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Thursday, April 08, 2010

Marvelling At The Brilliance...

Man, my day has been quite the active one today...

I have been having quite the time getting Sir Wiggy up in the morning for his morning constitutionals. It's a vast difference since when he first lived with me - that boy was up at 5 or 6 a.m. ready to greet the world. Come 7:30 I'm shaking him awake gently and he's looking at me with that vacant glare like "Momma, puleaze - I iz seeps!" At 7:45, I'm shaking him again and his reply - he rolls over. At 8:00, that's it - he's got 10 minutes to run outside and pee or I am late for work. He gets up begrudgingly like how dare I wake the king from his slumber and trots out to the living room to see where the cat is. Then he remembers "OH Door is at end of hall." and he slooooooowly trots down to the doorway while I'm walking behind him going "Wiggy - you are dilly-dallying - MOVE IT!" My neighbors must think I'm nuckin' futz, I swear.

So this morning was yet another round of "Wiggy Wake Up!" and it set me behind on my schedule a bit. Fine, no Starbucks drive by would be possible as I grabbed a diet coke for the road. As I'm heading to the 9to5, my GPS tells me there is a back road that will shave 15 min. off my commute. GREAT! Not only would I be early, but that also would mean that I don't have to deal with the senile Conshohocken police officer and his sidekick dopey crossing guard who hold up traffic without fail every. single. day. [The two stooges only let one car at a time through the intersection (and it's a two lane highway - figure Car A waits while Car B goes - then the cop lets a ton of cars out from the cross street and then Car A can go while Car C has to wait - it's a NIGHTMARE) as Officer Dipstick marches through traffic looking in cars for seatbelt. offenders].

I take the shortcut and am movin' right along - 10 min. down the road, I see this HUGE sign looming in front of me that says "ROAD CLOSED."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?

So I make a u-turn and head back up the huge street to the main road and thankfully there was another back way in. However, still I was way behind schedule. *UGH!* "Brilliance, Lys, Sheer Friggin' Brilliance!" I griped as I mentally slapped myself upside the head ala Gibbs from NCIS.

Cutting to lunch hour, I had to run to the King of Prussia mall to Borders to pick up an updated AP Stylebook and got there in record time. YAY! I figured things were turning my way - until I decide in yet another fit of brilliance that I'd grab a coffee from Starbucks down the hall instead of going through McD's drive through when I got back near the office. That would be a wonderful plan if only the Barista knew how to multi-task. The man had 4 coffee orders and could only methodically mix one at a time while ogling some mall rat girls (Don't they have school?!?!). Well, 15 min. later for my venti iced non-fat caramel macchiato, I had to run like the wind to get into Borders and grab the book which was buried in the vast back of the store and race back to the car. UGH! Again with another mental slap to the head as I hightailed it back to work.

Seriously, these ideas of brilliant time saving have to stop or I just need the Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland to keep me on schedule.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:43 PM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, November 14, 2009

So Late In Posting This....

I know, I know - I'm bad.  Anywhoo - here is a pic of Wiggy in his Halloween costume.  He's not one for clothes, dressing up nada - he ripped off the fireman costume the minute I tried to put it on him and as for him being a medium - NEVER.  He's a large - couldn't keep anything on him.  He consented and wore the pirate hat around the house to answer the door and was far from happy until the delivery guy told him how freakin' adorable he was.  Never saw that dog prance until then.

He must have caught the vain-virus from Ms. Shadow... Go figure.

DSCF0925

OOPS - let me try again...

 

Wiggy-Halloween

RAWRRRRRR - Iz Pirate!

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Posted by Lys :: 11:25 PM :: 4 comments

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Monday, October 05, 2009

GUILTY OF IDIOCY: Altamonte Animal Hospital...

One of the stories from the move was a sad one - and one that left me shocked and still, to this day, very annoyed.

My pug, Mr. Wiggles is a character - of that there is no doubt.  He does tend to be very hyper and "wiggly" when he sees people initially but that's just how he is. 

When I left for Philly, I asked for sedatives for both him and Shadow as it would be a long drive and I wanted them to be calm.  Shadow had been sedated for her flight to Florida so I didn't think much of it.

The day of the move, we waited until about half an hour before we left to give the pets their meds.  Shadow was prescribed a 1/4 of a 10 mg. tablet of Acepromazine.  Wiggy was prescribed a full 25 mg. tablet of Acepromazine.  Shadow took her tablet with little incident.  However, Wiggy spit his out twice.  Finally, with the bribe of cheese, he took it and my dad took him for his last walk.  I was told it would take 30 minutes for it to take effect.  Well, within minutes, Wiggy promptly convulsed, lost control of bodily function and basically collapsed and couldn't walk. 

WHAT THE @*#@*@*@?!?!  I called the Altamonte Animal Hospital only be told I could "drop him off".  Listen here dummy - I'm leaving to MOVE TO PHILADELPHIA TODAY and you want me to DROP HIM OFF?!?!?  ARE YOU NUCKIN' FUTZ?!?!?!  Not to mention, after this incident I didn't trust them with a pen, let alone my dog.  She told me that it was my option to leave with him sick but I really should just "drop him off."  I about lost my mind.

As I sat with Wiggy, I started googling results of Acepromazine with pugs.  He kept lookin' at me with the saddest eyes and would try to walk but couldn't move his back legs.  Thankfully, he threw up the pill and still would go in and out of sleep.

I texted Rifleman asking him for a vet suggestion in Philly.  If they told me to bring him back to the Altamonte vet, I would - but I was far from pleased.  He came back immediately with the spot he takes his dog to - Wissahickon Animal Hospital which is right near the new apartment. 

