Moments of Madness...

We've moved...

2009-09-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

www.baledwr.com

Random link from work

2009-06-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

http://bakonvodka.com/

For realz....I don't know how I feel about it...

Cd'A day 2

2009-05-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

as of right now I am too sick to write much...it started with a headache at ring time which I figured was due to me not eating...we came home after and I got chilled and slept for 3 hours (right thru lunch)...ended with me jumping up and becoming multiple types of sick. As Keith and Jo have an awful virus and I am exhausted still I think it just hit me.

Today recap:

Pie RWD. (cussing about the 14 point mark). I don't think there is going to be an entry in Missoula, but I am debating driving over 1 day (there is 3 days there and 2 in Great Falls but I just can't afford the long weekend with Bandon coming up). If I don't do that then he goes to Bandon.

Clem -WB for a point. I'm not surprised after the dog classes, he picked the shorter backed dog and bitch, plus rumor had it that he is a pem person. The BoB dog was of a similar type.

Ok that's all for now.

Monday - Couer d'Alene 1

2009-05-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

I am dead tired.

Serious - the neighbors partied last night. I think they are still at it. I always have insomnia problems, and last night went to sleep around 12:30, got up at 4. Ugh.

Just got home at 7:30ish. P.M.. Denise's Berner girl got a 5 point major and best puppy in breed, then won a large working group puppy....then BIS puppy - very nice puppies too including over a Golden that won at the specialty today. Big Grats Denise, Lexus earned it.

As for us it was a supported entry today. The smallest one that I have been too for our club - our typical Richland and Albany have more entries than some specialties.

I am happy to say Pie was BOW for 2 points, leaving 1 to go. We are at the jinx point. His tail was still somewhat happy (and he was convinced that everyone on the ground wants to help him...um....breed, thanks for the AI) but the tongue was in.

Clem was RWB today. She needs to grow up for a bit, both she and Pie actually have the 19 month uggs.

ok thats it for now, ttyl

Sunday - Spokane

2009-05-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Nothing great today.

Pie was RWD, Clem was RWB.

Pie was a total ass with his tail today and his tongue was literally hanging out the side of his mouth like a huge flap of meat. He came right out of the ring and tried to mount his sister (who is not in heat) so I guess we know where his mind is at the moment.

m

Star Trek

2009-05-23T18:37:00.001-07:00

a MUST see....

I think even if you aren't a trekkie you might enjoy this movie. Of course H and I are the age that our parents watched it when we were little kids - I remember watching Trek before I grasped it (but I do remember enjoying it).

This movie is wonderfully done, I especially like the Heroes actor who plays Spock (btw I am a HUGE Heroes fan). And without giving it away they have left it open for many many sequels without them conflicting with the first movies or the series.

And I was a little worried that it would be hokey and just for the nostalgia factor.

m

Day 1 - Spokane show

2009-05-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Pilot - WD - 1 Point. He loved his tail in BoB and blew it.

Iris - won BBE and was RWB - Not bad for her first show!

Wally & Hannah - pissed because we didn't take them to the DOG SHOW and they really really wanted to go.

Preston was BoB and Ruby was BOS. WD/BoW was a black girl bred by Teddy McDowell - I think her name is Camelot's Devel Wears Prada. Different type than my dogs and the BoB/BoS but a cutie.

The rest of the day we get to relax, play WoW and may go see Star Trek :)

Iris Puppy

2009-04-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here is our Iris, 3 days shy of 6 months.

Her nose isn't quite as dark as I would like, but I think it will be acceptable most of the time.
_______

Please forgive her, these were natural and unposed and she was looking around at all the people and dogs at the dog show.
_______

Her Daddy liked this one. I liked playing with Picassa.
______

Oh Look! Dogs!
Everyone she met was greeting by puppy jumping in face or trying to crawl up leg into arms. She's quite outgoing at this point.
_______

She's very sweet like both parents, but has the Wallydog energy. In body and head she is much more like Hannah.

Clem at 18 months

2009-04-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

This was Saturday's point...more pix to follow...what do you think?

Oh - and because we spent so much time on everyone else Clem is totally natural, no products, just washed and dried. Wow, you could eat off that topline.

Our less exciting-but-still-good weekend

2009-04-20T18:47:00.001-07:00

Lewiston, Idaho...

This year the weather was very nice (70-85 degrees) - better than the snow last year! The entry was DISMAL as everyone went to nationals. 1-2-1-0...

Happily Wally is looking great right now (to the point where Dany Canino commented on his lovely coat) and was BOB all 4 days. Groups were tough for a little show, with the little dogs getting NO love at all. He looked wonderful and was (for Wally) flying.

Clem picked up 2 points and no judges made a huge issue of her half mask. She's a very happy dog to show and I should have some good pictures to post of her in a bit.

Caleb picked up a point today...I decided to take him back in when Clem didn't go WB today and he got the crossover point. He tries so hard but I think for now he needs to do something else with his dad, until we convince him he LIKES to show. Basically with Keith he drug around the ring and stood there like a lump of playdoh.

I judged the Sporting and Hound Puppy groups on Friday and BBE groups on Saturday. Lets just say that the puppy groups were depressing for me.

A very well known handler got dumped by me with a breed I have handled and know. A coursing breed needs to be able to drive off the rear. Or maybe I am crazy. Anyway he tried to verbally intimidate me with the "this will be a BIS bitch". Ok but she was cow-hopping every third step on one rear leg...not enough that I could call her lame....just enough that her rear movement was off and I wouldn't use her! That left me with a very bad feeling in my mouth about judging, and I am not one who typically thinks it is political.

On the bright side there was a lovely red & white setter puppy who I found out is the first west coast CH in the breed...I saw her in Portland and even though I didn't know it was the same bitch remember liking her at that time.

Also saw a VERY nice BBE beagle. I found out he was 7 months with multiple major and specialty reserves, BOBs and real group placements - looks like he has an exciting career ahead of him.

The BBE groups were very tough to judge. Not sure I'm cut out for it as someone always leaves dissappointed!

Ok pics and more later...

What I know...

2009-04-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Alice won her Vet Sweeps class, her Veteran Bitch Class, Brood bitch and got a CGC...

Hunter won ditto for dogs...

Pilot was 4th in a nice BBE class

more later, I am off to Lewiston. Entry is 1-2-1-0

Pumps...

2009-03-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

Ok...Rio dog gone - very nice dog but 5 is too many.

Also Pilot had his Pennhip done, still waiting on results. While there he had the screw removed from his elbow as it was backing out. He's fine - I can't wait to get the CD xray from Denise to post.

In further news...

My sugars and control have been so good on the new regimen that I can go on an insulin pump. I'm nervous but also excited - it will make a HUGE difference in my control and be especially great for shows (like Portland where we had to show at about lunch time most days, causing me to really screw up my schedule). Not to mention how much better I feel and how much nicer I am when I feel good (lol).

Anybody know (or have) an insulin pump? I'm looking for advise and recommendations. All the online literature is (of course) designed to make each manufacturer's meter glow. I'm debating between the One Touch Ping and the Minimed somethingorother. Right now I'm leaning towards the Ping because a pushy salesperson called me about the other one :) and it seems to have better features (Waterproof! Good in shower!). But when looking at an aproximatly $6000 machine I want to make a choice based on more fact than emotion.

Yes, I did say $6000. Ouch. That's more than my truck cost me.

