Personal DNA

This was fun (thanks Gina).

Apparently I am a Director. I feel like Steve already knows this.


My personalDNA Report

MSNBC

A good article I thought a few of you might be interested in. Just trying to continue to get the word out ..

The Humane Society more conservatively estimates that, each year, 2 million to 4 million new pets are the products of puppy mills, most of them in eight states: Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22100558/from/ET/

Kudos, Old Navy

Old Navy has become my favorite place, to buy clothes for Steve. I haven't found a ton there recently but I just want to give credit where credit is due. There has been an enormous amount of negative press related to pit bulls this year due to Michael Vick and the other sick/disgusting/wretched people involved in dog-fighting. The dogs were raised for fighting, and did what their owner, the people they trusted to rely on for their life, told them to do. It is not the breed. I am sick of seeing a million adds with miniature dogs as accessories. They're aren't treated, or seen as dogs. And then I saw this Old Navy commercial a few nights ago, with a litter of blue pit bull terrier puppies. Sure it's a bunch of models showing off scarves but the puppies are all over the place and are shown for what they are, great dogs. So, thanks Old Navy!

Girl Crush

My latest girl crush is Blair Waldorf and I will explain why. She is fabulously evil. And last night's episode was rightfully titled, Blair Waldorf Must Pie (in your face Serena!). I was giggling, Steve walks in and he asks why Blair is upset. I said - Blair just ate a pie. So? She ate the entire thing. And? She threw it up? Why? She's bulimic Steve (Exit Steve).

It's been a while since we've had a nasty girl. It's not like anyone on the OC was ever really evil that long. I really feel like Brenda Walsh is making a come back but in better clothes. She will turn on you, in the drop of a hat (in your face Serena!). Her motives are an overly perfect best friend, a on-again-off-again boyfriend who is in love with said best friend, money, diamonds, a gay Father and an intense Mother. Who needs more?!? She has revenge-sex with the grossest person on the show and gets a diamond necklace while laughing in his face about ever having a chance with her. She keeps Serena close and Jenny at bay. Which is good riddance, Nate supposedly dates Jenny in the books but come on. Who would want to date Jenny when you could be with the Queen Bee? Ugh, you have got to be kidding me.

I also love the head band and rumors of possible real-life turmoil with her and Blake Lively, aka Serena van der Woodsen. Thank you CW. Thank you.

(Tina Fey, you are still my favorite though) ....

Thank You

Thank you for ...

Steve. Ham. Vinney and George being best friends. Lazy weekends. Comfortable couches. George Clooney. Baths. Peppermint ice cream. Etsy. Raffia. Cougar Football. Cougar Basketball. Sleeping in. Uggs. Washing machines. Big families. Roscoe Village. Online shopping. Vitamin E. Oreos. Lyla. Wedding planners. ABC Family.

Hope everyone ate as much as I did! Some pictures of this weekend ..

Still a Bachelor

I'm speechless.

I guess I always knew it was a possibility. They did say this would be the "most dramatic ending ever!" I figured that he might not propose,but I didn't think he'd send them BOTH packing, without so much as a"let's try to give this a shot in the real world." I honestly thought when he was looking at the ring with the blue stone he was going to pick that and go the 'promise' route. And poor Jenni, I knew from the get go she wasn't getting it. What with her total breakdown and all. (Did you you guys catch on to his brother, after meeting Jenni, asking Brad if he would *really* marry her?)

So, what happened? Did he finally notice the strange happy face tattoo on Jenni's back? Did the McNasty nickname the girls gave DeAnna finally catch up to her? Who knows. I will watch tonight just to see DeAnna hand it to him. Brad seemed incredibly removed from this show. Almost like it was too planned out. Like the producers wanted this ending, to stir the pot a little, even though Jen Scheft already did this, and really none of these have worked out.

Maybe he's just the only honest one they've had? I kind of doubt that too. The whole walk around the magical garden thing was so awkward. I guess if I was single, I'd be happy because he's still on the market but he kind of seemed like a d#$% this show, which surprised me. There's a rumor out that he has a 2 year old and he's actually back with the Mom but I don't see ABC letting something that huge get by ..

I half expected him to call Jenni back after he left DeAnna go. Oh, Brad.