Thankfully, Jen from the Wissahickon Animal Hospital talked me off of a ledge, got me calm and told me that he should be fine, especially if he threw up the pill.  That was the first step.  Secondly, she said that apparently he had a reaction to it but interestingly enough, the vet prescribed him 25 mg. for a 20 lb. dog.  That was enough to sedate a 100 lb. dog.  Some vets prescribe 1 mg. per pound but considering that they did one quarter of a 10 mg. tablet for my 12 lb. cat, shouldn't they have done the same for my DOG?  Jen made an appointment for me to bring in Wiggy after the move and told me it was safe to leave in an hour or so just to keep an eye on him and call if there were any problems.  During my phone convo, Wiggy woke up and haltingly started walking over to my dad for comfort.  That was the best sign ever!

I tossed their pills in the bag, vowing to never use them again.  During the drive, Wiggy had a couple seizures but would quickly snap out of it.  Can I tell you the immense amount of guilt I had for even sedating the little guy in the first place???

While I was driving through Georgia, my cell phone rang and on the other line was the Altamonte Animal Clinic's office manager wanting to talk about the incident.  I didn't hold my tongue at all - they overdosed my DOG!  We went back and forth a bit but she told me that the Vet was at liberty to prescribe a 25 mg. dose for Wiggy since it was his prerogative and Wiggy was so hyper.  While I understand that, I felt I should have been consulted first as I would have to drive with him and he had never been sedated with that before.  As his parent/owner, in the end, I didn't see how they could prescribe only a quarter of a 10mg. tablet for my 12 lb. cat yet a FULL 25 mg. tablet for my 20 lb. pug.  Plus - while they only see the hyper "initial" side of him, they don't see the quasi-calm guy I live with when the excitement of seeing people is over.

It is what is is and thankfully Wiggy was okay during his checkup with Dr. Jacobs at the Wissahickon Animal Hospital and absolutely adores everyone there.  HOWEVER, after this drama with Altamonte Animal Clinic and Dr. Hart, I could never recommend Altamonte Animal Hospital again.  This one lapse of judgement on their part could have taken him away permanently.  And being told to "Drop him off" like he was a rejected piece of luggage, that was just poor taste on their part.

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Posted by Lys :: 1:15 PM :: 5 comments

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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sometimes A Little Reflection Is Good...

I know I'm super stoked about the upcoming move and looking forward the adventure ahead.  However, I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't think about what brought me here to Orlando in the first place.  I believed in a project so much that I left a good paying job at a major corporation to head forward into the unknown and handle the PR for a group of amazing individuals who, even to this day, I am so proud of.  Regardless of my issues with their management, I always believed in them and do to this day.  Anything that they call me for, you know I'll drop what I'm doing and help them out.  They have all grown up now and I still slip and call them kids, but the memories I have with them and their family is just priceless.  They are fabulous individuals and I adore them.

When times were tough, the people surrounding them became a surrogate family of sorts - and I can't imagine not having MB or Fus around to yip with.  They understood my frustration - Fus and her family let me spread my wings PR wise and handle things for the label, giving me major experience and huge learning opportunities.  I was able to reconnect with industry people from my past and revive those relationships, take on new clients and explore different genres.  I learned that sometimes you just have to branch out and have faith that the road you are on is the right one.  I also learned to rely on instinct and if something doesn't seem right or you just know it doesn't fit in your plan, then get rid of it.  I learned that some people are just downright snakes and your instinct won't lie to you.

Of course, when their band broke up and they moved back out West, I stayed here in O-Town and wound up getting the job I have now (and will have til Sept. 4th).  I met some amazing people regardless of someone's telling me to NOT work and that just "things would be taken care of" (thankfully I also learned that some people are full of ish and they just need to be gone!)  I learned responsibility at a level I never really had to before, where I became truly independent and could think for myself.  I embraced my inner bitch and dealt with the drama swiftly, only looking forward.  What would crying do to help me, not a damn thing.  I just had to soldier on. 

I also learned that besides the day to day, I needed a creative outlet, hence me starting Just Because... well, just because and meeting (virtually) some fabulous fabulous people that I would love to have a cocktail or coffee with and just chatter endlessly about fashion, cooking, the weather, anything with :)  I further branched out into honing my cooking skills and then transitioning that over to Cooking in Stilettos and meeting FoodBuzz, another group I just adore.  On the fashion end (because, well, I'm a fashion whore - totally admit that), Reese and I collaborated on Fashionista+ which I'm excited to work on again. 

And, on the personal level, Shadow and I met the one and only Mr. Wiggles who taught me that things I deem urgent, really aren't - at least in a dog's eyes.  I began to laugh again and to not always focus on the minutiae.  I discovered that Loubous and fabulous shoes are, indeed, my crack.  I rebuilt some relationships from the past.  I learned to "edit it down" when it came to my surroundings and address things that normally I would try to hide from and stick my head in the sand.  Sometimes when you just deal with it, it's not as bad as you think it would be.

The past few years have not been easy and the move to Philly just seemed out of my reach. However, once I set my mind to it, the wheels began turning and, in a few weeks, it is a goal I'm about to achieve.  Since 16, I knew I wanted to live there.  In February 2008, that feeling was overwhelming when I was wandering around Center City by 17th Street.  I knew that I needed to be there in the thick of it.  I reconnected with old friends from the past such as OurBuddy, Jas & CK and with them, Reese & Meowmix, some great discussions were had.  It was during one of those Philly jaunts that, by chance, I met Rifleman who would be one of those friends I think will be around for a long time and has gone above and beyond to help me attain this goal.  I discovered that there are, indeed, good hearted people in the world that really do give a ***t.

There are so many other avenues that are opening up left and right that I think Philly will just be a whole new playground and a level up.  I will miss my friends and adopted family here in Orlando - that's for sure but I welcome the future opps.

And when I sit here tonight and think about it, one song comes to mind bringing this full circle -Jett17's track "All Together Now" - because, quite frankly, things are coming together now.  I know where I'm going, where I came from and what I went through and it made me the person I am today and, you know what, I think I kinda like her.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:14 AM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

Patient Update...

Last week was CHAOS with a capital "C". After I posted about Wiggy and his diagnosis of kennel cough, he took a turn for the worse. Last week we had heatwaves that were crazy hot and the ac in the apartment was, again, on the fritz.