Be thankful

2009-02-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

My senior at work had a house fire last night. Thank dawg the 3 year old woke them up and they got out safe with the dogs. It is a total loss. What is nice about working for a company like Travelers though is that everyone cares and is trying to help her out. This is the 2nd time this has happened to someone in the last 2 months and the response is simply overwhelming.

I'm going to go get her girl dog in a little bit and be boarding her for 2 days -2 weeks...

Luckily she knows insurance so had a good company and policy, and a good talk with the adjuster. The insurance company is getting them into a house within that period where they can have the dogs. Remind me to use that company in the future!

Anyway remembering what happened to Joannna's Clue I offered to watch her dogs. The boy is at her brothers house but he wouldn't take both. So the girl has been outside at a neighbors all day. On my way to pick her up in a few. Crazy me...

Just remember to be thankful for what we do have and those around us. It can all be gone in a flash and you can be cast adrift to rely on other people's mercy and help.

Things are just things, it's the living creatures who touch us and matter in the end. And how we deal with it.

Oh my dawg...

2009-02-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, even when people tell you and you hope, you don't really know what they look like...

January 18th, 2009 - 4 point major

One thing I have to say - this is a washed and blown dog. We didn't have to use a ton of mousse (how do you spell that?) for the topline and there is no chalk whatsoever. I do wish he had the strait coat of his sisters Hannah and Molly (the wave on the hips needs work and I haven't put the time in).

January 19th, 2009 - 3 Point major

Yes, I'll get to my fronts pictures, just a matter of getting someone to help me. I don't want to step away from the table with Pilot for a second...

January 16th, 2009 - 3 point major
This one came out a little blurry, which is a shame! He was being such a brat and was about the jump forward so I'll take what I can get as far as that goes.

Ok, the pictures and video motivated me that I need to really get on the loose weight bandwagon. I do feel better than I have in a long time (minus the still hanging on head cold).

More later....

Hey look...it's me...kindof

2009-02-02T16:08:00.001-08:00

So today I decided I needed a fancy avatar to post with in my guild forums. So here you see it, my current main - Kumalie, in honor of my current heart-dog Hannah.

Kumalie is a Resto Shaman - in other words I heal people. I'd much prefer to play her as melee but as my pre-wrath raid experience was with a Holy (healing) priest and there is a chronic shortage of people willing or able to heal....here I am.

Now a sig line...maybe "Real Girls play WoW too". I just noticed in this new guild my note mention's that I am someone's wife. Pretty funny as I'm the crazy one who started this.

The current go-round

2009-01-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

I have so much to do still in life...and blogger hates me when I cut and paste, I can't figure out why it spaces things weird...

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Hannah and Her Girl

2009-01-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hannah and Iris had a good time visiting Keith and Jo...please ignore how awful my girl looks after 10 puppies!

A few pix from Portland...to start...

2009-01-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

I've been very remiss (as usual) in blogging. I feel so busy all the time! But here (right before I have to run for work) are a couple pictures from this weekend. More to follow.

Thank you Megan for wielding the camera yesterday.

Molly seems fairly relaxed about the dog show thing.

Wally and his person Henry visit their good friend Eric Weller at ringside. Knowing these guys I doubt they were actually talking about dogs. Wally is sure that everyone loves him.

My dog loves me...and cookies...

And BIG thank you to Pilot's many supporters and fans. I have to say I love this dog. It's far more than his being a gorgeous (IMO) dog right now. He's a true squishy lover. I know what Shelley is talking about with his dad :)

During BoB, from left: Kim & Maya, Henry & Wally, Denise & Ruby, Bill Shelton & Ch Lady Tuckaway of Camelot. Denise was BOB on Saturday and Monday, Bill's blue was Friday and Sunday.

Pilot was WD/BOS on Friday and WD/BOW/BOS on Sunday and Monday. He picked up 2 3 point majors and a 4 point major - and those came from the dog numbers, not because of the BOW. He even learned to be a show dog...kinda....

More later, now I'm late!

I'm Dreaming of a (less) White Christmas

2008-12-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

Snow Cardigan

There is a Subaru under there...somewhere...

There it is!

DogTrail along the house. My cardigans are wimps about cold.

Notice the pristine clean backyard snow?

DogTrail #2 -

Over to the front fence to bark at the mailman. Every day. You would think they would get to know the mailman and stop barking. Nope...but he does call them by name by now as he makes his way along. Kind of cool having a guy who walks house to house and gets to know you...and your baddogs.

And now just a couple cool things outside...
Have a Safe and Merry Christmas!

Snow Pictures

2008-12-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I was able to get a few pictures of our snow. I really don't like snow...I thought it was ok until living here. Growing up in the Rogue Valley, we would get maybe an inch and it would melt.

Thursday I guess we had record snowfall - that was when they closed work - with something like 27" in town during that day/night. We didn't get the additional snow they forecast over the weekend (THANK DOG), so this was taken Sunday evening to give you a clue of what we did get...so far.

In this first photo is my yard waste can and the Subaru out on the street. Not sure if we will have a garbage man this week - they haven't gotten to the side streets yet and it was difficult getting out the 3 blocks to the main road even with the Explorer's 4 wheel drive. The front right fender is the only visible part of the car itself.

This is the tree/bush out back. I didn't prune it this year because the dogs enjoy the shade and place to play under during the summer. Of course now it just looks totally wild with no flowers or leaves and clumps of snow stuck in it.

And the neighbor kids play/fort thing...funny thing is we haven't seen the kids out playing at ALL in the snow. Of course they are like 3 and 4 so that's probably an improvement as all summer they were outside starting at like 6am with no adult supervision. Let's not discuss what I think of the neighbor's parenting skills. But I'm shocked at the lack of snowmen.

The start of some lovely icicles.

These are the days I think I understand why the landlord goes to Phoenix every winter!

Snow Day

2008-12-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

So here in Spokane sometimes we get REAL snow. Not wimpysnow like at mom's house.

Yesterday when I went to work it was snowing, we had maybe an inch or 2 before that.

By the time I got off traffic was backed up the entire way home due to deep unplowed roads and accidents. Perspective - it took over an hour to get home 2-3 miles...

We have maybe 2 feet on the garbage can out front for the moment - I can't see the car color at all and the truck has enough on it that you wouldn't be able to see out. I wish I had a camera right now (my power supply burnt out in mine)...is is much deeper than Wally and Alice.

Our service center, which in 10 years has NEVER delayed or closed, did today! I got a text, email and auto call at 5:30 about a 2 hour delay and at 8 got notice of a closure. SO cool to have technology like that! So today I'm just going to catch up on more Alias (the current TV show rental) and play games and veg out

A new doctor...some light in the tunnel

2008-12-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

So I met my new endocrinologist about a month ago. I really liked how positive she was. A good mix of bedside manner and honesty about what we need to do to work on my blood sugar and thyroid.

After a month of continuing my meds with a 25% up in thyroid (and I feel SOOOOO much more alive and with it!) and slight adjustment in insulin I met with the nurse today for an hour to discuss going on some newer immediate acting insulins. Long term goal is not only better control (I still get bouncy highs and lows) but possibly go on an insulin pump.

I have to say I was impressed and am excited (and nervous!) aboout the new regimen. It's a total change of what I've done for 16 years. Wow, I've been a diabetic for almost half my life and I still am mostly ok...guess old Dr Nasty doesn't know what she's talking about with her disabled in 5 years stuff...

