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Project Briscoe: The Door of Hope

2010-02-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

My dog Briscoe, the anxious escape artist. If I were a wee bit less confident in myself, I might take it personally. Poor buddy. Clueless of his puppyhood and formative years, all I can do it take what I’ve got and move forward. I can’t let the separation anxiety win (that was very Lifetime Movie-esque). I work to build his confidence and reward him for the behaviors I want. And you know what? It is working.

Briscoe’s trainer had suggested a doggie door be installed to give him the “escape” option from my home. I had a handyman install the door and it took Briscoe less than 15 minutes to figure it out (thank goodness he is food motivated). I padlock my outer gate for additional security should someone, like a delivery person or the meter reader, happen to open it and allow him to escape. Fortunately, Toby hasn’t tried to exit the door. Cute as he is, it would break my heart to see him stuck, half-in half-out my house. Toby’s legs just aren’t as agile as Briscoe’s.

I first started leaving Briscoe home alone in short spurts. Then I expanded to 2 hours with me gone. Then 3 hours. Success! Unfortunately, as it goes with life’s challenges, I had a one-step-up-and-two-steps-back experience. I came home one night from a movie with a friend and was saddened to discover that he had chewed the bottom of the wooden gate, trying to escape the yard. Zoikes. He panicked to get out of the house, then to get out of the yard, what would be his next escape challenge? California? The United States? Bouncing to and then nervously pawing at the border patrol station trying to get into Mexico?

A suggestion was made to cover the gate’s wood panels with plexi-glass and this may eventually be done by someone much handier than I, but for now several sprays of a “bitter” tasting agent seems to deter him from gnawing on the gate. Also, I have improved at implementing busy items to keep his brain working and focusing Briscoe on the rewards of staying home – and not the mistaken gloriousness of escaping. He's got the sound of the television. The red kong filled with treats. The buster cube also filled with treats. Hidden beef broth infused rawhide chews. And last but not least, these fabulous raw meat bone marrow thingies. So much to discover and enjoy right at home!!

Yesterday was day one of Project Briscoe: Home Alone and it was success! I am lucky to have a neighbor home part of the day and she kindly reported no whining, no chewing, no bad behaviors. He snoozed by the door of the gate in the sunshine. Woo Hoo! He was very excited and spazzy when I finally got home, but I calmly walked in, put my bags down and did not reward his attention-seeking behavior. He finally sat, then laid down and then he was given a ‘good boy’ and a treat. Perseverance pays off!

Yesterday’s progress is just one step, but hopefully the first of many in the right direction. The direction of Briscoe being a confident, content dog, happy to stay home all day – and catch up on his PBS programming while he’s at it.

Project Briscoe Phase I: Success!!

2010-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report a positive step in the right direction for Briscoe and his separation anxiety.

Scene:

A damp, muddy gated yard in a San Diego neighborhood; a house not yet tricked out with a doggie door due to recent inclement weather (insert whining sound). A dog, sweet, lovable and smart, but also terrified of being left home alone without human companionship. A female, wanting, er needing, er wanting, to get out of the house to view a multiple-nominated film at nearby theatre. A doggie daycare facility, closed on Sundays. What to do? What to do.

I got a burst of confidence and perhaps a long-dormant light bulb turned on in my head: I made the plan to leave Briscoe home alone with my door open for an extended amount of time. Let it be known that I always feel very safe where I live and am rather tucked away from the world, though I live in a central part of the city. Like most, I am not a big fan of keeping my front door open and unlocked when I plan to be gone for several hours. Fortunately, my concerns were abated as I have a very helpful neighbor who planned to be home gardening and able to monitor my domicile. And a handy padlock on the front gate, just in case.

Briscoe immediately became anxious when he sensed me preparing to leave. I tried to calm him with chews and treat-filled kongs, placed strategically around the house. These distractions can help keep him busy and focused instead of fretting about where I went and when I will return. Unfortunately, these are of little interest when his anxiety kicks in. He jumped and panted and was his own brand of whirling dervish. I dressed him in his Thundershirt (which got a big FAIL the other night when my home experienced thunder and hail. I will give it a pass this time as he didn’t have the shirt on when the banging and clamoring began. Poor buddy shook and panted for over an hour and we snoozed on the couch all night).

Another concern for this project was my sassy Pomeranian (redundant) Toby, who is blind. He, too, would have access to the yard which is fine 95% of the time, but my yard does have areas where he could experience a slight fall or annoying obstructions. Good thing Mister Man already had an active day and wasn’t too interested in sniffing around the yard.

I packed up my purse, left my TV on, propped my front door slightly open and headed for the gate. I didn’t engage Briscoe as he hopped about in his futile endeavor to get me to stay. I closed the tall gate and latched it with the shiny padlock. My neighbor received her key and agreed to step in only if “the project” turned negative or an anxious behavior escalated.

I viewed and enjoyed the movie with a friend, exited the theatre and checked my phone: no texts! No voice mail messages! To me, this was a no-news-is-good-news situation. And it was! I returned home to Briscoe standing at the top of the stairs by the gate. Once he saw me he became very excited & happy & hoppy - this is an appropriate response. Had he been that amped up and agitated the nearly 2.5 hours I was gone, t'would be bad. My neighbor reported Briscoe only occasionally barked at neighbors as they walked past my gate to do laundry (this happens when I am home), but didn’t hear any whining or anxious yappy barking. She did hear him “paw” at the gate a couple times, but that anxious behavior did not last long – and when I say “paw” I do mean it in the singular. :)
This information tells me he was able to calm himself down and enjoy having the in/out privileges.

All in all, I have deemed this project a success. I am feeling more confident that there is a way to have my life and my dog and keep us both happy and content no matter where we are. I am much more hopeful for my future – together with Briscoe. I am also very thankful for my wonderfully supportive friends who are always there with comforting thoughts, helpful suggestions and the occasional lap to share with my sweet dog.

To be continued…

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2010-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

So it has rained multiple days in San Diego and in case you aren't aware of the protocol: activities and life as we know it tend to shut down during "weather" in Southern California. The locals and visitors alike have an expecatation of perfect weather and when we don't get it we pout like petulant children...or petulant adults.

Yes, I grew up and lived many years in the Midwest, but I am nothing if not a quick assimilator. I currently have no desire to stand out in the rain (& wind!!) testing my dog's ability to chew on rawhides, engage Buster Cubes and keep himself occupied while I peek through the window to observe if he gets anxious.

Upon recommendation, I did purchase him a Thundershirt, I will test that out post-inevitable-bath tonight. Another thing you can guarantee about rain in San Diego, besides many sad human faces, is the increase in need for dog baths. Briscoe hops around doggie daycare and even though they have indoor capabilities, there is just way too much rain these days (plus slobber, mud, general stinkage) to keep doggies pristine.

“If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."” -- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

Project Briscoe: The Bloodletting (okay, not really)

2010-01-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

After receiving Briscoe’s blood test results from the special lab and finding out he does not have hypothyroidism I can no longer use that possible medical condition as an explanation/contributing factor to Briscoe’s separation anxiety. After discussing the thyroid test with my vet and Briscoe's earlier blood tests, he has been given a clear bill of health. Phew.

Over this past weekend, I dogsat overnight for some friends and kept busy with wrangling the Toby-Briscoe-Luna triumvirate. This glamourously involved cleaning up poo, barf, distributing food fairly and managing the occasional barking fits. Another exciting Saturday night. It was fun, but two is definitely the dog-maximum for me.

Sunday, after our adorable guest returned to her home, I became very motivated and confident about trying to leave Briscoe at home – alone. I have left him home alone with the door shut in very short intervals: to switch out the laundry 25 feet from my yard, taking my time getting the mail or going outside to sit quietly while utilizing my Crackberry. After another round of outdoor web surfing, I left Briscoe home alone for an extended amount of time, a first since mid-November.

Backing up a bit, I needed to relocate Toby to my bedroom as a precautionary measure, he tends to sniff out Briscoe's chews & kongs which leads to doggie rifts. My purse and keys were snuck out one hour earlier (these combined are a sure-fire trigger and Briscoe starts to worry I am leaving him). I turned on the TV for some noise, filled one kong full of treaty goodness and strategically scattered two chews for Briscoe to happen upon after some diligent sniffing.

While Briscoe busied himself in the living room, I quietly stepped outside and sat and waited. 5 minutes, quiet. 10 minutes, I could hear some whining, but couldn't hear any pawwing at the door or panicked barking. Progress? 15 minutes, I could hear some noise, but my guess was that it was a kong getting rolled around.

I then gathered my items, hoping he couldn’t see me through the one small section of window that isn’t covered/in need of repair, and tried to sneak out of the yard quietly. A couple of dog-free errands would be mine! I have heard new moms laud the first time they were able to get out of the house or stroll around Target peacefully. I likened this solo trip to the grocery store and gas station somewhat similar. Ahh, the sweet gloriousness of freedom!!

In all, I was gone 45 minutes. When I returned (he can hear my gate open, it has a loud clang when it latches) and opened the front door I found a very excited, full of nervous energy and a little whiny Briscoe jumping around, but there was zero damage (!!!) Briscoe had not jumped on the kitchen counter as he has during previous anxiety fits - I purposely placed coins on the counter and none were displaced. I swept the kitchen floor before I left and there was no visible proof that the door frame had been chewed or any vulnerable item pulverized.

I hope to try this again several times this week and over the upcoming 3 day holiday weekend, for varying amounts of time. I hope for single steps up and zero steps back. Team Briscoe!!

Project Briscoe: The Beginning

2010-01-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

I met with the Best-Friends-approved trainer for nearly 2 hours one night at my house. We talked about Briscoe, his environment, his behaviors – the good and not so good. We agreed that he is a smart dog and oh-so cute. She tested him very subtly by looking him in the eye. This usually resulted in him barking nervously at her with a lot of unfortunate enthusiasm. His nervousness with a new person in the house is a behavior I have noticed and been saddened by over the last few months. Add it to the list of issues.

I am still reading through the paperwork the trainer left with me: suggestions to improve his diet, get him tested for possible medical conditions and keep his brain busy. Separation Anxiety is an issue that cannot be solved with a sudden "Tssst!" and touch to the shoulder, unfortunately. I often watch your show and even auditioned, Cesar, but yours will not be my way.

The mealtime switch is underway with a little tummy discomfort. One suggestion the trainer made was to focus on keeping Briscoe’s brain busy with chews, toys and problem-solving. (So, yeah, he’s doing my taxes this year). I have invested in a variety of chews and items to stuff in his beloved kongs – in addition to his meals. No more placing his food in the bowl and serving it to him with a happy 'take it!', he must now work for it by nudging around his red kong toy with his nose. A busy dog is a happy well-fed dog at my house.

Another item looming over me the past week was the question of whether Briscoe has hypothyroidism. This is a fairly common occurrence in dogs and can lead to many unfortunate side effects, including increased anxiety. The trainer recommended an out of town lab that specializes in thyroid testing, so I took her suggestion. I had my vet’s office take the blood sample and shipped the vial off, I anxiously awaited the results. I received the results today: "thyroid levels are adequate overall”. {thud} Is it bad that I kind of hoped my dog had this medical condition?

Don't worry, fans of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome, one of his counts is far below the appropriate range which can reflect a concurrent health problem, so I will discuss this matter further with the veterinarian and find out what the next step might be. As long as it is forward, I am ready.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Bris-coe-ahhh?

2009-12-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I recently watched The Sound of Music, and who can keep those catchy, wonderful tunes out of one’s head? Who was hanging out in the living room with me while watching said classic film? My dog Briscoe. Briscoe is a sweet, fun and very cute dog. Briscoe also has separation anxiety. Significant separation anxiety, resulting in destroyed blinds, pulverized wicker baskets, chewed-upon door frames and the truly frightening broken window. So significant that for the past month I have not felt comfortable leaving him alone. Ever. This situation causes me some problems.

Daily doggie daycare and the kindness of friends & neighbors has helped keep him cared for and occupied while I go to work and occasionally have a social life, but these expensive, burdensome arrangements cannot go on forever. I have struggled – significantly – with this reality. My love of the rescued pet v. the possibility of having to be “one of those people” who seemingly gives up on an animal. I have had to face the possibility that perhaps my home is not the best one for Briscoe. This breaks my heart.

Separation distress is found naturally in canid species, especially social species like domestic dogs. Some trigger goes off in Briscoe’s brain and he instantly panics when faced with the possibility of being separated from a human. His main human is me. Me, Miss Independence, has a hyper-attached, co-dependent dog.

One natural purpose of separation anxiety is the importance of close contact and bonding between the family unit or pack. Briscoe’s family history is unknown as he was found with a wounded, paralyzed leg wandering the streets of Merced, CA, with no tags and no owner to claim him. Perhaps he was separated from his mother too young as a puppy? Maybe he lived with someone who used punitive rearing practices?

There are certain aspects of a dog’s history that may make him more susceptible to developing canine separation anxiety. The SPCA lists some of the following risk factors and I note if these apply to Briscoe:

• Dogs that are re-homed or adopted from an animal shelter [YES]

• Social isolation in general within first 4 months of life [DON’T KNOW]

• Significant change in daily routine or schedule [NO]

• Dogs who show acute awareness to owner’s every move [YES]

• Preexisting anxiety-based disorders (depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder) [POSSIBLY]

• Any traumatic event experienced by dog when he was alone [YES]

• Emotionally traumatic experience of any kind [UH, YES & PHYSICALLY TRAUMATIC]

• Cognitive dysfunction (geriatric disorder) [HEY, IT IS NOT THIS ONE!]

• Breeds that were bred to work closely and eagerly with their handler [SIGH, YES]

Over the last month I have attempted to find a suitable trainer for Briscoe (and me) to work with to build his confidence in the ever-scary world of being left home alone. This in and of itself was a challenge as I often came in contact with trainers whose own behavior could use some, ahem, improvement. Anyway, I meet tonight for the first time with someone who is hopefully the best trainer to get me & Briscoe on the path to confidence, calmness and lifelong togetherness. Wish us luck.

TMOTTBG Update

2009-06-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

So I am updating this list from a very outdated post. I doubt anyone cares about this like I do, but that is why I have my own blog.

