My Life as a Dog- part 1

Inspired by getting winded walking to my car (it was up a hill!), and having a thousand pimples pop up all over my face, I've decided to turn over a new leaf, adopt some healthier ways, start a new life... as a dog.

Screeech! Put on the crazy brakes. Woof, woof? Bow wow? Ruff ruff?

No, no. I am not literally going to sprout a tail, start panting, and walk on all fours. However, working at an animal hospital has shown me that our canine friends can teach us a thing or two about good living. So, here is what I've learn from the pups in my life.

Tip #1: Sleep when you are tired
Do dogs stay up past midnight to watch a "Criminal Minds" marathon, or write blog? Have you ever seen a dog look at the clock and decide its "too early" to go to bed? I constantly say I'm tired, but proceed to stay up until midnight simply out of principle.

If I were Max, a little Shih Tzu at the hospital, I would not be ashamed to call it a night at 6pm (before dinner!).

If I were Buttons, my snoring Lhasa Apso, I would wake up to eat breakfast and fall right back asleep.

If I were to start my new dog life now, I'd better learn how to turn off the TV earlier. Maybe I'll even start getting 8 hours of sleep a night. Gasp, imagine that...

Hope you all sleep well, and have wonderful dreams full of chasing cats and belly rubs! Good night and sleep tight!!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dear ole August

My oh my... I feel like a granny saying "ehhh..where has the time gone?" in a croaky old voice. But at least this month consisted of more than my normal TV watching. Big step.

In the past month I have:

• Played host to visiting relatives
  
• Been to the local courthouse for jury duty
• Went on family adventure to Alaska and Vancouver
• Been to the local courthouse for jury duty... yes twice.
• Gotten good at telling potential employers that I don't have a wealth of experience, but I learn really fast. And am dependable. And am easy to work with.

I've decided (after watching Julie & Julia) to try to write more regularly. Since I'm not doing anything but bumming around the house, I figure this will give me some kind of structure. Or help make sure I don't forget how to write. Or keep my mind active. Or help me with social skills. What if I forget how to converse with people?! Seriously. What if I hang out with my dog all day and then talk to seals on the weekends. I might become the new version of the lady with a million cats. Hmm, I'll keep you updated.

Things I want to do!

I 've known about 43 things, a website where members share their goals, for quite some time. I remember seeing it whenever I google-search places I want to travel to, or activities that I want to do.

Given my love of list making, I really wanted to join. I'm the person who has sticky notes of things I like and things that make me happy lest I forget. However, I didn't think I could ever come up with a list of 43 things (43..!!). Waaay to many. But as I read other lists, I realized I could list whatever I want. I saw everything from "read 5 books" to "get a job." I love how fluid and flexible those list were, and it really motivated me to jot down some random thoughts.

I recommend everyone to do the same (at least on a sticky note!!). Because its so easy for dreams and little things to get lost in the shuffle of the real life. Seriously, my life gets so hectic that sometimes I forget I like puffins or that being barefoot makes me happy. I definitely benefit from little reminders.

So, here goes my ever changing list of grandiose life things to small everyday tasks.

I hope to get more crossed off items! Check back to see how I'm doing (weeell, somethings will probably take a few years).

I want to..

• Become a veterinarian
• Learn how to SCUBA
  • See the Great Barrier Reef
• Learn to drive a stick shift
• Visit all 50 states
  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
• Give regularly to Heifer International
• Buy an fancy SLR camera
• Return to Care for Dogs as a volunteer veterinarian
• Run the Disneyland half marathon
• Watch all AFI’s 100 greatest movies
• Read more “smart people” books (e.g. Oliver Twist, Count of Monte Cristo, anything Austen)
• Drink more water daily
• Read the entire bible

Poppity kettle corn

Yummy yummy yummy, i got love in my tummy.

I LOOVE food. ANYthing to do with it; cooking, eating, watching Foodnetwork. So I finally decided to let the food bloggin commence!

Or will it..?

Let's just say there are some key parts missing that would make it a good blog post. Like a recipe.. or measurements.. or fancy shmancy terminology.. or good pictures.. or bad pictures touched up with photoshop to look good..

For those wondering, here is what a food blog would look like if written by me. Get ready for a confusing and abusive post.


Heat up a large pan with enough corn oil to coat the bottom. (Note: no measurement of how much oil.. 'round here we just eyeball it). Test the oil temperature with one kernel.

Pop! Yup, its ready.

Measure out popcorn Rachel Ray style, by the palmful.

Here's the tricky step. Quickly add some sugar, before the popcorn pops buuut not too early or it will burn. Just for you, I have demonstrated what waiting too long to add sugar looks like. Yeahh, just sprinkle it around. What?? Too confusing? Want more details on when to add the sugar? Riiight, you won't get that 'round here.

Cover and swirl around the fire while it pops. Now, its listening time... Shhhhh... hear it slow down? Yup, its done.

Now its the easy part. But for my padre, it seems to require the most concentration and speediness. Ready? Pour some popcorn out.

Noow salt it. Some believe Trader Joe's sea salt works best. That same person prefers JollyTime kernels for their superior popablility. *coughDADDYcough.* Snob.

Here's where the real skill comes in. Toss to mix salty goodness with the sweet crunchiness. Shake it, shake, shake, shake it. OOHH, but don't let any fall out. Vulture-like family members will swoop in and devour those poor kernels.

Ohh yeahhhh.. That's what I'm talking about. What a good way to start a Tuesday.. Oops I mean Tuesday night.. Err, I meant movie night.. Meh, who am I kidding I could eat this anytime, anywhere.

Until I can write nicely and helpfully, I will be sitting in food blogging timeout. Hope they don't make me wear a dunce cap.