I meet with a dietician next week and get a refresher on carb counting (rather than using an exchange program) as that tends to work better with immediate insulin. I'm also going to fax my blood sugars to the nurse weekly so I don't have to schedule as much time off work to go in and can consult via phone.

Next step (now that I'm feeling more perky) is to rejoin the gym and start going at lunchtime to work out. There is one right across the skywalk from work so I can easily fit a half hour workout in at lunch or go in before or after work. Maybe next year I'll be up for a weight loss challenge (or maybe a new year's resolution?)

2008-11-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, Wrath of the Lich King! Finally something to amuse myself!

(for those who don't know, this is the newest expansion in World of Warcraft).

I've been "dinking" around in-game with 3 level 70's (I never play the 4th) and quit my top ranked (in the top 100 worldwide) raiding guild because there isn't anything left and I do want to have a "little" life...but now I'm probably going to be totally involved again until all my toons are 80.

For those who DO play and ever want to talk in game I'm on Moonrunner and alliance...Kumalie, Taralen and Sariareyn are the toons I am on most :)

Supported show...

2008-09-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

I'm a little too tired to chat about it right now...

However, is it weird that my puppy went RWD and I think that was WRONG?

ok, he's got the frame, head and can move...but he is STOOPID scarey skinny and immature. I wouldn't reward it. He needs several months and some fat balls.

Other than that, yes I am proud...but he's NOT ready to win. The only reason he was there is to support the club.

Oh well, I will take it and run....

What is wrong with this?

2008-09-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Eugene, Oregon
Corvallis, Oregon
Charleston, West Virginia
Frederick, Maryland
Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Salem, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Salisbury, Maryland
Hampton, Virginia
Alexandria, Louisiana
Medford, Oregon
St. Helens, Oregon
Baltimore, Maryland
Olympia, Washington
Tacoma, Washington
Providence, Rhode Island
Danbury, Connecticut
Roanoke, Virginia
Bend, Oregon
Little Rock, Arkansas
Santa Cruz, California
Hartford, Connecticut

omg...the last on the list is the insurance capital of the country...

And don't Danbury and Providence have, like, SNOW?

I Hate Doctors - don't read if you like them...just a rant.

2008-09-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

I just need to rant for a second...

I've been working a lot lately. OT is over now for processing changes (new trainees are doing it now) which hurts the paycheck, but I can finally take time for appointments and such.

And I've been very good attendance wise - when I broke my back I missed 2 days, and I've taken scheduled days almost every days since.

So I finally take time to go to the Dr today. Mind you I've been working long days this week so I could take a day off early and not get docked for missing time or have to use PTO.

Along with this I didn't particularly get along with this Dr when I saw her before...no bedside manner at all...but of my other PPO plan providers the soonest I could get in for a new patient appointment to establish a relationship was late November. I'm now eligible for intermittent FMLA for my dr appointments, etc. She would just have to sign some paperwork stating when she first saw me for my chronic medical issue and that it was episodic/non curable/etc...diabetes is specifically on the list of conditions.

WELL....don't you know that signing something stating I have diabetes is bad medicine?

Because I haven't seen her in 10 months or had blood work since then she wouldn't even certify or LOOK at the papers to say I have diabetes. I'm not asking for specific waived absences or a dr's note. I'm asking her to just say (in case) that yes I have this condition. To certify that would give me more flexibility for appointments. Jeeezuz christ. How many jobs give intermittent FMLA? If she signs the papers I have a much easier time to go to appointments and lab tests (done by an outside lab so takes a second appointment) and just be protected...in case...

I worried this would be a problem - this was the same woman who told me she didn't like mail order pharmacies so wouldn't fax prescriptions to Express Scripts - making me pay about $10-20 more per perscription because I have a mail order only plan so for maintenance meds (aka Insulin, synthroid, etc)

Instead I got a lecture about needing to be under care and good control (DUH) and that if I wasn't very lucky I'd be disabled within 5 years. Gee Thanks. I've lived with type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease over half my life now. I know the issues. I know the long term health conditions and the kidney damage (last test was less than 50% kidney function). I've had this longer than this gal has been a doctor I'm sure. And as my (much nicer) Oregon dr used to say I obviously knew about my disease and as long as I was doing ok he wasn't going to mess with my care. Also I haven't had an episode where I needed to go to the hospital in over 10 years. (unless you count the kidney infection)

Ok I'm ranting. I know I should test more, I know I should work out, I should do more to be pro-active. I actually eat pretty good most of the time these days but I'm not loosing weight (well do ya think if I had a new thyroid prescription it would help, dr bitchy?)

So she will look at the papers (which have to be in next week) if I get monthly blood work with numbers that she likes, come in for a pap (which has NOTHING to do with my diabetes) and meet with her monthly and get 2 bloodworks done in a row with improvement in between (this said without even looking to see if it's really off).
However, she she finally gave me a referral to the endocrinologist - that she was supposed to do LAST year. Maybe I'd respect a specialist more than a family doctor who doesn't beleive in mail order pharmacies. So why if I see a specialist would I need to get more bloodwork for her?

How is it bad medicine to certify I have a chronic, incurable disease?

How is it good medicine to try to upset me by saying "all this will happen within 5 years".

hmmm

Oh, just an interesting point - I first saw her last year because my feet and legs were swelling painfully (edema a typical side effect) - and I've improved enough since then that it's only a very occasional problem now. Must be doing something wrong.

Maybe I can find a new doctor (in November or December) who will give me some kind of anti anxiety pills so I don't stress over the bad things that will happen. Oh wait, then I won't want to take care of it...

Obviously this woman never heard of using the carrot before the stick.

Happy Birthday!

2008-09-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

And just a day after Hux...

Carolyn turns....something! *unlike her I am NOT going to post how many years ago someone was in labor*

Happy birthday mom. Even though the rest of the world honors terror day, some of us remember its your birthday!

The International Show

2008-08-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

Pictures made at today's IABCA show. UPDATED!
I've never really been a fan of the whole national/international title thing - it's very confusing. We didn't have any breed competition, however the judges do write ups and score your dogs. Even without competition they don't have to give a set rank or placement. We did very well considering that none of the judges were corgi people. Herding was the most competitive and long lasting bunch with a literal ton of mini-aussies entered - they only can compete in this type of show as they are not AKC (more on what I think about them another time)

What a pretty girl. Clementine earned four SG-1 certificates in the 4 shows, which is the highest award that a puppy can earn. This means she can get both her national and international puppy titles! Not bad for a totally untrianed puppy.

In addition at show 4 she earned bred-by-exhibitor puppy group 1 - and overall puppy group 3. The groups were decent sized and we were the only 2 corgis (no pems) so I'm happy she got a little recognition. The write ups were wonderful. Not a single judge mentioned the head white. All of them mentioned her type, wonderful front, tail, and nice flowing movement from all directions. Note: she actually got better comments than Hannah the Slug from a couple of them! Not that Hannah was bad - but Clem was better!

Clem is a brindle version of her half-sister Hannah. Hannah herself earned four V-1/CACIB awards (top ranking for adults) and therefore qualifies for her International title.
She can now enter the Champion class and earn the National title
(you can earn either title first but have to apply for it before getting the other title on an adult).

I have to say that Keith and Jo were real troopers. Dog shows are confusing at best and they were there early and stayed all day both days. Poor Jo looked something like a tomato from the sun! They are wonderful dog owners and a real assett to our show community. And Keith says he's going to show Clem himself...now that I trained her!

