Even though it's 80 degrees in Orlando

I cannot WAIT to get home tonight and cuddle with my family...

Orlando, FL

I was home for a few days - Now I'm off to spend the next three days at this hotel/resort - in Orlando, Florida. It's a work trip - but I'm sure I'll be able to squeeze in a little bit of 'play'...

It would be great if Nebraska could get its cold spell out of the way while I'm gone....

Home

This picture depicts precisely what it's like to be home again.

The Story of Itty Bitty

I started this almost a year ago - and I never finished. I got side tracked, or maybe I even forgot about it. Who can really know for sure???

I told the story of Chloe Fae here - so now, I will tell the story of Callie Mae...

Little Man had passed away. Moses was gone... living with my Mom & Dad because he required constant medical attention. Medical attention that I was unable to provide because I had a job. So my Mom volunteered to take care of the Mo-Man for me.

There I was, living alone in a house with B and Trey. Trey was well-taken care of, but we never had 'that bond' - the bond that exists between pet owner & beloved pet.

I existed, yet I was empty. I didn't even know I was empty - and then one day, B says he wants to get a dog. And he wants a Jack Russell Terrier - - - because he's always wanted one. I believe my response (almost four years ago) was "Fine, we'll start looking".

I was indifferent. I didn't particularly care one way or another. If B wanted a dog, then we would get another dog.

We went to the Humane Society. There were no Jack Russell's, or anything even remotely close. It was all mixed lab dogs - and we already had a lab - we weren't in the market for a lab. So we tried the country Humane Society. They had a few Jack Russell dogs. We walked through the kennels - and while they had Jack's they all either had the 'no other dogs', 'no cats', or 'no small children' restrictions. That didn't really fit the repertoire of what would fit into our lives. While we ourselves didn't have small children, there are small children in our families. And who was to rule out potential children in our future at that time?

The lady behind the counter gave us the website www.petfinder.org - and off we went, searching for the next potential addition to our family. There just weren't any Jack's anywhere in the area - so we extended the search - 500 miles within our zip code . I don't remember if we found this picture the first day we extended the search, or if it were a subsequent day.

We came across this picture on their website - her given name was Miss T:

I sent an e-mail. I called the phone number. We wanted this dog. She was in Iowa. It wasn't that far away. I waited [im]patiently until the woman called me back.

She ran through a list of reasons telling me why I didn't want this dog. I have no prior experience with the breed, they are energetic, they are destructive, they are all-around bad little dogs. I didn't care. We wanted her. Our minds were made up. I had to do some quick talking, and essentially selling of ourselves, to convince this woman that we wanted this dog, and that we were prepared for any and all bad behavior that might come our way.

And then, she still tried to talk us out of the dog. Telling us that other people had already contacted her, and had first pick, and if they came and didn't want Miss T, then we could have her. They came, and chose a different dog, because 'Miss T' was just too naughty. She could be ours, but we had to mail the check first. And then we couldn't pick her up for 3 more weeks, because they wouldn't let them go until they were nine weeks old, and spayed and/or neutered.

In those weeks, we purchased her kennel, her first toy, her first bone, puppy food, a pink collar, a pink leash, we had to get a tag, because they wouldn't let us take her without a tag with her name and address on it.

We re-named her.

Miss T was a stupid name.

Callie Mae. There's a story behind that name, but it's not important.

FINALLY! The day came. We were able to pick her up. We drove the two plus hours (each way). The second that woman put her in my arms... I never let go. It was love.

I didn't even know I wanted a dog.

I didn't know I needed one.

My [future] husband knew.

He gave me exactly what I needed, when I didn't even know I needed it.

I call that true love...

Ash Wednesday

I received my ashes at Westminster Cathedral, London, UK - 2012.

Such an amazing, beautiful Cathedral.

In the true spirit of Lent, and 'giving something up' - it was a tough one for me this year. I wasn't about to give up alcohol, not with me bowling on Friday nights. Plus, I did that last year - it wasn't that hard. I also gave up Facebook last year - which if you followed me on Facebook - you would think that was a really hard thing too. But it wasn't. After about 5 days, when you're 'offline' - Facebook just sort of 'goes away'.

I wanted to find something that would truly be a sacrifice. Something that I love - something that I enjoy. And something that I would miss every day.

Diet Pepsi.

Not just Diet Pepsi. All soda...

I almost feel sorry for the people that have to be around me for the first few days...

Note to self

~ never leave home without double checking that nail clippers are packed.


That's good advice.


So I [inadvertently] lied in my previous blog post. I didn't get lost.