Wiggles started panting like crazy, wheezing and getting himself all worked up (dude - STOP chasing the cat!) and I tried to keep him calm, cooling him down with icy cold towels and ice cubes. About 1 in the morning he just collapsed, couldn't walk and I called the ER to see what their thoughts were. They told me to bring him in ASAP and, sure enough, he had heat exhaustion with the kennel cough. Thankfully they kept me calm because I kept feeling like I failed Wiggy somehow - one shot of steroids later to reduce the swelling in his throat (and over $160), they fixed him up and we were headed home. We won't talk about the buggy fight I had the in car (again - they attack) and I thought all was well with him laying in front of the fan resting. They assured me that the shot would take care of him for the night and knock him out. However, an hour later, he was back to the heavy panting and crawling into the kitchen to lay next to his water dish and fridge. By this time it was already 5 am.

I called his vet the minute they opened and they took him in first thing as I waged battle with the apartment complex to fix the AC yet again. Turns out the compressor unit had a huge leak so the house has been comfortably 65-70 all week. The head maintenance guy took care of it personally and for that I'm grateful. The vet called me at the end of the day to check to see if the AC was fixed as they couldn't release him to me unless it was. Thankfully it was all fixed (and, funny side note - I learned to open and close the air vents - I have 12 ft. ceilings - I didn't know that they were quasi closed. Thanks to SL, those vents are open more than a Dennys).

Wiggy has been working on getting better all week - he's still weak at times, still chasing the cat but he is getting better by the day. I've been keeping an eye on him all week. Even Shadow has been worried checking on him.

I'm happy to say that his personality has returned and, yes, school can't come quick enough. Last night he stared me down and let one go on the rug because I didn't take him out with SL and I when we went to Friendlys. Somehow I just need to remember that I almost lost him and be thankful that he's got a little feistiness in him - even if he does continue to chase Shadow only to give her kisses.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:57 PM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Wiggs Update and Why I Will NEVER Kennel Him At Preppy Pet Again...

I'm a bit perturbed - let me rephrase - I'm SERIOUSLY perturbed. Wiggs is not the most graceful pug but, if anything, he's pretty damn healthy for a pug.

Until this week. When I got home from Philly, I picked him up from his kennel, Preppy Pet Suites in Longwood. I spoke to them last Saturday and they assured me he was just fine. When I picked him up, Mandy made the remark that he was "quite rambunctious". Fine - I understand that he's quite the pain in the ass and I was fine with it. He got home and I checked his bag to only find that most of his food was still in there. What the hell did they feed my dog? I mean, if I'm paying $160 for the pug to stay there, dammit, they will keep his diet as is. I tend to research what is fed to him after many food dramas and he's on a steady diet (sans the TooJays but that's occasionally). They took it upon themselves to feed him Cesars which is something that is on "clearance" at the supermarkets here and I don't know what the hell is in it. Their reasoning "He wouldn't eat his Chef Michaels" Sure he wouldn't - he's conning you for people food. If you leave it - he eats it. They could have told me this on Saturday and I would have advised them as such - not just "Oh he's just fine and behaving!" I had words with them and also asked that they please send me his collar which they neglected to put with his things (Note to Dana - I'm STILL waiting for it - please send it ASAP!). I was annoyed but not fully ready to break up with them yet.

Fast forward to yesterday - the heat index is unbearable - mostly it's 98 but with a heat index of 108-110. As Lesli can assure y'all, pugs and extreme heat is NOT good. So, I tend to keep him indoors. I'm still going through hell with the air conditioning drama here at the apartment (*ahem* Yo apartment management, perhaps we need a new compressor - stop putting a bandaid on a gaping wound, 'k??). However, he has a fan, steady supply of ice cubes and his new platinum fountain of chilled water. He's good. However his panting and hacking and wheezing had me wondering yesterday what the hell was wrong with him. He was up every hour on the hour moving across the bed to find a comfy spot. I even put in those "ice bricks" that you use with coolers under the sheets so he could lay on top of them. Still he was far from comfy and started dry heaving. Basically, it was a restless night for both of us and the cat who kept coming in the room to check on him.

This morning, I figured enough is enough and called his vet who, thankfully, is open 7 days a week (Altamonte Animal Clinic and Dr. Hart and Dr. Schnars seriously rock!) Jennifer, hearing the panic in my voice, told me that they would see him early this afternoon. First, I learned that he lost .7 lbs at the kennel - not good. In addition, after Dr. Schnars examined him, not only does he have a fever, but also a nasty case of kennel cough. $130 later from this appointment and I'm sure it will be more $$$ in 2 weeks at his follow up and my savings account is going "SERIOUSLY WHAT THE @@*#*@!" However, they take the best care of Wiggs and I'm thankful that they could fit him in today and catch it in time. They even advised that I present the bill to Preppy Pet for reimbursement but that just would never happen.

Preppy Pet, however, and I will NOT be friends and I think it's time that I have a bit of a come to Jesus session with them besides telling them that I will no longer utilize their services nor recommend them to anyone - ever! I entrusted them with my pug and this just is unacceptable. While I know that kennel cough can happen, it shouldn't have been this severe.

On a sidenote: what's funny is the look on the tech's face when I told her that Wiggs was at Preppy Pet. Granted he was there for 6 days but apparently it was 6 days too long and you know that face like that gal made to Carrie in Sex & The City when she brought up Aidan - yeah, that face was the tech's face at mention of Preppy Pet. Perhaps I'm not the only person that will be breaking up with them in the near future.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:52 PM :: 4 comments

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Forgive Me Internets For I Have Sinned...

It's been days since my last blog post.

So, yeah, you all are sick of hearing me say "Life is getting in the way" but, quite frankly, I'm going to keep saying it.  Lots of fodder over the weekend jaunt to Philadelphia but I really don't know where to begin.  So, since I have the day off to pick up Mr.Wiggles from his extended posh puggy vacay, I will have to upload photos with the appropriate snarky remark and hope that it translates.

