gemini the greyhound

How Old Does Google Think You Are?

2012-01-27T14:27:00.002-05:00

I've been hearing some about Google predicting people's age by their on-line activities. Well, I decided to try it myself.

Here is the result:

Age: 18-24

Gender: Female

If you would like to try it yourself here is the link:

http://gawker.com/5879895/how-old-does-google-think-you-are

Personally - I am liking Google's result!

What is your new adopted Greyhound thinking?

2012-01-26T14:11:00.002-05:00

What is your new adopted Greyhound thinking?

This breed has never been asked to do anything for itself, make any
decisions or answer any questions. It has been waited on, paw and
tail. The only prohibition in a racing Greyhound's life is not to
get into a fight -- or eat certain stuff in the turnout pen.

Let us review a little. From weaning until you go away for
schooling, at probably a year and a half, you eat, grow and run
around with your siblings. When you go away to begin your racing
career, you get your own "apartment," in a large housing
development. No one is allowed in your bed but you, and when you are
in there, no one can touch you, without plenty of warning.

Someone hears a vehicle drive up, or the kennel door being unlocked.
The light switches are flipped on. The loud mouths in residence,
and there always are some, begin to bark or howl. You are wide
awake by the time the human opens your door to turn you out. A
Greyhound has never been touched while he was asleep.

You eat when you are fed, usually on a strict schedule. No one asks
if you are hungry or what you want to eat. You are never told not
to eat any food within your reach. No one ever touches your bowl
while you are eating. You are not to be disturbed because it is
important you clean your plate.

You are not asked if you have to "go outside." You are placed in a
turn out pen and it isn't long before you get the idea of what you
are supposed to do while you are out there. Unless you really get
out of hand, you may chase, rough house and put your feet on
everyone and everything else. The only humans you know are
the "waiters" who feed you, and the "restroom attendants" who turn
you out to go to the bathroom. Respect people? Surely you jest.

No one comes into or goes out of your kennel without your knowledge.
You are all-seeing and all-knowing. There are no surprises, day in
and day out. The only thing it is ever hoped you will do is win,
place or show, and that you don't have much control over. It is in
your blood, it is in your heart, it is in your fate-- or it is not.

And when it is not, then suddenly you are expected to be a
civilized person in a fur coat. But people don't realize you may not
even speak English. Some of you don't even know your names, because
you didn't need to. You were not asked or told to do anything as
an individual; you were always part of the "condo association"; the
sorority or fraternity and everyone did everything together, as a
group or pack. The only time you did anything as an individual is
when you schooled or raced, and even then, You Were Not Alone.

Suddenly, he is expected to behave himself in places he's never
been taught how to act. He is expected to take responsibility for
saying when he needs to go outside, to come when he is called, not
to get on some or all of the furniture, and to not eat food off
counters and tables. He is dropped into a world that is not his, and
totally without warning, at that.

Almost everything he does is wrong. Suddenly he is a minority. Now
he is just a pet. He is unemployed, in a place where people expect
him to know the rules and the schedule, even when there aren't any.
(How many times have you heard someone say, "He won't tell me when
he has to go out." What kind of schedule is that?) Have you heard
the joke about the dog who says, "My name is No-No Bad Dog. What's
yours?" To me that is not even funny. All the protective barriers
are gone.

There is no more warning before something happens. There is no
more strength in numbers. He wakes up with a monster human face two
inches from his. (With some people's breath, this could scare
Godzilla.) Why should he not, believe that this "someone," who has
crept up on him, isn't going to eat him for lunch? (I really do
have to ask you ladies to consider how you would react if someone
you barely knew crawled up on you while you were asleep?) No, I will
not ask for any male input.)

Now he is left alone, for the first time in his life, in a strange
place, with no idea of what will happen or how long it will be
before someone comes to him again. If he is not crated, he may go
though walls, windows or over fences, desperately seeking something
familiar, something with which to reconnect his life. If he does
get free, he will find the familiarity, within himself: the
adrenaline high, the wind in his ears, the blood pulsing and racing
though his heart once again--until he crashes into a car.

Often, the first contact with his new family is punishment,
something he's never had before, something he doesn't understand
now, especially in the middle of the rest of the chaos. And worst
of all, what are the most common human reactions to misbehavior? We
live in a violent society, where the answer to any irritation is a
slap, punch, kick, whip, or rub your nose in it. Under these
circumstances, sometimes I think any successful adoption is a
miracle.

He is, in effect, expected to have all the manners of at least a
six-year old child. But, how many of you would leave an unfamiliar
six-year old human alone and loose in your home for hours at a time
and not expect to find who knows what when you got back? Consider
that if you did, you could be brought up on charges of child abuse,
neglect and endangerment. Yet, people do this to Greyhounds and
this is often the reason for so many returns.

How many dogs have been returned because they did not know how to
tell the adopter when they had to go out? How many for jumping on
people, getting on furniture, counter surfing, separation anxiety,
or defensive actions due to being startled or hurt (aka growling or
biting)? So, let's understand: Sometimes it isn't the dog's "fault"
he cannot fit in. He is not equipped with the social skills of a six-
year old human but you can teach him. With love."

~From Kathleen Gilley~

I have read this before and wanted to share this. It is so true.

The first greyhound I had, Gemini, was straight off the track. He was also the first dog I ever had. It was a joy and a challenge to train him. I have since had 4 greyhound and have fostered many more. Greyhounds are quick to learn and want to please.

Now that I know things, the joy of watching a greyhound learn that carpet is comfortable is so much fun. Teaching one how to navigate stairs is worthwhile, but frustrating. Watching one learn what a mirror is, well that is just hilarious. Watching them develop their personalities outside of the kennel is one of the greatest pleasures I've had.

Unfortunately, I am not in a position to foster greyhounds right now. But as soon as I can, I will be fostering again! The joy from fostering is so worth everything and the things the dogs taught me were priceless.

Home Owner's Associations

2012-01-24T17:47:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I am getting ready for my community's Annual Home Owner's Association meeting. I am currently President of the Board.

Our community does not have the great of participation in the HOA. Mostly, people only get involved when they are cited for a violation of the covenants, then they complain, we (the board) explain, and hopefully work it out, then they go about their lives again.

I hear of communities that have great participation, and I am jealous. I have been on the board for 4 years now. Mainly because we can't get a quorum (10% of the eligible voters) to attend an annual meeting, so the current board remains.

What I am telling you is that if you live in a community that has an HOA, please get involved. Go to meetings, see what your board is doing, ask questions. You are paying dues, know what your money is being used for.

The board's primary responsibility is to enforce the covenants. The covenants are there to protect the homes and property values. The board must act in a fiduciary manner with HOA's money.

Being on the board is a thankless job. I've been verbally accosted, yelled at, told to go to hell, had lawsuits threaten against me personally, and may be a hero to some in the neighborhood and the most hated in the neighborhood at the same time. But, it is important to me, because this is where I live, my home, and I want to be involved. If not as a board member, I will still be involved in the HOA. If I move to a different place, I will do the same.

Please, be involved in where you live, your home, your community.

Looking Up

2012-01-23T09:47:00.003-05:00

Well, talked to a recruiter this morning, and feeling better about the job prospects.

