Grazie!

Good mornin' and happy Friday! Little Ella Mae is back home with us and we're so excited. Of course, the whole puppy bed rest (as I've decided to call it) isn't exactly fun, we love her so much and want to make sure she heals quickly.

The pups and I spent last night (after several hours in traffic) snuggled up on sofa watching Burn Notice. Now, sadly, next week is the season finale, so, if you're not watching this show, then the catch up phase might be a bit tight, but, you totally should be watching--because it's awesome. Clearly. I've already turned you on to the wonderfulness that is Simon Baker and The Mentalist.

Anyways, we love Burn Notice. We heart Michael Westen.

(picture from here)

See? He's lovely.

Anyways, enough gushing over my TV crushes....

I want to say "thank you!" to everyone who reads my blog, comments, and follows my blog. I really appreciate it so much. I know I don't always respond very quickly to comments and things, but, just know how much I do appreciate you all.

I started this blog at a time where I was rather lonely and felt like I was drifting away from many of my friends. I never had any idea that I'd make so many wonderful new friends and gain so much support, laughter and enjoyment from all of you.

So, thank you. Thank you for sticking with me. Thank you for the kind comments. Thank you for following. Thank you for it all. I really am so grateful for each and every one of you.

That said, have a great Friday! And a superb weekend.

xoxo,
SP

Thai Food Thursday

I gave in.

No gym on my lunch break for me today (but, I ran yesterday).

Nope.

I'm going to Thai food with one of my favorite work partners in crime.

We're both on diets, so, this should be interesting.

Maybe I can fit in a run after work before I have to go to a leadership training meeting at 7 PM tonight? Do you think Butch will mind if he gets dinner late?...At like 8:30?

Yikes.

Do they have salads at Thai restaurants?

(I seriously cannot turn down Thai food. Weight Watchers or not. It's just too good.)

True Story

Y'all know I usually write fiction (or, semi-fiction, more aptly titled...Speaking of, shoot, I need to write!), but, this my friends, is all too true........

Ella Mae is at the vet. Butch is back to hunger striking. We will have to separate Ella for 4 weeks from Butch, the Lizzie kitty, or anything that could get her excited. It breaks my little heart! How on earth am I going to do that? Which also means, no walks, no puppy play dates with Minnie Miner. Arg! But! I am trying to remember that it is for her own good and that I can do it. I can be strong.

BFF L is going to my favoritest place in the whole wide world (besides Italy) on a private yacht in March. I am pretty much green with envy--which does not look good with the red hair. And I hate being jealous. I hate, hate, hate it. But, I sooooo am. But, like always, she'll take amazing pictures, she'll come back, we'll kill a bowl of queso and she'll tell me about it, and it'll be sorta like I was there. (Minus the awesome tan she'll have)

My first love, George Strait will be in my city in June. I have been coveting GS tickets since I was a little girl. I have tried so many times to get tickets, but, have either a.) been out of town when he was here (still bitter) b.) tickets sold out too fast or c.) I couldn't afford them. Tickets go on sale on the 28th. Currently, we're kind of in a letter "c.)" type situation. I'm about thisclose to selling a kidney. I figure I only need one. What do you think a kidney goes for these days? How about a spleen? Do I need my spleen?

I could really use a big hunk of chocolate creamy goodness that is only found is Hostess cupcakes (omg, don't judge me, they are my weakness, and I have no idea why).

I missed The Mentalist last night. Boo.

But, I did watch The Office re-runs on TBS. Thanks goodness for TBS.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must run. I've got to figure out how to secure GS tickets, calm a crazy dog, and oh, you know, work.... Toodles!

Presenting....

HRH Ella Benella Sassy Pants.... or, you know, Ella Mae.

Butch is now a proud big brother--no longer the baby (he's not really sure what to think about this new role).

Ella and her mommy (you will ignore my double chin).

Puppy family portrait (and yes, that is The Office in the background on TV...bonus points if you can guess the episode).

Welcome to the gang, Ella Mae! (why do I look so derrr in that picture?)

Little Miss Mae has to go to the vet tomorrow to get her final treatment for heartworms--poor thing! But, she'll be back with us by the weekend and all healthy and ready to go. Although, they told me she'll need to be on "activity restriction" for 4 weeks. I have no idea how I'm going to pull that off...How does one restrict the activity of a very hyper and silly hound dog?

