Time Is a-FLYin'

It's like I blinked and all of a sudden it's friggin October! Where HAS the time gone?!

So it's like I don't even know what I have and haven't told you guys. I guess I'll have to read back a few posts and then ponder on what all has happened that isn't included.

BUT until then... this is what I'll leave you with:

Studly got his official orders from the US Air Force - medical retirement it is! He's already on permissive/terminal leave and has been offered a GrrrrEAT job from an amazing company. He'll kind've be doing what he HAS been doing, but they'll also be training him with a new skill set to make it a bit different... hopefully more exciting for him.

We've decided that we're done here... in this house, that is. We'll be fixing up the kitchen, the one real thing we have left to do, and then putting the finishing touches on the rest of the house. Oddly enough, we're not relatively sure what we'll be doing once we reach that point. You see - with the market the way that it is, anything could happen. We'd love to sell it, but that would only work if we got at least what we paid for it originally, thanks to closing costs, listing fees, etc. Then there's always the option to rent our place out and get some good tenants to help pay the mortgage, but then we're worried we wouldn't be able to rent the place for what we currently pay monthly.

Either way, we'll be needing a new home. Since Studly just got his new job, we'll definitely be staying in the area. However, whether or not we rent a place or buy a new home will depend on which way we go with the current home. *sigh So many choices... so many possibilities. Whichever we end up choosing, there's a new wish list that will be forming. Aren't you excited?!

I've decided that I'll be chronicling the process here - with you guys. AND... that means that I'll actually be BLOGGING again! WOO! ha ha

**Crazy Neighbor Update** We went to court about the dog poop issue. (See? It even sounds ridiculous in a blog... how sad is that?!) They decided to postpone 3 months. It was actually for our benefit, but it's still silly. They wanted to be sure the outcome would include the judge saying "This is nuts. Drop it. Don't waste my time." It was actually kind've funny having the prosecuting attorney and Health Department giving us advice outside of the court room. ha ha... They just asked us to take pictures each time we clean up the back yard. So at least twice a week. We'll have TONS of photos come 7 December, but if it'll end this, then so be it. And I'm sure planning to move because of all this will certainly help our case. So stressed and harassed that we can't live peacefully in our own home. Sounds like a case to me, but who knows. I just hope the judge is a dog-lover. :-D

And while we're talking about crazy neighbors, I should tell you that I had another encounter... with the redneck, that is. She's a whack-job. Not that I doubted this fact before, but good GRACIOUS she just nailed it in a few more times. *sheesh

Other than that, i think I'm kind've out of some ideas, right now. Not to mention it's like quarter to midnight and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open as it is. GOSH I'm getting old!

Anywho - that'll update you for now. I know there's PLENTY more, but it'll come in due time. Until then, remember that even though I'm not making new blog posts a priority, I'm still all over y'alls. Seriously, though... and I LOVE it! You guys are the best.

Well, Toodles for now, my Sweets! I'm signing out.

Much love!!

Don't Forget!!

Go here:

http://tinyurl.com/voteforaustin


And vote for Austin. :-) We only have until tomorrow so vote vote vote!!!


PS: I got the following hilarious response from a friend: "You gotta be kidding me! We’re in the biggest recession since the Great Depression…the absolute worse Job/Employment market since the 1960’s…have the absolute most liberal President in the White House since Franklin D. Roosevelt (and Jimmy Carter), the Stock Market is trading below 7,000 points and hasn’t been this low since the late 1980’s…Osama Bin Laden is STILL on the loose, Al Quada has re-grouped throughout Afghanistan and the world…Gas prices are back near $2.00 per gallon…Floyd Mayweather Junior, the BEST pound for pound Boxer since Sugar Ray Leonard has announced his early retirement, the artist named Prince who was “formerly known as the Artist formerly known as Prince” has converted from nothing to Jehovah’s Witness and is now being spotted going door to door throughout neighborhoods in Los Angeles (with the exception of Compton of course…them Bloods and Crips don’t care if you name is Prince or not, they are still pack’in heat) trying to tell people to convert to “JW”…and…and you want me to vote for your DOG?!?...at a time like this?!