Also, I have to say this to the Boston fans in the back of the house - send me to a Phillies game to cheer on my team and my team will spank the Red Sox every.time.  So now I have a new tradition - that being to watch my team in person beat my family and friends' favorite team into the ground.  Yeah I know - tres thrilling.  See, haven't you missed me?

Also, I have so much thinking to do after this trip - opportunity is just around the corner - it's a question of wrapping my head around the ideas and running with it - not just pulling my standard m.o. - that being ostrich + head + sand = Lys' usual way of dealing with crap.

Thankfully, SL took care of little Ms. Shadow but I think she'll be happy to hear her momma come home - at least for a day.  The Pug - that sucker better sing for me when he sees me.  I missed the two furballs.  I even called his little "daycare" spot to see if he's been behaving.  They told me he's been an angel - I think they are lying.  This dog kicked sand all over a blind girl doggie during his last stay - angel my butt.  This is Wiggs we're talking about.  He and I have had such a rough go of it lately where I was doubting my patience level or if he even cares to stay with me or move onto a new home.  He tends to last a few months and then get rambunctious and he's been misbehaving so much lately that I feel like he's a two year old and needs constant attention.  Perhaps its due to his history - or not.  Either way, he needs to learn "quiet/peace/calm the *@*!!* down"  As I told Rifleman, giving him up is not an option - he's with me for a good 10 years or so and somehow Wiggs and I have to pull a Tim Gunn and "Make It Work". 

Here's a story for you - Shadow's been getting him worked up.  He sees her and he wants to chase. When he's calm, he doesn't chase.  Well, her way of getting him in trouble - appearing the doorway of the bedroom, making noise, staring him down as he's laying on the bed and *boom* he's off and running. Often this happens at 3/4 in the morning necessitating me to get up and go get him and put him back on the bed only for her to wait 30 min. and do it again.  He also runs around the bed like "Momma get up!  Shadow play!" and one morning it was so hot, he got so excited and he threw up ON MY FACE!

No, you read that right - my face, my pillow - everything.  He just let one loose - Exorcist style.  Who was the culprit - the cat for getting him worked up and him for downing vats of water.  So I hope she finds a way to live with him because me and my pillow were at wits end.

Also, before I left I had to get a new water dish - in Florida, <del> Oversize Cockroaches</del> <del> palmettos </del> waterbugs *snort*  tend to love the dishes and I found 4 of those suckers in the internal housing of the animals $70 platinum fountain having a party on the carbon filter.  That fountain went in the trash so quickly I was done.  My dad wanted to know if I could salvage - no, I'm sorry - I'm not going to have my animals drinking out of a porous plastic "fountain" that has been doused in bleach.  So I went off to PetSmart before I left to pick up some "Vegas" style fountain for the cat - and let me tell you that putting it together almost killed me. You need a master's degree to put that crap together.   For the price I paid, not only should it have been pre-assembled, but also should have come with a cocktail (or three) Couple that with no sleep and I was one cranky ***** on the flight down.  Now that I'm heading  back to Orlando, I'm quasi-relaxed and ready for the week ahead.

Well, at least after I finish this Baileys - I clearly didn't drink enough on this trip.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:31 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, June 04, 2009

No Summer Break For The Weary...

Or, in the alternative, Wiggs is going to school...

No, you read that right - Wiggs is going to enjoy the majority of his summer going to training school.  I hit the end of my rope this morning.  Every day it's something - he's chasing the cat at 4:30 in the morning.  He won't do his business before work, often resulting in an accident in the house that greets me when I get home.  He's the complex police, often distracted to see what everyone else is doing and his ADD kicks in.  He tends to "puppy nip" people, not realizing his own strength, has been swiping TooJays fries from me and let's talk about his ambushing 3 year olds with kisses, scaring said child from ever petting him.  His social graces are lacking, to say the least and when I took a behavioral exam to see where he fell in the "does he need training or not" test, he got a D.

My dad, ever the optimist said "Brandy [my childhood St. Bernard] got an F.  He got a D.  See, there's hope".  Action was needed and I took matters into my own hands.  There are only so many "BAD DOG" reprimands a gal can say before losing her damn mind.

So tonight I spent some time talking to a dog trainer and Wiggs is going back to school.  I just wonder who's going to be trained more - me or Wiggs.  Our first class is June 27th and it's 3 flippin' hours.  Until then, I'm to keep an eye on the little monster and see where he needs help.  I feel less on the brink of a breakdown after talking with the trainer - he seems like the Dog Whisperer of Altamonte so this should be good.  However, he clued me in that pugs are VERY smart (and sneaky) so Wiggs best learn I'm wise to his kung fu.

Someone please send coffee - I'm going to need it.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:16 AM :: 2 comments

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Updates From Golf School Dorm Central And Why I Will Punch Someone In The Nose...

Over the weekend, there was a bit of an incident at the apartment complex which shall now be forever deemed as Golf School Dorm Central. There are so many golf students in our building that my neighbors and I have been losing our mind. The constant parties. The drunk screaming up and down the halls. The manly "bitch fights" outside at night. The scattered fast food littered in the hallways that brings the bugs. The multiple garbage bags of beer cans everywhere. This isn't even counting the spagetti and toilet paper in the bushes or the cat calls from each other's balconies. Seriously, it's enough to drive someone crazy.

We have a courtesy officer on premises and, while I do call him and have his number on speed dial, I still don't want to be the crazy old lady with the cardigan on the porch pounding my cane screaming "YOU G.D. WHIPPERSNAPPERS". I am trying to be nice (tho I wish Wiggy would lift his leg on a couple of them). Saturday night there was a scuffle about 3:00 in the morning. I won't call the courtesy officer past 1 am and figured it was more of their drunk shenanigans. See, the idiots in 312 are also "golf students" or, to quote someone in mgmt., someone who doesn't have to worry since mommy and daddy are footing the bill. One of them got drunk once and decided that since I took a parking space he wanted, then he had the right to call me the "C" word. My response was to berate him when he was sober. He's been respectful towards me ever since. Anywhoo - I digress. The point is - at 3ish, I heard the drunken b.s. coming from the direction of his apartment and the elevators. Eeehhh - Orlando's in the playoffs so I figured that it is what it is. That was until I heard *BAM* and it sounded like someone punched something pretty damn hard. Then more drunken b.s. Eeehh - whatever. I rolled over and went to sleep. I kept hearing bells in my sleep like the elevator opening and closing but figured that I was hearing things.