Dog Auctions

Unfortunately, I am not much of a go-getter when it comes to causes. I have a lot of opinions, but feel they are just that. I quietly do my own thing, support my own little ideas and try not to bother anyone with how I feel that day. However, after working with the Chicago English Bulldog Rescue (http://www.ebullymatch.com/) (you can see Vinney under "Love Connections"), I have realized what an awful state pets in this country are in and wanted to say something about it. I realize, the biggest thing I can do is to tell people NOT TO BUY FROM BREEDERS, PUPPY MILLS OR PET STORES. Re-read that if you want to, it's the main point I am trying to make. Even if you go to a reputable breeder, you are still part of the problem with this overpopulation of dogs and cats. Please, please, go through a rescue, or your local shelter, you can still get a puppy if that is what you are looking for. Sure, you may need to sign up for an obedience class and work with the dog a little more but just think of the life you saved. Molly Marino runs the Bulldog Rescue and I received this email. I don't know if people are aware these types of events go on and wanted to share:

Hi Friends,

I am writing to you to tell about a dog rescue that I will be participating in this week (Wednesday, 11/14), and to seek your support.

Along with 3 other rescuers, I will be heading on a 9 hour trek overnight on Tuesday to attend a dog auction in which over 70 English Bulldogs will be sold to the highest bidder. If you have never heard of a dog auction, they are terrible, disgusting events. You can view footage of an auction online at http://stoppuppymills.org/. Just scroll to the bottom of the page for the video. Unfortunately, the highest bidders are not always the best intentioned humans.

Dogs are sold like cattle and puppy mills swoop in, buy them up and use these dogs who have never known a good life as moneymakers. The poor dogs that don't sell at the auction move from auction to auction until they do. In this particular auction that I will be attending, there will be many females that have lived their entire lives in a crate (7+years, just being bred, having puppies, bred again, etc). They often have limited food and water and are poorly cared for. They deserve better.

I am asking for your help in 3 different ways.

Donations: $200 will most likely buy one dog that has been 'used up'. Any little bit you can help me with would be so appreciated. Of course, I will tell you exactly which dogs I was able to save when I return.

Foster homes: It is quite possible that I will return to Chicago with dozens of dogs. I'm looking for foster homes to provide a safe, warm place for them to recuperate while I get them to the vet and allow them to live like real dogs - with a bed, food, water and a roof over their head. I will get them into my rescue group and find them a new home as quickly as I can.

Crates: I need to borrow as many crates (medium sized would be great), as we will be renting a truck and loading it up so that we can transport the dogs back. I will only need the crates for 2 days and can then return them. Can anyone loan me their crate?

And moral support of course! Thanks for supporting me in my dog rescue work....I appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Molly

Thanks for you time ..

Superfans

What if da Bears were to enter the Indianapolis 500?
How would they compete?
Let's say they rode together in a big bus.
Is Ditka driving?
Of course.
Then I like da Bears.

I love Kelly Clarkson

I'm serious.

Kim and I went to her concert last night and she is lovely. Granted, she has roughly two CD's (we don't really count the first one) so every single person in there knew, EVERY single song. I've never been to a concert like that, although I guess Dave Matthews was somewhat similar. She played at the Chicago Theatre which is on State street, in the Loop. Apparently she had gone out the night before in Chicago for Halloween and was Marie Antoinette. Average age there was about 25-27, which was wonderful. We had one shrieker, she lost her voice mid-way through. She's lucky, that glow-stick was about to go down her throat.

Kelly Clarkson played all her big hits, and focused heavily on My December. She has a version of Miss Independent, spliced with Back in Black, that we enjoyed. Chivas, her "hidden" song (after Irvine on My December) was fun. She made fun of her drunk Youtube experience. I wish she hadn't worn the black, bell-bottoms, yet again but what can you do? The girl can sing.

Her encore was Sober (I had goosebumps) and she ended with Since You've Been Gone. Sober was my favorite song of the night, though followed closely is a cover she did of Patty Griffin's "Up To The Mountain." She just makes it look so easy.

Vinney has his first obedience class Sunday, wish him luck! Go Cougs, and Go Seahawks!

Ipod

Okay, Tanya was right. There were no close pictures of Vinney's actual Ipod costume. Here you go!