It's fairly chilly here, and dark by the time I leave the office, so I don't really get out and do much. But that's okay, it's not nearly as much fun to meander the streets of London alone. B is absolutely coming with me next time... It's rather boring when I'm here by myself.

The flights were all ontime, but that didn't mean there weren't 'travel-related' issues. First off, I wasn't feeling well - and on the flight from Omaha to Chicago, I got a nosebleed in mid-flight. Dry air on plane, extended cold & Sudafed = nosebleed. And who the hell wants to sit next to someone that's bleeding on an airplane. Luckily, the guy didn't realize, because he was sleeping. That's a double bonus, because he didn't speak to me the entire flight.

I had to gate check my carry-on bag, when we landed in Chicago, I was waiting patiently for my bag - everyone else that had to gate check their bag, had gotten their luggage and headed to the terminal. I have no bag. They shut the door. I tell the gentleman that I haven't received my gate checked bag.

His response... "Are you sure?"

Silence... this is where I silently count to 12.

"Yeah. Pretty sure."

"What does it look like?"

I describe said bag, hand him my gate check ticket, and he heads back outside.

He can't find it.

I inform him that he has to find it - because I. Gate. Checked. the. bag.

15-20 minutes later, they found my bag.

Sigh #1...

Not too many other issues to speak of, a few other things that aren't even worth mentioning anymore.

I watched a couple movies before trying to sleep - 'What's Your Number?' - cute, albiet predictible chick flick. I would recommend if you were in the mood for a chick flick. Like I said, it's cute. Then I watched 'The Rum Diary' with Johnny Depp. Bleck. Stupid movie...

Arrived 1/2 hour early, made it through customs super fast, and then I waited for the car service to arrive. After waiting for an hour, (a half hour due to the flight being early, and then another half hour due to sometimes getting through customs takes a bit of time) I pull out the booking reservation to find out that it had been booked to pick me up the day before...

Sigh #2.... before you ask... no, I didn't make the reservation.

No big deal. I hop in a cab and head to the hotel. I only wish I hadn't waited an hour before checking the reservation.

Sometimes I feel that these things only happen to me. Which can't possibly be true.

From the mouths of babes

London in the winter

I'm headed across the pond to spend a week in London.

Winter in London is not nearly as foreboding as the photo I found portrays it to be. It very rarely snows, and if it does, the city shuts down.

I went in January a few years back, and I was never cold. At least not until I returned to Omaha, and had to dig my car out of snow and ice because the only parking spot available when I left, was on the roof of the parking garage.

I'm staying at a different hotel - I'm a creature of habit, and like to stay in places that I am familiar with when in an unfamiliar city. Which is why I had always stayed in the same hotel - I knew the part of town, where the 'tube' was, where the stores were, the restaurants, the pubs, and how to get to the office. This hotel is closer to the office (but in the opposite direction) - it has a fitness center onsite - a 'sky lounge' - and several other updated 'American' amenities.

I bet I get lost [if even for a tiny little minute] the first day.

Happy Birthday to me...

Today I turn 42 - and it brings my birthday week to a close. I took the day off work, and I'm going to spend the day doing this and that. It's been a great week - even if it did get off to a rough start. Being sick stinks.

I am looking forward to bringing my birthday week to a close with a dinner celebration with B later tonight - - - and perhaps a few cocktails.

Taking the first step

Hi.

My name is Michele.

And I'm addicted to Hoarders. (The TV show)

Some people will understand this, and agree wholeheartedly with me. Some will scoff and tell me how disturbed I am. Others will be completely grossed out just thinking about it.

I can't help it.

It's like a train wreck...

...and I can't look away.

The Party Hat

When I pull the party hat out - both dogs get the 'oh f*ck' look on their face. They both stare at me with 'that look' until I say one of their names, and then the other lets out an [almost] audible sigh.

I must say, Chloe is a much better poser when it comes to getting her picture taken in the hat.

We sang Happy Birthday to Beaner - and then.... there were treats for everyone!!!

Everybody's birthday is a big deal in our house.

Three!!

Happy 3rd Birthday little Beaner!!!

I couldn't even imagine my life without little troublemaker Chloe Fae. She brings so much entertainment, and joy to our lives - that I often think 'what would we do without Bean??' I love that little dog more than I ever thought I could. B tells her all the time that she was hand picked by me - and that makes her the luckiest puppy in the world.

She's such an awesome little dog, she's become a little Mama's girl - and totally knows how to steal my heart when she puts her little head between her paws and gives you the 'whadid I do?' look.