Crazy early Sunday morning, Wiggs is *poke poke poke* and doing his little "Mah I Gotta PEEEEEE" dance on the bed and making a mad dash for the door, giving me 2 minutes to get dressed. When he gets like this, I know there is no opportunity to roll over and resign myself to dealing with the early wake up call. I go to walk him and, as we get to the elevator, the door is opening and shutting, acting all crazy and I see what the *BAM* from the night before was: those sons of @*@*@* BROKE THE ELEVATOR PANEL - straight out punched it open Plastic and parts were scattered. It was a hot mess.

Now remember, when Wiggs first moved in, he had an insane fear of stairs and heights. He won't even go ON the balcony and trying to get him near the stairs - forget it. My guess is someone either dropped him as a pup from a huge height or played keep away at the college where he lived with his first owner who was too young to even take care of him. You can't even pick him up without him freezing and demanding "DOWN". It took six months of coaxing trying to teach him to trust me and that he no longer needed to hug the walls as he was walking.

Knowing that we couldn't use the elevator, I had to think quick and scooped him up, put him on my shoulder and trotted down the stairs. The dog had a massive panic attack. To go back upstairs - it was the same. Three times yesterday I did that, in the rain, etc. as I tried to console him and tell him what a brave boy he was. He would fight me trying to convince me that "Momma - we use elevator" but maintenance had already shut it down. There was no elevator and I kept telling him to be a big boy and trust me. It broke my heart to see him pawing at the elevator door, hugging it so I couldn't pick him up and make him walk up those bad stairs. Utterly heartbreaking - and the sounds coming from him, it was frightening - like he was hyperventilating.

I was PRAYING that I'd run into one of those fools from 312 because, even if it wasn't them - they are liable for the actions of their guests. In ONE day, by their dumb action of punching out the elevator panel and rendering it useless resulted in the undoing of SIX MONTHS of training my dog to trust me. In ONE day, my dog is now TERRIFIED to go outside should he fall while going down the stairs. In ONE day, their stupidity has affected EVERYONE in our building - especially the person on the second floor that uses a wheelchair, the mother of toddlers that has to now carry their stroller downstairs, plus her young children. Not to mention their utter lack of respect for their neighbors and our community.

As I told the complex manager today quite frankly I will not hold my tongue when I see any of those three fools. I'm pretty upfront as you all know and, as I joked with my friends, I will make those three azzhats cry by the time I'm through AND recommend that they move when the lease is out. If they don't like it, tough. I'll just whap them with my cane.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:15 PM :: 7 comments

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Wiggs' First Battle Wound...

Saturday, Wiggs had to go to the Vet's office for his monthly "butt squeeze" (where they fix his anal glands). Normally, its quick - we head in first thing in the morning, the techs know and adore him so they rush him in and once we're out the door, he's convincing me that "Momma - we really need to go to McDonalds" (I justify it as he's got his butt squeezed and it's not pleasant for him OR the tech - that's okay for a piece of sausage, right? Plus I need ice coffee). We are always told "No appointment - come early as a walk-in and we'll make it fast."


Sadly, this Saturday, it was going to be a long day. Not only was my LEAST favorite tech on duty (she's just nasty, cranky and mean - if I could bitch slap her I would. Such a bitter pill that woman.) It was also a busy waiting room as there were a couple other dogs hanging out. Wiggs, knowing that small dogs attack him (Napoleon complex much??), rushed over to a woman there with her pit bull and her retriever and Wiggs wanted to make instant friends. If there's anything he loves, it's other dogs. He even got all excited when one of those hotdogesque dogs came by and, once the hot dog saw Wiggs, it dropped on his back like "Look at MAH Belli!" and they were BFFs. One of the fellow rescue peeps came in with a new pug and those two were inseparable. It was cute. Now, sure there was the occasional "ARUUUUU" as the dogs barked and howled like they were singing campfire songs but it wasn't ear shattering. Bitter Pill would always look at Wiggs like he had NO social skills and, quite frankly, he doesn't. He knows sit, stay but if he sees someone that he can give a kiss or a snug to, he's off and running. And, yes, I'm a bad dog momma because - well - I kinda indulge him. He's around a cat who goes from hot to cold and is still not his friend. So if he can get a little dog interaction, good for him. As long as he doesn't pee on the chairs, we're good.


Well, one of the people brought their dog out who had a Elizabethan collar on. Knowing that the Elizabethan collar dog might have issues, I told Wiggs - NO NOSY! which, to him means, be nice but no sniffin' all over the place. Well, that other dog - we'll call him/her Bitchy, decided that they just wanted NOTHING to do with Wiggs and bit my pug on the nose.


Wiggs backed away in shock, like he was trying to process what happened and he was still wagging his tail. Clearly, he's the sweet one of the family. I see blood and start pulling him away, shooting the dog's parents a look like "WHAT THE @*@*#*#*@" You would think I would get at least an "I'm Sorry" after they asked - "Did he get bit?" HELL YES WIGGLES GOT BIT YOU AZZHAT! They knew their dog was a mean ass bitch and no warning? What. The. #*@*@*. Hello - your dog just tried to bite off my PUG'S NOSE!!!!


Sharon, the rescue volunteer, and I are trying to look at the battle wound and cheer up the poor pug who now is bleeding and has tears welling up in his eyes - Flying out of the office comes Bitter Pill pointing to me going "You - YOU AND THAT DOG NEED TO GO IN EXAM ROOM 4. NOW!"