I am keeping my fingers crossed - don't want to be unemployed at 40! Have a bit of time before then, but not much!

Hitting the job boards hard this morning, and working with recruiters. Keeping a positive attitude is the key.

I'll keep you posted! Thanks to everyone for your support!

Passive Aggressive Dog?

2012-01-21T22:22:00.003-05:00

So, I mentioned that I am not passive aggressive. I am a fairly direct person. Well, my dog Mally may be passive aggressive. He like to make me figure out what he wants.

He likes to howl. He will lay on his bed in the middle of the living room and howl.

He may need to go outside for a potty break. He won't go to the back door when he wants out, he just howls, while staying on his bed in the middle of the living room floor.

He may be hungry. He won't go to his food bowl, he just howls, while staying on his bed in the middle of the living room floor. Even though there may be food left in his bowl.

He may be thirsty. He won't go to his water bowl, he just howls, while staying on his bed in the middle of the living room floor.

He may want to go for a walk. He won't go to the front door, he just stays on howls while staying on his bed in the middle of the living room floor.

He may just want attention. He won't come to me unless I call him over, he just - well, you get the idea...

His howl is ear piercing, head splitting, sounds like someone is being killed, loud! It is hard to ignore. He will howl for about 5 minutes straight if I do ignore it. And most of the time I do.

Sometimes, the howling just gets louder and louder. And I worry that the neighbors will call the police thinking that I am performing animal sacrifices in my home! So, sometimes I do cave and give in to his howl. I know, it is rewarding the bad behavior. But, I do have to think of others.

I was told that the howling was a sign of intelligence. He is communicating with me. I wish that he would find another, quieter, way to communicate!

What I Learned

2012-01-20T22:07:00.002-05:00

So, I mentioned I had a rough day. Here's what happened. I had my 90 day evaluation at work. They decided to not continue my employment. I am okay with that decision. I was leaning in that direction myself.

I learned some things from working there. I can't anything specific without risking libel. But what I will say is this:

I re-learned the type of bosses that I work well for and the ones I don't.

I need to remember that when being interviewed for a job, that I am also interviewing the employer.

I learned that if I don't make a connection with someone, I should just stop trying and not force the connection.

The questions I have for myself is:

What is my dream job?

Do I stay in my field or try something different?

I don't have answers yet, but I hopefully will soon.

Now - I need to dust off the resume, again, and start thinking about my future.

A Special Thanks

2012-01-20T21:08:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to send out a special thank you today.

Dad - you are the best - always supportive and know the right thing to say. You earn Dad of the Month.

Angie - thank you for listening and being there when I need you. And knowing that I called even though your phone was on silent.

Jodi - thank you for making me come over, get out of the house and not dwell.

You three mean so much to me. I love you guys!

Today was a rough day for me. I vowed to keep the blog about good and happy things. I haven't decided whether or not I will post my news. I'm still processing everything myself.

Lots of changes on my horizon. But, when one door closes, another one opens. So, I am staying positive and just refocusing my energy onto new and brighter horizons and opportunities.

Shoe Fetish

2012-01-19T20:08:00.004-05:00

I must confess - I have a shoe fetish. I love shoes. For work - I mostly wear heels. I love wearing high heels!

For Christmas, my friend Jodi and I decided to take each other shopping instead of buying each other presents. Well, I still need to take her shopping. But, I picked out a pair of shoes. She ordered them online. And two weeks later, she received a notice that the shoes were no longer in stock! So, today, she re-ordered them in the next size up. Fingers crossed. Hopefully we don't have to wait 2 more weeks to find out I'm not getting my shoes!

I first saw these shoes back in the spring when shopping for a pair to go with the dress I was wearing for Angie's wedding. I saw them online and then I looked all over Atlanta for them and couldn't find them. I wanted silver then. Now, we are trying to order black. It'll match more outfits. I love these shoes!

And yes - Angie's daughter - my love child - has developed my shoe fetish also! I'm so proud!

Here is a pic of our shoes at the wedding:

Sadly, my love child wasn't available for this picture. And - yes, this picture by the photographer (Thanks Lisa) was taken as a special request from me!

When (not if - WHEN!) my new shoes come it - I will most definitely be posting about them! My shoe fetish is bad enough that I could make this whole blog about shoes - but I promise I won't!

Hello!

2012-01-18T19:21:00.002-05:00

I'm not letting my blog slip again - I've just been busy!

Not much new is happening that I can post about. When I started posting again, I changed the theme a bit - away from the greyhounds to more of a general theme - funny stories, what's going on with me, etc. Another thing I won't do is call people out in this blog, unless it is in a joking manner.

Well, I am not a passive aggressive person. The stories I have would be too close for comfort and since I can't use names and it would be passive aggressive.

So, nothing to post about. Sorry.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Daughter of the Day - Continued

2012-01-16T21:00:00.002-05:00

Well, I earned Daughter of the Day again! I booked plane tickets for Dad to come visit next month. He will be here over my birthday. I will be turning the big 4-0. Ouch!

As a CPA, in the middle of "busy season" (I can't stand that term - it is still tax season to me), it won't be a long visit. He is just coming down for a long weekend. I guess it is a milestone birthday.

I had trouble dealing when I turned 25. I think I have accepted turning 40.

I already have the grey hairs - although the bottle still says I am a natural blond.

My eyesight is changing - I realize I may need bifocals, but will wait till after my birthday to actually go to the eye doctor for the prescription.

My knees have been shot for years, and my orthopedic doctor told my I am 5 to 10 years away from total knee replacement on both knees. But there is NO WAY I am giving up wearing heels!

A co-worker today said I didn't look 40. She would put me at 34 to 35. I didn't know what to think. Just 5 years younger? Hmmm?

Anyways - I'm ready to be a cougar! Bring it on 40! (I have to start psyching myself up now for it)

Daughter of the Day

2012-01-15T19:55:00.003-05:00

My father and I have a great relationship. We joke a lot and laugh a lot and sometimes it is not even at each other.

Growing up, I would often joke that I was his one and only favorite daughter. He would be quick to reply that he knew I was the one and only, but wasn't sure about the favorite. Then he mentioned the imaginary daughters. Damn them!

Just a few years ago, he made some remark about me earning "Daughter of the Day". I made some comment back about having some stiff competition. And then the imaginary daughters reared their ugly heads again.

And so began the "Daughter of the Day" jokes, and rules.

If I do something good, I earn Daughter of the Day.

If I don't piss him off, I earn Daughter of the Day.

If I earn Daughter of the Day for a majority of the week, I earn Daughter of the Week.

If I earn Daughter of the Week for 3 weeks of the month, I earn Daughter of the Month.

And so on....

Then he tells me that the rules can change at any time. And he just makes them up as he goes along.

It took me till August of 2011 to earn Daughter of the year. Did I mention that I am an only child?

I did discover that if I don't talk with my dad for a day, I automatically earn Daughter of the Day. Hmmmm, maybe I should screen more phone calls......

Often, we joke when we talk, "did I just earn Daughter of the Day" and he will say "yup".

I can earn it for little things, like remembering to have whipped cream for the dessert, or pointing out a hot girl for him to check out. (hey, if it's retroactive - I earned Daughter of the Decade for the 2000's for buying him the Girls Gone Wild series in 2005)

Anyways, this Christmas, as a present, Dad gave me a set of Trophies.

