Shoot From the Hip Wednesday, July 15, 2009

I'm feeling ultra lazy this evening, so here is your list of my recent life. In a nutshell. [insert: Obvious Austen Powers Quote]

Ok, then. Moving along...

1. Lunch today with friends. Strong, funny women who aren't afraid to just come out with it. Love that.

2. Walked the dog just now, and he was being a stubborn pooper. So, of course, I was pacing around while simultaneously getting divebombed by a host of flying parasites. WHAT IS WITH YOU SUBURBAN PEOPLE AND YOUR BUGS?! I love the trees and flowers out here, but DAMN. You need to STOP IT with the bugs, ya'll. There are a couple still on me - definitely one mosquito in my tank top that I can't seem to squash. Ladylike, right?

3. I would like, someday, to understand why everyone in Virginia Woolf's novels are so obsessively introspective. I'd put stones in my pockets and wade into the river too, if I had to spend my entire existence second guessing myself. Sheesh.

4. As of next week, I will be back in the dance studio - this time, taking class. What do people wear to jazz class nowadays, anyhow? Tights and a tank? Does everyone go barefoot like in the city, or no? Please advise.

5. Dominick's house brand pre-made lasagna: Looks horrendous, tastes divine.

6. I think I just felt another bug on me. DAMN IT.

7. My father was watching the end of tonight's SYTYCD episode with me, and got tired of Nigel's incessant yammering so he called Nigel a windbag. I had forgotten that word even existed.

8. Laundry! Three loads! Am no longer naked! Whee!

9. I don't know who Cam Gigandet is, but I saw his infant daughter in a picture online and she is a straight-up Gerber baby. Easily the cutest baby of 2009. Way to go, Cam! (but seriously - who is Cam Gigandet? IMDB says he's in Twilight - I haven't seen it. Worth the research time, or should I simply remain curious?)

10. Today was a tough day. I'm going to forget that, and hope for the best tomorrow.

There's Always One, Isn't There? Tuesday, July 14, 2009

This morning, during my daily "you can't have another dog but wouldn't you like to look at what is out there, in case there is one miracle dog just waiting for you to adopt it?" internet surfing, I came across Buttons (seen below). He is a lean copy of my own dog, and adorable, no? The scars on his face are courtesy of someone who thought his mouth should be tied shut. Like, with a rope. For long enough to scar him permanently. Yes, really.

This pet adoption thing is heartbreaking on so many levels: you feel like a hero sometimes, and other times, you think about what happened to your dog or cat before they found you and you have to be very careful about not letting your mind go to the bad place. The animal forces you to remember that things are okay NOW.

I've never been horrified enough about the global food industry and their questionable practices towards animals to become fully vegetarian. When I hear about things like the largest dog raid in US history, I don't drive to Missouri to offer shelter to a dog. (I do, however, wish fervently for the swift punishment of the heartless assholes at fault) The situation I have the most emotional trouble with the one-off dog - the one here or there, or nowhere in particular, who just wants someone to love.

THAT one dog is the one who always gets to me the most - the one that causes me to die a little, on the inside. Good luck, Buttons. I hope you find a happy forever home.

Photo Credit: Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society

Throbbing Pain, With a Side of STABBY Monday, July 13, 2009

Oh, what to do, what to do. Went to the dentist this morning, feeling right as can be, only to leave with a dull face ache courtesy of one very aggressive hygienist and her godforsaken plaque pick. Sure I have really clean, polished teeth NOW - but I was happier before! Before that feeling - YOU KNOW, THE ONE THAT FEELS LIKE FORKS JABBING ME IN MY JAW. Yeah, THAT ONE.

The only solution to this fiasco is fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a couple doses of Motrin, and a very large, fountain Diet Coke.

Actually that is my solution to a lot of unpleasant events in life. Hmm.

Let Your Igloo Cooler Mark Your Piece of Paradise Friday, July 10, 2009

Sunblock? CHECK. Whole Foods Ultimate Burgers? CHECK. A ridiculous amount of light beer? CHECK. It's that time of year again, folks.


Sean and I are off to the races. Go 17! Have a great weekend, everybody.