Guess we got our azzes banished. Well, fine - Wiggs thinks he's in trouble due to her tone and, as I shoot Bitter Pill a look of death, I just pulled him away while grabbing some napkins to take a look see. 45 min. later, one of his techs comes in and apologizes for the delay. Thankfully the wound is just superficial but, as they said, they'd have put something on it but Wiggy would have just licked it off regardless. He gets his butt fixed, goes through his routine of giving her hugs and kisses like he always does and trots proudly out of our holding cell. He even makes friends with a little girl who only wants to pet him. What is Bitter Pill doing - shaking her head and giving me death glare again.


We won't even get into when I checked out and Bitter Pill acted like she was so put out to actually - I dunno - give me the flea meds but I will say this. Next month, if Bitter Pill is on shift, I'm going to request someone else. I REFUSE to let her talk to my dog in ANY tone and, quite frankly, I will set her on her #*@*@*#*# behind. I know my parents taught me to respect my elders but with her behavior to a DOG, she doesn't deserve my respect.


And if I EVER see those dog parents again, I'm going to also tell them to muzzle that mutt. Because if BitchyCollarDog ever goes near my pug again, it's ON. That dog can take his/her napoleon attitude and suck it.


Wiggs, however, has realized the power of the "Boo Boo" and, yes, while he got his McDs, he also whines to show me his nose and how he needs a cookie.


I've created a monster, I know. :::sigh:::


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Posted by Lys :: 10:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, April 02, 2009

Wiggs & Hellcat: Truce On The Horizon??

Well there's been some progression in the Lys' household this week towards brokering the Furball/Mutt 2009 Peace Treaty. What it took, however, was every last iota of energy that I had.



Last week, when I took a nap with Shadow and wouldn't let him in the bedroom as she just got back from the vet, Wiggs decided, in a fit of retaliation, "Eff You Mama!" to lift his leg near the Cole Haan. How. Dare. He. Not to mention he's been acting like a devil dog since his grandpa left.

Much like a mother at wits' end with two horrible 2 year olds, the other night, I threw them both out of the bedroom and told them "You are going to go live with Grandpa if you two don't work this out - NOW! Understand?" Next thing I know, Shadow's laying down in the living room not scared of the dog; the dog isn't chasin' her just giving her the eyeball and she's actually enjoying her home. There have been a few chase scares but less drama than normal.

Even last night, she cracked me up, as evidenced by this picture (sorry - the blackberry quality sucks at night). She came out of her "luxury suite" to inquire as to what the hell the dog was doing. His response - he started chewin' his daggone bone while staring her down. She stared him down - he got up and went to go get water and she held her ground. She did, however hiss at him and he decided "Eff You Shadow!" and went back to his bone and his toys.


Perhaps there really is miracles or they are up to something ala Pinky and the Brain planning on overtaking the apartment.

UPDATE: Apparently I spoke too soon - this morning, as Wiggs and returned from his morning constitutional, Shadow was sprawled out across the floor in front of his path, staring at him with a look that said "Bitch - JUST TRY IT." Next thing I know, Wiggs is rushing after her even after the leash is still attached. Ugh. Ignore the massively messy Dog Toys everywhere. I can't seem to get him to learn "Put them back by your bed when you are done." It's an ongoing process.


:::sigh:::

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Posted by Lys :: 5:52 PM :: 3 comments

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The One Where My Sanity Takes A Hit...

Sometimes I just don't know if I'm coming or going. Finally started to get the house in order and add to that my terrible two year old but really ten year old and should know better debil dog aka Wiggs, I'm about losing it.

See, when my dad is here, Wiggs is well behaved. We had a few incidents but nothing major that would make someone going "ENOUGH!" Well, when my dad left, it was game on.

This morning, as I'm trying to leave the house, my neighbors must have cracked up laughing because all they could hear is this scream coming from me "WIGGLES YOU DO NOT BITE THE CAT ON THE NECK! SHE'S NOT A PUPPY! SHE'LL WHUP YOUR AZZ!!!! DOG DO YOU HEAR ME? ARE YOU EFFIN' CRAZY??" as I'm chasing him relentlessly around the room. The cat hissed and ran; Wiggs took off after her with me following closely behind.

Then it was time for "The Face Off". *cue the Rocky theme song*

Picture the Cat hissing, back arched as she's giving ME the eye roll and blasting the dog from her perch on the chaise.

The Dog is directly below the Cat's perch, looking up at her wild eyed face and made his move towards her as if to say "Enough you wench, I've had it. You will BE my friend - this is MY house too and I'm the leader of the pack. The "Momma" - she's got no spine so conform damn cat; conform". I'm probably giving the dog too much credit as sometimes I think the cat has a bit more brain power but you could tell Wiggs was having none of the cat's nonsense that she's been dishing on the daily since he moved in.

As for the spineless, screaming like a banshee momma, well, I booted his pug behind out of the room, onto the couch and grounded him like he was a two year old. No cookies - well, until tonight when I get home. Point is - enough is enough, I say and I've had enough. These two wouldn't DARE do that with my dad in town so for them to even go this far means that they share a mutual agenda and that is to drive ME bat**** crazy.

Someone please send Morgan - my sanity is in dire need.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:47 PM :: 3 comments

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What A Weekend...

I don't even know WHERE to begin - but I know I'll be yippin' about my experience at South Beach Wine & Food Festival over at Cooking in Stilettos this week. Just still recovering from the 8 hours on the road and all the chaos while I was down there. Let's just say that I was wrong about a couple things, it was definitely worth the time and expense and I thoroughly would recommend that more peeps go next year.

However, today it's Ash Wednesday and I haven't decided what I'm giving up for Lent. My co-workers have suggested that giving up coffee is NOT an option - for their safety moreso than for saving my sanity. Lent came up so quickly this year that I wasn't prepared. I can't give up swearing either because, quite frankly, after 12 years of Catholic school, cussin' like a sailor is embedded in my persona. I could try but that's setting one up for instant failure. Same with not buying shoes. I'm hoping for a little divine inspiration.

However, this is what greeted me when I came home.