Finally...and the community speaks....

2008-08-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Justice

This has affected everyone who lives here.

We all remember when Shasta and Dylan disappeared. And when she was found. People (including myself) still tear up when they hear or talk about it.

On one hand I am torn on the death penalty. Truly on the fence and my opinion can change. I like to look at say there is beauty in everything if you just look at it different, and the world is not simply black and white - everyone sees even the littlest thing a different way.

Ever watch "The Life of David Gale"?

On the other hand...there are some people who probably can't be redeemed.

Holy cow...been awhile

2008-08-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, time to catch up. I've been without a computer half the summer and it's finally fixed (yeah! no more cell phone emails or stealing Henry's computer for WoW!)

In brief...

Hannah and Wally made dog seks today. That puts puppies at possibly 2 days after Jamie's wedding. This should be fun. I have secret hopes to leave her somewhere to have puppies as I can't have them in the rental (the owner doesn't know there are 4 dogs here at the moment, btw).

I have entered Hannah and Clem at an international show Labor Day weekend. Wally was too bald still, Pilot is too scrawny. But this will give Clem her shot to shine. As pups don't ever compete with adults I shouldn't have issues handling both.

Went to Denise's and saw Mountain Dog Babies. Managed to not steal one...very hard! They are darn cute. Did end up bringing home a cute black thing called "Kate" to babysit for a couple weeks (keeps Hannah company while she's in heat/keep's Pilot company while he can't play with his sister).

Still working at Travelers. Too much. Somehow still broke.

For those who missed I bought I newtome Explorer. Note: I hate fords. I was raised a chevy girl. Really. BUT I love this truck, and I loved my Winstar. I'm conflicted.

Ok, more on life and WoW later, just wanted to say I'm not dead yet. I promise to blog more because I am so bad at calling or responding to email when I have to play WoW in my spare time.

PS all cats still here, even the mean one.

Clem at 4 months

2008-02-17T09:32:00.001-08:00

Clementine visited yesterday and we were able to get some stacked pictures. We're really pleased with how she's looking.

Every time you start to feel better...

2007-12-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

I'll start off this short note saying I had a great time in Portland last weekend. The puppy party, the trip to Powell Books (I could spend lots of money there but kept it to about 7 books this time) and of course visiting Megan and Josh - 2 of our favorite people. (not to mention that bundle of cutie pie that lives with them).

So I've been feeling slightly better - my thyroid is getting there and the foot swelling is down a bit (for those who missed, my feet swell from a size 9 to a 10.5 during the day, very painful). The leg cramps are also better (whether that's the thyroid, the BP or just my kidneys doing better is tough to say). I've been a medical mess all summer and generally don't feel like doing much. After this weekend I felt re-energized. Anyway...

So yesterday morning I was going out to get in the car for work...You know how you are always supposed to be careful on icey steps?

I lost my balance and came down HARD on our cement steps out front. Hard meaning I heard a distinct crunch pop and screamed and then lay in the snow on the front lawn crying and trying not to vomit.

As I had no more PTO (used it this weekend) I tried to go in to work. This is like half an hour after I fell and it was awful to even sit in the car. I made it as far as the manager's desk and was told to go. I was a mess to say the least...

Long story of painful day and 12 xrays (so far) later - I have a compression and fracture on (I think) T10. Up under my floating ribs. So I can't hardly move and am taking a couple things that pretty much keep my knocked out. I guess at this point it's a "be careful" and let it heal. No bending, twisting, lifting...(glad I didnt bring Rikkii home). Sitting is hard. There isn't an easy way to splint the area and I'll always know now when it's going to rain. I have complete sympathy now for our poor dogs.

Henry and Wally

2007-10-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Group 4, September 30 2007

30% Dog, 70% Cat...

2007-07-23T16:23:00.001-07:00

You Are: 30% Dog, 70% Cat

You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude.However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!

Are You More Cat or Dog?

First Day

2007-06-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ok I still like it - going to be in training for about 4 MONTHS which is amazing - no wonder they have such a reputation. For an interesting sidebar one of the lead trainers (we have a 5 trainer team for the 13 trainees) has a PHD in Speech Pathology...or something like that...that thing that Traci went to school for. And now in his old age he works for a major insurance company...though he worked in his field in California until Reagan got done with the education system.

Ok that said I'll probably post more tomorrow - I'm exhausted even though all we did was meet a million people, go over employment benes and junk and tour the place.

Woo Hoo!!!

2007-05-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

For those who do or don't know - I've been applying for a pretty decent job since mid-APRIL. Not what I want to do with life but pays the bills plus full benefits. Multiple interviews (3 or 4), system testing, mock call testing, then the background BS...

FINALLY got notified that I am being offered a position AND the pay is about 3-4k more a year than they originally said! Not to mention full great benefits from day one, which I really need so I can eventually fix my thumb...luckily my typing doesn't take that thumb much :)

So I'm thrilled and I start on the 11th - had been thinking about camping that weekend but may wait now (the 9th is our 5-year anniversary)...

So here is the website - another insurance personal-care type job but I guess it's what I'm good at... funny as I am not a very nice person if you know me!

Now...once training of 3-4 months is done...I can go to dog shows again! Until training is over there is no days off but at least it's Monday thru Friday and the only show I have planned is local (Still wish I could go to Bandon...sigh...)

Jasmine, a Kimi daughter

2007-05-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

from her first litter (aka the unfortunate cosmetic disaster litter). Jasmine had a kink/stubby tail and a half white face. Cute little gal tho...

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/327635

You think YOU got topline problems? Kate is no longer allowed to complain.

I think her favorite thing is water

Natural herding dog!

Dogshow funny?

2007-05-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

I don't remember where I found this but it's in my bookmarks. So I have an urge to share it. We really are ridiculous. Really.

http://noevilproductions.com/katalog/bested.html

Busy...busy...bored...

2007-05-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Kate's gone. I slept all afternoon yesterday and am FINALLY feeling more human - I really didn't get to recover from nationals before the weekend. And this weekend was odd - stopping at a local show with nothing too exciting in the ring and nothing to show. Hannah, even bald, might have won - but who wants to show off a totally bald dog? I'd rather finish her in style. And she's putting on some weight again from her sick stint and looks pretty good.

Re: the sick stint...still no idea what it was. The vet didn't feel she was anemic at all and it was suggested that she may have been shocky from the chill bath I gave her coming back from the rings - especially as she had a fever. Right now I'm inclined to beleive that she was affected by the heat (my bad) after catching some dog-show bug and therefore had a compromised immune system and got sick easy and quick. Either way she seems better (whew) and we went to a new vet who seems nice and much cheaper than the corp vet clinic we were using. I like vets who listen to what I have to say (of course most pet owners don't come in with exact temps/dosages/etc to impress the vet so that may be why they listened!)

While I have found a few fleas since coming home it's only been a couple on Sushi when he got out in the backyard and the occasional one or two on the dogs. No infestation but I am super paraniod about it as Wally still looks like crap. For those who don't know - Wally has severe allergies and drops ALL his hair/gets hotspots/chews raw with only a single flea or two. Kate saw firsthand what I mean by baboon butt! I still need to get the backyard sprayed or something (not sure if it will help with the feral cats and now SQUIRRELS in our yards).

