Prenzie Players' Othello showed up to celebrate, too. It was such a wonderful night, with friends both new and old. What a blast!
Matt, my stepdad Bert, Mom and me
Starting from the Left, Rob, Courtney, Jeremy, Denise, Cait, Jill, Aaron, Maggie, Julian, Andy, Jeff and Stephanie - whew! (I especially like how both Jill and Aaron look like shapeshifters from Supernatural in this picture. Hot.)
In honor of my 30th birthday, Rob and I headed to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center yesterday and adopted a dog. We've been talking about it for quite some time, but finally decided yesterday was the day. We saw many dogs, all sweet, who needed good homes. But when we saw this little guy, we knew he needed us more than we needed him. Meet Ike.
Ike is a 43 pound Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie), who is very calm and sweet. Ike's shelter name was Franklin, and we didn't think it fit him very well. We toyed with Fred, Moe, Tud, Abe, Atticus. But Ike seems to stick. However, Ike comes with a sad story, as most shelter dogs do.
When Ike came to the shelter a few weeks ago, they realized his ears had never been fixed, like most shelties are. Because of this, his ears were so infected and swollen completely shut that the vets decided to take the entire inner-ear from both ears, so Ike is completely deaf. He is fully-recovered (otherwise, they wouldn't let us take him home), and will be able to have a bath in a few days (boy does he need one), but the funny thing is that due to the surgeries, all his hair around his ears has been shaved, so Ike has a mohawk! We can tell that Ike has been someone's pet before, as he is house-trained, wears a collar well, and walks well on a leash. He is very good with Maddy, and Maddy is starting to take to him, too. There has been some growling and a lot of sniffing of butts, but all in all, it's been very good. Ike loves to have the ball thrown for him, and brings it back to drop at your feet. He is a wonderful dog who needs a lot of love and care. We are so happy to have him in our lives!
Two dogs on a Sunday morning.
Friday, Rob and I walked up the two blocks to 23rd Avenue - Oh wait, sorry, "Avenue of the Cities" (if that isn't the stupidest name, I don't know what is) - to see the Moline High School Homecoming Parade. It's been 13 years since I've seen this grand event of Moline Royalty, and it hadn't changed a bit. Although hearing Wilson Middle School marching band playing "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me" (I'm not kidding) was a little strange. When I was in school, they played stuff like "Hit the road, Jack" or "Low Rider". Times have definately changed.
Friday night, my amazing husband threw me a surprise birthday bash at The Blue Cat Brew Pub downtown Rock Island. In attendance were my folks, Les and Corey, and one of my oldest, dearest friends Courtney from junior high! Also there was my dear friend Matt Nicol, all the way from Cheyenne, Wyoming (see my trip blog post in July 2007 for more on Matt). Dear friend Denise was there, and after 11, all the folks from Prenzie Players' Othello showed up to celebrate, too. It was such a wonderful night, with friends both new and old. What a blast!
Matt, my stepdad Bert, Mom and me
Starting from the Left, Rob, Courtney, Jeremy, Denise, Cait, Jill, Aaron, Maggie, Julian, Andy, Jeff and Stephanie - whew! (I especially like how both Jill and Aaron look like shapeshifters from Supernatural in this picture. Hot.)
In honor of my 30th birthday, Rob and I headed to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center yesterday and adopted a dog. We've been talking about it for quite some time, but finally decided yesterday was the day. We saw many dogs, all sweet, who needed good homes. But when we saw this little guy, we knew he needed us more than we needed him. Meet Ike.
Ike is a 43 pound Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie), who is very calm and sweet. Ike's shelter name was Franklin, and we didn't think it fit him very well. We toyed with Fred, Moe, Tud, Abe, Atticus. But Ike seems to stick. However, Ike comes with a sad story, as most shelter dogs do.
When Ike came to the shelter a few weeks ago, they realized his ears had never been fixed, like most shelties are. Because of this, his ears were so infected and swollen completely shut that the vets decided to take the entire inner-ear from both ears, so Ike is completely deaf. He is fully-recovered (otherwise, they wouldn't let us take him home), and will be able to have a bath in a few days (boy does he need one), but the funny thing is that due to the surgeries, all his hair around his ears has been shaved, so Ike has a mohawk! We can tell that Ike has been someone's pet before, as he is house-trained, wears a collar well, and walks well on a leash. He is very good with Maddy, and Maddy is starting to take to him, too. There has been some growling and a lot of sniffing of butts, but all in all, it's been very good. Ike loves to have the ball thrown for him, and brings it back to drop at your feet. He is a wonderful dog who needs a lot of love and care. We are so happy to have him in our lives!