The labels are hard to read so:

Daughter of the Moment

Daughter of the Second

Daughter of the Minute

Daughter of the Hour

Daughter of the Day

Daughter of the Week

Daughter of the Month

Daughter of the Year

Daughter of the Decade

Daughter of the Century

2012 started off well - I earned Daughter of the week on the first Sunday night! And so far I've earned Daughter of the Day all 15 days.

Take that you imaginary daughters!

Heart Broken by a Candy

2012-01-14T22:28:00.007-05:00

For those that know me, you know I hate Valentine's Day. I have hated it for years. I call it Evil Day. I wear all black on February 14th. The only good thing about that day is the candy. Most candies are just repeats in red, white and pink. But there are a few that only come out this time of year. All the stores have their Valentine Candy out now, so I decided to look for my favorite.

Specifically, Gobstopper Hearts. Those are one of my favorites. Every year I buy some. (Ok, I may buy quite a bit and hoard them - they are hard to find) Now, the Gobstopper Hearts are different from the regular Gobstoppers. They are thinner and have different flavors. Not every store carries them. I can only find them at Target and sometimes at Walgreens or CVS.

Today, I stopped at Target on my way home from work. No Gobstopper Hearts. So, after searching and searching the Target Valentine candy aisle for them. I left the store, disappointed. I stopped at CVS also, and nothing.

So, I drove the rest of the way home, heartbroken by Gobstopper hearts.

Happy Friday the 13th!

2012-01-13T16:03:00.003-05:00

I'm not a very superstitious person, but I have a friend who is. And this is a story about her.

I obtained her express permission this morning to post the story on my blog, so I am not violating any codes of friendship.

Anyways, a few years back, Angie was in Germany dealing with some stressful things. I called her and she was venting and at the end of the vent she said "and to top it off tomorrow is Friday the 13th!"

Unlike me, I thought quickly and told her that in Europe, they don't believe in the superstition of Friday the 13th, it's just a USA thing. She believed me, calmed down and all was good. At this point, I am feeling relieved because she is calm, but guilty because I have lied to her and she believes me because she trusts me that much that she doesn't even question me.

Fast forward a few days and she lands back in the states. She calls me to let me know that she has arrived safely. Well, I can barely contain my laughter.

I proceed to tell her that Friday the 13th is a superstition all over, not just a USA belief. If I remember right, she may have cussed at me a bit. But, if she did, I didn't hear it over my laughing.

So, now every Friday the 13th, I call her or text her and ask her if she is leaving the country for the day.

So, Angie - did you go to Canada today? Or are you just in a Canada-state-of-mind?

2012-01-13T09:24:00.003-05:00

My friend sent me a link to a picture of a beautiful owl. I couldn't get that picture to post, so I found another picture. Both of these reminded me of my mother. She loved her owls. I just thought I would share.

Some of you have heard an owl after she died, feeling her spirit visiting you. I have yet to have an owl visit me. You are incredibly lucky that way as I haven't had a visit, yet.

Perverted Old Men

2012-01-12T18:18:00.004-05:00

WARNING - If you are easily offended, don't read this post.

I'm warning you, it's about a dirty old man and boobs.

..............................................................................................................................................................

Luckily, I am NOT easily offended and can spot pervy old men.

So, here's some background:

When I go to work, I dress professionally, and I don't show skin or cleavage. That being said, there are times that I may have on a new shirt or sweater that may hang differently when I move and I don't realize it until after I wear it.

So, here's the scene:

I'm working in a client's office. I step into the boss's office to review something with him. There is an elderly gentleman in there. The boss says to come on in and he and I discuss the issue. The elderly gentleman joins in with some casual conversation. I take some notes on what the client is telling me. I notice the elderly man hasn't bothered to comb his hair, but I pay little attention to him.

Anyways, the elderly man starts to move in his chair and says he needs to leave and asks me if I can do him a favor. I am thinking he is going to ask me to help him get out of the chair, as he doesn't look very mobile.

I was wrong. He sticks one foot forward and asks me to tie his shoe, stating that if he ties it he will throw out his back. I noticed that the shoe was tied, but it was tied very poorly.

Let me pause here and explain a few things. I know a few perverts (Neil) , I won't call anyone out by name..........

But, I have also seen their tricks. I won't admit to falling for any, but I have seen this trick before. (Bob)

Back to the story, since I am in a client's office, I can't be rude. And it's also not in my nature to be really rude. And, I also can't stand shoes laces tied incorrectly!!!!

Also - I am not quick with the witty comebacks.

So, I knelt down, keeping my back completely straight and brought my knees up against my chest, so there would be NO VIEW WHATSOEVER!

Yeah - the pervy old man was trying to look down my shirt. I knew it, and by the time I was done tying his shoe, he knew that I knew it.

I then went back into the conference room we were working in and shut the door and told the partner what happened. We laughed a bit. I did find it kinda funny. Like I said, I'm not easily offended.

But, I also leaned over the table we were working at to test just how loose the sweater is that I was wearing. And, dangit, I now have to take that new sweater out of rotation for work.

Looks like I need to add a "leaning test" before I leave the house in the morning.

Catching Up, Part 2

2012-01-12T05:47:00.003-05:00

I knew I forgot to mention something in the last post. It was nagging me all night long.

I forgot to mention the Wedding of the Century! No, it wasn't Will and Kate. It was my best friend Angie and Mike!

Angie's selection of Maid of Honor was stellar! And the Wedding Coordinator couldn't be beat. Well, I am a little biased. The wedding was this past July and I had so much fun planning it, oh I mean helping her plan it. And it was an honor standing by her side as her and her husband took their vows.

The reception wasn't without a little drama, but like a true lady, I handled it all with grace and charm, and everyone had a great time. The wedding was the highlight of the year!

Isn't she a beautiful bride? And her dress is gorgeous! And the wedding cake was AWESOME!

Time to catch up

2012-01-11T21:25:00.005-05:00

Since my last post, I've been told that I need to keep this blog up to date.

I didn't realize I actually had an audience out there! Well, can't be that many of you, but I do like to hear from you, so please leave me comments so I know you are out there.

Anyways, I will catch you up from the last post (pre-mally) till now.

Before I lost Gemini, I had another Greyhound, Mr. Deeds. Fostered him and then adopted him. I only had him 8 short months before cancer took him.

Before that, In December 2009,I lost my mother to lung cancer. Luckily it was a short battle for her. That's a picture of her last trip to Atlanta. Yes, if you read the blog, it's the trip where I treated her as my maid! UGGGHHH! We both look so bad in that pic! She is going to haunt me for posting it!

Exactly one week after, Heater suffered a stroke and died. I lost many more friends and family in 2010.

But, 2011 was a much better year. I changed jobs. Now I am working for a CPA firm. Back to a "busy season". WOW did I forget just how busy things can get!

So, that brings us to 2012. I am hoping things will be much better this year.

I will do my best to keep this blog up to date. That is one of my resolutions this year. But then again it was one of my resolutions a few years ago, and we see how well I did with that one....

Anyways, again, I love your comments, so please leave them for me.

It will encourage me to post more!

Halo O'Mally - 1 year in his Forever Home!