Halloween Bullybash

This weekend was the annual Chicago English Bulldog Rescue and Chicago English Bulldog's Meet-up fundraiser. Yes, there are a lot of bulldogs in Chicago. There were all kind of things to do, an agility course, a "try"athlon, a costume contest and a bully spa. There was food, drinks, and music. We competed in the agility course but we weren't too down with walking the plank OR going through the tube. Someone had peed in the front of the tube though and we stopped to check it out - unfair advantage. I made Vinney's costume this year, he was an Ipod. I am not a creative person at all so while the idea came from someone else, I actually did MAKE the costume. I thought he looked great. My friend Amy helped me with the screen shot, Vinney was listening to "Hey Bulldog" by Bill Deal. He had earbuds and everything. The store-bought lobster won. Figures. At any rate, we had a blast. We "won" a few new items from the silent auction (aka, Vinney's new bed, since George pretty much took over the old one). Thought you'd enjoy some pictures of the day.

Vinney and Fan's Best Friend, Mr. Meatball (from Comcast)

Chillin

I had to go through first

The Alligator
The Bee

The Lobster, does us in
Life is all about compromise

Happy Anniversary Baby (two years!) and Happy First Birthday to Sophia!!!

You know you love me. XOXO.

Stupid French Guy

So Steve comes in last night from his walk with Vinney (around 10 pm) and he's like - boy did you miss the excitement. Apparently they had been walking, and were almost about done walking when they were on Roscoe walking by Turquoise, this Turkish place about two blocks from our house. Four guys, around 25 years old all came out at the same time, obviously over-served. So Steve keeps walking though he said he kept Vinney at little bit shorter on the leash because they were stumbling. Steve and Vinney walk by, and I guess the guys kind of parted to let them go and this one guy comes out of the restaurant, stumbling. He sees Steve and Vinney and says, loudly to his friends, in a very French accent, "well, I have seen a GIRL walk a dog before but never a GUY .." Steve said he just kind of stopped and looked back. His friends, start nervously laughing and say, "yeah, that's a guy, but that's not the guy you want to say that too .." and then they apologize to Steve.

What in the world?? Guys don't walk dogs in France!?! And it's not even like it's a small dog or anything. Vinney is 54 lbs and doesn't exactly look like a girls dog.

Steve's like - what am I supposed to do? Tie Vinney up and go beat this guy up? But then of course he starts thinking along the lines of, if that was you - I wonder what they would have done. And then his mind races ..

Still, pretty ballsy. That guy could have easily got his a$$ kicked. Happy Friday!

I hate football

As fall finally hits Chicago and I start thinking about winter, and about the absolute misery I am going to endure I remember how mild and lovely Seattle is. Steve, do you read this?

Couple of random thoughts:

I was watching Grumpy Old Men this weekend, recalling that I am in fact marrying one and thinking how wonderful all the snow looked on TV. ON TV.

Grey's has truly disappointed me this season. I have watched, but only begrudgingly. I am bored with the stories. Annoyed with the whining. Missing the best actor/actresses - Burke and Addison. Enjoying PP much more. When did this show become so dull and lifeless?? All the good story lines are gone. And Taye Diggs is hotter.

However, my favorite NEW show of the year is Gossip Girl. I don't even mind admitting it (this is a person who watches the Bachelor and the Hills with zero shame, don't be surprised). I knew the CW wouldn't let me down. Of course, 30 Rock and the Office have been outstanding this year and I've already used the carb-loading joke multiple times.

Football has become increasingly harder for me to watch, and even hear about. I was upset we weren't getting the Oregon game. And then I kept checking the score. Embarrassing. Next up, Sunday night football. I could barely watch after the first turnover. My only idea for Halloween this year has been to wear my Hasselback jersey with a bald cap but I'm not sure I can endure the mind-numbing questions about our awful offense. Although, the comments would be coming from Bears fans, who really have no room to talk.

Oh, and currently I am working on Vinney's costume for next weekend's Bullybash, the CEBR's annual fundraiser and costume contest. I don't want to ruin anything, but he is going to win.

Thinking about you CLH. I don't know quite what to say about your loss, but it shook me. I am so sorry.