Okay, where do I sign up?

~ Martin"

Smile Much?

Watch more eBaum"s World videos on AOL Video

Pupperdoodle

So it's been a while since I wrote anything about McDog (that's Austin, by the way... he's got WAY too many nicknames to list, and some too inappropriate to mention in a public forum such as this). He's been doing pretty well, but with the weather being like it has, and with the STUPID FRIGGIN DEVILISH cold weather (can you tell I'm not a fan) that is forcing us into submission, he hasn't had like ANY time outside lately. And honestly? I think he's okay with that. I mean, sure - he'd just LOVE to be gallavanting around with some other dogs at the dog park down the street, but he doesn't seem to like the cold much, either, as evidenced by his UBER short potty breaks outside (he IS a shorthair, people, and I'm not a big fan of doggy clothes, if purely for the hatred I have for wrestling my dog into them).

Before you feel too bad for him, he did get a trip to the dog park when McStudly got off work at o-dark-thirty this morning (thanks for that, by the way, crazy Air Force scheduler dude... really appreciate all the nights that I have to sleep alone *intense sarcasm intended*).

Anywho - this is just an excuse for me to get to post a few pictures of my handsome pup. Isn't the hottest dog, ever (for the record, my husband is the one that calls him "hott"... I'm merely repeating what I hear over and over and over again)?!


Check it:




I think this was one of maybe 2 times in his life that he's sat still for more than 30 seconds at a time. So glad I had a camera to capture it on film, or there's NO way McStudly would've believed me!





Isn't he a cutie-pa-tootie?! (emphasis ont he "tootie", by the way)

Waiting anxiously for McStudly to get home... talk about a daddy's boy!

Such a proud dog, sitting up straight and what-not.

Is he a cutie-pie, or what?!

Pet Halloween Costumes

Well, with it almost being Halloween, I thought I'd add to the "spirit" of things and throw in a little humor for you.


Enjoy!

This poor pup - er - cow. Ha ha... I wish my dog would wear a costume. This is priceless!!

Enough is Enough

This whole thing with my Neighbor has gone far enough.


No. Scratch that - it has gone WAY past "enough" and straight into "completely ridiculous" territory.


I got a call from the Health Department again this morning and it went something like this:


Mr. Moulton (MM): Hello Mrs Puhl, this is Thomas Moulton with the Health Department again. How are you today?

Me: I'm doing alright, how about yourself?

MM: I'm doing well. Hey listen, I had a voicemail waiting for me when I came in this morning, again. Would it be possible for you to just clean up every day, now?

Me: Well, I actually cleaned it up everyday this weekend, but my dog does still have to go again, even after I've cleaned it up. I even cleaned it up yesterday, so there's barely a pile back there from when he went this morning. I am not able to clean it up daily while my husband is away, as my schedule has been pretty crazy, but I do clean it up as soon as I have the chance, so I'm not sure why she's called again.

MM: I understand. That's fine. We will need to come out again and take another look.

Me: That's totally fine. Actually - I'll go ahead and leave what's out there so that you can see what it looks like when she calls and complains. There's barely a pile - I'll call it a pile and a half, because he spreads it around sometimes when he's not done, but that's really all. You are welcome to come and take a look, and pleas feel free to call me at work. The number is... [insert work number here]. I should be at that number in about an hour, and then all day.

MM: Thank you for your help, Mrs. Puhl. There was no violation last time I came out, but I will be taking another look today.

Me: I understand, and if you wouldn't mind also working with the HOA regarding the matter as well...

MM: I've spoken with them, and they've just requested a copy of the report.

Me: Great. Well I look forward to hearing your report later today. And please do let me know if I can help in any way. Again, I do clean up whenever I can, especially since we talked last - it hasn't gone more than 2 days before being cleaned up.

MM: Thank you Mrs. Puhl. I'll give you a call when we've finished the inspection and report.



Well - not very exciting (he's a very enthusiastic man *pretty sarcastic on that one, by the way*), but you get the point. There's no violation, but they are following up again, anyways.