2012-01-07T16:32:00.004-05:00

So - I have neglected this blog for a long, long time. So much has happened, and I don't want to bore you with the details, yet. If I actually start blogging again, I may bore you with the stories, but for now I just wanted to post about Mally!

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of this "Gotcha Day" I adopted him one year ago.

He is different for the other 3 greys I have had. First - Mally howls, and howls and howls!!!

He is the most vocal greyhound I have ever come across. He is also more "velcro" than any other the others. He doesn't have Separation Anxiety like Heater or Mr. Deeds did. (Oh yeah, never posted about Deeds - I'll get back to that if I start posting again). But, Mally won't let me leave a room without following me.

Also - this is the only greyhound I have had that has actually raced with any success at all! he raced 88 times.

But, Mally is so friendly, just like every greyhound I've met.

So, Happy Gotcha Day Mally - a.k.a. Malikins, Mal, my goof ball, Howly McMalerson.

2010-06-28T14:26:00.001-04:00

Early this morning, Gemini passed away in his sleep. We spent hours at the emergency vet Saturday and they weren't able to give me a diagnosis and his symptoms weren't jiving with the blood work and test results. After ruling out many thing, I decided to take him home to keep him calm, on pain meds and then take him to my vet today. Sadly, he didn't make it.

Gemini was the first dog I ever owned. All the mistakes of dog ownership that could be made, I made on Gemini. But despite all of that, he turned out to be relatively well mannered, most of the time. He was my heart dog.

The only time I ran him in the Blur of Fur, he stopped in the middle and took a whiz. All I could do was laugh, cuz that was my Gemini.

He greeted everyone he saw, whether they wanted to be greeted or not. He was my needle nose moose, my gemstone, my buddy, and the sweetest pup I ever met.

I'm going to miss that big boy.

Heater

2009-07-26T13:14:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow, July 27 will be Heater's 12th Birthday.

Friday, July 31st, will be Heater's 1st "Gotcha Day" for me.

For those you reading, us people owned by greyhounds are a bit obsessive about our hounds. We will celebrate things such as birthdays and adoption days.

We have a language of our own, that include words like zoomies and stuffies.

For a senior dog who never raced, Heater can do zoomies as well as Gemini. Around the couch they go, when they stop, nobody knows.

Heater bounced out of a home of nine years and come to me as a foster. Senior dogs can be hard to place, but he was only here for a few weeks then was adopted. I didn't cry, a lot anyways. A foster mom is suppose to prepare the dog for the new forever home.

That adoption didn't work out and after about 6 weeks, he bounced again and came back to my home. He was here that time for about a month without any interest.

A greyhound couple came to look at Heater to add to their brood. Heater growled at their dog! I had never heard such a thing (up till that time anyways) from him. It was that day I decided to adopt the old man.

What I didn't know was that Heater had already decided he was here to stay!

Since then, he has become my "dirty old man". At GreyFest last year, I was busy looking at something at a booth and looked down. Heater had his head UP A WOMEN'S SKIRT!!!!!

Now, just about every morning, to get my attention as I am getting ready for work, he tries to lift my skirt up. Don't let that innocent face fool you......

He can be a bit of a butt head!

It is hard to believe a whole year has come and gone. I love my little Heat-Beat, Beaterman, Old Man, Heater-Beater, BeatMan, Butthead, Nuzzle Butt.

He does have some separation anxiety issues, which makes him whine for attention. But, with Gemini's company, and his favorite stuffie, he does ok.

Happy Birthday Heater!

Camp Kate's

2009-06-02T17:48:00.004-04:00

I've been home for a week now, and Gemini and Heater have finally recovered from a week at Many Hounds Inn - a.k.a. "Camp Kate's".

For those of you familiar with SEGA, you've heard of Many Hounds Inn. For the other readers, it is a kennel that houses just Greyhounds, and Kate does a wonderful job taking care of the dogs.

The dogs come home worn out and tired. I have to wake them up to go outside!

Kate even sends home pics! Gemini is the one in the front of the pack - causing all the trouble, I'm sure. And only Heater's posterior is showing here!

And, during this doggy vacation - Gemini (the one in the Mickey ears) found himself a girlfriend! (I'm sorry, Kate told me the bitch's name, but I forgot!)

As you can tell, Gemini is trying to act cool, even licking his lips!

I can't thank Kate enough for having her place. It is incredible, the dogs come home well taken care of and so happy.

As a matter of fact, when I arrive to pick them up, Gemini greets me and then goes right back into his kennel and lays down. Kate tries to tell me that it's because he is scared of the car ride (which is true) but I know the truth. . . he'd rather stay at Camp Kate's than come home. Who can blame him!!!

Angie and I

2009-05-27T19:26:00.002-04:00

Angie has been my best friend for going on 20 years now. We decided a few years back to get matching tattoos, to commemorate. Well, during my trip home last weekend, we did it. We have both been inked before and went to the one place we trusted: Liquid Courage.

They do only custom work, and they are AWESOME! The idea started out as small tats on our toes, maybe an infinity symbol or something.

Then we decided to go with something on our hips. Still relatively small, the size of a quarter or golf ball. We did some research and found lillies were a symbol for friendship, so we decided to go with calla lilies. The artist, Jeremy, drew up the design. It was a bit larger than a quarter. But, to shrink it down, we would have lost detail and we both loved it. We had two tattoo artist tattooing us at the same time. We have the exact same design, the colors are just a bit different. It is so us! It hurt like hell, but it was so worth it! Here is a pic of the final product:

(BTW, I'm not the skinny one!)

Thank you Jeremy and John at Liquid Courage! You did awesome!!!!

time for an update....

2009-05-17T08:29:00.008-04:00

I was informed recently that I haven't updated my blog for a while, and I just looked and it has been almost 2 months! Oh my!!!

Well, my mom did come and stay for a month to help clean the house. I started out by calling her Rosario, after Karen's maid from "Will and Grace". By the end of the trip, I was threatening to send her to Mexico City if she broke anything else!

On day 4 of her being here, my washer broke while she was using it. Now, my washer is upstairs. She didn't notice that the overflow pan was overflowing and ran 2 more loads. Yes, 2 more loads.

Water then starts dripping down through my ceiling fan in the living room and down through the vent in the living room.

The next day I called my insurance company and, wow, was I impressed. They had a water remediation team out here that afternoon.

Those are the holes they cut in my ceiling to dry out the ceiling. They had fans going for 4 days.

Then the contractor came out to fix the holes, and fix the laundry room. And the washer repair guy was out to fix the washer.

During this time, I had the privilege of taking mom somewhere she hadn't been in over 40 years, The LAUNDROMAT!!! It truly wasn't the highlight of her trip.

After all was said and done, mom goes into my deep freezer, and finds that most of it has thawed out. What did she break this time???

Turns out the contractors had unplugged it while they were here, but it was more fun to blame mom.

For mom being here a month, we only butted heads a few times. She does NOT like my choice of cleaning products and did not like the way I wanted to clean out my kitchen cabinets.

We also re-landscaped the backyard.

But all in all it was a fun time.

I took mom to the Aquarium and the Coca-Cola museum, and she still can't stop talking about it.

I made her touch a sting ray and the crabs!

The dogs miss her so much. For a whole month, they had company all day long.