BTW Kate - the singing game works once Henry figured out that he has to use the right game system! (ie he was putting a PS2 game in the Xbox). Next time...

Ready for a week on the road?

2007-05-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, 7:30 AM and should go start another laundry load. Hopeful the the guy will finish cleaning the house while I'm gone so that Kate can visit...

I'm leaving today (Sunday) with Paula and we are driving as far as Tri-Cities or Boardman. Tomorrow will be mostly in Oregon, down to Northern California (maybe Mt Shasta City or Lake Shasta area). Hopefully if all goes as planned we will arrive Tuesday afternoon.

Hannah's bald (but at least the spot she chewed to skin has enough hair that it's not glaringly pink), I'm hopeful that my clothing fits and I screwed up my thumb again yesterday by jamming it BUT I'm very happy and excited. Get to see a couple peeps and talk dogs for a week!

If any ya'all need to reach me I'll have my cell and be checkin' email. Other than that stay safe and we'll miss you if you aren't there!

Kats

2007-03-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

My current cats...I think it's important to have cats and corgis at the same time. So I went to get another little female calico and ended up bringing home 2 kittens the day before Thanksgiving. They were born on Sept 11 so today is their 6-month birthday.

Ok, this is Spicy Tuna. She loves me. She loves her friend Wally too. Everyone else can go to hell. Hey, she's a CAT. For all her standoff freakiness I do enjoy her - she snuggles under the covers and sits on my computer if I am on it (playing WoW). She also watched Westminster this year and kept batting at the dog faces in the close ups.

And this is her brother Sushi. He's a manx and as outgoing and loving as Spicy is reserved. He was a bottle baby and when we got her I couldn't resist taking him as he was right "in your face" pushy. When we get home Sushi is going to loose a small portion of his anatomy. This is a cat who thinks and acts like a dog...

Wally dog

2007-03-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Wally needed some pictures too! He is just over 2 1/2 now and while there is still more maturity to come I am very pleased with how he's looking.

Stupid Pet Trick

Intensity (aka Henry standing behind camera)

What I love is that this didn't take a million pictures to find decent ones. And he has NO product in his coat. This is just is how Wally looks. I didn't even realize it until we shot these - he's a big boy now (well big is relative - he's actually only 34 lbs).

On the brighter side....

2007-03-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I get to see the BABY!!! I'm very excited, being as I'm skipping the Albany show (couldn't afford this trip, much less another 8+ hour trip next week).

For the fun part of the trip Spicy Tuna (aka Spicy the crazy calico kitten) has decided to come into heat. She is 6 months old TODAY. We had planned on taking her brother in to have him neutered the week we ended up coming down here. So I have Sushi and Spicy (and the black kitten I'm trying to give someone as she hates the other two) and have only one crate for them and am keeping 2 seperate...looks like the Spicy cat will ride in that crate (300) with Wally dog home, and Sushi will be put in with the screaming devil black kitten (who is VERY sweet to people, just not blending with my two). This should be a fun ride home.

Much to do today, with less time to do it. Have to go visit cousin at the bar she tends (I didn't even know bars were open Sundays...), go see grandparents again...pack...uselessly watch hubby finish fence...wash dogs...

Obits

2007-03-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

A few short paragraphs to sum up someone's life. It doesn't even begin to capture the essence or reality of the person we all knew.

And then it's all over. We go back to our own worries and lives.

Every now and then we might remember grandma Ginny fondly...the most grandmotherly-grandmother I have (if that makes sense!). Kisses on the cheek will fade to a mere memory.

The best and worst memory for me will always be that last time I saw her and she called me her "Golden Girl". Now I haven't been a blonde since about 5 years old...but grandma still always called me that. We had a special bond.

I don't know how to feel. Even though I knew last time I saw her it was probably goodbye, I wasn't ready for it to be goodbye...

I'm still in Oregon - got here last Monday and am staying until Sunday or Monday so that Henry and dad can build fence. I went to the viewing and family service and plan to go to the church memorial in a couple of days. Today I'm supposed to go to her house and get some tools for Henry. :( Anyway it's a sad reason to have a visit.

2007-03-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Virginia McIlroy

Virginia McIlroy departed this life Sunday morning, February 25, 2007 while in Hospice care at Three Fountains. Virginia was born August 14, 1914 in Bumpus Mills, Tenn. the daughter of Robert and Rose Elizabeth Jeffress. Virginia, known to her friends as Ginny, attended schools in both Tennessee and Kentucky until they family moved to southern California in 1928. In 1930 she met and married Harold McIlroy. They stayed in the Anaheim area until after the birth of their daughter, Patricia Rose in May of 1933. Harold was an engineer in the fledgling aircraft industry. In the mid-30's they moved to Glendale, and in 1939 built a home in Burbank where they remained until 1956. During the second World War, Harold was an engineer for Hughes Aircraft, and afterward formed Roylyn Inc. to manufacture and market the Roylyn Quick coupling used in air to air refueling. After the sale of the company and early retirement in the late 50's, Ginny and Harold, always known as Mack, moved to Lakeport on Clear Lake in Northern California to be close to their daughter and two granddaughters, Carolyn and Tammy.

Ginny was an accomplished seamstress, and also studied design and pattern drafting. She made literally hundreds of garments for her family, all with an artist's eye for detail. They remained in Lakeport for 20 years and then moved to Palm Desert so Ginny could study and pursue her interest in art. She was a member of the Shadow Mountain Palette Club while there, and after moving to Medford in 1985 continued to study with Carl Seyboldt for several years. Harold passed away in May of 1988 at the age of 77.

Mack and Ginny loved to travel; they made two trips to Alaska and toured the United States from coast to coast in the VW camper bus. Mack and Ginny had over 30 years of retirement to enjoy together.

Virginia is survived by daughter, Patricia Harris and her husband, Cal of Medford; granddaughters, Carolyn Cannon of Gold Hill and Tammy Kirkpatrick of White City; five great-grandchildren (Mandy Katasse, Jamie Cannon, Mari Jeffries, Carl Kirkpatrick, Jr. & Kari Kirkpatrick) and seven great-great-grandchildren (Emily, Steven and Ashley Jeffries, Tyler, Kimberly & Samantha Kirkpatrick and Kai Kirkpatrick). Her sister, Gay Cawthorne of Medford also survives. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.

Major #2

2007-02-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Banana Hannah picked up her 2nd major the last day in Portland. She also was reserve to Crystal another day. The other 2 days Cathy O's lovely little brindle girl Gabby got the major. I need to train my dog better!

And her rear could have been a little further back - she's not that strait in the stifle, but as she wanted to go see her friend Wally and was in full heat we are lucky she stood still this long.

Not much else to say - when getting up from this shot I slipped and dislocated my left thumb. It's still almost unusable - I possibly damaged a ligament. Nothing really to do but give time and it's in a splint/brace most of the time now. Can't open doors or bottles or grab things basically. Typical dumb move. Good thing it happened Monday as that is my leash hand.

2006-10-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Whazzup?

Ok, so I haven't been posting (as people keep reminding me!). Busy, busy girl. Quick synopsis:

1. Had job interview for group health. Don't know how it went. Felt "ok" about the interview part, not as good about the navigation on their computer part (ok I MAJORLY blew a couple questions I think but was starting to panic), very good about the part where I listened to a call and noted the important points (unless I over noted them, if that makes sense). I'm supposed to hear back Friday.