Two dogs on a Sunday morning.
30
I have been asked about 200 times this past weekend... "are you ready to be 30?"... or, "do you feel 30 yet?"... or, "How do you feel about being 30?".
Hmmm....
I know many women who wept at the commencement of their 30th birthdays.
Not me.
I'll tell you why.
I spent the majority of my 20's thinking that something was out there for me. Just on the horizon. I always felt like I was waiting for something to happen.
Then I moved to California. Everything changed. My world was thrown on it's side, spinning out of control, and I had to make the decision if I wanted to keep it sideways or try to put it back upright.
I started to understand who I was, what I wanted and how to get it. I wasn't scared anymore. And I stopped thinking something was waiting for me. So I decided to go out and get it. To have me happen to it.
It worked.
And over the course of my 29th year, I realized that I had really lived. I've done things and seen places I had never thought possible. I'm a "grown-up". An adult. I am ready to be 30. Why should this be a moment that people dread? Were my 20's that great? So much that I don't want to leave them? Hell no. My 20's were fun, with a learning curve about myself, my marriage, my wants and needs, my career. But I'm ready to leave them behind. Like Dot says to George in Sunday in the Park, "Move on. Stop worrying where you're going, move on." And I'm ready. Bring it on.
Friday, October 12, 2007
She's a Beauty
Everyone who reads my blog knows that I am a hard-core liberal and atheist. So I may be preaching to the choir on this one. But for those of you who agree with me, let's give a shout out to Ann Coulter.
I saw this on CNBC the other day, and as I was watching this, I just couldn't believe my eyes/ears.
Ann Coulter (I'm sure you are aware of her) is one of the most racist, ageist, politically stupid conservatives in America today. With as educated as she is, it's impossible to believe how ridiculous her claims on the liberal population are. She writes books with titles like "If Democrats had brains, they'd be Republicans" and "Godless: The Church of Liberalism", and basically calls any person that doesn't agree with her "Stupid". She is classless, heartless, and let's face it folks, a downright CUNT.
I wonder what I might do if I ever was in a room with this woman. I think it might be fun to throw her into a pit of hungry, pissed-off, teeth-baring liberals. Can I have the first punch, please? Or I might just save it for my friend Jason. What do you think, J?
I saw this on CNBC the other day, and as I was watching this, I just couldn't believe my eyes/ears.
Ann Coulter (I'm sure you are aware of her) is one of the most racist, ageist, politically stupid conservatives in America today. With as educated as she is, it's impossible to believe how ridiculous her claims on the liberal population are. She writes books with titles like "If Democrats had brains, they'd be Republicans" and "Godless: The Church of Liberalism", and basically calls any person that doesn't agree with her "Stupid". She is classless, heartless, and let's face it folks, a downright CUNT.
I wonder what I might do if I ever was in a room with this woman. I think it might be fun to throw her into a pit of hungry, pissed-off, teeth-baring liberals. Can I have the first punch, please? Or I might just save it for my friend Jason. What do you think, J?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Sunshine Day
Today was an excellent day for our little company. I met with the AD of the theatre company whose space we'll be using for our first season (hopefully for many more!) as well as a few other AD's of other companies today to discuss a collaborative of our companies in this new theatre space. It was a great day, being involved in something so new and exciting, for all of us as well as the QC area. Hopefully, this space will be a one-stop shop for local theatre folks to see great, live and contemporary theatre! In the afternoon, I secured rights to our first two shows! Yahoo! Things are hummin', my friends. And no, don't ask me what shows we're doing. I'll only tell you in person or in an e-mail, because that is private stuff (lots of legal reasons, too, which I won't get into). Because it's been such a good day, I found a little something I thought was hilarious and wanted to share. Since I am a great lover of The Sims 2, I thought you might like it, too.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Week in Review
I had a moment of bliss yesterday. While I consider myself a pretty happy person, moments of actual bliss are, at times, far and few between as of late. But Friday morning was all mine. Living in the Quad Cities, and subsequently on the Mississippi River, we are overjoyed to have a bike path that follows the length of the mighty girl, on both sides of the river. I'm not sure how far it stretches on the Illinois side. To Savannah, I think (but don't quote me), which is a long 70 miles northeast of us. It is quite a beautiful sight for sure. Each morning, I take 30-45 minutes and get my daily walk down at Ben Butterworth Parkway on the Moline side of the river. It's only about 3 minutes from my house, and a great way to get in my exercise. Armed with my mp3 player and some time to kill, I joined my fellow walkers, runners and cyclists at the river.
