Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Hilarious Dog Breeds

I think I posted about "Lamb chop", a pookimo, aka eskipoo, mixed breed between an Eskimo and a poodle, who was up for adoption. My dental hygienist was telling me about her "cha-weiner," a cross between a Chiuauau and a dachshund. Here's a site that names everything crossed with a poodle, which is considered a 'designer' breed because poodles are 1) smart and 2) non-shedding.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/poodlemix.htm

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Rattle, a Rottle, and a Saint Berdoodle.

I can't really complain, owning a "WOW" (Wheaten Terrier/Chow) and a "Schnottie" (Scottie/Schnauzer) myself. Or should that be a Cheaten Terror (no pun intended) or Schnottish Terrior. OK, doesn't Gidget remind you of Donkey from Shrek???




It's all good, we love our doggies, and who says purebred is better than fun-bred??? Send me your mixed breed names and pics!!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

One other thing

For those of you who are working with humanity . . . in case you think your work is not progressing your customer or client . . . please trust me, from personal experience, if your client/customer is coming back and is motivated, you are doing them a huge service. You will have to look for the micro progress, be patient, or just be happy that they are not regressing. You have no idea what a service you are providing. All lives are worth living. luv ya, suzen

Were you truly listening

In case this was buried in my very excited monologue about the Crowded House Concert, please watch the Pete Yorn video. I still haven't purchased his CDs but am excited to do so!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PywIWLGYj2o

ta for now and please check out the master bath remodel saga with Crowded House audio. Think how good it will be when we get finished!!!

luv ya!

Friday, September 21, 2007

Georgia Wildlife

I was walking through my neighborhood with my friend Sue, when we spotted the infamous "East Cobb Crane." This little fella (or gal) is responsible for the demise of many a crop of koi all across our small mini ponds. (I don't have that problem as I have big dog and little dog). Many mornings I hear the cry of a small child - but, no: is that an owl? And I always view hawks circling. If you have never observed the 'birds of prey' demo at Calloway Gardens, or anywhere else, you must!

Buddy and Sheila, circling dragonflies . . . blue-tailed skinks . . .chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, everywhere . . . scorpions are native . . . have never seen them but my exterminator did. Better him than me! La Cucarahca! La Cucaracha! Comes with the territory.

The neighborhood one over has had problems with timberwolves, apparently eating family pets. In winter you can smell the pine, and always something burning. I feel very close to nature here in Georgia, as it grows into every crack and crevice and frequently right into my house!

But wait - in the prairies of Illinois I also remember: red winged blackbirds, who would swoop down on unsuspecting runners and attack . . . once an owl came to live on top of my grandparent's home . . . and lots of bunnies, of course. It is there, wherever you look, wherever you live! Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The Invisible Woman

My friend H sent me this recently as an email; it is long, so I am going to send you to this link. It is an excerpt from a book by Nicole Johnson called The Invisible Woman. I think we have all felt this way from time to time. From my perspective, it is about the typical condition of being taken for granted by your husband and kids; with the knowledge that you have to give yourself credit for what you do - building families - building cathedrals - you will be gone and your dedicated work will still exist. God still sees you.

http://www.parenthood.com/articles.html?article_id=10240


I need to take another stand. First of all, I do what I do because I am self motivated, not selfless. I believe in the connection of all souls. Plus, I am fairly sure that I am not invisible. As much as I try to sneak away, my children and husband still find me. "Mom, where are you?????!! I'm hungry! Can you help me with my homework?" Teachers and schools still frequently call me, grab me in the hallway, etc. I have disguised myself with hats, pink hair, pink glasses, funky clothes, tattoos, but to no avail. They still see me!!! My kids are frequently embarrassed by me, so not only do they see me, so do their friends!!!

OK, I'm being silly. But when I read this from Klaus, Stephen's cousin from Denmark, I was really touched!!! He always has insight and inspiration . . . an amazing master of the English language ! I have cut and pasted his words so often into my blog that I think that I am in danger of copyright infringement . . .


Hi Susan

I read the story about the invisible woman.

At first I agreed. No one will build cathedrals like they once did. The total devotion and perhaps sacrifice for something you will never see finished. At first I was like her friend, wanting to give away books too. The story brought immediate comfort.

But then ..... No ....
No one deserves to be invisible...
No one deserves to be taken for granted...
No one is supposed to be invisible serving waiters living on theknowledge that God knows the struggle you've seen...

I thought that the first steps in the process of liberation of all mankind were taken by persons like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and has continued ever since.

Everybody deserves to be visible.
Everybody deserves to be needed.
Everybody deserves to be loved and recognised for what they are doing.

Kids are meant to take their moms hand as it is a safe, warm and goodguiding hand.Graduates are meant to bring home their friends for Thanks giving, to show where they learned to cook so great. Perhaps a household needs a lot of domestic jobs to be done. These jobs are just as important as the ones outside.

My stand is that: No women are supposed to be sent back to the kitchen to follow the path of their mothers as their mothers before them. No women deserve to be kept in their place by comforting stories about building cathedrals.

It is a sad situation, if what we have to grasp for, is a story that tells you that god knows.

You are not supposed to be taken for granted. I don't take you for granted. I don't think you are invisible. The work you are doing is as important as building cathedrals, going to school or manage big companies.