Walking In Memphis

I think I am a once a week Blogger. I hope that's okay.

We just got back from Memphis on Sunday. Two of our very good friends - Kim and Jeremy got married this past weekend. Steve was in the wedding as a groomsmen so we were there Friday, got in, went to Huey's for burgers and checked into our room. They did their rehearsal dinner at the Center of Southern Folklore where we had great Memphis BBQ and plenty of Bud products. That night, the whole crew went out on Beale Street. We saw Azamat (from Borat), who does not have an accent. I started drinking from some bucket Meg bought and decided it was time to go home. Saturday Steve and I relaxed, I enjoyed the pool while he hung out with the groomsmen and we met up at the church. The church was lovely. The reception was at the Peabody so we were bussed back over there. The whole night was elegant. I think Kim and Jeremy had a great time and even went out later (I went to bed again around midnight, such a lush). Now they are in Maui and I am sooooo jealous!

I'd like to take a minute to talk about the Hot Mess we call Britney Spears. Now, at this point, nothing really surprises me and she never takes my unsolicited advice but I am worried this might be the end of her. There is no way the boys were taken away for not having a valid license, you know? Hmm. What would Gossip Girl say?

Also, the Bachelor is wonderful this year. I hope you're all watching. Last night was priceless. "I'm a Christian .. I have morals, and values." Maybe I should back this up with a body shot and skinny dipping. What a character. I'm really surprised she made it past the last cut. I really have no idea what this guy wants. DeAnn seems to obvious. Are we grooming Shaun Phillips for the next season?? That would be a wonderful idea. I can't wait for next week with the twin.

I am so sore, we played indoor soccer last night and I forgot how out of shape I am. And sore.
And I bruise like a peach.

Vinney-Bag-Of-Donuts

So, for those who don't know, we have a new member of our family. We rescued a 2 1/2 year old English Bulldog this weekend. His name is Vinney, and it's the name he's had since he was born so we're sticking with it. If you want to read more about him you can go here:

http://www.ebullymatch.com/3.html

Well, so far, we really couldn't have asked for more. He could seriously care less about George, they've met, he looks at George, and then just looks away. It's all on George to come around - but George hasn't been hiding, he's not afraid, more intrigued (I almost said curious). Vinney loves other dogs, but he's still a male, so I want to be careful. We went to the Chicago English Bulldog meet-up on Sunday and I could definitely tell he likes the females more. Though, a lot of the time he just didn't care about the other dogs either, and he sat next to me and hung out, he just wants his belly rubbed.

We hired a dog walker to come mid-day, she came by Sunday to meet him, she walks another bully too which is nice. He's super easy-going, loves his walks and genuinely likes to nap and snore. He really wants to come up on the couch but since that's a big no, we get a hhmmph every once in a while, and then a whine. He lets you touch his ears and his mouth. I took his food away last night for a minute to see how he'd react and he just looked up at me and waited.

We're really excited about being bully owners. As most of you know, I love the breed and have always wanted one. We really wanted to rescue as well and going through the Chicago English Bulldog Rescue has been a wonderful experience. They go out of their way to make sure the homes are good so that all the rescues can find "forever-homes." They succeeded with us!!

Why would anyone want to leave the Coug on Homecoming?

And we're back from three days of straight drinking. I must have assumed I was a freshman in college. I think I am finally drying out a bit. I feel for anyone who has the Coug game this weekend in Seattle.

We got into Madison on Friday afternoon, checked in to our hotel across from the capital and started touring around. We walked down State street to check out the stores, find a Starbucks and discover potential watering holes for the evening. What we found? Rude Wisconsin fans. "Why did you even come here" "Is that for Washington State?" "You guys suck" and our favorite, "Are you actually from Washington State?" I think Mary said it the best - "What gave it away?" (We were all in Wazzu stuff, all weekend). So, note to anyone thinking of travelling to Madison, you will find very unwelcome arms. We did however find State Street Brats which looked like the Coug after a football game. Somehow Coug fans had taken over the bar and we received full-on applause's when we walked by, so we did it twice. On our way back we actually stopped in for a beer. The rest of our crew met up with us Friday night, we had dinner, and went directly back to State Street Brats to enjoy fighting for bartenders to notice us and waiting in line to get back outside. Ah, college.