What kind've got me was that he just started with a "Can you just clean it up everyday?" Umm... no. The whole point of the matter is that she's trying to dictate how we handle our backyard. It doesn't work that way. We are homeowners. She can't dictate to us, just as we can't dictate to her, what is done in OUR property.

This has gone far enough. She's gotten smart enough not to say anything to me, but if I know her like I think I do, she won't be able to keep her mouth shut long enough. And you'd better believe that the next time she says anything to me, she'll get not only a piece of my mind, but a nice visit from the police for harassment. It may sound something like this:


Neighbor Lady (NL): Blah blah blah

Me (M): You know, you are being very silly about this whole matter. And I'm not tolerating this any longer. I've been patient with you and tried my best to be a good neighbor, but it's just not enough for you. We will not be pushed and bullied around. We live here now, and we will be living here for a long time. I don't come and complain to you about everything you do that I don't like, and I CERTAINLY do not call the HOA and the HEALTH department about the things I do not like that happen in your home and in your private backyard. This whole thing has gone far enough and I will not sit back and take it for another minute.

NL: (probably trying to cut me off, though I'll keep talking and not let her stop what I'm saying) blah blah blah... wah wah wah...

M: *walk away, even if she's still talking, and call the police*



Yes. It's very simple. And very short and to the point. But I have had it. I am done. Everyone involved is now tired of the situation. The HOA has no further interest in the matter, beyond keeping things documented, as they have informed her that we are NOT in violation. The Health Department has informed her once already that there has been no violation, and will probably have the same report later today. And they, too, are just tired of the situation.

I don't know who else she can call. She's got nothing. She's been told by ALL of her avenues that she's got nothing. And yet she presses on. I've had it.


I may look young and seem innocent, but when I've had it - stay clear. And that's the point I've reached today. The funny thing is that I'm still having a good day. I laughed when I got off the phone with Mr. Moulton, and I even laughed on the phone with Keri from the HOA. It's still a good day. And it will stay that way because she's got nothing.

But I tell you what - it may be a different story for her, today.


I have a question for you - why are people like this? I mean seriously? Why do people make it their goal in life to make other people miserable?






I'm just SO done with all of this.

Mr. Health Department

Well, just to update you guys - the guy from the Health Department finally called me back. We had all of a 2 - 3 minute conversation, and as it turns out (put on your shocked face, for me witht his one) I'm not in violation of any Anne Arundel County Health Codes.


Blah Blah Blah


Long story short, our suspicions have been confirmed. She's off the wagon, and I'm sitting very comfortably in compliance with HOA and County rules and regulations.




*sigh




Ain't it good to be proved right, sometimes? Wow... it feeld good.

Now this doesn't mean that I'm in the clear. I'm sure she'll try something else, but at least I've been advised in what to do, should that happen again. I'll plan to keep you in-the-know about my crazy Neighbor Lady and this whoel thing hopefully blows over, but for today... let's just rejoice in knowing that things are ok.







WOOOHOOOO!!!!

NL Update

So... either she read my post and took some valium, or my experiment is working.


The Neighbor Lady (NL) won't so much as look at me (which is fine by me, while this whole thing blows over), much less try and talk to me. She hasn't spoken a word to me, or tossed me a glance since our last encounter.


I did, however, come home to a nice business card sticking in my doorway, yesterday, from a man that works for the Health Department... this should be interesting. But alas, I called and he was "out in the field" until this afternoon. I will definitely update you one where THAT conversation should lead.


But before I even got to my stairs, I was greeted by Grace (our 80-year-old, work-out loving old lady OTHER neighbor that sold me girl scout cookies the other day) and a nice hispanic gentleman that didn't speak much English, both standing and waiting for me. (Grace is a special kind of woman, but she's at least nice about it, for the msot part) She introduced me to Francesco (you can't make this stuff up, people), and informed me that he does odd jobs around the area and would be willing to clean up my back yard, becuase "Janet's really been fussing at you about that, lately."