Thanks to my impending pay cut and current entertainment/travel spending freeze, I do not anticipate crossing any new stadiums off the list for 2009 (wah...wahh....wahhhhh....)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Chase Field – 2003
Atlanta Braves – Turner Field – 2008
Baltimore Orioles – Camden Yards – NOT YET
Boston Red Sox – Fenway Park – 2007
Chicago Cubs – Wrigley Field – most recent, September 2006
Chicago White Sox – US Cellular Field – 2006
Cincinnati Reds – Great American Ball Park – NOT YET
Cleveland Indians – Jacobs Field – 2008
Colorado Rockies – Coors Field – NOT YET
Detroit Tigers – Comerica Park – NOT YET
Florida Marlins – Dolphin Stadium – NOT YET
Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park – NOT YET
Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium – 2004
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Angel Stadium – June 2009
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodger Stadium – 2008 (raspberry sound)
Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park – 2005
Minnesota Twins – Metrodome – 2004
New York Mets – CitiField – NOT YET*
New York Yankees – New Yankee Stadium – NOT YET**
Oakland Athletics – McAfee Coliseum – 2005
Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park – 2005
Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC Park – NOT YET
San Diego Padres – Petco Park – most recent, June 2008
San Francisco Giants – AT&T Park – 2005
St. Louis Cardinals – (New) Busch Stadium – NOT YET***
Seattle Mariners – Safeco Field – NOT YET
Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Tropicana Field – NOT YET
Texas Rangers – Ameriquest Field – NOT YET
Toronto Blue Jays – Rogers Centre – 2006
Washington Nationals – RFK Stadium – NOT YET

*Shea Stadium – 2003
**Old Yankee Stadium – 2003
***Old Busch Stadium - 2004

Stupid Facebook

2009-04-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

I never post here anymore!

Let's see in the last few months I have:

Bought a new TV and upgraded to all things HD (thanks Katy!)
Completed introductory obedience classes with Briscoe
Visited Las Vegas
Visited Urgent Care in Las Vegas (not an alcohol-related injury!)
Visited Phoenix for Spring Training
Saw the Cubs beat the White Sox (yay!)
Saw the Rangers beat the Royals (non emotional, but the stadium had delicious beer)
Saw the Padres beat the Dodgers (super yay! Yes, I am still bitter about the Dodger game for NLDS 3)
Finally got my taxes done & anxiously await my refund
Make plans to get my Iowa City condo on the market
Reconnected with many people I haven't talked to/seen/thought of in nearly 20 years...via Facebook.

Facebook is online social networking, time-spending/wasting and very amusing. You can divulge as much or as little information as you like. I have not worn tired of it yet. I still love to find out that someone I know in another time zone just ate a burrito, which 5 albums a certain person cannot live without and see photos of friends' or friends' of friends' cute little babies...or their children graduating from high school. Crazy!

Damn you Facebook! I love you Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/home

My Trip to Best Friends - Part Four & Final

2009-02-10T14:51:00.001-08:00

I planned on visiting Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to volunteer with the animals and enjoy some fun with my friend Bonnie. One thing I didn't plan on (really!!) was bringing home another critter. And I wouldn't have if it weren't for a poor doggie that had been shot.in.the.face.

I was admiring said shot doggie as she was hanging out in the Dog Headquarters and being office-fostered with some of the staff. I was telling her how beautiful she was when this smaller, black dog came hobbling from the packed office with its right front leg near his chest, paralyzed & with an open wound. If not for that one moment, I would have never noticed said doggie (and I also wouldn't need to be buying new blinds...but more on that later.)

The dog I met had been named Inky. He was first called Mr.Stinky when he was rescued from the Merced, CA animal shelter where he had been found by one of the Best Friends dog trainers while she was visiting her family in central California. She brought him back to Best Friends knowing the odds were against him in that high-kill shelter. Mr. Stinky has a bit of a negative connotation, so she went with Inky.

During the rest of my visit, I kept stopping by that office to see Inky and spend some time with him. He could not have cared less about me. He was attached to his rescuer/foster mom. I was there when his new foster mom (the one he would spend the next month with) came to pick him up and take him home. He was scheduled to be neutered and have the right leg amputated on Christmas Eve Eve.

Long story short, I kept thinking about him (and my dream of one day having a 3-legged dog) and kept in touch with not only his rescuer and foster mom, but also one of the adoption counselors. How could I resist? I put in my application for him and since he never was in a dog run or online, I don't think I had any competition...and he was mine!

His surgery went well and his foster mom said he was only down one day - the day of the surgery - and after that he was back on his 3 legs and causing mayhem (remember the line about the need to replace blinds?) He could not go to his new home until he was at least 2 weeks post-surgery. Once he got the green light from a Best Friends vet, I made arrangements to meet his convoy in Las Vegas. Best Friends works with adoptive families all over the country and they drive many animals to the LV airport to fly them to their new homes. I opted to drive there, pick him up, and drive him back home. It was quite an adventure, and very fun (except for the dust storms and stupid Las Vegas construction, but who cares about that now?)

I re-named the dog once known as Mr. Stinky/Inky - BRISCOE. I named him in loving memory of one of my favorite TV characters Detective Lennie Briscoe of the 27th precinct on Law & Order.

Briscoe's hair is growing back and the incision is almost completely healed. He bonded to me very quickly. I have had him home one month and he is settling in well. I recently allowed him access to the kitties he at first wanted to chase, but they fortunately gave him some proper hisses and he has learned his place in the pecking order. Toby gets along fine with the new dog as long as Briscoe doesn't jump on or into Toby, or nails him with his Dr. Seuss character-like tail.

Briscoe is adjusting to his crate (though he prefers the pillow-filled end of the couch), has visited & run around the fenced dog park, made new doggie friends and has begun obedience class which he seems to be taking to with the pep and vigor expected from a spaniel mix. Oh yeah, he is allegedly two years old. And the blinds he destroyed needed to be replaced anyway. Some photos to enjoy:

My Trip to Best Friends - Part Three

2008-12-22T15:44:00.001-08:00

The second full day of volunteering started with a Puppy Socialization class (!!) Best Friends was having problems with many new puppy adopters returning the dogs due to behavioral issues. They have implemented puppy socialization for 30 minutes each day. We were lucky enough to be in on the first day for this group of littermates found dumped in the desert. (To contrast that unhappy start, they were all given Beach names - mine was Virginia and Bonnie's was Vero). We spent our time in a bleached outdoor pen holding the puppies on their backs, teaching them to sit (simple to do when their nose follows the treat and their tushies end up on the ground) and even walking with them on a leash. It was amazing what quick learners we all were. The trainer told us that since they have added this program that zero puppies have been returned!

We then headed to Old Friends, my favorite spot. Things run a bit mellower at Old Friends where some dogs aren't necessarily advanced in age, but they need a slower pace and calmer roommates. I spent some time with Lake, a dog who had recently lost her vision. Of course, a special place in my heart is reserved for the blind (& fabulous!) dogs. Another fun girl was Stella. Or as I like to call her name "Stellllluhhhhh!!" She was a big pile of sweetness and fur.
I spent the afternoon volunteering with the kitties and realized once I was inside that I had left my camera in the car. I instantly had 3-5 cats sitting in my lap, rubbing up against me and meowing for attention. The cats are hooked up here: they have indoor-outdoor housing, zero cages, very clean litter boxes, many toys and cubbies and chairs with cushions to sleep on. It was so warm and toasty inside I almost took a nap.

I shall add some photos of other sweet dogs I met:
Bojangles

Me chatting with Tiki on the trail

Tipper

My Trip to Best Friends - Part Two

2008-12-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Day 2: Before volunteering, we watched a brief safety video which was actually very informative about how to properly enter and unlatch various dog areas. It starred John Garcia, from the Dogtown show. We were in a conference room but unlike any work-related conference room I've ever been in: it had multiple dogs roaming in and out. One I especially liked was a grey, nearly-earless pitbull who was one of the staff member's dog. Before being resuced and spayed, the dog had probably birthed 70+ puppies. She was a sweetheart and a great example of a breed that often gets a bad rap. (I wish I had had my camera with me!)

The first full day of volunteering at Best Friends was met with cold, gray skies. We chose to stay inside and clean dog runs - as opposed to walking dogs in the windy mid-30 degree weather. Uh, I didn't take any photos of me sweeping, mopping or refilling water buckets. I met some friendly - yet very messy dogs, the red sand/dirt which is everywhere doesn't help keep fresly cleaned cement floors clear. Each dog run (indoor and outdoor space with raised beds, fleece blankets and toys) is well thought out: dogs are housed only with dogs of similar or agreeable temperament.

Lunch is available at Angels Village. It is always 100% vegetarian and 200% super yummy. There are amazing views from the open dining area and the open seating is a great way to meet fellow volunteers and staff. I saw Dr. Patti from the Dogtown show. They are like celebrities!

The afternoon was spent walking dogs from a different neighborhood than the one we cleaned - the dogs are not all kept one area, but spread out over the many acres of land, which must help keep the barking noise to a minimum. We got rained on a bit, but nothing too drastic. We picked out our second sleepover dog: Purdy. She is a 12year old girl and each time we told a staff member (whether they were near her living area or not) their faces wouldn't brighten and say how glad they were thatPurdy was getting a sleepover. She was a sweet, mellow (and a bit gassy) girl.

!!
Happy Ending: I just found out that Karina, our first night sleepover dog was adopted and has moved to Colorado with her forever family!! Hooray!!
!!

My Trip to Best Friends - Part One

2008-12-12T16:13:00.001-08:00

I am already assuming my trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary will require multiple entries due to the amount of photos, the variety of things I did and my poor memory.

I first heard about Best Friends in the mid 1990's. I was living in San Diego and started sending donations. I loved the literature I received from BFAS in the mail. The letters weren't filled with photos of near-dead animals attempting to guilt you into sending money. The communications focused on the positive side of being kind to animals and what good can come from that. They do not ignore the sometimes horrible mistreatment, neglect and abuse of animals, it just isn't the main focus of their story. Hooray!

I visited Best Friends in 2003 with my Mom and Aunt. We had a great visit and I vowed to return. Return I did with my friend Bonnie (and as a birthday present to myself). Best Friends has become well known lately thanks in part to the National Geographic show 'Dogtown' I highly recommend checking out this show.

This post will focus on Day 1. I flew into Las Vegas, met up with Bonnie at the airport, got our rental car and drove to Kanab, Utah, about 4 hours away. It is quite the contrast leaving bright, loud, brash Las Vegas and arriving in serene, beautiful, slow-moving Kanab. We checked into our cottage on the property and signed up for our sleepover dog. The sleepover dog program is a win-win situation: visitors get to keep a furry friend overnight and the dogs get to remember or learn what it is like to live in a home environment.

Since we got there late in the afternoon there wasn't time for volunteering, so we were assigned Karina and took her back home. She walked right into the cottage, jumped up on the bed closest to the door and made herself comfortable. We instantly sensed she had done this before! Karina is a very sweet girl (even if a bit gassy at times...lordy!!) She was actually featured on one of the Dogtown episodes, linked here. When we returned her to her run the next morning she turned into a bit of a spaz and acted like a crazy girl when returned to her 'pack'.

Karina, sleepover dog #1

Here are some scenic photos and few of the wonderful dogs I met.

shy Fallon

Rottie in his awesome coat

Kimo

Ophelia

9th Anniversary of My 29th Birthday!

2008-12-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

My 38th Birthday - that number gives the impression like I am supposed to be an adult or something. Whatever.

I celebrated my pre-birthday at Stone Brewery in Escondido last weekend. I took the brewery tour with some friends and consumed many delicious deceptively-small glasses of the 11th Anniversary Ale. And the Mac'n'Cheese which is not your Kraft dinner macaroni & cheese. A lovely time.

I celebrated my actual birthday by going to work, eating Bronx Pizza, chocolate cake and then hitting the "K9s & Wine" happy hour at an establishment tucked in between the towering downtown hotels. It is a dog-friendly gathering on the patio and we snagged a great table with a mini fire pit to keep us warm: it was in the high 50s outside! The humanity!

The setting was great and the interaction with friends' and strangers' dogs is always entertaining. Toby stayed on my lap most of the time while his pals roamed about: Luna the mix-breed silver-wolfy girl, Dottie the docile Boxer, Olivia the sassy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and last but not least, Lafitte, the handsome debonair French Bulldog.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and I look forward to my upcoming trip: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah & a spa day in Las Vegas!! My birthday present to myself!!

My MLB Stadiums

2008-11-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

It took me two years to update this blog post, but here are the results. Many a hot dog and beer were consumed during the diligent work for this ongoing project.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Chase Field – 2003
Atlanta Braves – Turner Field – September 2008
Baltimore Orioles – Camden Yards – NOT YET
Boston Red Sox – Fenway Park – August 2007
Chicago Cubs – Wrigley Field – most recent, September 2006
Chicago White Sox – US Cellular Field – 2006
Cincinnati Reds – Great American Ball Park - NOT YET
Cleveland Indians – Jacobs Field – April 2008
Colorado Rockies – Coors Field – NOT YET
Detroit Tigers – Comerica Park – NOT YET
Florida Marlins – Dolphin Stadium – NOT YET
Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park – NOT YET
Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium – 2004
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Angel Stadium – NOT YET..HOW EMBARRASSING!!
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodger Stadium – October 2008
Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park – 2005
Minnesota Twins – Metrodome – 2004
New York Mets – Shea Stadium – 2003*
New York Yankees – Yankee Stadium – 2003*
Oakland Athletics – McAfee Coliseum – 2005
Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park – 2005
Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC Park – NOT YET
San Diego Padres – Petco Park – most recent September 2006
San Francisco Giants – AT&T Park – 2005
St. Louis Cardinals – (New) Busch Stadium – NOT YET
Seattle Mariners – Safeco Field – NOT YET
Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Tropicana Field – NOT YET
Texas Rangers – Ameriquest Field – NOT YET
Toronto Blue Jays – Rogers Centre – August 2006
Washington Nationals – RFK Stadium – NOT YET

*Will need to visit NYC again for the new stadiums!!

For 2009, I am looking at you Anaheim, Seattle and maybe Colorado!!!

The Era of Darkness

2008-10-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Phillies
*
How many days until Spring Training????
*
*

Well, That Sucked or Check Dodger Stadium Off the List! or My First Post-Season Game! or My New Cubs-Loving Pals!

2008-10-06T14:37:00.001-07:00

Hmmm, please feel free to choose your preferred title for this blog entry regarding my trip to see Game 3 of the NLDS Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. It may be best to separate it into parts.

Well, That Sucked
Um, The Chicago Cubs' post-season. 'Nuff said.

Check Dodger Stadium Off the List!
Usually, I am thrilled to report the activities and fun I experience at new stadiums, and will try to focus on the positive (meaning, I'll leave out the multiple verbal assaults from Dodgers "fans"/hoodlums/sore winners and the fact that the seats were not filled until the 3rd inning - not kidding on this one folks - it isn't an urban legend!)