How can one not look at that friendly face and smile...

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Posted by Lys :: 9:09 PM :: 3 comments

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Sunday, February 15, 2009

Recap - In Bullet Form...

My mind is still unable to form massive paragraphs to let you know what's been going on here in the land of the Rat so I'll give you the update in bullet points...
  • The Pug & The Cat: Still warring - but this is totally on the cat's doing. She's screaming bloody murder every time he wants to play or give her a smooch. Eeehhhh - she's going to hate not having cookiez if she keeps this up.
  • The Pug: OMG - I have adopted a garbage pail. He. Eats. EVERYTHING! I mean E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I feel like I have a 2 year old where I'm constantly chasing him going "Wiggs - what the eff did you eat. Spit it out!" And we won't go into the sushi argument. Apparently, because I had sushi tonight, in his mind I was obligated to share. I didn't. He's pissed. Tough shit. I should just give him some Wasabi and see how that frosts his cookie. He'll have a jambalaya flashback to last week where he begged and whined and barked and pleaded only to get a small morsel. By his standards it was lip smackin' good - until the heat kicked in and that little pug ran for his water dish. Don't think he'll bug me for jambalaya again...
  • The Pug: Also has issues where he spins on his tail again -anal gland issues. I know. I know TMI. But you know things are bad when you email the vet for an appointment and know that you will get charged for "Hazardous waste disposal". It's going to be a recurrent 6 week expense. Lucky. Ducky. Me. Shoe fund is depleting before my eyes.
  • Cooking took a backseat to life and the revamp of the culinary blog. I seemed to have gotten my culinary mojo motor running and we'll see what happens next weekend as I head down to South Beach for a little "research" and fun as I attend Food Network's South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Can't wait to see the culinary demonstrations - Sunny Anderson, Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence, Michael Symon, Anne Burrell and so many more. Will take pictures - promise.
  • My neighbors - downstairs. If I have to deal with the residuals of ONE MORE FOOD FIGHT, I swear I'm going to flip a kid. The parking is non-existent as there are 3-4 roommates and they all have friends coming in and out all. the. damn. time. They apparently go to the "Golf School". I should have known when I saw one of the idiots waving a golf club at an overhead light like it was a game. The complex says that "well, boys will be boys". That's fine but the one problem with the food fights and their constant mess is the fact that we have a resurgence of palmettos. GEE THANKS! Hmm... wonder I catch a couple of the slimy rat bastid bugs, I could just leave them for the idiots.
  • The shoe shopping has been pretty quiet - but don't worry. I have a few good "OBSESSED WITH" selections this week that will show y'all that I haven't lost my shoe game JUST yet.

And, how are y'all doing?

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Posted by Lys :: 10:35 PM :: 5 comments

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Friday, February 06, 2009

This About Sums It Up...


I have come to grips with the fact that I have Dr. Wiggles/Jekyll and Mr. Pug/Hyde living in my house... Any given day he can be one of the above three. Anyone know a good puggy psychologist?

Photo courtesy of IHasAHotDog.com

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Posted by Lys :: 1:49 AM :: 2 comments

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Sunday, February 01, 2009

Tell Me A Story...

There's a new job title for Lys on the horizon, that being the job of referee. While some of y'all might be sick of the Wiggs/Shadow saga, this one story begs to be told.

We've had our ups and downs - he thinks he is the pack leader which is contrary to my belief that I am the pack leader. He's always crying when I return, even if I am gone only an hour - like he thinks I am not coming back. He has a penchant for Shadow's litterbox (for the love of god, Wiggs - HIDE THE EVIDENCE!) and always hears "BAD DOG!" as I chase him out of the laundry room away from Shadow's abode.

I let them duke it out - per everyone's advice on Thursday. Well, that resulted in Shadow knocking Wiggs full across the face as she was on the back of the couch and he was on his hind legs. That right hook knocked him backwards into the coffee table as he looked up at me with blood coating his nose. OHMYGOD!!! I'm screaming bloody murder at the evil minx, trying to consol him as he's walking sideways and thinking "Wiggs has a concussion or something!" and furiously dialing my father every 15 minutes until he picked up to see if I should take Wiggs to the Doggy ER. Well, my father chided me that Wiggs has always walked sideways and since he was no longer bleeding, Doggy ER was not necessary. I did, however, wake Wiggs up every hour on the hour to check his face to make sure he was okay. Shadow was banned from cookiez for the day.

Then, of course, to make matters worse, it rained on Friday and Il Divo as I called him refused to go outside in the rain. It didn't matter that we had an umbrella, albeit a broken one but it still worked. He refused to walk in wet grass, freaked out about raindrops hitting him and just was an absolute horror. Well, that behavior wasn't going to fly.

This weekend was a few cat chasing incidents, a successful grooming with Aussie PetMobile (love Jennifer - AWESOME JOB!) and Shadow is feeling more like herself - but with shorter claws. Wiggs doesn't stink, stole a toy from Jennifer (that sly pug) and wore his bandanna proudly - the little cowpug. I figured we might be onto something...

Then, tonight, after referreing another fight as Shadow goes crashing into the dining room table, I had to take a break and think. Earlier this evening, while I took Wiggs out for his late night walk and to drop off the rent check, the sprinklers were going. I didn't pay it any attention. Then, all of a sudden, I saw Wiggs run clear across to the other side of me, away from the water towards an oncoming car. I screamed, visions of him getting hit at the forefront of my mind, swung the leash in the other direction and pulled him out of the way - towards the sprinklers. He's freaking out, I'm a hot mess and wondering what the hell is wrong with this dog - and then it hit me - he's afraid of the rain. He doesn't know sprinklers from the rain nor would he.