Musings & Monday

Good morning! Or, should I say, Happy Post Oscar Day? Since I am bleary eyed this AM, thanks to good ol Oscar...

1. I'll keep this short: Y'all know Hugh Jackman can do no wrong in my mind. But, wasn't he fantastic? I love him. Like, a whole lot. Lovely.
2. Went to a lovely baby shower yesterday and got to see two of my favorite people: Mrs. Preppy and MM!! I loved it!
3. After a slight breakdown on Friday night because I so desperately miss my Hanna Banana, we decided to look at dogs on Saturday. Plus, Butch hasn't really been eating, and, it's stressing me out!
4. We went to look at a Schnauzer that I could really picture myself with.... of course, when we got to the animal shelter, she had already been adopted (which is a good thing!), but, I of course, broke down in tears: "I'm never going to find a dog, I just want Hannie. And the sheltie people aren't getting back to me, and I just want a sheltie!"... To which my husband offered to call the sheltie people at home on a Saturday and tell them we were coming to look at a sheltie whether they liked it or not.
5. And, I cried all the way to the next Puppy Stop, where the foster mom had already called me and told me that "Katie" would be very excited to see us. I didn't care. I didn't want stupid Katie. I wanted Hanna. Or another fruffy schmuffy dog. Katie is not fruffy or schmuffy.
6. Somehow, we ended up with "Katie" in our car and in our house. Butch was so freakin' excited to see her that even if I hated her, there was no way I was taking her back.
7. We changed her name. She is Ella Mae (like Ellie Mae, from The Beverly Hillbillies), and she's the cutest little beagle ever. She and I aren't BFF yet, but, she's growing on me. It takes me time to warm up to new things--dogs or otherwise. But, she is freakin' hilarious.
8. So, we have a new pup. And Butchie has started eating again.
9. And, I'm supposed to be preparing a brief for me new boss, but, I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing. Today is going to be a loooonnnngggg day.... At least I have Butch and Ella Mae waiting for me (could my pets names sound more backwoods, I mean, really?).

(Thank you all so much for your kinds words and thoughts about Hanna and Butch. I miss Hanna and Ella Mae won't ever replace her, and I still miss her desperately, but, I'm so glad we could give another pound puppy a home.)

Have a fabulous Monday!

xoxox,

SP

Theory of the Cute Outfit

The Theory Has Returned. I'm dressed freaking super cute today. If I could figure out Polyvore, and if I knew who made the skirt I'm wearing, or if I had any full length self portrait skills, I'd totally show you. According to my boss, very Anthropologie.

Picture it: I'm wearing a black and white skirt with big peach roses on it, black boots, black crew neck tee and tan wool J Crew coat from the Fall 2007 line--I can't remember the name, but, it's my favorite coat.

I know The Theory was kaput after Stupid Guy On My Phone incident (which, we are working out, by the way...), but, I have a different feeling today.... I'm going to lunch with my new manager (who I used to work for years ago) at my favorite Mexican restaurant (Chuy's), where I will attempt to not eat my body weight in chips and salsa (since I didn't lose any weight last week).

And, this weekend, husband and I are going to look at a schnauzer who needs a home, and a beagle who needs a home. I really can't go much longer without my own dog, and the sheltie people haven't e-mailed me back.... Plus, I feel so much better about adopting a dog (I used to work for the SPCA)... I don't know. It's all very overwhelming, but, we know we'll find the right doggie, even if it isn't a former show dog like our Hanna Banana.

So, we're testing The Theory.

Anyone else have a theory on cute outfits?

Also, totally bummed out that The Office was a re-run, but, I do love that episode...

Happy Friday!

Channeling The Little Engine That Could

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can". This has kind of been my motto the last few days. I'm trying my best to play with Butch and keep him happy, but, now he's currently on a hunger strike. Silly boy.

But, we're doing better. We thought it would be a while before we could get another sissy pup, but, he's just sooooo sad without her, so we started looking. And I e-mailed some people who live just a few minutes away from us about a sheltie pup, and I'm hoping I hear back soon (like, today would be ideal, because then I could go 'meet' her this weekend). So, fingers crossed, kids, fingers crossed!