Me: "It's actually all clean. There's nothing back there."

Grace: "Then what's she been fussing at you about?"

Me: "I don't know..." *shrugs shoulders

Francesco: *puzzled look of non-understanding de eengleesh


[slapping my own hand "not nice, Sarah... that was not nice to say!"] You'll have to excuse me, being alone causes me to talk to myself more... even so far as punishing myself for saying mena things... MOVING on...



ANYwho, I'm still waiting to hear back on what the Health Department has to say about my back yard... and while I wait, I'm still mid-experiment.


My sister helped with the idea, really (Thanks, Ape!), and so far, it's seemed to work. Amazingly enough, when she can't SEE the poop, she can't seem to smell it, either. Hmm... interesting...

I have a little "poop jaw", as I like to call it, and I just grab his little piles, when he's done making them, and move them under my deck, into a corner she can't see. When it piles up enough, I will clean it up, but this is REALLY just to prove that there is NO problem with my backyard, except that she can't STAND to lok over into our backyard and see a pile or 2 or 3 (which there is NO law against, mind you).



I will keep you updated along with the progress of the experiment, but so far, so good. HOWEVER, he did have a little... umm... "gooey" pile this morning (I'll spare you too many of the details), and as any dog owner knows, you may as wel not even TRY to pick it up, if you don't have to, until it's nice and... umm... hardened. So - there's a LARGE possibility that she may say something to me this afternoon, but I've already been advised the call the police, should that happen. I just REALLY REALLY hope it doesn't come to that.


*crossing fingers






I think that's enough of an update, for now. For those of you who are squeamish, I apoligize for the gag reflex I've conjured up in you today. I will try to spare you in the future...







Toodles!

Dog Poop and Valium

McStudly and I just moved into our new home about 3 weeks ago. Actually - I believe it was exactly 3 weeks this past Sunday.

Well, without going into too great of detail with you guys, let's just say we're not getting along well with a certain neighbor of ours.

Other than this lady, everyone in the neighborhood is fantastic - really! They are super nice. Willing to help out with anything, and easy to talk to and just hang out with through the nice weatehr we've had lately.

But this lady... oh my goodness! I am trying my hardest. I really am - but for some reason, she's got it out for us (from the mouth of another neighbor). You see, she's not too happy that Austin leaves his little "piles" in our backyard. Now, before you jump to any conclusions, please keep in mind that I clean the backyard every 2 - 3 days (and by clean I mean pick up and hose down).

Well, when I got home yesterday, she approached me for the third time (3rd in person, but 5th altogether) int eh three weeks we've lived here.

Let me pause for a minute and tell you that everytime she's approached us, we've gone out of our way to clean the yard up right away, even if we'd just done it the day before, because we're trying to avoid a neighbor war. We're also VERY nice and polite with her (I know, right? HUGE surprise!).

Back to the story-

She approached me yesterday all flustered and upset. I did my VERY best to ignore her. I saw her by her car when I got home, so I filled my hands with things (to look preoccupied), went to check the mail, and looked down at the mail the entire time I walked EVER so slowly up to the house, but she stopped me in my tracks by stepping in front of me.

For the most part, the "conversation" went something like this (I use that term loosely, because it was more like a trial):

Neighbor Lady (NL): all huffy and puffy like "I just want you to know that I called ProCom again [our HOA management] and the Health Department about that back yard of yours. I just can't stand it anymore. I had company over this weekend and it was just horrible..."

Me (M): very calm and with hands filled, so unable to portray any body language "Ok. Well, I've talked to the HOA and my lawyer, and they've both advised me that we're not in violation of any regulations, so -" cut-off... and this won't be the last time...

NL: raising her voice, now "YES you ARE in violation. I know that for a FACT! You have had a pile out there ALL day and it's just horrible!"

yes, you read that correctly - A pile...