2. Have to judge fun match this weekend.

3. Took the Banana tracking. She did very well for her first time - of course I only ran 2 tracks about 10 yards each but she seems to be a natural. Gives me something to do.

4. Passed my first course with 100% on both sections. Still have to do the proctored exam but I'm not at all worried there.

5. The rest of the time I'm sitting at work waiting on Henry. Poor guy had to be there 11 hour days last week. This week too.

That's all, I'll try to get energy for more later!

2006-10-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

A very good weekend

For the very few who missed it...Miss Hannah got Best In Sweeps at our supported entry (out of 18 puppies) from the 6-9 month old class.

She was 2nd in Bred-by exhibitor that day (against adult girls).

And the next day, another giant entry, she was Winner's Bitch for a major over 16 bitches and her mom Alice got Best Opposite Sex.

A very good time was had. However I'm going to start serious starvation diet here!

2006-09-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Back from horseshoes...

Some people trying to encourage me to stay in club, and saying that obviously nominations were screwed up. I feel petty, was more that I have no recognition and have done more this year than many people :)

Fall tournament was today so had to go to horseshoe party. Pretty DUMB. Oh well, food was good and somehow all the crazy catholics don't realize that I'm not one of them. And I looked supportive. Or something.

Sad news is that Evanne (Henry's sister) called and left a message...that told us right there it wasn't good. Grandma Katasse passed away today. She was in her high 90's. I don't have any other details as he's very snappish when upset and doesn't want to talk. Even when you aren't close (he was last up there about 20 years ago) it's a shocker. His dad died when he was 16 so other than his mother and grandma Bazil (who raised him) and a horde of aunts he doesn't have much family left. I think he's jealous of the fact I've known all my grandparents (and still have 3 alive along with 1 great).

Off again, head hurts.

2006-09-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Am I being childish?

Ok, I've been on the board of the NWCF for a couple years now. My position is up for re-election. The guy who headed the nominating commitee already made a small stink over the Kimi to Carbon breeding - luckily another person warned me so I had Megan lease her so I couldn't be sanctioned. Or whatever.

Not only was I asked if I wanted the position still (I said yes) I wasn't told when I wasn't nominated again. Instead they recommended someone from their group and area. When I did the nominations last year I was so careful NOT to nominate just from one area (we encompass 4 or more states) or clique of people. Guess I am more ethical there too. What's better is they didn't allow for any floor nominations by not announcing it to people who didn't go to the Montana meeting until this week. Floor nominations closed 2 months ago.

Then he makes a post about "talking" at the board meeting about CoE violations. And then I get a private email from his mentor (same person who already warned me) asking what I did about the breeding. I told her, and then told her that I plan to resign over all of this BS and bragged on Guppy. I hope he doesn't make an ass out of himself at Richland and say anything to Kim - Kim we love you and Guppy!

Of course my position on the merle/brindle thing is that we should be allowed to breed them. Duh. It's been open in the past and is PURELY a politics issue, NOT a genetic issue. Someone who has only had 2 litters, of brindles, and is less than 4 years in the breed total has NO right to tell me what to do. I just feel dumb because I nominated HIM for his current board position.

Oh well, I probably missed what I was venting. On the bright side I just colored my hair and maybe it's the fumes.

2006-09-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, I love Happy Bunny. Immature and rude, just like me.

2006-09-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

Weird Washington Laws - better known as "WHY would I live here?"

It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and notify the chief of police as he enters the town
All lollipops are banned
An old Washington law sent duelists to jail for 10 years (assuming I guess that they didn't loose the duel!)
In Auburn: Men who deflower virgins, regardless of age or marital status, may go to jail for 5 years.
In Seattle it's illegal to carry a concealed weapon over 6 feet in length
There is another law stating it's illegal to have sex with a virgin under ANY circumstances
It's illegal to sleep in an outhouse without the owner's permission
It's illegal to paint polka dots on the American flag
People may not buy a mattress on Sunday
In Seattle it's illegal to carry a fishbowl or aquarium onto a bus because the sound of sloshing water may disturb other passengers
In Spokane it's illegal to buy a TV on Sunday
You need a license to sell condoms
In Wilbur it's illegal to ride an ugly horse
Washington doesn't allow fake wrestling
When 2 trains come to an crossing, neither shall go until the other has passed

Ok, I know of many more but these all struck me tonight...

2006-09-14T02:24:00.000-07:00

Sigh....

I know I haven't been posting much. Just busy - I'm uptraining at work 3 days a week and on the phones 2 so my schedule changes back and forth. Plus waiting for Henry who works anywhere from 10-11 hours a day (so I'm ususally there either an hour and a half early or late). No time to do more than read.

I am sending info to go back to school thru the distance program (all I can do and work) to be a certified (AVMA) vet tech. Certification isn't required in WA or OR but with the long term idea of a better job...plus I LIKE learning. Should be a breeze the first quarter even with 17 credits as some classes I did before (intro to bio, Eng 101, CS 101 etc) but decided not worth the transfer trouble (still have to pay for the classes basically).

H's grandma Katasse is in the hospital. Not good but nothing we can do. Gads she's like 97 or 99 or something and not concious. We can't afford to fly to Juneau even if she goes. He seems to be handling it well BUT you never know with him! He's not especially close with that side of the family - he has an older half sister but his dad died when he was 13 in a logging accident - and I think he still is mad that they offered to fly us up there for a honeymoon and then changed their minds as they were all "too busy" and not one of them came to our wedding. (side note: I LIKED going to the coast and random no plans anyway!). (side note 2: Dad - this is WHY his sister called you looking for him)

So here I am at 2 in the morning, can't sleep anyway, figured I'd bitch for a few minutes to ya'all. Still waiting to see if they re-evaluate H's position name and pay at work (the wheels grind VERY slowly there!) but the local uppity ups are for it. Would be a signifigant raise for changing the title from "supervisor" to "manager" and not changing the workload - but then again his workload seems to be pretty big for what he makes. Now if only it included a parking pass...

BTW - from the Rum discussion - weird that I even like it. I keep thinking the pirate tune (yo ho h0 and a bottle of rum). Guess it mixes better than vodka and I'm somewhat out of the alcoholic seeming drinking to get drunk stage. I feel old!

On that note walked down to rite-aid from work with a teenytiny 19yo friend Sami and some lady in the crosswalk called me her MOTHER. She (and H) have gotten a great kick out of that and I'm thinking time for a facelift! I didn't start at 14. I swear!

Off again now that I've updated ya'all.

2006-09-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not a boozer!

Try Captain Morgan's Tattoo. It's good. Of course I love the Silver Label with pineapple juice but this dark is good with Orange juice (probably too strong for pineapple).

Was supposed to go hang out with Amanda and Mike tonight but just didn't feel like it so we will all BBQ tomorrow. Amanda is one of the QA's for my job (ie she scores my calls) in some kind of funny coincidence (she and Henry were friends in the QA department while he was there) and I got Mike a job at Guardian for awhile. He's got me a lead on another job that the employees like better so may look into that.

Interesting factiod - despite HATING my job I guess I have more 100% QA's than anybody else currently on the floor in the company. Good but not if I ever want OFF the phones, lol!

Tomorrow we are going to take the dogs to the "Pig Out In the Park", some big deal in Spokane, and walk them around. We all know how they hate people. Will get pix.

Wish I were at a dog show.

2006-08-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Thoughts of a Dog Guru...