But, later this week I leave for a family wedding, so the dogs are going to Camp Kate's and, although they can't understand the concept of future excitement, they will be so happy there!!!

TaTa for now!

Fireplace works!

2009-03-26T10:36:00.003-04:00

So, my fireplace hasn't worked all winter long! And this wasn't the winter for the fireplace not to work!!!

So, today when the Heating and Air guy was here doing the annual maintenance, I had him take a quick look, and neither one of us knows what happened, some wires got jiggled (by the way, "jiggled" is a very technical term), and low and behold, the fireplace is back on! YIPPEE!!!

So, Gemini is thoroughly enjoying it!!!

Confession time...

2009-03-25T09:55:00.004-04:00

I hate housework! I know, who doesn't? Well, I have successfully avoided the big "spring cleaning" and the big "fall cleaning" for a couple of years now. And lately, I've been barely keeping up with the weekly maintenance cleaning. Unfortunately, the budget has zero room for a maid. I'm a CPA, I've tried to be really creative with the budget and there is NO room.

So, my lazy butt came up with an idea. I will bring my mother down here for a while to do my spring cleaning. I made the offer to her, to buy the plane ticket, feed her, and buy all her smokes. (And that can get expensive, especially now-a-days!). So, she accepted the offer. Then, I made the list of things that need to be done and read her the list, giving her a chance to back out. She started to add to the list!

So, my mother is coming in a few weeks to stay for a month to do my spring cleaning.

Our latest conversations go like this:

Me: I'll leave you a list of chores each day when I leave for work.
Mom: That sounds like what I used to do with you when you were a kid.
Me: Yup! It's coming back to haunt you isn't it.
Mom: I'm your mother!
Me: Remember learning about endentured servents in the early days of America? Well, you will have to earn your passage back home.
Mom: I'm your mother! Not your employee!

Seriously, I've been teasing her a lot, and we have the type of relationship that we can do this and it's no harm, no foul.

A conversation with a family friend went like this:

Friend: What are you and your mom going to do when she is there?
Me: I'm going to work and she is going to clean.
Friend: Where are you going to take her, on weekends and such?
Me: She will be working on weekends, that's the only times I'll be home to do the heavy lifting for her.
Friend: At least she can go on your patio to see sunlight.
Me: When she is done with her daily chores.

The friend knew I was joking. I actually have some fun things planned for mom, but this teasing has been so much fun for me. Yes, I plan on taking her to the Aquarium and the the Coke Museum, two places she has wanted to go since I've lived her but we haven't made it to yet.

And if she finishes all her chores, I'll take her to a Braves game!

Catherine the Great

2009-03-08T08:42:00.004-04:00

Family rumors swirled around years ago that my great-grandmother had documents that proved somehow my Mother's Father's side of my family could trace our family back to Catherine the Great. My mother and her cousin recently reconnected and the rumor has resurfaced.

I have no idea if it is true of not, but I told my mother that I have always thought I was a Princess. Yes, she laughed, so feel free to do so also.

Anyways, as you may know, in the history of greyhounds, once upon a time, only royalty was allowed to own them. I purchased a book for Mom on Catherine the Great for her birthday and low and behold, there was a reproduction of a portrait of Catherine walking her favorite greyhound!!! (Maybe I was Catherine the Great in a former life LOL)

Some distant cousin is researching the family lineage, but after this tax season, I, too, plan on doing some research. I want to be a princess!!!

Now, I need to get back to finding my tiara.........

As Murphy Brown once said.....

2009-02-13T21:12:00.003-05:00

"I am an only child and never learned to share."

This is a phrase I often jokingly say. Gemini may have picked up on my attitude lately. He was an only dog for well over a year, then there was a parade of fosters, and now Heater has been with us since July.

There are two well-sized dog beds in the living room, usually one dog per bed and everyone is happy.

Well, the other night....

This left Heater laying somewhere else, but Gemini was happy! Spoiled Brat! He may be taking after his mother more that I care to admit!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T05:15:00.004-05:00

Just a few hours left until we say goodbye to 2008 and we ring in 2009. Anyone have any big plans?

How about New Years Resolutions???

I typically don't make resolutions. New Years Resolutions fall flat by mid-January anyways, but this year I'm going to try again. I'm not going to make the typical lose weight, quit smoking, blah blah blah, resolutions.

I know I want to blog more. As you can tell, I have neglected blogging for a while. I'm not sure anyone will even read this. I've been in a funk lately, then the holidays came on so quickly and I was busy. I know, just excuses. But, I'm back, and I'm blogging now, and I intend on blogging more often!

I want to make some changes in my life. I'm not sure what they are, but I know I need to do something different. Might be something small, might be something big, I'm not sure yet. I just know something isn't right because things are as they should be. So, things need to change. When I figure it all out, I will let you know. Vague resolution, but it is a start. For those that know me well, they know something has been amiss for a while, I'm trying to figure it all out guys!

I want to train the muttniks better. Heater has regressed a bit on the separation anxiety. Probably with all the holidays and I'm home a bit more, so that need some more work. And all dogs just need more training.

That's it! What are your resolutions for 2009?

Gemini says have a Happy New Year and here's to a short recovery from all the drinking!

MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!

2008-11-23T07:23:00.002-05:00

If money was no object, what would I do?

1. I've been reading everyone else's memes on this and the running theme is obviously the greyhounds and SEGA. Which is no surprise being that I read the SEGA blog ring! So, SEGA gets a chunk of money!

2. I would build a nice house so I would be comfortable, my current animals would be comfortable and the future animals would be comfortable. The house would be on a huge amount of land, and I would have a stupid amount of fun decorating it! It would have everything I've ever wanted in a house. And since the holidays are coming up - I would want a double oven! The kitchen would be huge! The master bedroom would have a sitting room off to the side that would be actually be the dog's bedroom. And of course I would have a maid to clean the house and the litter box!

3. I would have a condo on a beach, one in New York and one in Vegas. That's just a start, maybe add more as I travel.

4. Of course, I will take care of my family and friends. But, being a CPA, I will do it in such a way that there are no tax consequences, so it may not be stupid amounts of money all at once, but they will be taken care of...

5. I would probably have a little work done on myself. Nothing to extreme. I have always hated my teeth, but to have them fixed is purely cosmetic, so not covered by insurance, so would be done. I don't know about any other work, but who knows.

6. Travel. I want to see the world. I would start with Prague. I am part Czech and have seen Travel Channel specials on Prague and that is on the top of my list. I'll probably hang out there and travel through Europe with the dogs while my house is being custom built.

A poem

2008-11-14T15:34:00.004-05:00

While going through some of Grandma's writings, we came across this poem. Now, my Grandmother was a always a lady, but she had a great sense of humor. This is just too funny not to share....

The Golden Years

(Caution: Keep out of the hands of small children)

The Golden Years? Don’t hand me that!
My hair is thin; my ankles fat.
I laugh by chance
I wet my pants.
My figure has turned upside down;
My boobs are flat, my stomach’s round.
My love canal
Is dry as hell.
And just my teeth go out at night.
A b.m. is the day’s highlight.
My organs are all out of tune.
The Golden Years? Go suck a prune!

