Walked dogs today.
First dog was Petey,a very happy pit bull. Bounced around in the snow, ate snow, wanted to play tug-of-war, and had a really high pitched bark when he wanted to play with other dogs.








Spent some time with Millie, a beagle poodle mix. Very scraggly looking, but such a sweet face. Soon as I went in her kennel with her, she jumped up and climbed all over me like I was a jungle gym. Putting her back legs on my thighs, and front paws on my am as I held it out for her. She wanted to get up higher for a look around it seemed.

I just got in the first 3 books in the Lemony Snicket series.
I started reading them to Brad as a bedtime story. Such quick reads, reading aloud I think I could finish one book in 3 hours, so just reading them would be even faster.
He likes it when I read to him.
So far its a good story and we are liking it.

I went to Zen Noodles after work. Met up with Lori & Rick for dinner. I had tofu pad thai and a strawberry, banana, pineapple smoothie. Pretty much the same as I remember Hi Ricki to be, just a different name. Lori got her hair cut since I had seen her last, looked really good.

Walked next door to Quimby's to look around before the reading. Steve came a bit early and went back out to buy some beers for everyone to drink. I bought a handful of zines to go through and then pass around to everyone. It's been awhile since I'd been to Quimby's so it was nice, checking things out again. Kim showed up. I usually only see her at these readings and we get a chance to catch up with each other. Jeannine, my Starbucks barista, birthday party I went to at Kit Kat club showed up too.

The reading as usual was very enjoyable. A lot of regulars show up that I always see when he reads. I brought in a book of his today for Jeannine at her request. After the reading we went across the street to Piece. I liked it, nice live jazz music, pizza smelled great, but I didn't eat any.

I will be at Zen Noodle next to Quimbys at 5:30ish if anyone wants to join me before heading over to the Steve Elliott reading at 7 tonight.

Website Weds

Ghost Sites: Gallery of failed dotcoms
The Beastles
How to dance Norwegian disco
Sherlock Holmes game
Captain Ozone

I did hot yoga last night with Emily at a Bikram yoga place. I have never done yoga before, not really. They keep the room super hot like at 105 and about 50% humidity, that's why I call it hot yoga. Emily loves it, goes everyday if she can. She doesn't buy into the mumbo jumbo side of things it just makes her feel good, emotionally and physically. Good enough, so I thought I'd give a go too.
During yoga you are supposed to be "in the zone", and not talk or anything. But Emily kept checking in on me or we would motion to other people in the room and giggle. This one guy in front of us did the class twice that day at lease and was standing in a huge pool of sweat, just pouring off of him..buckets. He does this weird thing when he drinks water she told me about. He lays down, puts the water in his mouth practically deep throating it and empties the bottle into his mouth while laying down all at once.
No farters in the class, just one guy that burped several times and a few very loud groaners.

I swear some of the guys in the class only do yoga so they can do this....




But anyway, I did alright. I was able to basically do most of the poses, I just couldnt stay in them the entire time. I felt like a greased pig. I put lotion on after I shower or bath, so I was covered in slippery lotion sweat. So when I had to grip a limb and hold...I had some problems. My thighs feel it today. Just a little achy, aware they had a workout. Emily is super flexible and was able to really go all out in the poses. The class was 90 minutes. I got weaker as the class went on. Didn't get dizzy, just weak. Towards the end of the class I was laying more than doing the poses. I would rest a bit and then try some more, but could tell I was getting worn out. The instructor stopped over when I laid back down and told me I was doing great and to just lay there. (That was nice) But after awhile of laying there I just wanted to get out of the hot room and get some fresh air. I could tell I was done. So I rolled over to Emily to let her know I was ok, just done and gonna clean up and told her to take her time. Gathered up the mat they lent me for me to wash off and headed out. The instructor tried to talk me into staying in the room, but I was ready for my shower. Thats a good thing though, I got out before everyone else, time to collect myself and shower up before everyone got out at the same time to hit the showers.

So I liked the sweating part. I don't normally sweat. I also dont normally drink enough water though either. But the sweating felt good. Just not super drawn to yoga, gave it a try though.