Saturday morning we were up, got breakfast and headed to the Stadium Bar across the street from Camp Randall. It was a little warm and we were standing in mud, but, they had beer. We got to the game a little before kick-off to find we were in the front row, behind the Cougs, on the 40-yard-line. HOOKED UP. We have only to thank Lindsay's connection of alumns for getting us our same seats in Martin Stadium, minus the annoying Pi Phi's. The game was electric and the entire stadium (that seats 80,000+) were silent until the end of the first half, when things took a turn for the worse. We enjoyed the game, minus a few questionable calls and like most Cougar football games, wished it would have ended in the first half.

After the game we headed to Regent Street Retreat where we continued our depressed-drinking. Then we started seeing scores for Michigan and Notre Dame, and things seemed to get better. From there we headed back to State Street Brats to get cheese curds, meet up with a few AXO's and then headed to the Tree Bar. I have no idea the name of it, but there was a live tree in the middle that was filled with dust. Our bartender was a Husky. It was a fun night.

Sunday, we drove back to Chicago, only to resume crazy-drinking night #3 for my non-bachelorette, bachelorette party. There was a Wazzu theme and plenty of embarrassing photos for everyone to see, thanks to my Mom and Andrea. I like to forget the days of the bowl-cut as a child and the boy-hair in college but it seems those were the favorites. Steve refers to it as the "dark time." I decided I was too full for beer, started drinking wine, and switched to champagne when we moved inside. They did a quiz and I got to hear everyone's favorite Wohn-story which was by far, my FAVORITE part of the night. Funny the things people remember about you. Most embarrassing, some were sentimental and the champagne kept going, even through a power outage (thank god for the light-up rings). We headed to the bar, I lost my ID on the way, came home upset (my ID is still gone), ran face first into the kitchen cabinets and was put to bed my fiancee who said he's never seen me like that. All in a night. Maybe I should have just stuck with beer.

Here are some pictures, hopefully they entertain you. One of the most fun weekends I can remember ..

Walking around Madison, this is where their Student Union is ...

I wish I was still in LA

And we're back, from Andrea's wedding. Tan, lovely and bored with Chicago's craptastic weather already. We had SUCH a good time. For Andrea's bachelorette we went on a wine tour in San Luis Obispo, which I highly recommend to anyone. Though, after the first few wineries, I'm not really sure what we "tasted." The week of we got to catch up with friends, go shopping, go to the spa and I got to hear Andrea's phone ring 25 times a day. Which, I really wouldn't have cared about except she changed her ring tone to "Mmm Bop" by Hanson, right before I came and I cannot get that song out of my head. I even tried to play it at the wedding but it was too late. Andrea looked amazing though and I think her and Erik had a great time. Afterwards, when we were headed to the after-party (we had to turn off the music at 10) she put her elbows on her knees in the car and said "I'm so glad that's over." I think that's how I will feel. It's amazing how much there is to do to plan for that moment, I am learning. I think I did figure out a few things for mine though, ie put the programs together before hand. Now I'm back and am just really excited about next weekend and the Wisconsin game. When I got back to work I had two articles about how awesome the Badgers are, on my screen and on my lamp and a pen that plays the fight song. Here are some pictures ..

San Luis Obispo .. sort of takes a moment to register this is real ...

The Madonna Inn, a lot of character, all the rooms had "theme's"

At the third winery? Wohn, Linda, Ginny, Andrea, Landis and Jackie ..

Do you see the ghost?!?

Mini AXO reunion, some things never change

Andrea and her Dad, isn't she lovely?

The bridesmaids, I think right after we saw her turn the corner ..

Chance (her brother on the far right), had the coolest shoes ..

Oh Sweet Jesus it's Hot

I am not meant for the humidity. I truly am not. I got on the el last night and the air wasn't working. I could hardly breathe. The weather says it's 87 but it's really 125. I kid you not. And Steve and I are moving to Phoenix at some point in the near future. I can't wait.

Andrea's wedding is next Saturday, her bachelorette party is this weekend. I am REALLY excited and I think this is going to be a wonderful show of what it's truly like, the week before you get married.