That said, let's move on to things I'm thankful for (because what's a Thursday without a little self indulgence? Exactly.)....

- That the event I put on last night actually happened, no one yelled at me (too much), and everything went well. I, personally thank all the booze consumed by the people in attendance. They seemed happy!
-The fact that I survived le family vacation (I'm not kidding, there were some times in which an early flight home seemed really nice).
- The Office is on tonight (hooray!).
-So is Burn Notice (double hooray!).
-That my anti wrinkle cream actually might be working (did I just jinx it? It's Aveeno Positively Ageless Night Cream, fyi).
-Spring is coming! I can't wait to have dinner on the patio, have people over for pool parties (you're invited!) and Easter Egg hunts in my backyard. So. Freaking. Excited. Yipee!

OK, now that I've shared a little bit of what's getting me through the day, what are you thankful and or excited about these days?

(and yes, let's keep sending happy karma thoughts the way of the sheltie owner who has yet to respond to my request.....SP's home would clearly be the best place for that little pup)

If I were a dog

I'd know what he's really thinking.

I'm no Dog Whisperer, but, I've got a pretty good idea that it's something along the lines of "I miss my sissy."

I miss her too, bud.

Last night was our first night at home without our little Hanna Nanna, my first night making dinner alone. Literally, every night I would cook she would sit on the kitchen rug next to me. Cooking is lonely now.

Isn't it amazing how much pets can touch and change our lives? I know they aren't my real children, but, I love them so very, very much.

Butchie just isn't the same without his sissy. We aren't a single dog family. That's just not us.

Anyone know of anyone needing a good home for a sheltie, we're your people.

Apparently....

...When you are depressed, exhausted, stressed to the max about a work event you are hosting, recovering from the most intense family vacation ever, hungry for something that's not "hotel food", jet lagged from a vacation in which you waved "bye bye" to your diet days ago (because, honestly, who's turning down Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bars? Not me! Or the 24 hour "fat free" strawberry frozen yogurt? Again, not me!)...

When all these factors combine, you should not stop at your favorite local cantina en route to cozy casa.

Because if you do stop at favorite local cantina en route to cozy casa, you will eat your body weight in chips and salsa.

Not that I know anything about that.

Our Family

Thank you all so much for your love, care, concern, prayers and well wishes about our little Hanna.

We love her so much and she really was the light of our family.

We miss our little girl dearly, but are so grateful for the care that she received at our vet's office and know that this was incredibly hard on them as well.

She isn't suffering anymore. Yesterday was terrible. She wasn't Hanna. She was just too sick--she could hardly walk, and would shake if she did.

I don't know what our family will be without her, but, I know that she was with us through the hardest times and I know that we'll see her again. Hopefully, she's chasing airplanes, digging holes and playing with her "sisters"; Sheltie Muffin, Collie Jaynee, BullMastiff Molly.... and, hopefully, my mom is watching over them too.

Hanna Josephine will always be our little sheltie girl.

Now, we just have to worry about what Butchie will do without his sissy.

Shameless HRH Hanna pictures

This is my "daughter", HRH Hanna Banana Princess Puffy Cheeks.

Isn't she cute? I love her. She has brought more joy and laughter to our little family in 3 years than we ever thought possible. She's the silliest, happiest, most loving little sheltie ever. And, according to BFF S's daughter, Katie, she and Hanna are friends (and can I tell you that I almost cried when I heard about that?).

Hanna was diagnosed with renal failure back in November and it broke my heart. Although, the blessing of it is that she will be fine until the very end. We caught it early, and everyone at the vet's office is optimistic that will fluid treatments every 3-4 weeks, she can live much longer than expected (which is 6-12 months).

We took her in for fluids on Jan. 19th, and then after a few days of hunger striking, me having to drag her down the street on her walks, we decided we'd take her in for another round of fluids and see if that helped.

It didn't. She's still on a hunger strike (I may have even offered her steak, peanut butter, Yoplait, waffles and chicken. Nothing!). The vet suggested blending her food into liquid form. She didn't like that either. Then, after regular gagging from 7PM until 8AM, I frantically called the vet again (can you imagine me with actual children?).