Steve Elliott reading at Quimby's (1854 West North Avenue) 7pm Weds Jan 26, 2005

He will be reading from his book Happy Baby

I am thinking about heading to dinner before the reading at around 5:30 if anyone would like to join me at anytime before the reading and head over together.

I am thinking about going to one of the 3 places listed below, they are all close to Quimbys, and I have never eaten there so it's new for me.

Suggestions?

Pot Pan

Feast

Zen Noodles (formerly Hi Ricki)

Nice weekend.
Felt a bit hyper-sensitive/emotional. Told Brad about it and told him what would help, and it did. I just needed some time with him. I didn't walk dogs, as much as I love it, it was snowing heavily and wet/cold. If I did it it would have whooped my ass for the rest of the day. Brad had a doctor appt, and was planning on doing the driveway when he got home...which would have ruined him for the rest of the day as well. So I talked him out of his original plan and we spent the day out running mindless errands together. Had lunch at Hometown Buffet, cause Brad is starting back up on his South Beach diet and they have lots of meats and other options besides fried foods to eat. I like the salad bar and chili.
Went to the mall to hang out and watch people. We walked in and out of stores, I tried some stuff on and ended up getting a corduroy skirt and corduroy pants from H&M. Sat in the food court and stared at people, him drinking his diet coke and me my iced coffee.
Went home and we did the driveway together. Both of us got soaked, then went back in to clean up and watch Catwoman. She looked great but really bad CGI. Friday night we watched Anchorman, that was cute.

Today got a snack at Wendys, went to Home Depot to use a gift certificate on some odds and ends, Best Buy for Turbo Tax, gas station, some shopping in downtown Naperville (Ann Taylor, Sur La Table and a beauty supply place) and then to Trader Joes to stock up on some food items. Finishing up laundry for the week, football on TV until Desperate Housewives later tonight.

Good news from work! The week after next I will be working from home for the week. The boss gave me a big ugly project to do and then offered for me to work from home to do it. Ok! Twist my arm! :)

"We will have 24-7 surveillance of key Inaugural facilities, as well as portable x-ray equipment to examine packages, as well as commercial vehicles and delivery trucks entering these areas. In addition, we will deploy trained Homeland Security personnel to augment the work of local law enforcement.

We anticipate there will be about 6,000 law enforcement personnel here from dozens of federal, state and local agencies. We will utilize record numbers of canine bomb teams. We're spending a great deal of money in the Department of Homeland Security very appropriately on the technology of detection."



"As with many Bush Administration endeavors, not all the costs of the 2005 inauguration are reflected in the advertised price, which is supposed to be covered by private donations from high-roller individuals and corporations.

Security, for example. District of Columbia officials are still waiting for an answer on who will cover the city of Washington's $17.3 million tab for various inaugural costs, including $5.3 million in police overtime.

The unprecedented security effort will be overseen by the Secret Service and 50 federal, state, and local agencies from a special command post somewhere in northern Virginia. More than 4,600 law enforcement officers will guard the 1.7-mile route of the inaugural parade, which reaches from the Capitol to the White House.

We don't quarrel with a president's right to hold an inauguration in keeping with the historic significance of the quadrennial event, or with the need for security."




"Unlike previous such events, the Bush administration is refusing to reimburse the District of Columbia for costs associated with the inauguration.

That could amount to $11.9 million, said Mayor Anthony Williams.

But given a war seemingly without end, and the horrors of the tsunami still fresh, perhaps restraint should have prevailed."


Also find corresponding info here at these news links:

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4284
http://www.salon.com/news/wire/2005/01/11/inauguration/index_np.html
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/01/12/155239
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan2005/n01112005_2005011106.html
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/01/12/record_security_promised_in_dc/
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050112/NEWS09/501120390

"At the height of World War II in 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt opted for a low-key inauguration for the start of his fourth term, with a simple swearing-in, a brief speech from the South Portico of the White House to a small crowd and a modest luncheon.

He was the exception.

No other president-elect taking office during wartime has scaled back his inaugural events as Roosevelt did.