Is anybody else's favorite question:

"Hey, what are you eating?"

Maybe it's a bad sign as it's almost always aimed at Hannah...

2006-08-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades....

This week I just couldn't go.

It's not that I have anything against H's boss and his dad and all his friends from church.

It's more that I have no interest in hanging out with the wives and talking food and church (not my thing!) while the men make dirty jokes and drink beer. Much rather do that myself BUT wommenfolk aren't supposed to do that.

So I cheerfully waved my SO off to go play horseshoes at the weekly get-together. Did I mention we are having pouring rain and I bet we get lightening later?

Maybe I'm just SMARTER than the men! Besides he can get fed well there and I can eat sliced cheese and hot dogs for dinner.

Finally starting to get over sinus infection thing. Been a rotten week. Trying to decide what to do for the weekend as I doubt we can find camping at this point (haha!) and I just was told I don't have to work for Sears calls on Monday (which often happens on Delta Dental holidays).

Off to see wizard. Or watch House MD, my favorite non-reality show!

2006-08-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Comparing dogs, men and women (just to be fair)...

1. How Dogs and Men Are the Same

Both take up too much space on the bed.
Both have irrational fears about vacuum cleaning.
Both are threatened by their own kind.
Both mark their territory.
Both are bad at asking you questions.
Neither tells you what's bothering them.
The smaller ones tend to be more nervous.
Both have an inordinate fascination with women's crotches.
Neither does any dishes.
Both fart shamelessly.
Neither of them notice when you get your hair cut.
Both like dominance games.
Both are suspicious of the postman.
Neither knows how to talk on the telephone.
Neither understands what you see in cats.

2. How Dogs Are Better Than Men

Dogs do not have problems expressing affection in public.
Dogs miss you when you're gone.
Dogs feel guilt when they've done something wrong.
Dogs don't criticize your friends.
Dogs admit when they're jealous.
Dogs are very direct about wanting to go out.
Dogs don't laugh at how you throw).
Dogs don't feel threatened by your intelligence.
You can train a dog.
Dogs are easy to buy for.
You are never suspicious of your dog's dreams.
The worst social disease you can get from dogs is fleas. (OK, the *really* worst disease you can get from them is rabies, but there's a vaccine for it, and you get to kill the one that gives it to you.)
Dogs understand what no means.
Dogs understand if some of their friends cannot come inside.
Middle-aged dogs don't feel the need to abandon you for a younger owner.
Dogs admit it when they're lost.
Dogs are color blind.
Dogs aren't threatened if you earn more than they do.
Dogs mean it when they kiss you.

3. Where Dogs Fall Down

Men only have two feet that track in mud.
Men can buy you presents.
Men don't have to play with every man they see when you take them around the block.
Men are a little bit more subtle.
Men don't eat turds on the sly.
Dogs have dog breath all the time.
Men can do math stuff. But then, who really needs a man to do math?
Men don't shed as much, and if they do, they hide it.
It's fun to dry off a wet man.

And the reverse-----

WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN WOMEN.....

Dogs don't ask what are you thinking.
Dogs don't cry.
Dogs love it when your friends come over.
Dogs don't care if you use their shampoo.
Dogs think you sing great.
A dog's time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink.
Dogs don't expect you to call when you are running late.
"The later you are, the more excited dogs are to see you"
Dogs will forgive you for playing with other dogs.
Dogs don't notice if you call them by another dog's name.
Dogs are excited by rough play.
Dogs don't mind if you give their offspring away.
Dogs love red meat.
Dogs can appreciate excessive body hair.
Anyone can get a good-looking dog.
"If a dog is gorgeous, other dogs don't hate it."
Dogs don't shop.
Dogs like it when you leave lots of things on the floor.
A dog's disposition stays the same all month long.
Dogs never need to examine the relationship.
A dog's parents never visit.
Dogs love long car trips.
Dogs understand that instincts are better than asking for directions.
Dogs understand that all animals smaller than dogs were made to be hunted.

2006-08-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Top Dog Pet Peeves About Humans

When you run away in the middle of a perfectly good leg humping.
Blaming your farts on me...not funny.
Yelling at me for barking... I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG YOU IDIOT!!
How you naively believe that the stupid cat isn't all over everything while you're gone. (Have you noticed that your toothbrush tastes a little like cat butt?)
Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly who's walk is this anyway?
Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose...stop it.
Yelling at me for rubbing my ass on your carpet. Why'd you buy carpet?
Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet...idiot.
How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous.
Dog sweaters. Have you noticed the fur?
Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
When you pick up the crap piles in the yard. Do you realize how far behind schedule that puts me?
Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back.
The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain, you turd

2006-08-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

What I did today....

http://www.david-lewis.com/sheepgame/

Enuf said.

2006-08-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Good day for getting up early...

Why on earth am I so excited??? I just got offered to start earlier (only an hour but that means I miss the quiet end of the day). Guess I'm nuts. Of course at Guardian I started at 5a.m. so this will still seem late.

However that makes me happy that they recognize I'm good at what I do and quick.

And today was FREE DRINKS at Dutch Bros for all Delta Dental reps. Now Dutch Bros is from Medford so I was so psyched when it opened here finally. Homesick still? Or something. One day I will wrap my mind around the idea that I live here. But it was good and I had 2 of the bestest ever Strawberry smoothies and a steamer. I'm in my 30's and still don't drink coffee.

Off to WOW.

2006-08-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

Here Kitty kitty kitty

I got me a new cat. Why? Because I like the comfort of cats, Wally likes cats, Hannah *thinks* she might like cats. H, of course, is still upset about the last cat dying.

Now trying to remember how to add pictures...there we go! (no, I didn't take them - they came with said cat)

Her name be "Callie" which is entirely mundane and boring for a calico cat. She's very unique looking and sheds copious amounts of hair. She's also one of the friendliest cats ever. Good for when I decide to become single and a crazy cat-dog-lady (lol). Got her from the dauschund rescue group here, and will keep in touch as the lady breeds lovely Morgans.

For other news I guess I got client monitored today and am "the bomb" to listen to on the phone. Fun. I STILL hate my job but at least I'm good at it. Seriously thinking of going back to school as a vet tech or something. Still make shit for money but the potential rewards are so much better.

more later as thoughts permit.

2006-08-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Train my dogs? Not a chance...

I'm lazy these days. Haven't even really worked Banana - luckily she's a natural.

http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/Writing/confstack.html

2006-08-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

One more and then I promise to quit for the night...really...surfing at 1am is bad...

http://www.inthe80s.com/dynamic/child8e.shtml

I qualify child of the 80's not as being born after 80 but actually spending your childhood in them. I was born in 75, thus was 4 and a half when the decade turned and 15 and a half when it ended. I remember Ronald Reagan being elected, Mt St Helens, the Challenger and various other important moments in time. Half the people I work with don't remember ANY of the 80s.

2006-08-10T01:37:00.000-07:00

The Six levels of Hangover Hell

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1st Level: The Ducked Bullet

No pain. No real feeling of illness. Your sleep was deep and all those carbo-loaded beers have gifted you with a week’s worth of misplaced energy. During lunch you torture your less fortunate coworkers, bragging about how you can pound booze all night, drink warm gin out of a dirty ashtray for breakfast, and still show up fifteen minutes early for work. You crave a steak sub and a side of gravy fries.