- By Marie Horejs

The world is less bright today

2008-11-05T22:11:00.013-05:00

I just want to share a few memories of my grandmother, one of my favorite people. She passed away this morning, leaving the world a little less bright today. She would be very embarrassed about the all fuss made over her.

This picture was taken in 1989, it shows she was always a kid at heart.

One of the first life lessons I remember was at church. I was probably 7 or 8 years old and we were exited the service, shaking hands with Dr. Grossman as we left. That is when she taught me not to have the “dead fish” handshake. I think she may have commented, in her non-judgmental way, that Dr. Grossman’s handshake could stand to be a bit more firm.

My grandmother was a smart woman. A genius in fact! A Mensa member, and proud of it! Years ago, when I graduated college, Grandma made the trip to South Georgia, along with other family members. At the time, my friend was working at a small publishing company. Well, Grandma wanted to see a sample of the magazines. So, my friend, proud of the work her company produces, brings over a published copy of a magazine. Well, lo and behold, Grandma finds a typographical error! That friend still asks about Grandma all the time.

Because of her, I learned not to be ashamed or hide my intelligence. I learned that my opinion does matter. And, most importantly, I learned the recipe for the traditional Czech bread, Hoska!

She loved her puzzles and game shows especially Wheel of Fortune. So tonight, I’ll time dad when he does the jumble and make sure he does not cheat, and I hope Heaven has all the vowels she needs.

Some of her last words to me were: “don’t forget me”. Grandma, I never will.

Last Mango In Paris...

2008-11-03T17:52:00.005-05:00

I am a ParrotHead, all hail Jimmy Buffett. In his song Last Mango in Paris, which is my all time favorite Buffett song, he pays tribute to Captain Tony. Well, Captain Tony passed away Saturday. Here's a link to the story:

http://www.margaritaville.com/index.php?page=news&n_id=673

And here's a link to a youtube video of the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbuppicoI88

A legend never dies.

Cold night and a Spooked Hound

2008-10-29T08:53:00.004-04:00

I'm not one to turn on my furnace easily at the drop of temperatures. I grew up in the Midwest and I know cold weather. I will admit it's getting chilly here, but I refuse to turn on my furnace yet!

Last night Gemini was trying to get under some covers in his crate, so I decided to get another blanket for both the dogs. I turned on the light, made sure I had Gemini's attention, and laid another blanket on him. All was well.

Heater's turn. I thought he was awake. I laid a blanket over him. He shot up, tried to get into the crate with Gemini, jumped on my bed, jumped off my bed and paced the room. I scared the poor boy. I called him back to me, and petted him a bit, got him to lay back down, put the blanket back on him and the same thing. I think I scared him so bad with the blanket that he was having nothing to do with it. Poor Heater. Maybe he lives up to his name and doesn't need the blanket on a cold night....

Techie Girl's Latest Obsession

2008-10-27T20:00:00.002-04:00

I've become a bit of a techie lately. I have never been one to have to have the latest technology. I usually wait until others have it for a while, all the bugs are worked out and it's no longer "bleeding edge". I was actually accused of being a gamer today. Still unsure of how to react to that one......

Well, that changed last week. I've been wanting a new phone. I've had iPhone envy and Blackberry envy for a while. I have T-mobile and searched their available phones and there was not anything that had everything I wanted, until just recently. They came out with the G-1.

So, I pre-ordered it, it was delivered the day before it was released to the general public and I have been playing with it obsessively ever since!

I can check my e-mail on it, I can browse the web, it has google maps and GPS, games and tons of fun stuff. And I can make phone calls too!

Ok, enough of the blogging, I have to play with my phone some more......

Napping and the velcro dog

2008-10-27T15:55:00.006-04:00

I love to nap. What can I say, as I age I look forward to stretching out on the couch on a Sunday afternoon and taking a nap.

Gemini doesn't have the separation anxiety that Heater has but does typically follow me from room to room in the house. When I'm sitting on the couch, he can see me from his dog bed. When I lay down for a nap, he come over and lays down on the floor right next to the couch. Very cute, right?

It's cute, until he starts whining to be petted and puts his on the couch and looks at me. You can barely resist. You pet him, he puts his head back down, relaxes and I start to doze off and I stop petting. The whole routine starts again, and will continue, again and again. The whine is so pathetic, I can hardly resist. Most of the time I doze off petting the dog. Spoiled dog........

Bad Kitty Mom

2008-10-19T13:10:00.003-04:00

I have had Lucky, my cat since 1999. Found her as a stray, the vet had estimated her age then to be between about 3 and 4 years old. Of the four animals in the house now, she has been here the longest, and I let her rule the roost. She is the reason no dogs are allowed on the furniture, I want her domain and the other cat, Reily's domain, to remain intact.

Shortly after I first got Lucky (sounds a bit dirty doesn't it?) I was working in a CPA firm and the first tax season rolled around. That means 14+ hour days. I let Lucky develop a bad bad habit of drinking out of the sink faucet. I don't know if I didn't keep her water bowl clean enough for her or what I did, but to this day, she does not drink out of her own water bowl. The dog's water bowl is good for her and sink faucets are good.

She will come into the bathroom with me every morning and meow at me till I turn on the faucet for her.

She has also taught this to the other cat Reily.

By the way, for those that grew up in the 80's, Lucky is named after the cat in the TV show ALF.

your feet, my feet

2008-10-14T05:56:00.002-04:00

There are several questions I often ponder with these hounds. One is how the dog can be walking along and step over a pile of poop with his hind legs, which is 2 1/2 feet behind his nose?

But the same dog, will step on my foot with his front paw on a regular basis?

I really want to have a professional pedicure again. But my toes and feet end up with cuts on them that I don't dare go into a salon and risk infection with open sores. Will I ever have pretty feet again? Am I force to where steel toe boots in the house at all times?

Will the dogs ever learn the difference between my feet and their feet?

Spooky McBeggers

2008-10-11T13:08:00.004-04:00

I'm hanging out at Jodi's house as she is decorating for Halloween. She comes across a witch's hat made for a cat. Hilarity ensues.

And the cat wins......

Being sick with the dogs

2008-10-10T08:34:00.003-04:00

The rule in this house is no dogs on the furniture. The reason behind it because the furniture is the cats domain and when I first got Gemini, I wanted the cats to keep their areas so they would still feel safe.

I have had to retrain Heater to stay off the furniture. I know that consistency is key when training. When I am away, both dogs are put in my bedroom. I have found evidence that Heater gets on my bed. There isn't much I can do about it since I am not there and can't catch him in the act.

I've been down with a migraine for the last 3 days and must give kudos to these dogs. They have behaved very well and were not their normal needy selves, for the most part.

Yesterday afternoon, I was napping in bed. I heard heard Heater start to whine a bit., in my drug induced state, I fell right back asleep. Next thing I know, Heater is on the bed with me. I think I tried to tell him to get down, which is the command for laying down, so he plops his bony butt next to me. I was really sweet that he wanted to snuggle. I love to snuggle with the animals. But, by the time he became comfortable, his bony butt and spine were against my back and I was being pushed off the bed. I guess my nap time was over. Luckily the headache is just about over also.

Heater

2008-10-07T07:19:00.008-04:00

Heater, Gemini and myself and Greyfest

When I did the wordle, I noticed that Heater was not featured as much as Gemini, who has now been nicknamed Whizzer (see the last post). And a few people have also pointed out that Heater isn't featured as much.