The loving husband dropped her off on his way to class and they are doing a full blood work up, plus a giardia test. I never thought I'd be praying that my dog has giardia--but, I am. If she has giardia (which she could have gotten from our winter time pool--gross!), it would actually explain a lot (the hunger strike, the tummy sickness, low energy, etc) and be a huge blessing, because it is treatable and she'd be back to her normal self in a few days. Yes, she would still have renal failure, but, she was doing so well. I can handle her having another ailment. The vet thought she looked great last Friday, which, makes me so hopeful that she's just "sick". We're leaving tomorrow for Florida, and, I'm so nervous about leaving her. But, if we have care instructions and antibiotics, I'm a happy camper.

So, that said, please say a little prayer for my HRH Hanna Banana Princess Puffy Cheeks that she has something treatable and will be back to her silly, happy, waffle stealing, jumpy dog in a matter of days.

**Update**
At 11:30 we received word that it isn't looking good. The levels they used to check her kidneys are now at 11. In November, she was "elevated and worrisome" at 1.3. She also has too much phospurus in her system. They are now worried that she has acute renal failure on top of chronic failure. My husband is on his way to pick me up from work and we are going to meet with our team of vets (yes, there's a team.... appearently.). I don't know what will happen. They are not optimistic.

P.S.

In case you didn't notice, I have a new header (isn't it perfect??).

Designed by April at April Showers. She's super funny, super talented and I loved working with her. Head on over and check her out.

Also, I'm obsessed with Crystal Light Nourishing Skin Essentials on the go packets.

They're pomegranate lemonade and basically liquid crack that promises to give me beautiful skin if I drink 2 a day.

I've had 3 so far today. Bring on the glowing skin!

Carter Can

So, anyone who knows me, knows that I am rather borderline obsessed with HGTV. I blame this new found obsession on that fact that we actually own a home and I can actually do stuff to it, rather than stomp angrily around my tiny rental and complain about the stupid paint colors (not that I ever did that or anything). Or that I'm getting older. One of the two.

Either way, I'm obsessed. Design on a Dime is a favorite, because, heck, I figure I could swing $1000 at some point and I love watching how the stretch their dollars.

Anyways, a few weeks back, they had a "Rustic Living Room" episode which I really, really wanted to see because, heck, that's exactly how we want our living room to look. Well, of course, I missed the episode, and it's been bugging me ever since.

Apparently, I have dreams about Carter Oosterhouse now. And, I gotta tell you, I don't really watch his show that often, mainly because it intimidates the heck out of me.

And these aren't like "Carter, I love you" type dreams. No, no. These are Carter Oosterhouse coming and fixing up my house, type dreams. I know, wildly romantic.

Example: I sign our house up for Design on a Dime (like I said, obsessed) and I want them to re-create the Rustic Living Room (it totally re-runs on Feb. 23rd, I will watch it!). Well, they don't show up. The team from Carter Can shows up, and they do this fabulous $10,000 living room re-model and I'm in house heaven.....Until I realize that we don't have $10,000. And then the rest of my dream is me stressing out about how I'm going to pay HGTV $10,000 that I totally don't have. Lovely.

Any dream analysts out there?

Although, not gonna lie, if HGTV wants to re-design my living room, I'm not exactly going to argue about it.

PS. Simon Baker was on Leno last night. I fell asleep during Headlines (blast!) and missed it. Pretty, I hear Leno posts full episodes online. I think we all know what I'll be doing around 3:15 this afternoon.....

P.P.S. All bets are off for the Portuguese Water dog. My dad likes the Belgian Tervuren... He was infatuated with that dog last night (oh, don't worry, I got the play by play of the Westminster Kennel Club show live--from the announcers, and, you know, my dad. Who didn't understand that I was watching it. Live. Sheesh. And boy, can those owners handlers scream!? Surprised my dad is not deaf by now.).

Musings & Monday

Good morning all! It's raining here--and, I love it! I woke up at 4:18 Am this morning to the sound of rain and my little HRH Hanna Banana getting settled into her bed after being scared by the wind. I gave her pets and we both went back to sleep. I kinda sorta wish I was still in bed snuggling her!