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2nd Level: The Thirsty Animal

No real pain, but something is definitely amiss. You look okay but you have the mental capacity of a staple gun. You are definitely dehydrated and after drinking two Gatorades you still feel that way. You feel kinda dumb and you notice the temporary lowering of your IQ has made you more sociable and less concerned with workaday worries. You crave a fruity pancake from IHOP.

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3rd Level: The Headwound That Won’t Heal

Slight headache. Stomach is upset. You are definitely not the paradigm of a productive worker. Anytime a girl walks by you gag because her perfume reminds you of the warm gin shots you did at your friend’s apartment after the bouncer ejected you at 1:45 a.m. Memories of bad behavior seep in and you cringe with shame. Life would be much, much better if you were in your bed with a dozen donuts and a meatball sub watching Hogan’s Heroes reruns. You've had four cups of coffee, a gallon of water, three iced teas and a diet coke and you haven't peed once.

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4th Level: The Hunchback of Cheap Champagne

You have lost the will to live. Your head is throbbing. You can't speak too quickly or you’ll punctuate your sentences with vomit. Your boss has already lambasted you for being late and reeking of booze. The clothes you put on won’t win you any fashion awards and your face looks like a golf green mowed by a blind junkie (ladies, it looks like you applied your make-up with a shotgun). Your eyes are red enough to give your features a lizardish cast and your hair makes your coworkers ask if you’re starting up a new wave band. You vaguely remember doing some really dumb and embarrassing things last night and you don’t care. You would murder your favorite bartender for a foot-long Bratwurst smothered with dijon and fried onions.

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5th Level: Dr. Kevorkian’s Dream Date

You don’t feel human, you don’t even feel like a mammal. Your long morning shower didn’t take, no amount of soap could penetrate the coat of sleaze. You have a second heartbeat in your head which is actually annoying the employees sitting near you. You’re getting drunk from the vodka vapors seeping from every pore. You still have toothpaste crust in the corners of your mouth from the futile attempt to remove the taste of decaying rat. Your body has lost the ability to generate saliva, your tongue flops in your mouth like a nightmare-plagued wino thrashing around in his cardboard hooch. You'd cry like a baby but that would steal the last few drops of moisture left in your body. Death seems pretty awesome right now. You definitely don't remember who you were with, where you were, what you drank, and why there is a stranger still passed out in your bed.

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6th Level: The Infinite Nutsmacker

You wake up on your bathroom floor, your arms death-locked around your porcelain lover. You would vomit but you quite apparently took care of that last night, with none too good of an aim. You turn your head too quickly and smell the funk of 13 packs of cigarettes in your hair. Suddenly you realize you were smoking, but not ultra lights—some sadist handed you a pack of Pall Mall nonfilters and you chain-smoked them like it was your full-time job, telling anyone who would listen that smoking filtered cigarettes is like drinking whiskey through a bar rag. You look in the mirror and find the Ready to Rock stamp has migrated from your right hand to your forehead with the help of Jager magic. You try to rehydrate but all you can stand is one cupped handful of brackish tap water. You crawl into the shower and the coldest water fails to revive your nerve endings as you mumble solemn oaths of never, ever letting a single drop of evil alcohol inside your body again. Ever .

If you could remember your behavior last night you would never step outside your apartment again, but the last thing you recall is accepting your ninth shot offer with the exhortation, “Hell yes! Let’s get this party started!” Everything after that is a black vacuum populated with shifting, vaguely-menacing shapes.

Instead of yelling at you for being late, your boss solemnly invites you into his office to ask you if a parent or sibling passed away. Your super-sensitive ears pick up low talk among your coworkers about “interventions” and “rehab.” The cute girl from accounting you’ve been flirting with for three months looks at you like you’re a leprous hunchback who has come for her organs. You cannot bear to eat, the granola bar from the snack machine sticks in your craw like petrified log jammed in a woodchipper. You curse yourself for not calling in sick because all you can manage to do is sit in your chair and breathe . . . very gently.

2006-08-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

Proof that video games are for perverts:

http://www.i-mockery.com/minimocks/sexual-games/1.php

Thus I am a pervert. At least I am honest. Still working on getting SO to admit it.

2006-08-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Bugs are cool
I got out of the car after work and there was an honest to dog praying mantis that I almost stepped on. I don't know that I've ever seen a PM before. Really - after this many dog years you would think that I wouldn't want to catch and play with bugs and creepy crawly things...
So I let him crawl up my arm and he's ran all over my shirt. No bug turds yet. He's still with me watching but I probably should let him go. If H hadn't taken the camera with him to SA I'd take a picture. I'd post it too if I knew how this thing worked.

Another day at work. I REALLY need to decide what to do with my life! I made 4 word searches today for the other reps to do - all dental related. Talk about a depressingly boring job. The high point of my day was getting another perfect QA score (I rock but doesn't hurt that the QA is a friend either). Low point was about cussing out dental assistant who was apparently not native (how can I say this nicely without sounding prejudical and bigoted?) and recently relocated to California from elsewhere (Asia).

Me: Can I have the Dr's Tax Identification Number Please?
her: You mean Tax ID?
Me: yes, the tax id or identification number
Her:Doctor's tax identification?
Me: Yes, the number so I can verify your identification
Her: You want the Tax Id?

Me:There is a $1500 calander year maximum
Her: What is the maximum
Me:$1500, per calander year
Her:Oh $1500. Is that a calander year maximum?
Me: Yes, it's a calander year.
Her:What is your calander year?

(OMG - LIKE ON A CALANDER!)
Sigh. 15 minutes of that was about to kill me.

I'm good at my job. I just hate it. I guess that *is* part of being grown up. At least my supervisor adores me.

Ok, I did buy a good TV dinner (marie calander year's) but I think I need frozen strawberry waffles. That's comfort food, right?

2006-08-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

There's a lot to be said for being able to sit on the computer and play games all day. Mindless entertainment pretending to be a tough hunter-elf with a pet winged snake, killing all kinds of monsters and gathering treasure. I did nothing worthwhile with my day. Well, I did start a single load of laundry (sweatpants and towels, nothing I can actually wear!) and water half of the now-dead lawn. See? Nothing that needed to be done.

It was actually nice to not have to play responsible adult today. Henry called from San Antonio about an hour ago to let me know he landed safe (isn't flying STILL safer than driving? And he's gone ALL WEEK!!!). I didn't really chat with him much - lol I should feel bad but usually he is playing the game! Now I'm going to let all 3 dogs (Ba-ba-ganush, Banana and pembroke) lay on the bed with me while I curl up with a good book. Ahhh. Silence and nothing to do. Well, lots to do but Banana only cares about her dinner so I'm taking a break today.

I figured out I am something like 217 dog years old. Pretty cool.

And I am just counting down until next week anyway. Most of the time I feel so isolated here in Spokane with all my peeps so far away. It looks like we may be here a while though because of H's job. I'm not happy about that even a little bit. So I'm looking at houses to get an idea of what to do if we are staying. I can't take city life much longer - I'd prefer to live out just a little. Even out in Deer Park or Cheney and commuting would be better than living 20 feet from houses on either side (and having to constantly keep the dogs quiet).

Now I've started. Have to admit blog skills are very rusty. I used to write every day and something (life?) just started getting in the way. But somewhere I lost touch with myself and this is probably how I can start focusing on getting it back. Or something.

BTW - applesauce is NOT good all over inside of purse. Note to self: do not put applesause cup in purse loose and nailfile in purse loose.