Chloe's birthday present was a burrow bed, which we purchased at www.2paws4u.com (in case anyone looks at the pictures and thinks this too would be perfect for your dog. Terriers are big burrowers, Chloe spends most of her days (and nights) crawling under blankets, curling, turning, turning, and curling, until she finally finds the right spot, and lays down - with just her little head sticking out.

With the burrow bed, all she has to do is crawl in. We gave it to her a couple weeks ago. I know, I know, I'm a sucker... She doesn't use it quite as often as I thought she would - but she's been burrowing in blankets for three years. She has used it a few times on her own, so I guess old habits die hard. Even with dogs.

Valentine's Day Re-visited

It's hard for me to blog when I'm sick.

Typically because I don't care about anything but myself and feeling better. Or.... is it because I know that whatever might come out of my mouth, would reflect my mood and how I was feeling - and I'm simply taking those that read the blog, feelings into consideration.

That certainly sounds nicer.

Valentine's Day is tomorrow - it's such a ridiculous, made up holiday - that even though I love the decor, the reds, the pinks, the hearts, the flowers - I dislike the day.

I don't dislike the day because people are expected to buy [price inflated] flowers, or because they give silly candy, or stuffed animals - if every single person in the world wanted to celebrate Valentine's Day - I wouldn't care. To each their own.

I dislike the day because it's too close to my birthday - and I have always hated the 'it's your Valentine's Day gift and your birthday gift'. I don't like 'dual' gifts.

So... I simply deleted the necessity of celebrating the day from my life.

But, if you celebrate it - Happy Valentine's Day!!

Friday Night Bowling

The season is half over - and we're in last place.

It's not that our team is bowling bad either - we pretty much hit (or exceed) our average every game - it's just that no matter what team we bowl...

...they have the greatest bowling night of their life.

I'm not sure how to compete with that. No matter how well we bowl - they [are practically guaranteed to] bowl better.

It's not cool.

It's so much fun to get together with friends, have a few beers, throw a few balls, and share some laughs. I'll miss it when the season's over.

There.

I said it.

I like bowling.

I'm a bowling nerd.

Parker Update

Parker became an 'it' a few weeks back - that whole "he'll calm down once he's neutered...."

Yeah - that's a myth.

The blue collar is the new-fangled cone, to keep him from licking what he shouldn't be licking.

The Youngest of the Three

Tamara Lynn - - - the youngest of the Don Reed children. Her nickname was 'Tuck' when she was little. I was her Kindergarten student aide - that was back when I thought I wanted to be a teacher. Ha ha ha ha - - - it was shortly after that experience, that I figured out that I don't like other people's children all that much...

Tamara is married to Jake Kraft - and I have yet to meet him face to face, or welcome him into the family. There's one more reason to get my butt over to Bettendorf this summer... It's difficult for the Kraft family to travel, due to job constraints, not to mention that together, they have five boys.

Ho-leeee-cah-mo-leeee!!!! (to have been spoken phonetically) I couldn't even imagine...

They certainly are a busy family, doing all kinds of sports, and other 'boy stuff' that comes with having five young boys in one household. I keep up with their activities as best I can on Facebook.

There's Caleb, Mason, Logan, Jake (Dad), Tamara (Mom), Collin & Nathan. And I think I listed them in the correct order, with the correct names, according to the picture.

Obscure

My favorite 'candy bars' are two of the more obscure candies on the market.

Sixlets and Twin Bing.

Most people gag when I choose one of the two - I. Love. Them. They're my favorite....

The best part?? No one ever asks me for a bite.

My Favorite

The Patriots lost. To the Giants. Again. Not surprising. Every single team I cheer for - - - loses. If I want them to win - they lose.

Honestly, you should always fade me...

All football aside - the 'naked' M&M's commercial was my favorite.

I'm a Patriots fan because Tom Brady is pretty...

Super Bowl Sunday.

I'm headed to my brother Greg's house for his annual super bowl party, which is always a 'super' fun time - he hosts a good party.

Go Patriots!!

Little Baby Snowman

Look! I made a little baby snowman.

B says he needs a nose, but my 'little baby snowman' accessories were rather limited. He's lucky he got a scarf.

And I think he's cute, just as he is...

It's Groundhog Day!

So the Groundhog saw his shadow today...

Who cares!?!?!

If the next six weeks of winter are anything like the last six weeks of winter, no one will care that the rodent saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter - considering we haven't even really had a winter this season...

I'm about to say something completely out of character.

Go ahead winter - - - snow.

Fulfilling a fetish of mine

I bought these shoes today.

I think they kick butt.