1. I did absolutely nothing productive over the weekend and it was lovely.
2. Of course, this means, I did not pack for Family Adventure (torture?) 2009. And am not really sure when that will happen. But, it needs to happen before Thursday. Yikes.
3. My little HRH Hanna Banana has been on an almost week long hunger strike (what exactly she is striking is beyond me), and it's stressing me out! I don't know how much longer we have with our little one and her not eating doesn't make me feel better about it! (nor does leaving this weekend, but, I'm trying to be brave.... and failing miserably)
4. I did make cupcakes and other Valentine goodies over the weekend. I don't know if that is considered productive, but, I did not eat a single cupcake (I only ate 1/3 of one).
5. I had an utterly fantastic time with MM on Friday. She dropped by my office and we had lunch. She's freaking fantastic. If you don't know her, you should!
6. My family is in NYC at the Westminster Kennel Club Show today--please, let us take bets on what kind of dog they purchase when they arrive home. (I'm betting on a Portuguese Water Dog. Any other guesses?)
7. My SIL is getting a pot bellied pig. Apparently, I married into a pot bellied pig kind of family. I don't really understand pot bellied pigs. Don't get me wrong, they're super cute, but, I just don't really get them.....
8. I found perfect baby shower invites for BFF A and ordered them over the weekend. I can't wait! I love hosting showers. Let's just hope my dining room is painted by then! (don't hold your breath)

Well my lovelies, seems I've rambled enough for today.... I better get to it and actually work... Although, my day seems so booooring without the Data Sheet.... Hmm..

XOXO,

SP

Employee Rewards Program

Sadly, my company does not have anything of the sort (and, if they did, I'd pick airline miles because I'm sure I could fly myself around the globe twice at this point), but, I was given the afternoon off yesterday in exchange for my amazing database dedication and loyal service (I sound like a golden retriever). I was so excited! Plus, I told y'all I thoughtI was getting sick, so, perfect day to go home and sleep.

Which I did.

It was fabulous.

I also stopped at the grocery store and bought myself some lovely roses.

And, had a date with this hot girl

(after my two hour nap of course)

Yes, my evening culminated with giggles at The Office and swooning over Burn Notice.

I'll enter data again and again if it gets me a lovely afternoon to just be....

Ah! I'm meeting Mojito Maven today and am slightly stressed out! It took me forever to find the right outfit, and my hair was all snappy until I got to work and it's soooo windy. Yikes!

PS. My theory on The Office was squashed! I was wrong! I don't want to spoil it if you haven't watched it yet, but, I was so giddy with glee and then boom! I was wrong. But, still hilarious.

Happy Friday y'all!

I totally understand

I was at work until after 9 PM last night. I worked until 1 AM.

I got here at 8:12 AM. You do the math.

I'm still reeling about that phone call yesterday and need to rectify the situation, but, am still too fired up to do anything in a polite manner. (but, I know I need to be the bigger person and apologize tactfully. Right now, I'm too snarky to be tact.)

I can hardly type or move my wrist because of the lovely data entry.

I totally understand carpel tunnel now. Totally 100% get it.

I never want to see an Excel spreadsheet ever again.

I am making Valentine's goodies for my friends this weekend (think sugar cookies and the best chocolate cupcakes you've ever eaten), but believe that there's a very good chance I will eat all the dough and batter myself and fall into a sugar coma come Friday night.

Ahhhh, bliss.

Things To Do

You know, I really enjoying checking things off my 'to do' list--it makes me feel like I'm getting things done. However, lately, I've felt like no matter how many things I check off, 200 more pile up.

I'm actually having dreams/nightmares about the Data Sheet. As in, I leave work at 7:30, I do data in my sleep, and I'm back here at 8 entering more data. This is insane!

Plus, there's the whole constant economy/husband finding job thing that stresses me out.

But, I'm trying my darndest to find comfort.

I devoted some time last night to my scripture reading and again this morning, feeling a bit more calm and comforted, I strutted my stuff out my front door in black leather boots, a red skirt, white scoop neck tee and light blue short sleeve jacket. (trust me, this is the best I've looked in several weeks....That might not be saying much....)

Yes my friends, today would be different. I would concur that database. I would be Queen.

Until a snooty person called me at 8:30 to b*tch me about because I haven't completed his profile. Apparently, we've been talking about this for "over a year" (so not true, I didn't get his lovely harassing e-mails until over the summer. Believe me). So, after literally being told I'm terrible at my job and that he will call someone else, no matter how many times I apologized (and, I really am sorry. My office is understaffed and I don't have the time to think let alone actually write) he angrily hung up on me.