Sixty years ago, Roosevelt delivered his speech, just 559 words, at the White House rather than the Capital because of the war and his poor health. A post-inauguration luncheon was held for 1,000 guests. The menu reflected wartime austerity: cold chicken salad, rolls without butter, unfrosted pound cake, and coffee."

Website Weds

Sassy's WorldWide Dogbite Service, Inc.
Spot the fake smiles
Bembo's Zoo
The Nuts: Squirrel Power
He looks like.....
Virtual Stan
Second Term

Brad and I went to an Army surplus store yesterday and I bought some stuff.
They had buy one get one free pants for $19 (so I got 2), t-shirt for $7.50, and kids sized cap for $6.50.
So I am sitting around the house in my newish outfit practicing my Lyndie England thumbs up and watching the E pre-show for the Golden Globes. Too bad that god awful Star Jones is hosting it.
New Simpson's on tonight too.
I got MLK day off tomorrow.

Star Jones has the most annoying laugh!!! She sounds like The Count from Sesame Street.

Chuck was still at the Humane Society when I went to walk dogs today. He should go in no time though. He just doesnt like other dogs, or other big dogs mostly. But so sweet. He would jump up on my shoulders and we were eye to eye.




Then I walked Rodna. Lab mix 6 years old, had recently had a litter. Don't know where the pups are though. She is a quiet gentle dog. Might have been used for breeding.






Mickey is one of my favorites of yesterday. Beagle/Pitt mix. When I showed Brad pictures he said he could see some of Goliath in him, maybe thats why I liked him so much. Big boxy head, very friendly and sweet. He got so excited when I joined him in his kennel after our walk. Just got super happy bouncy to have a guest in his home.











My other super favorite is JD. Pure Pitt. Very nervous at first, standing back, tail down. So I went in and sat with him. He was curious but still unsure. Then he let me pet him and he wagged his tail but still had his tail dropped down between his back legs. Then after awhile he was rolling around let me rub his belly and playing with his toys with me. I think someone put a cigarette out on his head, he has a fresh wound that kind of looks like that.











I heard one of the volunteers telling another guy to go to the bathroom, that one was marked out of order but had a newborn puppy in it. So of course I had to make a beeline for the bathroom. One puppy, looked like a pug. Just opened his eyes in the last day or two. Made the cutest little puppy squeaky sounds. So cute and small....and squeaky. Just amazing to see newborns of any sort.

I finally stopped using Internet Explorer and went to Firefox
About time too!
I am slow to make changes when I get used to something.
But now I gotta tell everyone else....

YOU GOTTA START USING IT TOO!!!

I had a gynecologist appt yesterday.
On the way there, I was having abnormal cramping pains. So I toyed with the thought of what if I was pregnant, or what if I was having a miscarriage. I hesitate to say this publicly, but I thought I would be relieved if was having a miscarriage.
And no I'm not pregnant or miscarrying. My mind just wonders in odd places and I was on my way to the doctor anyway so it went there.
I don't want kids at this point in my life. I wanted them 5 years ago or earlier, but not now.
I feel a little bad like it's insulting to my mom and mom-in-law. Thankfully my sister and sister-in-law have provided grandkids, so it's not like I am totally depriving them. I'd have a lot more guilt then.
I'm gonna be 34 soon, and Brad is a bit older than me. I look forward to retiring, to retiring early if possible. I want to travel with Brad. We have so many things we get excited about and look forward to: getting a boat, having a farm with animals, having dogs, having an RV and going on road trips. Kids at this point would change all that for us.

About 4 years ago, I was having pains and felt like my ovaries were exploding. So while I was in for my appt, she had me go do an ultrasound to check on the fibroid/cyst to just keep an eye on it and see if it is going away, the same or worse.