Wiggs hasn't told me his story yet, but other people at the rescue meet up have. See, he's been abandoned not once but twice. Technically, you could call it three times. When he was a pup, some parents bought him for a college girl to take to school during her freshman year at college. Well, who knows what he saw up there but she decided that she couldn't be bothered and left him with her parents. Her parents refused to let him in the house since they just redid the house. Their idea of taking care of him - leaving him tied up outside, rain and everything. He was finally surrendered to the Central Florida Pug Rescue and placed with Ms. Mary. She told me stories about how he had some growths on his skin, like a skin flap, due to this neglect. Then, he was placed with a couple and the couple wound up falling on hard times - and had to surrender him. I don't know much about his time with that family, just that another woman remarked that Wiggs is so much happier now than when he was brought back to the Rescue.

So tonight, I had to think that sometimes while I think he's being stubborn, he's really being protective of his own interests. He's afraid of the rain. He loves people and tries to make everyone happy so they will play with him. He licks anything and everything. He begs - and while I don't always allow him, sometimes I can't help but slip him a treat. He's pretty predictable with his walks and needs and the only thing this little guy wants is love.

And how can one not fall for him - he's pretty damn special.

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Posted by Lys :: 10:46 PM :: 5 comments

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Growl, Growl; Hiss, Hiss...

Round V: Ring the bell.

In this corner: Wiggs who is, quite frankly, tired of taking Shadow's crap.

In the other corner: Shadow who thinks she still rules the house.

The casualty: Lys who tries to play referee, constantly telling Wiggs that "She's gonna kick your azz!" and looked at Shadow and said "Watch your tone!" as Shadow volleyed yet another hiss at momma's direction. [And when her hisses get vicious, Wiggs comes over as if to protect me from the evil cat. Little does he know that I have put up with this for 10 years. I'm pretty well versed in the level of Shadow crankiness).

I have to say, quite frankly, I'm seriously sick of it all.

But, funny story, the clothes that cannot be dried via dryer need to be hung in the bathroom. Well Shadow has made that her new resting ground, sitting among the various items, hiding one might think from Wiggs.

Wiggs thinks that Shadow's playing hide - and - seek and, the other day, finally barked as if to say "Bitch, please!" and chased her through the laundry. Shadow looked back as he was catchin' up to her and saw his little pug mouth open as if to nip her (like puppies play) and screamed bloody murder. The look on their faces was classic. I'm still laughing at seeing that happen.

What did I do - outside of scolding Wiggs with "Bad dog - you can't nip Shaddy!" and consoling the princess with "Shaddy, he has little puggy teeth. He can't hurt you, you big fraidy cat", I had to say that all with a straight face.

Needless to say, it's happened three more times since and now I'm just debating if I should pop some popcorn and watch the fights unfold ala Roman Gladiator style.

My money's on the dog because he's pretty daggone fed up.

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Posted by Lys :: 10:18 AM :: 4 comments

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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Photo Speaks Volumes...


For the record, jumping on the bed to secure her spot was all Shadow's idea. No cookies were promised for this photo op to happen. It was peaceful for about 5 minutes until Wiggs thought Shaddy wanted to play "Chase". However, this one photo tells me that there is, indeed, hope*....
Yes they can!


(To respond to a reader question: Hope was NOT present for the Eagles, especially today. The reason I haven't crowed about them here on Just Because is because while I love my Eagles, I'm not as driven as I am about the Phillies. Plus, I'm starting to think Kendra from Girls Next Door conveyed the Jessica Simpson curse on my Birds.)

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Posted by Lys :: 10:53 PM :: 8 comments

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

On The Agenda...

This is going to be a busy weekend for the Lys household. The pug has a "Playdate" with his pug buddies from the Central Florida Pug Rescue. We're going to attempt yet another car ride - this time with him having a special seatbelt. I've learned that they call him Mr. Wiggles for a reason - he wiggles out of EVERYTHING. Car rides with him and I are never good. He wants to drive and I don't want to channel my inner Britney and let him.

Later, I'll be heading off to the Florida Mall to fondle some Loubous I have my eye on (and I am threatening to buy if a certain goal is reached but as it's work related, I can't write about it here :::sigh:::), attend a Dior event at Nordys courtesy of one of the best makeup peeps ever, oogle a copper gratin pan that I want to add to my kitchen and then it's more errands and then reorganizing the kitchen.

Tomorrow, I'm working on the Cooking in Stilettos revamp, backing up the laptop (yes, FB, I paid attention), doing a couple things I had promised to do (and lapsed on), and making some care packages to send to some peeps. If I'm up to the challenge, I'm considering another trip to the outlets.

Monday is my Sunday - chilling is on the agenda. Also, an intervention with the cat and the dog is in order. Sweet boy that he is, Wiggs tried to be friends with her yesterday and sniff her to give her a quick kiss. The princess turned into this raging, hissing monster growling bloody murder. My heart broke for Wiggs as he ran off and curled up on the couch with his toy, all sad eyed. Later, he tried to share his toy with her last night - again, she hissed. So he's trying - she's not.

What do you have scheduled this weekend?

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Posted by Lys :: 10:25 AM :: 4 comments

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Thank Heavens for Google...

The computer is fixed and starting to behave appropriately. I was able to track down the culprit, get the correct fixer-upper and *poof* no more computer vermin. Halle-flippin'-ujah!

So, where were we? Oh yeah - '24' - LOVED IT! And, thank heavens for IMDB because I was able to deduce that not only will my favorite ice wine aficionado, Carlo Rota, be returning as Chloe's hubby/ex-hubby/whatever but also appearing this season will be "Operations" from La Femme Nikita - aka Eugene Robert Glazer. I remember him from when he'd be on my mom's soap. Fabulous actors coming on this season so should be a good season to watch.

On to the pup update: Wiggs is doing well. He had some health issues which we fixed up right quick. Currently, he's snoring on the couch snugged up with his fave penguin which he carries with him like a security blanket. The only dog that I know of that sleeps with his eyes open - go figure. The cat - so not friendly at all. She has actually been quite the wench lately. We're going to have to find a happy medium. Wiggs doesn't help by constantly going after her cat food but eehhhh - those two crazy pets will have to figure it out.

So all in all, nothing catastrophic. And how is your week going?

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Posted by Lys :: 8:40 PM :: 5 comments

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