Maybe it's the music. Maybe it's the fact that the sun shines here ALL THE TIME (as opposed to California, where I took my sunshine when I could). But with Pete Townshend's Let my love open the door, I had this overwhelming sense of joy. Just happiness. It was nice. Maybe it was because of this...
Yes friends, the company is now incorporated, and yesterday I sent in all my paperwork to be approved for tax-exempt (non-profit) status with the IRS. Do you know what this means?? I'm done!!! YAY!!!! Everything is completed and now... I wait. I hear it takes a few months to get approved, which is fine. I am in no hurry. With our first shows going up not until the summer, we've got the time to just hang.
Rob and I went to our second Weight Watchers meeting today to weigh in. This past week, I've been quite good to myself. I'm drinking close to a gallon of water a day (yes, I have to pee about every half hour), getting in all my fruits and vegies, and I'm doing good for myself. We treated ourselves to a Whitey's Ice Cream cone last night. Anyway, this morning, I knew I had lost some weight, but I wasn't sure how much. I ended up losing 2.6 pounds since last Saturday! Holy shit! Now, I'm sure it's probably all water, but I'll take my victories where I can. Will probably not be as thin as I would've liked for my 30th birthday (next Sunday, the 14th), but I'm getting there. To reach my goal weight, I need to lose another 13 pounds. I think I can do it.
Maybe it's the music. Maybe it's the fact that the sun shines here ALL THE TIME (as opposed to California, where I took my sunshine when I could). But with Pete Townshend's Let my love open the door, I had this overwhelming sense of joy. Just happiness. It was nice. Maybe it was because of this...
Yes friends, the company is now incorporated, and yesterday I sent in all my paperwork to be approved for tax-exempt (non-profit) status with the IRS. Do you know what this means?? I'm done!!! YAY!!!! Everything is completed and now... I wait. I hear it takes a few months to get approved, which is fine. I am in no hurry. With our first shows going up not until the summer, we've got the time to just hang.
Rob and I went to our second Weight Watchers meeting today to weigh in. This past week, I've been quite good to myself. I'm drinking close to a gallon of water a day (yes, I have to pee about every half hour), getting in all my fruits and vegies, and I'm doing good for myself. We treated ourselves to a Whitey's Ice Cream cone last night. Anyway, this morning, I knew I had lost some weight, but I wasn't sure how much. I ended up losing 2.6 pounds since last Saturday! Holy shit! Now, I'm sure it's probably all water, but I'll take my victories where I can. Will probably not be as thin as I would've liked for my 30th birthday (next Sunday, the 14th), but I'm getting there. To reach my goal weight, I need to lose another 13 pounds. I think I can do it.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The boys are back in town
...along with Bobby, some pissed off demons, a demon-killing knife-wielding hottie chick, and of course, the Metallicar. And they are smokin'.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Week in Review
Weight Watchers- Rob and I went to our first WW meeting in 5 years this past Saturday. Things have really changed! But the best part is that we are now enrolled in eTools, the WW online program. It's so easy to keep track of your activity and food intake. The beauty? I was only 7 pounds more than my last weigh in back in 2003. So, am not as fat as I thought. But I still feel yucky. Skinny jeans, here I come.
Supernatural- Am DESPERATELY, anxiously awaiting the season 3 premiere of Supernatural, this coming Thursday. HOLY CRAP am I excited. Am needing a Dean (played by Jensen Ackles) fix like nobody's business.
RTC- Yes, friends, the theatre company is incorporated, and we had our first board meeting on Saturday. This week I apply for non-profit status. Yippie!!
Other- Saturday night, I spent some time with my fabulous new friend Denise! She is involved in the local theatre group Prenzie Players as both actress and fight coordinator. She had a lovely soiree at her place, where I met a ton of new friends and local theatre enthusiasts. What a blast! By 1:30am, I excused myself home, as I was beat. I forgot what it's like to have friends that stay up late! I miss you guys out there in the Nati! And special thanks to Denise for a superb time. Love ya, lady!
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