Dog Cam Sites

Fog City Doggie Day Care
Dog City Doggie Cam
Dog Zone Doggie Cam
Famous Canine
Gertie the Pug
Layla's Cam Page
Haakon & Ragnar
City Bark
City Bark Too
Riku

Website Weds

Keep your drunk guy standing (Thanks Sean)
Ice Scraping (Thanks Sean)
Peanut game (Thanks Chris)
4 year old drummer
Everything will be fine (scroll up)

Tonight it's "Devil Girl From Mars" (1954)
An uptight, leather-clad female alien, armed with a raygun and accompanied by a menacing robot, comes to Earth to collect Earth's men as breeding stock.

I am so spoiled.
I am making posts from my jacuzzi bathtub with the wireless laptop.

Walked dogs today, the parking lot at the Humane Society was really icy.
Walking and playing with the dogs got me soaked.
My jeans and shoes were soaked, snow paw prints all over the front of my coat, even snow in my hair from them jumping up on me.

I walked Booboo first, puppy pit. Such a little spaz. She has only one eye. She was running around so much, and with only one good eye, she kept running into my legs. She loved the snow, running and bouncing through it, chewing it. I'd kick snow up an she would dart to chase it. Kept wrapping her leash around my legs, the more I would spin the unwind myself the more she would run around me.






Next I walked Chuck, I forget his age but he is an Airedale. Big boy, liked jumping up on my shoulders so we were face to face. I like Chuck a lot. Big sweet lap dog, just a big baby with a beautiful face.




Dickens is another spaz. Jack Russell terrier.




Daisy is a Lab mix. I like her a lot too. The softest fur. Very sweet and gentle. And makes really goofy smiles.

Had to stay awake to finish the ending of another great movie. "Kapo", an italian film from 1959 about nazi concentration camps. Very depressing and still beautiful.
Last night it was a silent Mary Pickford movie "Sparrows".

I think I have said here before I don't like yelling laughers.
And I may have mentioned I don't like table slapping laughers, which includes knee slapping laughers because if they do one, then they usually do the other.
But tonight I was reminded that I really really don't like clapping laughers.

Took a comp day from work today.
We were supposed to get our new dishwasher delivered.
Not happening.
Sears didn't fax the order over to the delivery company, so it's now not being delivered until next Saturday. We dropped the van off at the dealership last night to get the fog lights fixed and a light replaced. So I am just sitting at home.

Made a pitcher of coffee and tea, and put out in the garage to chill. Loaded the old dishwasher back up.
Brought in the Trib crossword and am now back in bed, watching soaps.

Got my wireless laptop, some yogurt, the crossword....and that's all a need.

Website Weds

New Years
Whats that song
Soccer elephant
Saved from dinner
Hand collector
Brazil
Sheep do not fly

Went to see Spamalot last night with Brad.
I bought him tickets for christmas from Stub Hub.
They were fakes. :(

I felt so bad.

We got seated, but other people around us (in all of row B actually) were having the same problem. About 15 of us all had fake tickets. Some people had bought them off of Ebay. We could stand in the standing room only section at the very top while they tried to sort it out. So we watched the first half standing up, which was really tough on Brad, his back, and an ankle that has been bothering him.

Brad kept reassuring me he knew I meant well. And said the "Always look on the bright side of life song" was very apt. For the second half 2 ushers gave us their seats in the standing section, so we got to sit for the second half. It still was a good show. Stub Hub will be giving me a full refund. So as I see it, it cost us $22 (what we paid for parking) for some really crappy seats.

I'm just glad I bought him that box of Belgian dark chocolates last week since the tickets kinda got screwed up.

Wrapping up my day to go home. Had Indian buffet for lunch.

It's been awhile since I've walked the dogs, really looked forward to seeing them yesterday.
I took Mia out first, she's a whippet. She was just so beautiful and gentle. Likes to be held.



Next I took out Molly. Little spaz dog. Se seemed happy to get attention but when I'd reach down to touch her she would spin out in overdrive. Body flopping and spinning all over the place. So I grabbed her up and held her still up next to me, just to make her calm down. It did the trick.



The it was Roxie. She has the softest fur. So soft! Also a bit of a white blur of spazziness. But holding her seemed to go over well with her too. I liked her Cruella DeVille look.



Last I walked Comet. Big sweetheart. Lots of goofy faces, and just a big beauty.