I got there pretty early and enjoyed some food, the pre-game stuff and the introduction of each team. I didn't end up walking around as much as I usually do, I had an awesome seat/view and just enjoyed it. I sat next to an old-timer season ticket holder who was a kind, polite baseball fan - such a relief. I purchased my ticket for face value before the Cubs clinched their division, so on the plus side I didn't pay $150-200+ like some people did. Celebrities spotted: Tommy Lasorda, Vince Vaughn, Jim Belushi, fugly Steve Perry, but no Alyssa Milano.

My First Post-Season Game!

In my history of being a baseball fan I have never been able to see in-person a post-season game, so in that sense, the game was very exciting. I just wish the 97-game winning Cubs had shown up to play it!!

My New Cubs-Loving Pals!
Ever heard of Meetup.com? It is a way to meet people online, then in person, in your city, who have similar interests: for example "Cubs Fans in San Diego" or "Nerdlinger Pomeranian People". Well, I got in touch with several Cubs fans from this site and 5 of us ended up carpooling from SD to LA. We enjoyed talking about baseball and the Cubs, saving money on transportation and then consoling each other on the long.drive.home.

We got into LA several hours early and met up with more Meet Up people in a dark dive bar within walking distance to the stadium, The Short Stop. I happily report on the delicious Guinness ($4/pint...in LA!!) Many of the Dodgers fans there were normal, well-behaved baseball fans - and at one point the place was half full of Cubs fans! We made even more friends and enjoyed the pre-game revelry full of hope. After the game though - since the car was parked nearby - our group did not dare enter as we all agreed we enjoy having our aortas intact.

All in all, it was a great experience, just with a crappy, crappy box score. CRAPPY, I tell you!!!

Check Atlanta off the List

2008-09-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

Last week I spent 4 days in Atlanta and traveled virtually free of charge. I flew on frequent flier miles and stayed in my friend's hotel room while she toiled away in an over-air-conditioned windowless conference room hawking her educational television goods.

I was happy to explore the city on my own. I had been once when I was 7 or 8 on family trip, but that barely counts. I was able to choose what I wanted to do and when I wanted to do it - just the way I like to travel. My first day I ate one of the most delicious breakfasts ever at The Flying Biscuit, then ventured to the Center for Puppetry Arts, which I highly recommend if you are ever in Atlanta. It will soon have an entire wing dedicated to Jim Henson, his Muppets and all the other creative beings he imagined and made come to life. (Props to Statler & Waldorf!)

I also experienced the World of Coca-Cola with my friend (who opted to try every single offering & didn't vomit) which included the opportunity to taste Coca-Cola beverages from Asia, Europe and South America. We also experienced our first 4-D film in which we were lurched about in our seats, sprayed with water and finally poked in the back. Fortunately, I got all the Diet Coke (mixed with Vanilla Coke) I wanted after such rough housing. (Also no vomiting)

Another day I was able to swim in the hotel pool without having to share it and check out the Georgia Aquarium. It didn't smell fishy - hooray! I got to see cool beluga whales, many funky colored fish and these crazy dancing eel thingies. Oh, and I got to pet a sting ray (but not the piranha). We later enjoyed an authentic Southern meal at Colonnade (i.e. fried chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy and biscuits). I'd provide a link to their website, but they are so down home that they don't have one - or take them new-fangled credit cards. (Uh, sadly, almost vomited - see entry about GI issues during trip to New Orleans...)

The real motivator for my trip to Atlanta was being able to attend a ballgame at Turner Field, home of my childhood hero, Dale Murphy! I am getting closer in my quest to see a game in every MLB stadium and now I can check the Braves' home off my list. I was able to score a great seat for cheap, enjoy dollar hot dog night and have my photo taken with the less-than-stellar mascot, Homer. All in all, a success.

Peaches consumed = zero.

A Day I Have Been Waiting For!!!

2008-09-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Some girls await the day they get that shiny new sports car with a big bow on top, many girls eagerly anticipate the day they get married, while other girls look forward to their parole date. A day I have been waiting for finally arrived: I GOT MY PICTURE TAKEN WITH THE SAN DIEGO FRIAR MASCOT!!!

True, this specific brother may not have been called to a life of poverty (the Stone IPA I was about to purchase when I spotted him cost 9 bones) but he was called to community service: entertaining me! (And probably some kids who were in the nearby play area, but I wasn't paying any attention to them.)

My love of mascots has a long history: sure there was the rather weak Fredbird in St. Louis, the much more impressive Mr. Met in New York, and the Milwaukee Sausage Race Crew but this tonsured dude was a long-awaited goal. Goal reached!!

But wait, there is still another mascot with which I dream to be photographed: The Philly Phanatic.

Thank goodness the Cubs are so fun they don't need a cartoonish mascot to create enthusiasm for the team -- unless you count Ron Santo.
*
Hooray for baseball!! (And my pal Melany for having a camera with her)
*
P

Something Sweet

2008-08-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

I got to meet Matthew Sweet.
I got to meet Matthew Sweet.
His show certainly did rock.
It was not a pile of schlock.
A Monday night outing was a superb treat.
I got to meet Matthew Sweet.

Happy Birthday Pa!!

2008-07-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today my dad turns 75. SEVENTY-FIVE!! Congratulations and enjoy your day, Pa! And get back here to pose with more of my pints of Guinness at South Beach Bar & Grill!!!

Love,
Paula

(PS: Your gift will arrive, uh, "late".)

I--O--WUH!!!

2008-07-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

I finally returned to the land of my youth (& early 30s) and had a lovely visit. During my 6 full days in Iowa I was able to attain and surpass many of the goals I had set for the "vacation" in Iowa:

-Spend time with family & friends
-Enjoy state-mandated smoke-free restaurants and bars
-Enjoy illegal fireworks displays while drinking beer and holding infant...
-Meet & hog 3 month old Peyton (and view growth of them other two Kirby offspring)
-Meet & cuddle the adorable Persian Calico, Gertie
-Meet, smusch & hog 6 month old Daniel (and enjoy the magical effect of bubbles on toddlers)
-Eat: sweet potato fries, "Moroccan Eggs", delicious AE dips and multiple birthday cake slices
-Take my nieces out for breakfast (no car seats needed anymore, they grow so fast)
-Experience a torrential-to-the-quickly-reassimilated-San-Diegan-thunderstorm
-View some flood damage
-Shop til I did indeed drop at the Williamsburg outlets: The Gap, Calvin Klein and even The Dress Barn (damn you, Banana Republic! Oh wait...I LOVE YOU Banana Republic!!)
-Realize how different a perspective one can have from the childhood years to the adult years (e.g. my former bedroom, my former closet, my mom doing my laundry and making me a grilled cheese sandwich!)
-The fun of searching through my parents' basement for a few pieces of nostalgia, and finding a childhood favorite: CHUBBY CUB!!

-P

My Own Private Flood "Waaahhhh!!!"

2008-06-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Let me just state the obvious: things could have been MUCH worse. I am aware of that. I am also aware that many people in the Midwest (and my native Iowa) are going through much more stressful, harrowing, life-altering experiences than I am. But since this is my blog, I get to whine about my flood'o'sewage in my bedroom/bathroom last Wednesday.

Rumor has it I may get to go home tonight. It seems so long ago that I walked into my rustic cottage, became curious about the awful non-Bath-&-Body-Works-scent and stepped in raw sewage. Hooray!
Paula
*
"Now leave me alone and get lost!!!"
Oscar the Grouch

Bob Brenly Haiku

2008-06-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ex Giants Catcher
World Series Ring Manager
Broadcaster, Go Cubs!
**********************************

One of the docs I work with has partial season tickets and he couldn't use them last night. He and I have had many baseball conversations and he gave me tickets for the seats he and his wife usually occupy - awesome! I won't ramble on about the game too much or our seats behind home plate (behind...and up about 150+ feet) our seats were in one single row with nothing but a brick wall behind us and the only thing in front of us is a 10-inch tall clear plexiglass "divider". Yes, a divider dividing me from a sure-bet vertigo-inducing deathfall, but free great-view seats nonetheless! Woo! Hoo!

After the game I was walking out with my friend (who just bought a Padres hat and was wearing it) when I spied Bob Brenly signing a couple autographs. I pulled out my BlackBerry and had my friend snap this picture. BB was a good sport when my silly friend said "Who is he???" I look a wee bit excited, don't I? Well, I had consumed two delicious Stone IPA's and a glorious chili'n'cheese hot dog in addition to the Cubs' win - a great night!!!

*June 3, 2008 - Post Cubs v. Padres game (9-6 Cubs win) Go Cubs indeed!

Best.Story.Ever

2008-06-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Me getting free tickets to tonight's Cubs v. Padres game definitely comes in second to this story: Kid Can Do It All On One Leg.

Go Adam!
Go Cubs!

Paula

Piazza

2008-05-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite baseball players, Mike Piazza, announced his retirement today. I remember the day in the mid-90s when I was driving north to the Los Angeles area and had Howard Stern on my radio. The interview was already underway and I could tell he was grilling a professional athlete about women, parties and groupies. Oh, and then about baseball and business. I eventually figured out Mike Piazza was the guest and he was an excellent sport and pretty funny to listen to - after that I found him an interesting character.

He'll for sure go in to the Hall of Fame someday for his offensive numbers as a catcher, but also I hope he has a career in the near future as a color-man in broadcasting. Sans moustache or not.

I got my $600! I got my $600!

2008-05-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, the day has finally arrived - and what a glorious day it is! Thank you United States Department of the Treasury!!

Here are some current possible ways to spend my "free money":

Write check to The Democratic Party
Place cash under my mattress
Gamble at local casino
Spend on lottery tickets
Wait for Escalades to pull into local gas station, offer to pay for premium fill-up
Tap dancing lessons
600 trips to Wendy's for $1 menu
Pay toward credit card debt
Purchase plane ticket to Iowa for 4th of July holiday
Professional bleaching of non-white teeth
8 Pedicures plus gratuity
IKEA BLERG

Happy May 15th!!!
Paula

Um, Check Cleveland Off the List...?

2008-05-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

I visited Cleveland last week, JEALOUS???

What originated as a training conference for work, morphed into an extended weekend including delicious pierogies, Yankees/Indians baseball, various pronounciations of "Carnegie" and viewing Mick Jagger's tiny pants at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. My pal Katy joined me and, to quote her, we "squeezed what fun we could" out of Cleveland.

Cleveland Rocks! Yes, for some. No Floydster sightings, though.

Check New Orleans Off the List!

2008-04-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

I can finally check New Orleans off the list of cities I want to visit. I traveled there last weekend for the annual French Quarter Festival. I got the opportunity to join a large group heading to the Crescent City and hopped aboard the madness. I had a great time, ate a lot of delicious food, enjoyed some wonderful weather & the Southern hospitality and friendliness. Here is a sampling of things I did, ate, saw & of course DRANK:

enjoyed many local bands on multiple stages throughout the French Quarter
ate powdered sugar (with some beignets attached)
viewed a guy wearing leather/thonged/assless chaps
drank a 'Sex on the Levee' (okay, two)
took a ferry across the Mississippi river to Algiers
ate shrimp bisque & seafood gumbo
ate sweet potato mash and okra
ate an Arby's Beef & Cheddar (I couldn't help it!!)
drank the local Abita brew
drank several vodka gimlets
drank those vodka gimlets TO GO, on the streets of New Orleans (!!!)
loved the beautiful balconies & hanging plants in the fabulous neighborhoods
experienced "Louisiana Tummy" & "Louisiana Hair"
watched 'Dog Whisperer' marathon during above-referenced GI situation
learned some New Orleans history, before & after Hurricane Katrina
rode the streetcar while only moderately tipsy
grabbed beads hanging from the trees (left over from Mardi Gras)
rejoiced that I wasn't flying American Airlines
ate the best red beans & rice
ate andouille sausage
saw huge horses with police officers riding them
did not comsume one drop of alcohol on Bourbon Street
forgot which day it was - several times
and much, much more!

If you haven't been lucky enough to visit New Orleans already, add it to your list!!

The Results Are In...

2008-04-08T13:37:00.001-07:00

...yes, the DNA results for Toby's breed mix are back from the lab. And with a resounding THUD I inform you all that Toby is SIGNIFICANTLY POMERANIAN. And that's it. No trace amounts of Newfoundland, Keeshond or Poodle. Just Pomeranian, which I already knew. My vet said that whatever his ancestors were, his family's breeding included so many Pomeranians that no other breed's significance showed up in the results. No Chow Chow, no Schipperke, no Great Dane.

The "breed standard" for Poms is 3-7 pounds. Anyone who has seen (or held!) T-Bone knows he is, uh, larger than that. He's like a Pom on steroids. So, the build up led to a bit of a let down and the mystery will continue in which breeds many generations back made Toby what he is today. He's still my fun, goofy, smart, sometimes-stubborn sweet boy and that is what matters.

MLB Opening Day 2008!

2008-04-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

I woke up Monday morning like I do every other MLB Opening Day. Except yesterday ended quite differently than usual - when my head touched my pillow it would be with a smile on my face, happy knowing I finally attended an Opening Day game! A non-seat ticket to the Houston Astros v. San Diego Padres game became mine during the day by luck/chance/happenstance and I was ecstatic. Petco Park has a grassy hillside with a huge screen to watch the game on beyond the outfield walls. I could walk around the park like everyone else - and spend money - I just didn't have a formal seat - but I did receive a free, stylish promotional baseball cap.

Jake Peavy was nearly a one-man Astros-defeating machine! He pitched seven fabulous, shut-out innings AND had two RBI thanks to TWO hits! He was pitching against his friend and "huntin'" buddy, Roy Oswalt who had never lost at Petco Park...until last night!

Food consumed: big pretzel with spicy nacho cheese
Beer consumed: None - don't be concerned, I was too chilly for beer. I'll make up for that in a few weeks when I scratch The Jake/Progressive Field off my list of MLB stadiums to visit!!

Doggie DNA

2008-03-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

“Step right up and win a prize”, shouts the carnival worker. “Fool the guesser! If I can’t guess your weight within 2 pounds, your age within two years or the month of your birth within 2 months, you win a prize!”

Well, this isn't quite the same thing but I am offering some fun and the prize can be to gloat all you want. The question in need of an answer for the last 3+ years: What Breed Is Toby?