Well, in my defense, Heater doesn't pull as many antics as Gemini. But, I shall dedicate this post to Heater.

Heater was bounced from a home in Florida after 9 years. His original foster mom was Laura Parker, who then met the Florida couple to pick Heater up after they gave him up. The Parkers kept Heater for a while until I was able to foster him.

Heater was then adopted but his severe Separation Anxiety kicked in and was bounced again. So, he ended up back here. The SA isn't bad here because he is with another dog all day when I'm gone.

Heater is also known as:

Heater Beater Pumpkin Eater

Heat

Heat Beat

The Beat Man

Old Man

Three Toe Wonder

The Florida couple called him Bubba - what a HORRIBLE name for a dog of such a noble breed!

OK - now a few short stories.

When I had my gallbladder out, I had terrible gas. I was belching a lot. Some of the belches may have won belching contests. I'm not proud, it's just a fact and I couldn't help it. Well, I would belch and Heater would come right to me, EVERY TIME!!! I just wonder what the previous owners taught him, especially when they called him Bubba!

The second story happened at Greyfest. I was looking at those cute bags and Heater was next to me. There was a lady standing next to me, and I'm sorry but I didn't get her name. I looked down and him whole head was underneath her skirt! I was so embarrassed! So, to that lady, I am very sorry that my dog acts like a dirty old man! The picture by the way is Heater after he nuzzled in between my legs.

And a picture of the Old Man snuggled with a toy sleeping

This was taken before I adopted him, when he was still a foster. He already knew he was here to stay. Thank you everyone for allowing Heater into my life.

BLUR OF FUR WINNER - NOT

2008-10-04T19:02:00.003-04:00

I can't begin to explain how excited I was about this year's Blur of Fur. This was the first year that I was able to be there for the Blur of Fur and I want to know how fast the pooch can run.

So after trotting along side of the brat for over have the course, he finally stopped and peed. I think I heard someone say "How fast can the SEGA member run?"

Pile in the Car!

2008-10-04T18:48:00.003-04:00

Heater is typically the one that starts the piles in the house. Well, today, on the way to Greyfest, Gemini started the pile!

And, my official pile designator, Jodi, was there to witness the pile, and snap the picture.

2008-09-30T18:05:00.001-04:00

OK - I did the wordle:

Dog Sitting

2008-09-13T08:28:00.007-04:00

For the last two days, I've been sitting a dog I previously fostered, Riley (f.k.a. Notorious Verona).

It is not that often that I walk three greyhounds at the same time, but every time the view is the same.....

Just Kidding, sort of.....

Anyways, Riley is so close to Gemini's twin. Both fawn, both have that little ridge of fur on the back of their neck that stands up, and both have a white tip on their tail, although Gemini's is a bit darker. I'm not going to post those pics cuz I don't want to tip the competition for Greyfest (and truthfully, I don't have good photos that so those traits!)

Greyhound Statue

2008-09-09T19:06:00.011-04:00

FACTS:

1. I have had Gemini for 3 years and up until 3 weeks ago, he has not got himself into any situations that he needed rescuing from.

2. I had surgery 3 weeks ago and have a weight restriction on lifting of 20 pounds.

3. Gemini weighs somewhere between 75 and 80 pounds.

SCENE: 5:00 am Tuesday morning. Typical morning, I roll out of bed, come downstairs and the dogs follow me. I light up a cigarette (yes, I'm an evil smoker, we all have our vices) and let the dogs out and step onto the patio.

Gemini immediately spies something moving, probably a little lizard, and goes after it. Next thing I know, he is stuck between the gas meter and the house.

Now, for all of you that have greyhounds, you know that when they get spooked, they turn into statues.

I tried to persuade him to go backwards, he wasn't having it. He couldn't figure out how to navigate the turn going backwards.

At this point I noticed the post the meter is one is a bit sharp and the top is rusted. Have to change the strategy.

So, I try again to get Gemini to go backwards and he barks and tries to nip. I muzzle him and spy the camera in the house.

While trying to think about what to do, I snap the above picture. I know, kinda mean, but he wasn't going anywhere and I had to think.

I can't lift the dog, I am willing to risk a hernia, but the gas pipe is above him so even if I could lift him, I couldn't get him out because of the pipe.

I can't squeeze him through without busting his skin open against the rusted post, which means an immediate trip to the vet, so that is not a good option.

I was debating about calling someone. But at 5 o'clock in the morning, by the time they woke up, was no longer mad at me for waking them up, and got over to my house, the situation would probably be resolved so they would just be mad again so that wasn't a good idea. (You can thank me now Jodi.)

So, I found a stool, lifted a back leg onto the stool with his full force resisting me, and he took it from there. Jumped up enough to clear the post. He did not injure himself, thank goodness!!!

I think he stayed stuck for about 5 solid minutes while I worked through how to figure all this out, poor dog. Amazingly, I managed to stay calm to entire time.

And the whole time, Heater just wanted to play.

STUCK!

2008-09-09T05:37:00.004-04:00

I will post the story once my heart beats normally again. But, I will say that everyone is ok!

Butt-Head and Piles

2008-09-07T08:38:00.007-04:00

I knew that Heater was a bit stubborn, but he has really proven to be a true butt-head lately, and I have photographic proof!

But, all joking aside, Heater will initiate the dog pile by reaching out and touching Gemini. According to Jodi, my Pile Definer, if they are touching, it's a pile!

And another pile.

Gemini looks a bit irriatated, but he tolerated it!

Sketchy Internet

2008-08-11T23:05:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted for a while cuz my internet and cable have been down for going on 5 days!!!!

Right now I'm currently positioned with my laptop delicately balanced at the edge of the dining room table, using some very nice neighbor's unsecured wireless signal. (ok - I've hijacked someone else's signal, but it's only for a little bit)

After 15 phone calls (no exaggeration) to Comcast, it may be fixed tomorrow. I am cautiously hopeful, because there has already been one tech out here and the whole area was out for two days and I keep getting different answers.

I better go before I lose this signal, I still have to check one more e-mail account.......

I've been meme'd

2008-08-11T23:01:00.010-04:00

I've been meme'd by http://greytblackdog.blogspot.com/ to list six things you don't know about me.

This is off the cuff, so here it goes!

Six things you don't know about me.......

1. I am very shy. I've worked hard over the years to fake it so I can appear confident, but if I'm in a room of people, I tend to stick around just the ones I know well. I am so envious of the people that can make small talk and "work the room" because I'm way to nervous to do that.

2. Dead bodies, remains, and ashes FREAK ME OUT!!!! It is one of my few true fears. When my Grandfather died, one of my cousins had a really sweet idea of all the grandchildren splitting up his ashes and taking back to are various locations around the country and spreading them. Well, it took a bottle of wine (or three) and a very good friend for me to be able to even open the bag the ashes were in, let alone release them in the ocean.

3. I had an ex-boyfriend stalk me. Dated him in high school into college, and he would not leave me alone after I broke up with him. I was never hurt or anything. It was before any stalking laws were in effect, so not much I could do about it. It stopped when I moved, so no worries now!