I am convinced that both your boys and Stephen recognise the work you do.
Klaus

We all need a cousin Klaus . . . he is a gift, and his wife Susanne, too!



Monday, September 17, 2007

I love, therefore I am

When I wake up and join the "middle of the night club," which happens now most every night, I think about what I love. I start with my bed, because it is indeed big and comfy. I love (not in any particular order) . . . my bed; my pink hair and glasses; my jacuzzi; my circle of friends; my pilates classes; my kids; my family; my husband; the glimpse of fall weather the last two days; my tandem bike; my car; white Italian wine; my washer and dryer (vroom, vroom); my new hat; my screened porch;my memories; my phoenix t-shirt; clogs of any kind; my tattoos; my wedding ring; my blue sapphire cupid pin;my "Love is Hell" coffee cup;the artisan wind chime that my sister sent me (although it is never windy enough here!); my herb garden; everything my kids have made, excluding messes; my fake designer handbags; my real Bottega Veneta clutch; my fake nails; my scars; my freedom; and that's about it. Kidding!!!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Weekends are for fun

Yesterday, we participated with our middle school in the annual East Cobber parade, a low-key hometown parade where there are more paraders than spectators. Gavin rode a scooter and Cameron brought his skateboard. Highlight of the entire event was all the roadkill candy that the boys acquired while narrowly missing being hit by cops on motorcycles zipping up and down the sidelines. Twice Cameron hit a piece of smashed candy or a rut in the pavement, causing him to catapult his skateboard under the car in front of us. After about two hours of waiting and parading, they got bored and started doing what they referred to as "tricks, " zooming back and forth underneath the banner we were carrying and nearly into the crowd. All this in front of the principal of our middle school and teacher of the year (and the hundreds of spectators). I WAS SO PROUD!!!! After downing hot dogs and soft drinks and playing a carnival game, we caught a complimentary ride on the Fur Bus back to our car!

They weren't really tired . . . just faking! After returning home, Gavin purged all that he had eaten - just too much of a good time, I guess. A fond memory of childhood.


Today we went on a very short bike ride, where I think I saw Gavin's dramatic side even more:


Hope you had a great weekend!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Hey now

Went to the Crowded House concert at the Tabernacle last night. Enjoy: blurry phone pics. A few things . . .
Firstly, Liam Finn opened . . . according to a misinformed man next to me, he was a roadie. But truthfully, he was Neil's eldest son. He sounded like a Finn, even though he didn't look like Neil. He used a looping effects pedal- trust me, I didn't know what it was until I checked out his site - he was a one man band, it was amazing!!!!! He played guitar, recorded, sang, drums, etc. Awesome!


Next was Pete Yorn, again, the chatty man was here to listen to him, not CH. He's hot!!! (Pete Yorn, not the chatty man!) (imagine Paris Hilton voice). listen: click here- and there are many more:



Time for the big boyz . . . and it was fabulous.
I love this song . . . and so many more . . . Fall at your feet - Neil, now:



And last but not least . . . check out the entire family doing a Split Enz song: Neil, Tim Elroy (drums) and Liam - its a family affair!!!! I got you!


Return to the roots: my very favorite Split Enz song - Message to My Girl:
luv ya!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Inspiration


It comes when you need it. How about this, doesn't it just send chills up your spine:





From Kevin Enners, age 13, who just completed his first Rock n Roll Marathon:

My Dad and I finished the Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon and we beat our fund raising goal, raising the second most of the entire team - thanks to your help!

Here are a few pictures of the race. It was a blast - really fun and exciting. I finally got to meet Rick Hoyt - I'm sitting next to him in the group picture.

The Hoyt's made us feel like VIP's. The night before the race, the Hoyt's gave us a pasta party. On race day morning, we were able to wait for the start of the race in the VIP area with all the world-class runners. After the race, the Hoyt's had a tent on the beach where we were able to relax with the rest of the Hoyt team. They gave me a Team Hoyt racing singlet and jacket - they're awesome! Saturday night, we went to a concert on the beach and saw The Steve Miller band - they were great!

We started the race right up front behind the elite wheelchair athletes - look close at the two start-of-the-race pictures - you can see me in my big silver bike. The crowds cheered us on and the other runners cheered us on also. It was a lot of fun and we plan to do it again next year!

Thank you for contributing to the Hoyt Fund!

Kevin














You have to also say, Dad rocks!!!! Go, Dad!!! Trust me, Mom behind the scene rocks too.







Saturday, September 1, 2007

Stolen moments

Actually, I have stolen words from a recent email from a dear friend, just cause it made me laugh out loud. Thanks, H:

"I'm sorry you're bored--me too. How can we be this busy and be so bored? I'm exhausted and bored at the same time. I'm "exhored". . . .

In closing, I say this: I still believe that it is true that we are hot, smart, creative, hilarious, compassionate, amazing women, who are dangling just this side of sanity--but with a helluva lot of style. Double snaps to you, soul sister. Holler anytime this week-end if you need a pick-me-up. I may be developing an upper respiratory infection of some sort, which is depriving me of much-needed oxygen to my brain, but I've got my groove back! Peace, out. H"

Better to be exhored than an ex-whore, I always say!!! I also tell my kids that things aren't boring, people are . . . . so what does that make me!! A hippie-o-crit!