Feel free to post your guesses here. Pomeranian? Chow Chow? Schipperke? Great Dane? Who knows? Well, in a few weeks I will know thanks to The Wisdom Panel mixed breed analysis. It doesn't come cheap but dammit this girl wants to know. I get asked, on average 3 times per week what breeds make up my little, fluffy baby teddy bear and soon I will be able to provide a definitive answer. Please, comment with your own thoughts/guesses on the subject!

For photos of Toby, check out his Dogster page!

Arizona Spring Training Road Trip 2008!

2008-03-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say it is that time of year again: when the days are longer, warmer and soon-to-be full of baseball! I traveled again to the lovely town of Scottsdale, Arizona, and stayed with my wonderful pal Bonnie to enjoy two Spring Training games, our dogs and beer.
First game: Saturday, March 8th at HoHoKam Park in Mesa. The Cubs beat the Diamondbacks 4-1 and I got to see all of the Cubs' starting position players throughout most of the game. This was my first time viewing their new right fielder from Japan: Kosuke Fukudome. I scribbled my attempts to spell his name phonetically in my program: "Foo Kah D'oh May" & Fook Uh Dome A". I really hope he has a productive year, otherwise...
One fun distraction from the game was Bonnie's CCI dog, Payton, who she will raise from age 8 weeks to approximately 18 months. Payton could attend the games with us because she is an in-training assistance dog. She was super sweet and slept through the one half inning that had any offensive excitement.
Concessions consumed: Super Dog, Nachos & bottled water (do not be alarmed! I had to save up my beer drinking for the charity brewfest later that afternoon near ASU's campus - adorable picture attached)
*
Game #2 - Seattle Mariners v. Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale. Nice park, sunny skies, Brewers won. Now on to the rest of the details! We first consumed delicious fried chicken & waffles & red velvet cake from Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles, then enjoyed our kick-ass seats eight rows behind home plate, and then 7th inning stretch Sausage Race (the mascots even hung out and I got my picture taken with them!) Later that day we checked out the 50,000 square foot Whole Foods store - oh, the temptation.
*
To help burn off some of the calories consumed during my fabulous weekend road trip, I took a solo hike at Pinnacle Peak Park and that was a challenging Monday morning! Toby traveled with me on this journey and was a well-behaved, yet non-functioning navigator. I highly recommend the audio books I listened to on the drive: Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis & Oh, The Things I Know! A Guide to Success, or Failing That, Happiness by Al Franken. I purchased several Spring Training commemorative items including t-shirts, colorful magnets and the winner of the Sausage Race: The Chorizo!!!

Fire Station Birthday Party!!

2008-02-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

On a recent, warm Sunday afternoon I attended the birthday party of a very clever girl: at a charity auction she was the high bidder for the following prize: a birthday party at a fire station. Apparently this endeavor is usually geared toward children. Hey - what about the 3-digit-weighted 'kids' with investment portfolios and rent to worry about? Why can't we have some good, silly fun too?

Well, fun we did have: delicious adult-palate-friendly catered items such as bruschetta, shrimp cocktail and scrumptious desserts. Then the fire station fun started: several of us got to gear up and wear the big, firefighter boots, the big, firefighter pants and the big, firefighter coats. The professionals have mere seconds to get all of this on, it took me about 4 minutes (I had a lot of suspender issues). We posed for fun photos, sprayed various size hoses, witnessed The Jaws of Life and even went for an engine ride with sirens whirring! Hey, why don't more fire stations offer this as a fundraiser? Chicks dig it.
*
Granted, the professionals were ready to leave at any moment should a call come in, but fortunately that was not necessary. Many of those in attendance enjoyed fulfilling some long-awaited dreams of checking out a fire station with actual firefighters. And a memorable birthday party was had by all!

"Libertarian Reluctantly Calls Fire Department"
Headline from The Onion

I Voted! (Make Every Tuesday a Super Tuesday!)

2008-02-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

So states the sticker I shall proudly wear today. Or until it shrivels and falls off after being whacked by my hair one too many times.

I voted in the primary! I have voted before but never:

1) At someone's house in a residential area
2) In a garage
3) With an ocean view (!!!)

This was not my first time voting in California and this was not my first time voting for a candidate with a certain last name. Did I rock that vote? I think I did!

Peaches!

2007-12-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Please welcome sweet Peaches to my brood - I adopted her from the Escondido Humane Society and brought her home on Christmas Eve. She is a friendly, loving girl who is settling in at the rustic cottage.

Peaches is 8 years young and 16 pounds (!!!) Needless to say, she is on a diet so soon there will be less of Peaches to love. She was at the shelter for nearly 7 months; even though she is currently confined to my bathroom, the square footage in which she can move around has greatly increased and the noise level has decreased.

She will slowly be introduced to Tess & Toby and I suspect neither of them will be thrilled. I am very happy and since I pay the bills, my opinion matters most.

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and has a wonderful New Year!
-P

The 8th Anniversary of my 29th Birthday...

2007-12-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Groovy Roller Boogie Disco Birthday Party!
*Snaps*
Hella Fun!
-P

Pre-Festivus Electronic Airing of Grievances

2007-11-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

Chapped Lips
Expiration Dates
Drivers ignoring pedestrians
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Loan Customer “Service”
Wells Fargo Equity Enhancement
Plunger implementation due to system-wide need
Dehydration
Bloating
Stubbing of toe
fibroids
People who talk out loud to themselves when not alone
Sewage-y smell
No MLB
…days when I put on my cranky pants*

*Counterbalancing positive influences that make grievances tolerable: my pets, friends, foods dipped in ranch dressing and 30 Rock episodes
----
"I find tinsel distracting." - Frank Costanza

Toby's New Bed

2007-11-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

"I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four." - Yogi Berra
*
"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book." ~Irish Proverb
*
“A nap, my friend, is a brief period of sleep which overtakes superannuated persons when they endeavor to entertain unwelcome visitors or to listen to scientific lectures” - George Bernard Shaw
*
"Consciousness: that annoying time between naps." ~Author Unknown

Italian Men, Italian Wine, Italian Shoes, Belgian Beer?

2007-11-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

German street, German beer, German confusion, American tourist asked for directions?
Canadian money, Canadian beer, Canadian Canadianess Caribbean festival?
US address, US news, US beer...(nope, can't do it), US blog, European daydreams....
-P
"Make no mistake about why these babies are here - they are here to replace us." - Jerry Seinfeld

Rustic Cottage

2007-11-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today is my one year anniversary in my rustic cottage. This is the first time I have had my own four walls that I do not share with some other building dweller. My first year back in the land of renting has been a rather pleasant one: for example, I recently got my kitchen remodeled. New, spacious cabinets, a shiny, updated sink and even one of those vent/hood/light thingies over the stove. Storage galorage!

But blogging about the glorious space for my 3 skillets & 4 pots is not particularly riveting...not compared to tales of my new screen door - woo hoo! The glory of the screen door keeps revealing itself: fewer bugs in my home, less leaves blowing in and a rather cute impediment for my non-sighted doggie. Toby hears the outdoors and heads in that direction, yet butts his head against this metal device and is curious why he cannot proceed further. On second thought, not particularly riveting to anyone other than me.

One interesting factoid about my current domicile: Google has yet to map me. Take that Sergey and other-guy-who-isn't-Sergey!
-P
*
"You can call me on my cell phone
You can page me all night long
But you won't catch this free bird
I'll already be long gone" - Sheryl Crow "Steve McQueen"

The Era of Darkness Begins...

2007-10-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

134 days until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training 2008
183 days until opening day 2008
-P

My favorite quote from last night's 30 Rock...

2007-10-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

Jack Donaghy to Liz Lemon: "Never go with a hippie to a second location."

Wildfires

2007-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

From the number of emails and calls I have received over the last 48 hours, it is apparent that the rest of the country and world (hello England & Bulgaria) is now very aware of the massive wildfires burning in Southern California. I am very fortunate that my rustic cottage and the homes of my friends are safe. I do know people who have been evacuated and are currently residing elsewhere.

My thoughts are with the people who must spend their days worrying about whether all their worldly possessions (however few or many they had as of last Sunday) are still intact or if they are ruined by the Santa-Ana-fires. I also think about the people who already know the sad fate of their homes. The local organization and evacuation efforts seem to be running very smoothly and successfully. Some evacuation centers were overwhelmed with volunteers & donations. Another positive coming out of so much destruction and sadness is that dogs, cats and even horses are being cared for when people must evacuate. One headline read "Regardless of Zip Code, We Are All in this Together".

The last few evenings I have gathered with friends for food, drinks and games - a great way to have fun and take our minds off of all the bad news. We are very fortunate that we have such an option. San Diego American Red Cross Donations-P

When I saw these fires break out on Sunday, I asked the network to send me. My job isn’t to man the fire lines, or help evacuate neighborhoods…it’s to tell the stories of those who do and to inform the public. But for me, it’s more than that. My wife and children have close friends here. I have friends here. I love this place.

So it’s at once heartbreaking, and awe inspiring to see a fire line roar up the side of a mountain slope, or race through bone dry brush. And when you’ve worked enough fires like this, you learn to spot the sign of a home erupting in flames beyond the next ridge line. A surge of black smoke billowing into the sky, the smell of nylon and household chemicals burning, another dream home…however humble or magnificent…lost.

This fire will eventually go out. The thousands who’ve lost their homes and businesses will rebuild and move on. But the memory of a fire like this lasts forever. - Don Teague, NBC Correspondent

Sirius, I Seriously Need You

2007-10-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

While at work clearing out and updating a retired emeritus' office, I knew I could use some noise to keep me entertained. I brought in a boombox the department had stored and tuned to some local stations. I went about my work and soon realized I was annoyed: nothing but commercials. I really don't care about the quality of girls at Deja Vu Gentleman's Club nor do I have a drinking problem, thus needing the Alcohol Rehabilitation business advertised. No music? I changed stations: more ads, more "wacky" disc jockeys with the lame gags. Finally, some 15 year old Sade tune. But after that, more ads. This got me missing my usual fix for talk radio or music, in the car or at home, always at my fingertips.

Back on January 8th, 2006 on a cold, dreary Sunday in Iowa City, I drove to my nearby Radio Shack and made a big purchase. I bought a Sirius Satellite boom box and car installation package along with a one year subscription. I spent the rest of the day unpacking the boxes, patiently waiting on hold to get my system set up. There was a backlog and I knew why. On Monday, January 9th Howard Stern would begin airing his show exclusively on Sirius Satellite radio. I had not been able to listen to Howard in over 5 years - since moving back to the Midwest and I missed him. Desperately. Seriously.

I got the hardware functioning Sunday night and set my clock for 4:58am. Why? Because Howard's east coast show would begin at 5 am my time and I wasn't going to miss a minute. I woke up that Monday morning and listened to the constantly pounding heartbeat sound that had been playing in anticipation of HS's show. And then finally! There it was! That low, semi-nasally voice! True to form, Howard was complaining about his staff and technical glitches in his studio within the first 10 minutes. Just like he did all those years earlier. I was happy and satisfied.

I pay roughly $13 a month for my Sirius Satellite subscription. (I would pay more - shhh!). In addition to Howard's two channels (his show does have some ads, so if they start, I just switch to the other Howard channel for that replay since they loop his daily show all day), I get access to over 150 music, news and comedy channels. There's First Wave the new wave music channel that I know almost every song on. There's Backspin playing some funk, the Bruce Springsteen and Frank Sinatra-only channels. And then there's Sirius Love always good for a sappy love song and where I am most likely to hear my beloved Air Supply. To me, those channels are all free and I pay for my Howard fix - the serious Sirius addict that I am.

Milhouse has left Duff Stadium...

2007-10-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

To quote 80's teen popstar and mall-touring chanteuse, Tiffany, my post-season baseball viewing "...could've been so beautiful, could've been so right..." but now that dream is over. The hope to drive six hours with my fluffy pooch on my lap heading toward a lifelong goal with a fun pal, eating overpriced trans-fatty foods and delicious micro-brewed beer, well, that could still in theory happen, but not while viewing baseball live and in person at Chase Field in Arizona. True to my Cubs fan status - there is always next year.

Life is short. I can't sit around whining about how things didn't go my way. I must buck up, put on my jammy pants and watch other teams play post-season baseball - on television.

I am hoping for a Cleveland v. Colorado World Series now. The Rockies have the finely-tushed Tulowitzki and the Indians provide the fetching Grady Sizemore, who allows my eyes-more handsomeness than your typical Major Leaguer. I like to think I make the best of what life brings, but I'll always have my memories of the laser-printed, bar-coded post-season tickets I clutched in my happy hands that now must go into the emotionless recycling bin, but "...I'll never hold what could've been, on a cold and lonely night".
-P

Everything's Coming Up Milhouse!!!

2007-10-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I have a renter for my IC condo (after nearly 3 months of paying mortgage for...empty space and not much else) which allows me to re-activate my entertainment spending!! The timing of this could not be better: there are NLCS tickets still for sale in nearby Arizona! My love for travel and spontaneous adventures (8 days in advance can be considered spontaneous, yeah?) kicked right in when I put two and two together: entertainment spending + post-season baseball tickets available = FUN!!!

My pal Bonnie and I attended 3 Spring Training games earlier this year and now we will end the season with more baseball in the land of cactus and crazy gila monsters! I am going to see post-season baseball live and in person for the very first time!!!*

[*if game 6 of the NLCS is necessary] Hooray for me!! {and props to Katy}

NLCS GAME 6
19 OCT 2007 at 05:30pm
*CHASE FIELD*

Price Type Qty Price Fee Cost
------------------------------ --- -------- --------- ----------
ADULT WEB 2 $$.00 $.00 $$$.00

Seating:
Level Section Row Seat(s)
----- ------- ----- ----------
1 106 39 11-12

Oh yeah, the teams playing are the San Diego Padres-beating Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs(sob)-beating Arizona Diamondbacks!!

Cubs 2007 RIP

2007-10-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

I don't wanna blog about it. :(

NLDS - Game 2 Cubs v. Diamondbacks

2007-10-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have created/deleted many posts regarding last night's game. Nothing sounds or makes me feel better about the Cubs' 3-1 loss to Arizona. I choose to instead focus on tonight's game. Please, pretty please, WIN!!! Cubs in the post-season...hooray!
*
-P
"New Rule : The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a "decaf grande half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one sweet-n'-Low, and one NutraSweet," ooh, you're a huge asshole." - George Carlin

Best.News.Ever.Today

2007-10-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

Most people who know me are aware that I enjoy all things Swayze-riffic (add Keanu to the mix and lookout!) Here is another golden nugget to add to my live theatre wish-list:

Point Break LIVE!, the absurdist stage adaptation of the 1992 Keanu Reeves/Patrick Swayze extreme-sports blockbuster, tells the story of former college football star Johnny Utah (Reeves in the film), as he pursues the surfing, bankrobbing, skydiving, bare-hand-fighting, adrenaline junkie cum Zen Master, Bodhi Sattva.