4. I cheated on the Meyers-Briggs personality test in junior high! I wanted to be a photographer and knew that required creativity. So, I answered all the questions as if I was the person I wanted to be instead of the person I was. I still dabble in photography, but I quickly learned I didn't have the talent to make a living, so I went into accounting, where being creative can get a person in some serious trouble.

I've since retaken the Meyers-Briggs test two other times, and answered honestly, and the test is fairly accurate. I forget my letters though....

5. I wish I could be more spontaneous. I have to plan, plan, plan. EVERYTHING! It's tough for me to just let go, to go with the flow. I'm working on it. But it's just part of my personality.

6. I have 2 tattoos. One is a small daisy, about the size of a dime, on one of my toes. That one is visible and when I wear sandals people can see it, so it's not really a secret. The other one was my last fling with non-conformity! It's a fish, not visible when I wear clothing, and I will leave it at that!

So, there you go. Six things you didn't know about me. I know a few people may already know these things (Angie and Jodi), but their payments are in the mail to kept there mouths shut about the rest. Just kidding!

7. BONUS - I'm still on a hijacked connection so if I don't respond it is because I still don't have internet and it got too cloudy to use a neighbor's connection.

I'm going to tag Gerry. After all the fantastic reporting at Elle! trial, (see http://oaklandgold.blogspot.com/ ) she needs to reveal something about the reporter!

I Failed!

2008-07-31T16:47:00.004-04:00

I was welcomed to the Failed Foster Club today! I adopted Heater. After some very nice people came and looked at him Saturday and their dog decided it wasn't a good match, I realized that I was very relieved that he wasn't going. That sealed the deal for me.

I think Heater had already decided he was here to stay anyways and was just waiting for me to clue in.....

So Heater, welcome to your final Forever Home!

More signs?

2008-07-27T18:23:00.004-04:00

Today is Heater's (my current foster) birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATER BEATER!

Sign 1:
Yesterday a couple came over to meet him and potentially adopt him. Of course they fell in love, who doesn't fall in love with this beautiful sweet hound. Well, their grey didn't care for Heater too much. And, very understandable, they must take care of their greyhound first and foremost. So, Heater is still chilling with Gemini and me.

Sign 2:
I'm playing at http://www.greyhound-data.com and looked up Heater's race record. (BTW - no races) Well, I clicked on his sire - and his sire raced at Bluffs Run. Which is the track that I would go to growing up, which is where I fell in love with the bred!

I holding to my timeline of after my surgery, if Heater is not adopted, I will make the decision THEN. But, Heater my have already the decision to stay.

middle aged?

2008-07-25T18:30:00.004-04:00

I went for my annual today. After the exam, the doctor recommended that I have my first mammogram, because of my age, we need have a base line mammogram. Let's examine that phrase: BECAUSE OF MY AGE!!!! OUCH! The needle stick didn't hurt as much as that did.

I've been successfully denying that I'm aging. But this month, it's coming back to haunt me, in spades!

Gallstones!
Mammograms!
Grey hairs in places I don't want to talk about!
Holy buckets! I'm middle aged!

When did this happen?

This sucks...

Failed Foster?

2008-07-22T16:52:00.009-04:00

As many of you know, I am fostering another dog. This one is a bounce. I fostered him a few months ago and now he is back. This one has been, by far, my favorite foster EVER!!

Is it a sign? Was he meant to live out the rest of his days with Gemini and me? He has bonded with Gemini quite a bit. I am going to plead the 5th on how I feel.

Many have told me I need to adopt him myself. But, by doing that, I would probably have to stop fostering.

Here's the deal:
IF Heater has not been adopted by the time I recover from surgery; and
IF his separation anxiety is under control after I go back to work after the surgery; and
IF I have the finances;
I will consider adopting him.

JODI - I said CONSIDER!!!! Settle down.

Now, you can check out his SEGA blog. It's listed on the sidebar to the right!

just venting

2008-07-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

VENT 1
This morning, I'm walking Gemini and Heater. I'm in the common area as Gemini is finishing his business (good boy gemmy) and a neighbor opens her back door and turns out her great dane puppy and stands at the door to watch.
In my mind, I'm already seeing the disaster.

The other dog sniffs and then notices my dogs. I'm already starting to position myself in between the great dane and my dogs. The great dane takes off running in my direction and the lady FINALLY steps out her back door with the lease, nonchalantly calling her dog.

Gemini stiffens up and barks at the great dane. If you have ever been around Gem, he NEVER barks!! This was NOT a play bark, he was PO'd. I move my dogs back and stand in between and start moving my dogs away. She finally gets her dog and walks away.

HEY LADY - THERE ARE LEASH LAWS IN THIS COUNTY!!!! Being a responsible pet owner also involves the people, animals and property in your surroundings!

VENT 2
I'm in the check out line at Petsmart. Luckily the hounds are at home.

A man walks in with his puppy on a leash. The puppy nips my ankle! I turn around and the man is just continuing to walk, dragging the puppy behind him, not paying attention to what his dog is doing.

I sure hope they were there to attend dog training classes.

Thanks for listening to me vent. Sometimes you just got to gt things off your chest! I'm so glad I'm part of the greyhound community. Every greyhound owner I meet is so loving and responsible about their pooch.

Heater Beater Pumpkin Eater

2008-07-11T21:22:00.004-04:00

Heater's back in my house. Long story, but he's here with those beautiful puppy dog eyes!

This foster mom has some work to do, but he is in great shape for his age! One of the best personalities I've seen in a greyhound.

Tonight, all the animals are shacked out napping, all nice and quiet, I think I'll take their hint and hit the sheets myself.

It's all about how it makes you feel....

2008-07-09T18:28:00.004-04:00

Gemini is scared of thunder. Whenever it storms, he goes to the base of the stairs and tried to get as far under the lip of the first stair as possible.

3 feet long, 2 1/2 feet tall, 80 lbs
1 inch lip on the stair
The math does not work in Gemini's favor, but he feels better there then anywhere else.

Shaq the Foster and the Night at the Roxbury

2008-07-05T20:30:00.000-04:00

Roxbury Pamela Anderson
by fobe88

So, I currently have a foster dog, Shaq, at least until tomorrow. He is a sweet, loving dog, who feels the need to be right by my side when we walk. Sometimes Gemini also feels the need to be right by my side when we walk. During many of these walks, the only thing I could think of was the Saturday Night Live sketch, "Night at the Roxbury".

If you are not a fan of SNL, watch the video and you'll understand. The dogs would be the two guys.

Mulberries

2008-06-19T16:20:00.000-04:00

When I was a child, there was a mulberry bush on the way to the pool. When dad would take me to the pool, we would walk by the mulberry bush. On the way home, he would let me eat as many as I wanted.

If you are familiar with mulberries, when squished, the juice will turned your skin purple. I would come home with a purple mouth, purple hands, arms and probably purple all over, head to toe.

Dad would proceed to walk into the house and mom would come out of the house and hose me off before I could come in.

Well, I took Gemini, my greyhound, to the vet yesterday. As the vet was examining his paws, she asked what the mark on his paw was. It was too purple to be blood, she says. I flashed back to childhood, then remembered there is a mulberry bush in my neighborhood. Gemini stepped on some mulberries and stained his paw!

There is now no denying this is my dog!