(this also reminds me of episode of Friends where Rachel tells her dad she's pregnant and he calls to yell at her--Joey walks by the phone and hears someone..."stupid guy on my phone!")

Am petrified he's going to call my boss. Which would be great, because, she already loves me so much.

So, the Theory of The Cute Outfit is kaput.

I guess my "Things To Do" should be "Not Answer Phone Before 9 AM".

On another note, anyone know where to get really cute pink and brown baby shower invitations? I'm hosting a fabulous soiree for a lovely mommy-to-be and am on a mission for super cute pink and brown invites.
Darling bloggers, help a sister out!

Good morning, good morning

(imagine that in the tune of the really annoying/will always get stuck in your head song. You're welcome)

So, my dreams of waking up early and getting to work early were kaput. I may or may not have slept in and driven like a madwoman to get to work. But, I'm not naming names.

We got new bedding a few weeks back, and I finally put it on the bed. At 11PM last night, no less. I slept very soundly. Isn't it nice what new bedding can do for you? Everyone should have new bedding. On a regular basis.

I'm wearing a new dress from le Target and feel very fancy. (yes, oxymoron, I realize it)

Although, I think I'm getting a cold. I've been popping Zicam like it's candy, so, let's hope it knocks this bug out of me.

Annnnd, The List has come back to haunt me. I may or may not have just wigged out on our publishing company. Maybe. I might have. It's possible.

I plead the 5th.

Did I mention The Mentalist and re-runs of The Office are on tonight?

If I can just make it through the day!

Musings & Monday

1. I think we've finally tackled the Date Sheet from You Know Where. I am not above sending frantic e-mails to former colleagues in Qatar and Wisconsin. Nope, not me. I'll take hand outs wherever I can. Time will tell if we all figured this thing out correctly. (if I wasn't typing, my fingers, toes and arms would be crossed, but, I'm typing)

2. I had every intention of cleaning my house on Saturday, but, a sick husband kind of took priority. Maybe tonight....

3. I spent Sunday afternoon watching re-run after re-run of The Closer. I want to be a crime solver. It'd be so much more exciting. Whatsaysyou of 'Officer SP'?

4. And I intend to watch the new episode tonight.

5. I might have recorded The Office and watched it ten minutes after it finished. You know, because, I didn't laugh hard enough the first time. (I can't help it, I have an illness, clearly)

6. Also, if you saw the trailer for the next episode, I have a theory and it involves all those who hate Jim Halpert. (Pretty, let's talk).

7. I had the wonderful opportunity of brunching with the lovely Mrs. Preppy on Saturday--and I must say, it was one of the best brunches I've had in a while--and I'm not just talking about the food. She's utterly fantastic! And, I must say, we were wearing nearly identical Tiffany bracelets. Just goes to show we both have divine taste.

8. Although, that divine taste of mine could be cancelled out by the fact that I'm eating a Smart Ones lunch at my desk. Thoughts?

9. Prayer request please: BFF R is back in the hospital, BFF L is there with her to keep her company and paint her nails and such. I am being told not to worry and they will call me if they need anything (hospital + my house = walking distance), but, I'm still worried sick. So, please, keep her in your prayers. Also.... BFF A is pregnant and having a bout with kidney stones! While pregnant--poor girl. She was hospitalized a few weeks ago because of it. Please keep her in your prayers as well that she won't have any more issues with that and she can finish out her pregnancy with no more issues.

10. I e-mailed my l'italiano professor to apologize about missing class. His response: "I totally understand. After class, my bike was covered in ice." Which brings me to this question: How'd he get home?

11. I'm considering starting a graduate degree this summer. I'm taking a Graduate Marketing Certificate class next fall, so, I'd have to balance the two, but, I figure 'hey, we can't have kids right now (excuse me while I try to regain composure... seriously....) I might as well do something. I'm not getting any younger (and not looking it--I need anti wrinkle cream of heaven or something).' So, that's my thought process.

12. I'm going to finish of my tres chis lunch and then deal with Data Sheet From You Know Where and then drown my day in a Diet Coke....

Oh! That reminds me. I have chocolate hidden in my desk.

xoxo,

SP