The Brechtian blockbuster, which garnered a "Seattle P-I Best of Seattle 2004" award during its run in the Northwest, features armed robbery, big-wave surfing, car chases, explosions, and no less than two extended skydiving sequences. Best of all, you could be the next Johnny Utah... the starring role of Keanu will be selected at random from the audience each night, and will read their entire script off of cue-cards.

This method manages to capture the rawness of a Keanu Reeves performance, even from those who generally think themselves incapable of acting.

"The worse it gets, the better it gets. Sensationally idiotic."
-- Seattle P-I Theatre Review
-P

Portland, Oregon (no Shanghai Tunnels here, keep moving)

2007-09-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I visited the lovely city of Portland, Oregon. My pal Heidi recently moved there and my friend Katy's brother was getting married in coastal Astoria. We all converged and had a great time. With the promise of resurrecting Iowa City's exclusive "the girl djs", I got an invitation and carried out the dancing/party-starting end of the girl djs work at the reception. (Actually playing music? P'shah, I didn't do that.)

This was my second visit to Portland (both have been in the Fall) and I had a great time: delicious microbrews to drink, interesting sights to see and this thing called...rain. I love photographing funny, interesting, odd signs; Oregon had an especially high number of signs I needed to photograph. I'll post two of them here:

Astoria is a small, sleepy coastal town which provided a great trip-within-a-trip. Our hotel was along a very wide section of the Columbia River. We drove over the mammoth Astoria Bridge to the state of Washington and back because, if you see a crazy bridge like this one, you have to go over it.

The wedding in Astoria was a lovely, stylish affair. The rooftop dance party was a fun, if chilly, good time. I suspect "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy rarely booms at full volume after midnight in Astoria. (fist in air).
-P
"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine." ~Caskie Stinnett

Improving My Luminosity

2007-09-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

I recently started a new job in a new department (same Universitarian Bureaucratic Conglomerate) and things are going well. Out with the hematology/oncology, in with the dermatology - so, some cancer is still on the radar. I don't blog much about work because; it's there, it pays the bills and I work-to-live, instead of live-to-work-and-blog-about-it.

There are some new fringe benefits to my current position: it is much closer to my home and allows me to walk a few blocks, catch a free bus up a massive hill, then walk several more blocks to-from work. No more $55/month parking fees. No more constantly filling up the gas tank. No more potentially dull times sitting in traffic. My commute wasn't too strenuous before, but my current arrangement is pretty sweet. Living in Southern California, the commute can be an issue. Ed Begley Jr., do I make you proud??

This location is very neighborhoody. Good neighborhoody. As in: restaurants, shops, places selling Aveda products and pet supplies. Walking to businesses easily is such a treat. Apparently this week 'treat' = chocolate shakes.

Another added bonus to the current gig is: product samples. Oh, glorious product samples! Hand lotion. SPF. Anti-wrinkle cream. Even the occasional hair product. {This girl dreams of the day lip balm tubes show up in a cardboard delivery box...} It sure is nice and it sure is plentiful. SPF is an important daily routine here in Sunny San Diego. It all makes sense now that I spend much more time facing the sun as I head home.

"Apply Truth liberally to the inflamed area. This is The Colbert Report!" - Stephen Tyrone Colbert

One Year Anniversary

2007-09-18T15:41:00.001-07:00

Today is my "anniversary" of returning to San Diego. I moved here originally in 1995 and stayed for nearly 6 years. I returned to Iowa - just prior to the "worst winter in 100 years" - as that seemed like a good idea at the time. I lived there for almost 6 years. I was restless for many of those years, not feeling particularly comfortable or settled in my life. I decided another big change was in order and high-tailed it back to SD and its wonderful climate, beauty and delicious burritos.

So this is the part where normally I would reflect on all the things I've experienced, learned and enjoyed during the past year...but I don't have to because I have this blog! Woo Hoo!

Boston - Day 6

2007-09-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed one last delicious breakfast in Boston and confirmation that the University of Michigan did in fact lose to Appalachian State in college football the day before. (ha!)

I strolled around Boston along the river, enjoyed a delicious slice of pizza from Regina Pizzeria and completed some more spectacular clothes shopping. I took the T back to the airport, waited about 45 seconds in the security line and boarded my lovely, TV-filled, barf-free flight back to San Diego. Thanks JetBlue! Hooray for Boston! Hooray for travel! My next trip? Portland, Oregon!

"Yankees suck!" - Boston Red Sox fans, every 10 seconds

Boston - Day 5

2007-09-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday in Boston. Post Fenway. What is a girl to do? Shop more, eat more and see more cool stuff! Katy and I headed to The Freedom Trail for our last full day in Boston. We wound around the narrow Boston streets seeing history up close and personal: Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and Paul Revere's house.

We dined at a wonderful restaurant in Boston's well-known North End: Taranta. Our meal lasted about 3 hours and consisted of 3 courses w/one fabulous bottle of wine (none of which I photographed due to the fact it was kind of a fancy place): antipasti, delicious spinach salad with an amazing fruity vinaigrette and freshly made pasta w/seafood. Katy had the incredible lobster ravioli w/shrimp. Sadly, we had zero room left for dessert!

We both agreed that heading back to the hotel to veg out would be best: what was on the TV? Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Bucholz throws a no-hitter!! A pretty exciting end to a wonderful day.

Boston - Day 4

2007-09-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Fenway! Fenway! Friday we headed to the ballpark area hours before the game to hang out, drink beer and enjoy the game day vibe. We eventually found a screen to watch the Cubs on...then they lost. The Red Sox had just been swept in a three-game series with the Yankees in New York. Our game was against the Baltimore Orioles. I was able to drink Guinness at a Major League ballpark - very exciting! Fenway holds a lot of history and is a beautiful park. Now I have been there - and it rained a little -hooray! But the Red Sox lost...

Boston - Day 3

2007-08-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday brings a new hotel: Jurys Boston Hotel (thanks for the free wi-fi!) not too far from our first hotel. It is housed in a former police headquarters with an Irish influence...and Aveda amenities! Katy and I toured the Samuel Adams Brewery (multiple free samples!), checked out the Harvard campus in Cambridge and cooled off in a great restaurant/bar called Grendel's Den just in time for its "everything half price" happy hour! We later hit a local bar to watch the Brewers v Cubs game (not the easiest feat as it was the first pre-season game for (gag) the local NFL team). Cubs win! Cubs win! Dempster almost blew it, but Cubs win!! Day 4 (aka Fenway Day!) brings a Christmas-morning-as-a-kid-level excitement! Orioles v. Red Sox @ 7pm Friday! That is so wicked hawwdcore!

Boston - Day 2

2007-08-31T09:35:00.001-07:00

Day 2 started very late...I slept until nearly 11am! Woo Hoo! My friend and I enjoyed a yummy lunch at a nearby restaurant. I had the smoked salmon potato pancake w/creamed corn & greens. I was able to stroll around a fancy pants neighborhood and take advantage of some sweet sales. I checked out the Boston Public Library (BPL) and its beautiful architecture. It had a display of miniature books which was great and also a collection of WWII-propaganda posters...very interesting documents!

I then traveled with a group to Boston's North End for the cannoli taste-off: Mike's Pastry vs. Modern Pastry. Which location has the more delicious cannoli? Hmmm, I still can't decide, but who really cares? Have both! We then enjoyed a delicious boiled lobster dinner. The poor Red Sox lost their second game in a row to the Yankees.

Boston - Day 1

2007-08-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

After my five hour non-stop flight (3 hours of which I spent waiting to barf, barfing or recovering from barfing) I landed in Boston...a city I have wanted to visit for years! And finally I am here! After getting to my hotel, showering and sleeping for nearly six hours, I strolled around this very walking-friendly city. I checked out the Public Garden, a nearby farmers market and enjoyed some "chowdah & lobstah roll".

I normally do not suffer from motion sickness, I think I had food poisoning. It was an awful experience, but I recovered quickly and have been able to enjoy the delicious food Boston has to offer!

Take Toby Out To The Ball Game

2007-08-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I took m'boy Toby to Petco Park for Petco's annual "Dog Days of Summer" event.

Long story short, it totally rocked! The festivities for the dogs were plenty: professional photographer, Frosty Pawz cool treats, goody bag, and the opportunity to walk around the entire field on the warning track. On the plus side of the walk, I was about 30 feet from future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux while he warmed up. On the down side, I had to listen to "Who Let the Dogs Out?" for 15 minutes straight. Stepping onto a Major League Baseball field was something I had never done before and really tried to soak it in for all it was worth. Fabulous!

A friend was gracious enough to offer to photograph the occasion, so please enjoy the pictures. Apparently, there was also a game being played against the Rockies (Pads won 8-0!)

-P

Asterisk

2007-08-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

I realized this morning there is a chance I may watch Barry Bonds hit a homerun and make baseball history, in person. Several weeks ago, a friend invited me to a Giants v. Padres game on a Sunday afternoon in August, she had free tickets so of course I said yes. Separately, I am very aware of the fact that Barry Bonds is at 754 career homeruns. The press reports his every move in anticipation of 755, tying the great Hank Aaron for the MLB record. Upon hitting 756, Bonds will be known as the all-time leader in career home runs. Reading this headline, I finally put 2 & 2 together: I may be in Petco Park for the brouhaha (hey, so I can be a little slow...).

I have loved MLB since I was eleven years old when my parents got cable which provided me access to WGN and TBS. My favorite players were Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs and Dale Murphy of the Atlanta Braves. Both excellent ball players with positive, honest images and most certainly not cheaters.

Many people are aware of the allegations toward Bonds regarding the use of steroids and other 'performance enhancing' drugs. Some may agree that perhaps MLB looked the other way during the late 90s when the stadium seats were full of paying bodies/fans hell-bent on watching homerun after homerun from the suspiciously-inflated players.

I have always confidently denied that Bonds would make it near Hank Aaron's amazing, hard-won record of hitting 755 homeruns. So much for that. I have to face the facts about Bonds: an originally very good baseball player let competition, insecurity and selfishness supercede good sportsmanship and honesty. He is notorioiusly booed in every stadium but his own (a theory I call The Our-Asshole Theory: he may be an asshole, but "he's our asshole").

This Sunday, I may inadvertently be on hand for MLB history, but the question still remains: if it happens in front of me will I boo, cheer or stand quietly taking in the spectacle?
-P
*
"Shotgun Blast To Abdomen Just Pisses Wilfred Brimley Off More" - the Onion headline

My Favorite Song in the Whole Wide World

2007-07-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

"For Once In My Life" performed by Stevie Wonder

The man who (co)wrote this song, Ron Miller has died. He wrote my most favoritest song AND he was a Cubs' fan - he sounds pretty cool to me.

Miller got his professional start in the music business in the 1960s, when Motown founder Berry Gordy saw him perform at a piano bar and invited him to Detroit as one of the label's first songwriters and record producers. His songs have been recorded by many leading artists, including Judy Garland, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Ray Charles.

"For Once in My Life," written with Orlando Murden, is one of the most recorded songs in history, with more than 270 versions, according to All Music Guide. A rendition by Tony Bennett and Wonder won a Grammy award this year.

Born in Chicago, Miller was a die-hard Cubs fan, who wrote his first sad song as a child about his beloved but hapless team, his daughter said.

"My father will be reborn every time someone sings one of his songs," Lisa Dawn Miller said. "When they feel joy or sadness or any emotion, that will be my dad and his words." Miller is survived by his wife, Aurora Miller, and six children.
-P
For once in my life I’ve got someone who needs me
Someone I’ve needed so long
For once unafraid I can go where life leads me
And somehow I know Ill be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
Could make my dreams come true

For once in my life
I wont let sorrow hurt me
Not like its hurt me before
For once I’ve got someone
I know wont desert me
And I’m not alone anymore

For once I can say: this is mine you cant take it
As long as I’ve got love I know I can make it
For once in my life
I’ve got someone who needs me

Los Angeles Non-Dodgers-Game Weekend

2007-07-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

I traveled to the sprawling metropolis that is Los Angeles this past weekend with a friend. The main geographical focus of our trip was Venice, a little Marina Del Rey and wee bit of Santa Monica. LA is only ~120 miles from San Diego. It has been 7+ years since I've truly visited the city (head hung in shame that I haven't made it to Dodger Stadium-YET.) For all the negative images LA has (gangs, phoniness, excessive focus on wealth/material possessions) I choose to take the fun, beautiful, playful features of LA and run with them.

Cases in point:

The morphed 7-Eleven-Simpsons-Kwik-E-Mart - we love it!

Hot dudes at the beach - we love it!

Cute, minor celebrities spotted zoning out at coffee shops - we love it!

The Getty Museum - we love it!

Cute dogs chillin' at the Santa Monica Pier - we love it!

Sushi-filled happy hours - we love it!
-P

"she had to leave

los angeles

she found it hard to say goodbye to her own best friend

she bought a clock on hollywood blvd the day she left

it felt sad she had to get out"

-"Los Angeles" - X

Perhaps Someday I Will Be Married

2007-07-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Estonia dominates wife-carrying championship

SONKAJARVI, Finland - Estonians took gold and silver at the world wife-carrying championships in Finland yesterday, defying rain and exhaustion to stumble along a path with women clinging upside-down to their backs. They were among 44 couples from 12 countries competing in the annual event in Sonkajarvi, central Finland.

The race, held for the 12th time, is intended to evoke the spirit of a legendary Finnish brigand, Rosvo-Ronkainen, who made those who wanted to join his gang run through a forest carrying heavy sacks on their backs.

In the modern version, couples race along a 250-metre track, tackling a pool and several hurdles, with the men carrying the women on their backs.

Estonian Madis Uusorg finished first, in a time of 61.7 seconds, despite having Inga Klauson on his back upside-down with her legs around his neck. Uusorg, who holds the world record for the event of 56.9 seconds, is the brother of last year's winner, Margo Uusorg. "I'm feeling really great because we won," Madis said afterwards. "It was my fifth time here, second time to win this competition. And it was the first time to beat my brother!"