Football is starting up here and pretty soon we'll all be in Madison cheering on the Cougs as they attempt to not get killed by Wisconsin. At any rate, it's going to be blast. Madison is supposedly one of the best college towns in the country, behind Pullman, obviously. We're going up Friday, the game is Saturday (look for a large group of Cougar girls who might be a tad wobbly) and then we're coming back to Chicago Sunday for my wicked bachelorette. I despise typical bachelorette parties though. Hate the cheesiness, the uncomfortable laughter, the bad gifts, the one girl who takes it too far, the forced fun. This is merely a BBQ and a trip to John Barleycorn to dance later and laugh at Adrian. Steve is grilling for us. But ... I am so excited to have this many people in town so I knew I wanted a party, regardless.

Also, if you go see the Bourne Ultimatum (which you should) make sure you sit in the back of the theater. The camera is really tight. Also try and remember to breathe. It's excellent, and a complete roller coaster. Matt Damon is so lovely.

Until next year kickball ..

Sadly, we lost our playoff game last night. Every ball but one I kicked was a pop fly to someone in the infield so needless to say, I did not do my part. I need to suck up my pride and just bunt it. Everyone else does. But I get cocky, and then the second baseman gets a nice present.

I don't get to see Steve for two weeks and I can be honest, I am kind of sad about it. I really enjoy him being around and we seem to genuinely get along so it's a little odd to now have the place to myself. He's in Hawaii for work. I really wish I was with him but, George needs me. I also have no vacation and the tickets were ridiculous ...

In other news, So You Think You Can Dance was excellent last night. I am still going for Lauren but I do think Sabre is the new fan favorite. And I don't know how Danny won't win for the guys. Is Neil cute? Have I lost touch with what cute is? I think Justin Timberlake is HOT so I can't be that off. Was it necessary for Neil to perform shirtless? How do they learn all of these routines so quickly?!? Why does Mary Murphy scream?

I like pickles.

Public Transportation

Karrie sent me an article today about the bus. Now, I take the el (CTA - elevated train) AND the bus to get to and from work. The article had crazy stories about bus drivers experiences with, we'll call it, the General Public, "GP." I take the el the opposite direction, to an el that usually is faster, and lets me off right in front of my building. I do this to avoid the GP. I don't really like people. I still have to encounter them on the way home.

I've come to realize however, that I've become jaded. The rule of thumb on any public transportation system is avoid direct eye contact. The Ipod is brilliant in this regard. Also, my enormous phobia with germs has to be put on hold until I can rush to home/work and quickly wash my hands. The problem I have is that I am hugely interested in my surroundings. I am constantly taking tabs of who is around, how old they are, who they're with, what they're doing, etc. Mainly, because I want to know who to avoid. I purposefully sit by people that look like me (aka, somewhat normal), thinking they will get off around the same stop (it almost always works) and they won't talk, or bump me. I ignore all bums, on the street, the bus, on the el. Even the bum that is at my bus stop EVERYDAY. I want to say something to him SO BAD, but, it's Chicago, and it's useless.

This is my point. I truly did not realize how stupid the GP was until I started riding public transportation. And I mean stupid in all kinds of ways. Terrible fashion. Absolutely NO manners. Blatant staring. Dirtiness. Anger. Is that even English? Children with no parents. Awful cell phone manners. People sneaking food from their bags (I call them closet-eaters). Midgets with mullets (though not outwardly offensive, he smelled like a gym). Drunk Cubs fans, who could care less about the Cubs. Frat boys, who are 30. Females showing way too much skin. You reallllyyy shouldn't be. So, while I appreciate public transportation, I truly dislike the GP. I like the city, and I realize this is supposed to make me more diverse but it scares me all these people are out there, reproducing.

Ah, my blog.

Hello, World

And it's me. In "Blogger." I have been reading Gina's for so long, and now with Tanya's new addition I figure I should start figuring this thing out. Not sure what I am doing but I will get it slowly but surely.

My thought for the day, I really play kickball? When is the last time anyone you know played kickball, competitively? And I'd like to add - it's much harder than it looks.

Also, Britney Spears is dead to me. I spent an entire train ride home thinking of the changes I would make if I was her assistant, publicist, life-partner. I would change EVERYTHING. She's not going to do that. There is no coming back. Thank God for Kelly Clarkson (excellent CD).