Margo won his fifth world championship in 2006 and said at the time it might be his last.
He could not resist turning up again this year, carrying a rather heavily built Julia Galvin from Ireland, but the pair could only manage 29th place. "I kept my promise, having won last year, of carrying Julia this year," he said.

John Keerie, a Briton living in Helsinki, ran the race dressed as convict. He carried his wife Aino Telaranta-Keerie into 19th place. "I drowned in that pool, but at least my wig is still in place. Now for beer," he said. The winning couple received plasma televisions and Klauson's weight, 49 kilograms, in beer.

"My goal was to have fun. But not only did we have fun, but so did our kids and the people here had fun," said American James Lafferty from Ohio, who carried his wife Susan into 33rd place.
The purpose of it all? So the town of Sonkajarvi can spread a little happiness, said organiser Veikko Tervonen, with a smile.

Live Free or Die Hard, M'er F'er!

2007-06-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Nearly 20 years ago, during my teen employment at a movie theatre, I was able to see every movie in town for free. I sometimes deviated from my usual genres of immature toilet humor & art-house avant garde. I encountered an action film that made me laugh, caused me to sit on the edge of my seat and had my heart pounding even as the credits finished rolling. This movie was called 'Die Hard'. Most people have seen this movie at least once, it was kind of a blockbuster (another genre I rarely spend time or money on - now that I have to pay.) Sure, there was a sequel, Die Hard 2: Electric Boogaloo and I saw it, once and thought 'eh'. There was a third Die-Hardy movie that I never bothered with and heard that was a wise move.

I recently started seeing ads for the 4th in the series: Live Free or Die Hard. I won't get in-depth with the plot details, but I will recommend it for some exciting, amusingly-violent, escapist summer fun!

Bruce Willis has kept himself in shape, many years have gone by and his character is no spring chicken. He still kicks butt, there are great fight scenes, car crashes and some lively characters that keep the viewer interested between explosions:

the "hot, leggy, Asian chick" who kicks some serious a** & gets a serious a** kicking
Lucy McClane's introduction - sassy & so like dad (and in need of her own Die-Hard movie!)
yet another FBI Agent Johnson who goes the way of previous Agents Johnson
the deliciously evil, maniacal villian, played by Timothy Olyphant (swoon!)
the wonderfully geeky, brainiac Warlock played by Kevin Smith

So wrapping up my movie review: Go see it!
Next up, Sicko. I suspect I'll be less jovial after this one.
-P
"You just killed a helicopter with a car" - Matthew Farrell
"I was outta bullets." - John McClane

DAWGZzzz

2007-06-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Dogs. Pooches. Canines. Pups. I love mine and I tend to love a lot of other people's - even if they bark early in the morning (the dogs) or leave poop behind (the humans, not the dogs, well the poop IS the dog's, but...you follow me). I went for a long walk last night along the ocean. While getting much-needed exercise and views of a fabulous sunset, I also was able to enjoy the wide variety of dogs who were lucky enough to be at the beach. Here are a few examples:

a good little corgi, diligently following it's person's steps

two portly bulldogs meeting each other, one sitting up high on his owner's property relentless barking at the one on the boardwalk, looking up at the barker like he's nuts (approximately 10 passersby stopped to laugh, including me)

the great dane and the pug that co-exist on their ocean-front deck (pug is usually vertical, great dane is usually horizontal)

various little dogs in baskets on their people's cruising bikes

the loud-barking pitbull on his second story balcony as the white fluffy poodle trots by

one lab on a device affixed to the back of its owner's bike (kind of like a sidecar) sticking his head out to get the full effect of the wind - while wearing sunglasses

All of these glorious pooches came from somewhere. They all live in various socio-economic situations. If you contemplate adding one to your household, please rescue!! Here is a link to one of the best places for rescued animals, for some happy reads, link here.

-P

"Happy SPCA Adopt-a-Cat Month, you jerk!" - Tess, my cat, to me

Sum-Sum-Summertime

2007-06-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Living in San Diego has altered this former Midwesterner's perspective on a lot of things: the near-constant pleasant weather (high-60s/low-70s & partly/mostly sunny), the lack of needing an ice scraper in the car, and the $4.50 it costs for a gallon of milk (hey, I like me some cereal). I know school is out, it's June and people are taking vacations, but it was soonafter a friend invited me to the beach to-actually-go-to-the-beach that I realized...it is summer!

I go to the beach often: to exercise, to get my favorite burrito, to purchase San Diego-imprinted gifts for people living elsewhere, but rarely do I actually GO to the beach in the sense that most people think of: packing a bag, laying down a towel and parking it. This is mostly influenced by the fair state of my skin, I learned a long time ago not to fight my pale exterior, but instead embrace it and cover it with SPF.

For me, summer is represented by going to baseball games, watching baseball games on TV and...er...uh...reading about baseball? This weekend is the first official weekend of summer - being on the West coast and the Cubs playing Noon games should allow me time to get my MLB fix early and plenty of time to enjoy the sun, the beach and the fun - all while covered in SPF & a hat.

-P

"TIMMAY!!!" - Timmy, South Park

100,000 miles!!!!!!!

2007-06-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

This morning on my drive to work, my car's odometer hit a milestone: 100,000 miles. (Yes, I stopped to take the picture)
Oh sure, today is just like any other day, but for my Honda Civic EX coupe - it's monumental! This event got me a little nostalgic regarding my red, 2-door vehicle. I think of all the fun road trips I've taken in her (I pick the female gender since she's sassy red), the friends and loved ones who have shoved their various long limbs in the back seat and suitcases/bodies transported in the trunk.

Here are some fun facts about my car:

She's paid off! And has been since 2002.
She's never been in a crash (only damaged due to stupid Midwestern hail, poor baby)
She's hooked up for Sirius satellite radio

She was once stuck in a snow drift...in my driveway
Her driver sometimes runs over hazards/hits potholes too fast so she gets raised up at Sears and her tires changed fairly often
Up until a few months ago, she never required more than $20 to fill her tank. Now, it takes about $32.

Historically, I am not a cheater, but sometimes I do have a roving eye. The only other vehicles that entice me with their good looks and groovy shape are the Mini Cooper and the Audi TT. {sigh} Even when I win the lottery, I think I'll keep my sassy red girl. Thank you Japanese engineering!!
-P
*
Well behaved women seldom make history — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Puppy alert!

2007-06-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Bonnie is a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence - a non profit organization that enhances the lives of children & adults living with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs. She flew in from Arizona to pick up her fourth puppy (the first two did not make it through the additional training and now live happy lives as full-time pets, the third dog is currently still in "college" and may become an assistance dog in the next few months!).

This 8 week-old girl is named Payton. Isn't she a cutie?

I am rarely around puppies so spending time with her was a treat. All nine of her siblings are in puppy-raiser homes for the next 14-18 months, then move back to the facility for intense training to become an assistance dog for a person in need. Payton and Bonnie visited my home before their flight. Toby was not particularly thrilled to have a puppy nipping at and running into him with her uncoordinated enthusiasm - I found it hilarious. Toby fell asleep soon after she left. Oh, puppies.

Happy Birthday Heidi!

2007-05-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

My pal Heidi is turning 30. This is/was a milestone birthday for us all but it is especially monumental for her. She recently made her first cross-country move, which has brought a lot of changes, challenges and new experiences - like not having to pump her own gas! She's a smart, sassy, strong chick who has got it goin' on. Wish her well as she enters a new era...the 30s.

Please send her birthday greetings - even if you do not know her - by posting a comment here. She will enjoy the surprise and won't you take pleasure in brightening someone's day? DO IT.

You do not want to make The Gingers angry.

-P

Kyle: We... came to learn the facts about people with red hair, light skin and freckles.

Ginger Kids’ Father: [nervously] Ohhh, gingers, yes. Our cute little red-haired rascals.

Stan: I'm sorry, but I don't understand. You both have dark hair and brown eyes.

Father: Yes, we've learned that the ginger gene is recessive in both our families' DNA. Actually, the odds of us having a red-haired freckled child were only one in four. And still it happened. Three times. What are the odds? [breaks down and sobs into his hands]

Ginger Kids’ Mother: A lot of people carry the ginger gene and don't know. [her husband stops sobbing and raises his head] If your spouse is also a carrier, then your children can turn out like... them. [they both look at the kids, who smile and grin]

Father: Each one of them's a blessing.

Mother: Oh yes, each one of them's a blessing.

Father: Huh Blesse-blessing full of love

Three Ginger Kids: [grinning] Thanks, Mom and Dad.

Kyle: But it's... it's not true they... have no souls. [somber music plays]

Father: No... no, I'm sure they do.

Go Cubs! Go Padres! Go Mascots!

2007-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last night: the Cubs beat the Padres in some ninth-inning excitement. The Padres pitcher, Chris Young did an excellent job retiring the first 12 batters, striking out 10...oh, who cares?!?!?! I got my picture taken with the two Petco mascots!!! It was glorious!!

My friend and I were hanging out (okay, eating brats and drinking beer) near the very large "family area" of Petco Park: open lawn-seating area with a kids-size baseball park where they can run the bases...oh who cares?!?! I got my picture taken with the two Petco mascots!! The kitty is blue & sassy and the doggie is red & sassy. I am a bit disappointed in myself that I didn't think of this earlier: the mascots hang out where the highest concentration of kids are. Voila!

I suspect The Friar was attending to the upgraded, fancy areas, hobnobbing with the corporate fat-cats who pay premium for their baseball entertainment. Or, he was just getting his tonsure tidied up. Either way, he's still very high on my list. The list of mascots with whom I need to get my picture taken. Oh yeah, goals.

-P

Joe Reardon: "He walked 18. "

Larry: "New league record! "

Joe Reardon: "Struck out 18."

Larry: "Another new league record! In addition he hit the sportswriter, the public address announcer, the bull mascot twice..."

- Bull Durham

My Niece Zoe

2007-05-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

My niece Zoe - The Artist. She was one of a small group of elementary students selected to have her painting matted, framed and put on public display in her hometown. My six year old niece had her first (and hopefully not last) art opening! Props to Zoe! The theme was fish. Enjoy.

-P

"Not every working girl dreams of clawing her way to the corner office. Instead, many of us fantasize about fleeing cubicle life for good. Despite our parents’ best intentions to steer us toward more traditional careers (podiatrist, anyone?), we long to start our own sweater-knitting empire, frolic in the land of freelancing, or help those in need halfway around the world. Nevertheless, we non-traditionalists do have our bills to pay. So we do what any sensible woman would do: We get a day job. Which is precisely when those lofty aspirations can begin to atrophy." - Michelle Goodman - The Anti 9-to-5 Guide - Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube

Probationary Periods - Contractual Agreements - Expiration Dates

2007-05-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

This blog has been quiet. This does not necessarily reflect inactivity in my life, more like my inability to express the current situations and my reactions IN WORDS. Due to the fact that one of my favorite responses is “whatever” (usually prefaced with a sigh) and my tendency to condense stories with “yadda yadda yadda” or, of course "blah blah blah" – this does not reflect good self expression or promote prolific blogging. Consider my hand slapped.

59 days ago I was called into my then-supervisor’s office at 4pm and told that:
1) I was doing a good job
2) I was a pleasure to work with
3) As of 8am the next morning I would be placed into a different position, in a different area, working with brand new people and that would be that
4) Oh, and I wouldn’t get much training for this new position due to the fact that I would be switching positions with an individual who had official grievances and a restraining order filed against one of my future co-workers (!!!)
5) Plus, my probationary period would be extended another 60 days

At this point, I was two weeks shy of my six-month probationary period ending and had zero say in the matter. I was staying in the same classified position (I love me some University bureaucracy) and at the same pay grade, so I couldn’t complain on that topic. Turns out, I couldn’t complain on any topic to the powers that be. Work life, sucked. Fortunately, my personal life did not. My friends were especially supportive at this point; listening to me vent, whine and generally feel sorry for myself as I felt my life was kinda-sorta turned upside down just as I was getting settled after the quick, cross-country, everything-seemingly-brand-new-and-out-of-sorts move. {sigh}

Incredibly long story short, I have adapted well in my new position. On the plus side, I have my own office with big windows and a view. The hours are somewhat flexible. The people I work with are reasonable, moderately interesting and most importantly, I have yet to feel physically threatened – so yay for me. I am still not sure what the future holds for me, employment-wise but for now things are, you know yadda yadda yadda….whatever.

Foolishly, I signed an 18 month agreement with the DISH Network last November, during the MLB offseason, when I moved in my rustic cottage. What does this mean? It means I cannot watch San Diego Padres games at home. The games are televised only through the local cable provider, Cox. I signed up for a sports package addition but quickly got rid of it when I realized 90% of the games are blocked for my “area” via the satellite transmission. Grrrrr. So, it is May 16th and I have yet to watch one Padres game (not counting the last few innings I blurrily viewed at the British pub down the street post bar-crawl one night). Needless to say, this lack of access is quite frustrating. What kind of local baseball fan am I?

I am the kind of fan who goes to baseball games in person! Which I will be doing tonight and next week. I am very excited! Reds v Padres tonight. Cubs next week. I am also looking forward to the evening, due to the fact that I will be attending said game with a date: a handsome, funny, recently-met male. He’s this, he’s that. Yadda yadda yadda. Blah blah blah. I could ramble on but won’t. Why? He has an in-San Diego expiration date of July 2007 before he moves to….wait for it….The Middle East. {sigh} Whatever…

-P
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"Oh, yeah, what are you gonna do? Release the dogs? Or the bees? Or the dogs with bees in their mouth and when they bark, they shoot bees at you?" - Homer from the Simpsons

FluffyButts!!

2007-04-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is the rescue group from which I adopted my sweet Toby. FluffyButts is having an online auction, so check out the goods and perhaps place a bid on an item or two - the funds raised help rescue doggies from evil puppy mills or unfortunate life situations (like Toby's) and provide the critters a safe, loving environment & any needed medical care.

Who doesn't love a FluffyButt?

Fluffy Butts auction site

I watched PBS!!

2007-04-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, this does qualify as blogworthy news. I haven't watched 90 consecutive minutes of PBS since my childhood. I am aware that this is sad. Of course, back then I only had 4 channels to choose from. Yes, I mostly enjoy the immature toilet humor, sports and crime shows, but sometimes I try to be intellekchoouhl.

Last night I committed 1 1/2 hours of my life to viewing Bill Moyers Journal. For those who didn't watch it, I highly recommend it. "Buying the War" asks: How did the evidence disputing the existence of weapons of mass destruction and the link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11 go largely unreported?

"Four years after 'shock and awe,' the press has yet to come to terms with its role in enabling the Bush administration to go to war on false pretenses," says Moyers in the documentary.
And he concludes: "The American number of troops killed in Iraq now exceeds the number of victims on 9/11. We have been fighting there longer than it took us to defeat the Nazis in World War II. The costs of the war are reckoned at one trillion dollars and counting."

It was very interesting and at times so upsetting that it made my tummy hurt. (Please do keep in mind that at one point I was shopping for new ring tones - I suspected that I was the only person on Earth who was simultaneously watching Bill Moyers Journal AND listening to the Verizon Wireless version of Air Supply's "All Out of Love".)

The show's regular time slot will be Friday evenings (Jon Stewart is the guest 4/27). I am not really good at describing things, so much like my review of the 2005 movie 'Roll Bounce'...just watch it!

-P

Naps: "Can I get a size 9 please? Now, ahora"
Bernard: "Hey, calm down 'fro magnum!"

-Roll Bounce, at the skate counter

PS: Is it possible this is the only blog entry on earth mentioning both Bill Moyers and a 1970s-esque roller-skate jam/competition coming-of-age comedy? Probably not.

HAPPY 45TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!

2007-04-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

45 years ago today, my parents got married. 45 years! Wow, that's a long time. Go buy some sapphires. Congratulations to Ma'n'Pa!!!

Drinking for Charity

2007-04-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons one drinks alcohol. It could be to relax, socialize, it mixes well with food, alter reality due to one's sorrows...and it can also be for charity!! In Iowa, I drank for the American Heart Association via John's Grocery's BeerFest. Here in California, I drank for a group of charities: Surfrider Foundation, Wounded Warriors and Friends of Scott via Stay Classy.

The site was Pacific Beach "PB" - the location for a lot of my twenty-something imbibing. I visit PB often now, but usually to exercise and eat at my favorite place: Taco Surf. {I can't believe I have not posted here about Taco Surf yet!!} It was a nice day to be around thousands of people wearing the same t-shirt (one's ticket in to the various bars taking part in the pub crawl) and a lot of money was raised, but a drunkard twentysomething I am no longer. Thank goodness!

What made the day memorable (besides seeing Pali in rare form) was the cover bands! First up was The Cured. They were pretty good, but I am not sure why the Robert Smith guy was wearing a hockey jersey (???). Then, Hollywood U2. They were fun as well and the alcohol had really kicked in for most by this point. Last, and certainly not least. The topper of the day. My new most-favorite cover band: the all-female AC/DC representin' ThundHERstruck!! They totally rocked! It was fun to watch guys look up at them in enthusiastic admiration. I really want to see them again. If they come to your city, please pay whatever they charge. My civic duty is done.

-P

Pam Beesley: "I don't think it would be the worst thing if they let me go. Because then I might..."

[pauses]

Pam Beesley: "Its just, I don't think it's many girls' dream to be a receptionist. "

-The Office

Blind.Dog.Swimming.Too.Cute

2007-04-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

Toby in the pool!

Coastal California Trip!

2007-04-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hooray!

I have always wanted to drive up the coast of California - and regretted that I did not do it the first time I lived in CA. One more life journey completed!!

My pal Ali ("Pali" as she loathes to be called) and I drove from San Diego and stayed our first night at her generous friends' lovely home in Tustin (aka, "The OC - we saw several plastic surgery failures out in the wild!).

We then drove to Santa Barbara and enjoyed the amazing scenery (mountains, ocean, boats/harbor and delicious food!). We asked the locals for info regarding Oprah's Oprah-sized mansion in nearby Montecito, but had no success finding it.

We then continued our drive up the coast - we did encounter some fog, but that's okay. As Southern Californians, you have embrace the "whatever" attitude.

We spent our next night in San Luis Obispo. We had an early wake up time to tour the Hearst Castle at San Simeon (if you ever get the chance to tour Hearst Castle....do it!!) The coastal fog that we hoped would burn off, did not but Baby Bing (our wheels) got us there safely. The tour bus took us up, up, up and we soon were above the fog that crept up just to the coast. Hearst Castle is incredible! We learned about the pretty amazing architect, Julia Morgan, who designed the "ranch" with WRH. What a woman! I'll post pictures from Hearst Castle later...don't sue me for copyright infringement, man!

After the fun tour, amazing views and purchased gift shop goodies, we continued north along the 101 and enjoyed what views Mother Nature would grant us. The picture below shows Ali's lack of vertigo-induced heebeejeebees that I experience:

We eventually arrived in Carmel, the town Clint Eastwood used mayorize. Carmel loves its canines! We had afternoon tea and treats, petted about 100 dogs and briefly checked out the beach (it kinda looked like what one might see in San Diego, so...) We continued on to Monterey and enjoyed the rather touristy (hey, that's what we were!) Cannery Row. Our next stop...San Francisco!! We were fairly sleep-deprived and road- warrior-dirty, but we soldiered on and ate delicious kobe beef sliders and fancy-pants carnitas tacos with the beautiful, stylish types in the city of Coopers and Prius(es?), while wearing hoodies. The next day we enjoyed a wonderful brunch of dim sum w/my pal Henry and Pali's kind-sleeper-sofa-generous friend Brian. Then it was time to return to San Diego, the route via 5 south was much less scenic, but it got the job done. $3.39 per gallon of gas be damned!!

One more amazing photo from a great trip!
-P

Ralphie: "I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!" Mrs. Parker: "No, you'll shoot your eye out. "- A Christmas Story

RIP, Robert Clark

Cesar Chavez Day - March 31st

2007-03-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

I had heard this name before, but knew very little about the man. So, I Google'd him. I figure, since I get a paid day off from my non-laborious work because of him (and will spend it doing something I have dreamed about for years - future blog entry tease!!) that I should learn something about Cesar Chavez.

Here is an informative blurb:

Senator Robert F. Kennedy noted, Cesar Chavez was "one of the heroic figures of our time." A true American hero, Cesar Chavez was a civil rights, Latino, farm worker, and labor leader; a religious and spiritual figure; a community servant and social entrepreneur; a crusader for nonviolent social change; and an environmentalist and consumer advocate.

For more than three decades Cesar led the first successful farm workers union in American history, achieving dignity, respect, fair wages, medical coverage, pension benefits, and humane living conditions, as well as countless other rights and protections for hundreds of thousands of farm workers. Against previously insurmountable odds, he led successful strikes and boycotts that resulted in the first industry-wide labor contracts in the history of American agriculture. His union's efforts brought about the passage of the groundbreaking 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act to protect farm workers. Today, it remains the only law in the nation that protects the farm workers' right to unionize.

A strong believer in the principles of nonviolence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar effectively employed peaceful tactics such as fasts, boycotts, strikes, and pilgrimages. In 1968 he fasted for 25 days to affirm his personal commitment and that of the farm labor movement to non-violence. He fasted again for 25 days in 1972, and in 1988, at the age of 61, he endured a 36-day "Fast for Life" to highlight the harmful impact of pesticides on farm workers and their children.

Cesar's life cannot be measured in material terms. He never earned more than $6,000 a year. He never owned a house. When Cesar passed, he had no savings to leave to his family.

-P
*
"If you think you have it tough, read history books."
- Bill Maher

Excellent Causes

2007-03-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am linking to some excellent causes near and dear to my heart. Feel free to check them out, support my peeps and maybe even make a tax-deductible donation:

Team Kenyon for the March of Dimes Walk America & link here: http://www.walkamerica.org/personal_page.asp?w=685947
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The National Multiple Sclerosis Walk
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/MS%20Walk.asp
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Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS - San Diego)
http://www.pawssdc.org/

PB Pub Crawl - Drinking for Charity!!
http://www.stayclassy.org/catalog/event_page.php?products_id=32

Thanks!
-P
*
"No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

3/12 - Chicago Cubs v. San Francisco Giants

2007-03-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, posting this one late. Believe me, I wish I could have posted it sooner.

Location: Scottsdale Stadium
Seat Location: Along 3rd base line, near left field (important for amusing sights #1 & 2)
Beer consumed: IPA (sadly, half of one beer was lost to the combination of gravity and my clutziness, but like those seated around me at the game, I’ll just blame it on the Dodgers)
Temperature: 92 freakin’ degrees
Amusing Sights & Sounds: A plethora! Keep reading!

Starting pitchers were Matt Morris (knocked out early due to the Cubs’ 6-run 1st inning!) and Carlos Zambrano. Amusing sights #1 & 2: Multi-million dollar cheater/player Barry Bonds ducking and missing not one, but two pop flies in the first inning. TWO. One after the other. He may earn in a few hours what I earn all year, but I was smug as smug can be. Darn that sunshine – perhaps a side effect of “The Cream” is that it weakens the rods’n’cones functionality?

Amusing overheard quote #1 - Giants fan returning to his seat “Did Barry catch anything while I was gone?”

Alfonso Soriano looked svelte in his #12 jersey and hi-knee sox. Derrek Lee! Jacque Jones! Cliff Floyd! I got to see the entire batting order in the top of the first inning. Batting 9th: CZ, Carlos Zambrano. Which brings me to amusing sight #3: CZ got a nice hit to the outfield and tried to stretch it for a triple. I suspect it was his built-up enthusiasm, desire to win and joy of sticking it to the competition, but after rounding second his feet could not keep up with his will and he stumbled – all 250 lbs of him. It was one of those stumbles that seems to last 20 seconds..he’s up in the air…he’s still up in the air, legs kicking at nothing…wait, he’s eventually going to rain down, much like my beer did later….uh oh, here comes the big guy….the #1 pitcher cannot land on his arms/hands/wrists….now this isn’t so funny! [Crash!] {Thud} So he finally landed, the earth seemingly shook and I swear he crawled in the dirt to third base while the Cubs fans screamed, the Giants fans hesitantly guffawed (keep in mind their team was sucking righteously)…and he made it! Glorious Carlos! Glorious!

Amusing sight #4: Funky Bold Molina: Bengie variety

Amusing overheard quote #2 – from male voice in row behind me: “I am going to Hell. I know. It’s called Tucson.”

Amusing sight #5: Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers

Amusing sight #6: Felix Pie on the mini-jumbo-tron (view obstructed..stoopid Scottsdale Stadium)

The Scottsdale Stadium was by far my least favorite of this Spring Training trip. One cannot view the game once you depart your seat. It isn't conducive to walking around, getting snacks or using the facilities. Fancy-pants jerks and their $5 programs.

So the trip was great and I can't wait until next year! (And the 2007 regular season...)

Hooray for baseball!!!

3/11 Oakland Athletics v. Angels

2007-03-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I left off the incredibly long geographically dilemma'd title for the Angels. I bought their program and I could not find "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" anywhere within its pages. Good idea. Those fans of teams with red attire sure like to wear it with pride.

Location: Angels Diablo Stadium - Tempe, Arizona
Temperature: 87 degrees (our seats were entirely in the shade - hallelujah!)
Food and beer consumed: Jumbo dog (true to title) and Fat Tire x 2
Amusing sight: This was actually what I did not see: fistfights, pipe-wielding thugs or arrests

The A's beat the Angels 7-6 with a late-game drive carried out by players with high double-digits on the backs of their uniforms. This was possibly due to the fact that the Angels pitcher also had a high number on his back. Either way, I do not care because I have my new favorite player name. His first name is J.J. and his 8th-inning double put the A's in the lead and saddened all the red-shirt-wearing Angels fans.

A's player to watch: #66 J.J. Furmaniak-"ak-ak-ak-ak-ak...you oughta know by now". Gutsy, scrappy, and with an excellent baseball name.

Angels player to watch: #35 Casey Kotchman - he provided a double and a homerun, but unfortunately wears the long pants so there is still some room for improvement. Hopefully Terry Evans will influence his knee soxability.

Other notable sights at the game: Mike Piazza!!! That's correct, he is in the American League now as a DH and still getting hits. It just takes him awhile to huff it to base. Vladimir Guerrero appears to be in very good form with an excellent hairstyle. I almost bought a "Vlad!" shirt, but ultimately opted not to do so. As a special note, I have encountered many groups of glorious female fans at the Spring Training games and the Angels get props for having a female VP of Finance - booyah!!

Later today...Cubs v. Giants!

-P

3/10 Colorado Rockies v. San Diego Padres

2007-03-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hooray for baseball!!

The Padres beat the Rockies 11-3, of course they had most of their "pro" squad and the Rockies? Perhaps not so much.

Location: Peoria Sports Complex
Temperature: 85 degrees
Food and beer consumed: "Loaded" bratwurst, garlic fries and Black Butte Porter
Amusing sight: Vendors walking the stands selling chocolate-covered strawberries

Padres players to watch:
Terrmell Sledge - SD fans already know this - but he hit a homerun with his bat and with his kick-ass name.
Paul McAnulty. Why? Well, he's short, stocky and wears the high knee sox. A guy behind me referred to him as fat, but that seems a bit harsh. I also got a good read on "The Bard".

Rockies player to watch:
Geronimo Gil (pronounced "Heronimo Heeel") he batted .192 in 2006, swings like a pitcher and provided the fans in Peoria many, many souvenir foul balls. He's a giver and shouldn't that be rewarded?

Notes: There was a large bachelor party from San Diego seated near us briefly. The groom-to-be had an inside source with the Padres organization and was able to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and get his name on the mini-jumbo-tron. (Uh, totally awesome!) His friends suggested that I meet a guy in their group who loves baseball, has a trust fund and drives a Hummer. Two out of three ain't bad?

-P

$370,000,000!!!!!

2007-03-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some things I will do (besides donating money to charities & hooking up my parents with a sweet retirement SD condo) when I win the $370 million dollar MegaMillions jackpot:

1) Immediately attempt to schedule lunch with Warren Buffett in greasy-spoon diner in Omaha, NE
2) Purchase ocean-front/ocean-view home in San Diego
3) Purchase convertible Mini Cooper-S (color to be determined)
4) Pay off credit card debt with loose change found in my 20-person theatre room sectional sofa 3 weeks after moving in to #2
5) Um, schedule “Dinner for 5” with: Clive Owen, George Clooney, John Cusack, Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert – whoops, make that “Dinner for 6”
6) Employ: personal chef, personal trainer, driver, pedicurist & massage therapist
7) Twice-weekly psychotherapy treatments to delay the inevitable time when I go nuts - which leads me to #8...
8) The Patrick Swayze Appreciation Room (motion-activated room that plays the song “She’s Like the Wind” and the movie “Roadhouse” – upon entering, it picks up where it left off). Photographs of scenes from Point Break, Next of Kin and The Outsiders (no Ghost memorabilia allowed)
9) Helper Monkey (M-F dressed like bellman, weekend wear at his own discretion)
10) Pet Suite (for Toby, Tess, my future 3-legged dogs & six-toed cats)
11) Travel country seeing a baseball game in every stadium, fancy seats and photographs with each team’s mascot
12) Costco membership – ha!
13) Personal Duran Duran performance (Hellooooo Qwwad Sitteeezzz!!!)
14) Blogger assistant to post details & pictures to show everyone - who still has to work - how much fun I am having!!!

What would you do?
-P
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"Of the billionaires I have known, money just brings out the basic traits in them. If they were jerks before they had money, they are simply jerks with a billion dollars. "
- Warren Buffett

78 degrees outside!!!

2007-03-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

...and five days until I am at Spring Training!!!

-P

"Gary, you didn't kill your brother. Those gorillas did. "
- Lisa, Team America: World Police

Her Name Was Lola...

2007-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month my last grandparent passed away. She was my paternal grandmother. She lived her entire life in Centerville, Iowa. I remember visiting her often as a child and always being mesmerized with the groovy stuff she had around her house and her booming laugh. She was creator of many delicious pies.

I was unable to return to Iowa for her funeral, but asked my parents to provide me with some additional photos of her. I was thrilled to see the selection and the variety of shots -especially the ones from her younger, less-Grandma-y days. For example...

I was very fortunate to have both grandmothers live to be 91. I hope that means I come from hearty lineage!

-P

"Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting." ~Author Unknown

"There's some drizzle in your future, maybe rain"

2007-02-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

This is a headline in the San Diego Union-Tribune this morning. For real.

This past weekend as my visiting-from-Iowa parents & I enjoyed the 60+ degree sunny weather along the beach, it was raining ice, snowing and pretty much nasty back in the Midwest. Living in & visiting Southern California, one can easily assimilate to the pleasant weather very quickly: my dad, who normally watches weather news on television said "I haven't even checked The Weather Channel today." The weather here is hypnotizing, addictive and why San Diegans pay what we do to live here.

-P

"I'm Ron Burgundy. You stay classy, San Diego."
"I'm Ron Burgundy. Go f*ck yourselves, San Diego."
- Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy in 'Anchorman'

What is that sound?

2007-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

It is the sound of footsteps!

Probably not cleats. It could be sneakers or sandals. Maybe a nice pair of Berluti's or John Lobb's? Regardless of the footwear selections, it is the sound of pitchers and catchers reporting for the 2007 MLB Spring Training!!!

I am planning my travels to Arizona for some Cactus League action. In a few weeks I will be sitting in a small ballpark, drinking a nice brew, eating a hot dog and watching (hopefully) starting players who are so close I can see them conversing about which hot brods in the stands they would pull a "You're with me, leather".

Hooray for Baseball!!
-P
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"Uh, kid, uh, don't tell anyone we are back here, please??"

- Mel Hall/Lee Smith (Chicago Cubs) circa 1983/1984 at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. I was a kid and wandered behind a divider at an open, free autograph signing event. They were wearing two of the largest pinstriped suits I had ever seen and even though I was young, I totally knew their beverages were liquor and weren't supposed to be. I didn't tell anyone, but I did get both of their baseball cards autographed that day - fo sho!

DDBs

2007-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Dating Deal Breakers

If you do not know what this term means, it is quite possibly due to the fact that you have not been single recently. Single for the last 36 years, I am very familiar with and knowledgeable of this phrase. Dating can be fun. Dating can be frustrating. Some even purport dating to be like warfare. Not dating at all totally sucks.

In business-speak, here is the definition of a deal-breaker (DB): Significant point that could terminate the negotiation.

Dating really is a negotiation isn’t it? Besides being a fancied up interview, w/food and drinks, dating is all about checking each other out. Assessing one’s DBs. What are we willing to put up with? The first round is usually the physical DBs (a guy 6 inches shorter than me). Next are the socio-economic DBs (lives with parents or has no friends). Then come the political DBs (views Tom DeLay favorably) and don’t get me started on all the various religion DBs. These are the easy ones to figure out, right outta the gate. Once the low-hanging potential DBs are successfully passed, one must investigate deeper to get to those flashing yellows/reds. If you do not know what these terms mean, it is quite possibly due to the fact that you have not been single recently. I certainly do not hold this against you, but I do ask that you read on.

For example, I recently had a date with a guy. (Note: I tried several different adjectives before “guy”, but ultimately went with none, which probably tells you that there will be no second date.) He was fine, polite, handsome, employed. He didn’t yawn, chew gum, exhibit poor grooming skills or smoke. There were positives yet there were negatives. Obviously, the negatives won out. And from his viewpoint, I know he felt the same way about me. And this is OK. I don’t know how many times I have stopped and asked myself this question: “Wait a minute, do I really care that (random guy) hasn’t called back?” (Are you curious about the negatives? In random order: told me how much money he makes, enjoys NASCAR, prefers expensive inanimate objects over pets, talked about his job 70% of the time we were together.)

First dates are a funny thing. There can be so much anticipation, excitement, and nervousness that I hear potential-DBs, semi-digest them and tell myself, “eh, I could put up with that”. But really, when I get home or at least out into the beautiful sunshine and really contemplate it, I resolve: “life is too short to put up with that b*llsh*t.”

So, I press on. Chin up. Lip balm in my cute purse. Stylish shoes on my feet.

Dating and pursuing relationships has changed immensely over the years that I have been an active participant. At first it was walking the hallways in high school, timing a stop at my locker just when I knew the handsome-senior-who-always-ignores-me will pass on his way from smoking at the QT to algebra class. [How many DBs did you spot in that sentence?? See, if you spotted 3 then you are learning something!]

Then there was college: we were technically adults and everyone was seemingly single, free of baggage, encumbrances and responsibilities. Oh, the salad days.

Finding myself in 2007, in my mid-30s and in a relatively large city; the playing field is completely different: people have weathered starter marriages, lived out in the real world and some have even procreated. The baggage, encumbrances and responsibilities are oh-so plentiful and oh-so teemed with potential DBs. Granted, these can now be acknowledged and 86d within a speed date or with a click of the mouse. Technology. I soldier on. If you do not know what some of these terms mean, it is quite possibly due to the fact that you have not been single recently. I will try to not hold this against you, you lucky happily-paired up b*st*rds.
-P
*
“Life is short -- until you marry the wrong man and then it gets pretty goddamned long!!” - Madeline in “What Planet Are You From?”

Tess Haiku

2007-01-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Shy nervous feline

Chocolate caramel blend

Dislike of flashbulb

"In order to maintain an untenable position, you have to be actively ignorant, ... One motto on the show is, 'Keep your facts, I'm going with the truth.'”

- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A. of The Colbert Report

"Is That a Dog???"

2007-01-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, I was asked this question over the weekend. Please be aware that I was at Dog Beach in OB surrounded by many other dogs with my creature on a leash. This question was neither surprising nor insulting in the least bit. In fact, it has been asked before in various forms.

Toby provides me a lot of humor, fun and companionship. He also attracts people like you would not believe. "What breed is that?" "That puppy is going to be big!" "He looks like a little bear!"

In the picture: the little dog with the ball in its mouth, just entering the photo, cracked me up. Action-wise, he was the opposite of Toby's slow, plodding movements; sniffing the washed up seaweed, leaving paw prints in the sand. This post is for T-Bone's fans.

-P

"There's someone out there for everyone - even if you need a pickaxe, a compass, and night goggles to find them." - Harris K. Telemacher in LA Story

Kickin' It In The Chillout Tent

2007-01-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

Actually, it was a cabana, but who cares?

I was thrilled to have my first visitor to San Diego! My pal Katy, who has been here before, made the most of the partly-cloudy-one-day, sub-50-degree-evening weather and the Chargers loss to the Patriots. I was able to see more areas of San Diego (restaurants, bars, etc.) and had a really good time. Toby enjoyed the extra attention, of course. Viva La Lei Lounge!

-P

*
"It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one's present or future thirst, the excellence of the wine, or any other reason."

-Latin Proverb quote

Happy New Year!

2007-01-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

I rang in 2007 at a James Bond/Casino Royale-themed dress up party that was quite fun. I enjoyed booze, snacks, gambling with play money and Dr. No on the big screen outside. It was all very dangerous, sexy and full of intrigue.

I was also fortunate to be offered a chance to go on a real sailboat - not just the kind in the kiddie section at the amusement park. The boat was in search of whales and dolphins about 4 miles from shore and when we found neither, that was just fine. Being on the water rules! That Christopher Cross wasn't so full of sh*t after all...
*

-P
*
Carrie: "Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you ... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone? "
- Sex and The City

2006 In Memoriam

2006-12-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

This time of year we are beseiged with year-end lists: "best of" films, albums and books. We also are reminded of those individuals who didn't survive the year. I am an unapologetic animal lover and this was one rough year for the wonderful pets and the people who love them.

First up: Bruce Wayne Kirby "The Bat Cat". He was a very good boy and lived well into his kitty teens providing much love to his dad, mom, human siblings and kitty peep, Homeslice. Please tell me how many cats you know who would allow such blatant displays of haberdashery?

Next up, sassy Tabetha. She was acquired from a family in a vacant Maid-Rite parking lot in West Liberty, Iowa, circa 1992. The young girl didn't want to give her up, but her parents knew better. She had named the cat 'Chisel' and obviously had no idea what she was doing. Tabby lived with me for awhile and then relocated to Des Moines with my parents for the rest of her pampered, loved life. She was a sweet girl and like most tempestuous females, terribly misunderstood.

The old saying is 'save the best for last' - in this case the fluffiest and most therapeutic. My sweet Lillian was such a lady. I adopted her from a cramped, non-fancy shelter the first day I was able to get a kitty. She put up with me. I could ramble on and on about how much she meant to me - and still does - and how I try not to focus on the way she exited the world. How I would have loved to bring her back to her hometown of San Diego. I adored her, she was wonderful and I miss her so much every day. Props to you Lilly!

***

Hug 'em if ya got 'em. Happy New Year - P

***

"Dogs have owners, cats have staff." ~ Anonymous

Christmas - Gone to the Dogs

2006-12-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

My first non-Iowa Christmas went just fine. I instead enjoyed some time at Dog Beach in OB with new pals and Toby. Visiting dog beach is more for my enjoyment than his, and I ended up carrying his 22+ lbs most of the time. He is often confused with being a puppy or a toy bear cub. I later dined on delicious empanadas and yummy seafood enchiladas. HO-HO-HO.

"Thinkin' of loosin that funky feelin' don't uh!

Cause you got to use just what you got

To get just what you want-a

Hey hu!

Hot pants! hey! hot pants smokin'!"

-RIP, James Brown

Booze-Ambien-Patience-Internet-Big Book - which would you turn to?

2006-12-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

When I lived in San Diego before - during the mid to late 90's - I went back to Iowa for Christmas every year. The cost was sometimes steep, the itinerary was often less than ideal, but I made it. I almost always flew through Denver. In the winter. With millions of other people. And every time I was lucky - no terrible weather, no missed flights, just the regular turbulence and dry skin. Sure, one connection was tight and I had to run the length of the United terminal in high-heeled boots, a heavy wool sweater while carrying two bags and hyperventilating, but it was nothing compared to what it must be like right now.

I've mentioned how every morning I look down upon the SD airport. This morning I noticed a lot of planes parked on the non-terminal side of the runway. "Hmmm, that's odd, why are they there?" Then I realized that all the planes that should be flying in and out of Denver have to be parked somewhere.

Now my thoughts turn to my pal trying to get out of Heathrow...

Winter Holiday Politically Correct Greeting

2006-12-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Updates

2006-12-19T10:15:00.000-08:00

I added the snazzy visit counter to the left here - one more feature to make this blog appear like a candy store.

I DO have renters for my IC condo - hooray!

It was in the 30s last night - that is quite chilly in the rustic cottage.

Vilsack on The Daily Show represented well, not too stuffy and bringing a gift can't hurt.

-P

"Ruh-roh!" - Astro from The Jetsons
RIP Joseph Barbera

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2006-12-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

A fun project I have been working on...

Arizona Diamondbacks – Chase Field – 2003
Atlanta Braves – Turner Field – NOT YET
Baltimore Orioles – Camden Yards – NOT YET
Boston Red Sox – Fenway Park – NOT YET
Chicago Cubs – Wrigley Field – most recent, September 2006
Chicago White Sox – US Cellular Field – 2006
Cincinnati Reds – Great American Ball Park – NOT YET
Cleveland Indians – Jacobs Field – NOT YET
Colorado Rockies – Coors Field – NOT YET
Detroit Tigers – Comerica Park – NOT YET
Florida Marlins – Dolphin Stadium – NOT YET
Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park – NOT YET
Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium – 2004
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Angel Stadium – NOT YET (projected early 2007)
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodger Stadium – NOT YET (projected early 2007)
Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park – 2005
Minnesota Twins – Metrodome – 2004
New York Mets – Shea Stadium – 2003
New York Yankees – Yankee Stadium – 2003
Oakland Athletics – McAfee Coliseum – 2005
Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park – 2005
Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC Park – NOT YET
San Diego Padres – Petco Park – most recent, September 2006
San Francisco Giants – AT&T Park – 2005
St. Louis Cardinals – (New) Busch Stadium – NOT YET*
Seattle Mariners – Safeco Field – NOT YET
Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Tropicana Field – NOT YET
Texas Rangers – Ameriquest Field – NOT YET
Toronto Blue Jays – Rogers Centre – 2006
Washington Nationals – RFK Stadium – NOT YET

*Old Busch Stadium - 2004

Someday I hope to compile a list of MLB mascots with whom I have been photographed (this girl can dream...)

-P

"You know my old saying: live it up, the meter's running. I've always said that if you don't have fun while you're here, then it's your fault. You only get to do this once." ~ Harry Caray

Million Dollar Homes

2006-12-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that a million-dollar house is about 50 feet from my humble abode? It is for sale and listed at 1.2 million, that's how I know. One Milllllion Dollars.

In these tough real estate times, it will probably not sell for that price. The home sits empty which makes me think of my condo in Iowa, on the market since May, sitting empty. {Shrugs shoulders in frustration, reminds self a sliver of the ocean can be viewed from current living room.}

There is another house that is even closer to me. I reckon it is in the million-dollar category too: painfully charming, wrap around porches on both floors and panoramic views. I share a fence with these people.

-P

"Whose cruel idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have a "S" in it?" - George Carlin