M: "He went this morning jsut before I left for work and I didn't have time to clean it up, I'm sorr-"

NL: yelling, now, and for the rest of the conversation "That's just NOT acceptable! You have to clean it up just like EVERYBODY else in this neighborhood! We all clean up. I don't let my cat go out there and crap all over the place!"

umm... cats are usually litter-box trained, btu whatever, lady... just... whatever

M: "Well, our backyard is considered private property, and we clean it up whenever we get the chance. I'd app-"

NL: pointing around the court "ALL of this is private property and everyone else cleans up after their dogs! You need to have respect for your neighbors! That dog got you kicked out of your last place, and I'm not going to stand it here! I don't have to live like thi- I will NOT live like this!"

M: "Well, I'm sorry, but we're not violating any regu-"

NL: "YES YOU ARE! And I won't stand for it! he got you kicked out of your last house, and you won't be able to get away with it here, either!"

M: "That was an agreement between us and our Landlord, and-"

NL: "Well, I'm not your landlord!!"

M: "No ma'am you're not, and I'd appreciate it if you'd stop harassing us about this, so that I won't be forced to seek further legal action with this matt-"

NL: "THIS ISN'T HARASSMENT! I'm your NEIGHBOR and you have NO respect for your neighbors!"

M: "I'd appreciate it if you'd stop talking to me like this."

NL: "YOU ARE IN VIOLATION OF HEALTH CODES, AND I WON'T STAND FOR IT!! There are flies EVERYWHERE out there!"

M: "I'm sorry, but we're not violating any regulations according to the HOA and-"

NL: "YES YOU ARE AND I WON'T LIVE LIKE THIS" *queue slamming door

WOW! Yes - it went something like that. Holy goodness!

Well, needless to say, I went inside and BALLED my EYES out to McStudly. I can put my foot down when I have to, but I am trying SO SO hard not to give this lady any leverage against us in anything. And I held in SO much frustration that I just caved in to tears and incoherent-like talked to McStudly about what happened. He told me to go call the HOA and document everything else that had happened, so I did, but the guy was gone for the day, and so was his assistant. I left a message with the front desk, and she marked it as urgent.

So now we're here: I talked with the HOA Assistant to our comunity this morning (unfortunately for her, she's very familiar with the situation, as I've spoken with her about it before) and she advised me that apparently, the lady has called MANY times about the situation, even yelling at THEM over the phone, and they have told her that we are in compliance with all regulations, as well as all bi-laws, and that she needs to leave us alone.

And since I've now asked her twice to leave us alone, the HOA had "advised" us to call the police, should the issue happen again. I couldn't quote the lady, but she pretty much said 'there's nothing further we can do, beyond what we've already done. We've told her that you guys are in compliance, and to leave you alone, and if she doesn't, then can only suggest that you call the police. If it does come to that, please just send us a copy of the police report and we'll keep it on file here, so that we're on the same page as you through all of this. And if it shoudl come to you having to file a peace order, just, again, send us a copy, and we'll keep it on file as well. Just try to keep us informed about whatever is going on, and we're sorry you have to deal with all of this, but it is harassment, and you have every right to call the police. You should not have to put up with that.' Something along those lines.

So here we are. Not only did I clean up the back yard AGAIN last night (I cleaned it up after she approached me - with company over - on Sunday afternoon) after the incident, AND again this morning... hosing it down each time. If she approaches me regarding this today, I may not jsut call the cops, but... hey - does anyone have the number to the Crownsville Mental Insitution?

So, Yeah. I think she needs valium. All in favor - say "Ay!"

I'm Overwhelmed

McStudly has only been gone for 1 day. 1 measly day, in the sea of tons of them (1 down, 89 to go), but somehow, I am already overwhelmed.

Mainly - it's Austin. I love my dog. I really really do! And he's a good dog... for the most part. But McStudly had this way with him (I personally think he slipped him treats, etc, behind my back to earn the affection) that had him eating out of the palm of his hands (figuratively AND literally, that is). McStudly would say it, and Austin would probably do it. There were days when he was even hard-headed with him, but it wasn't nearly as often.


So here we are. It's just me and Austin. And he's been doing pretty well. I've taken him for walks for the past two days straight, and it's helped his energy level a good bit. But this morning, it got pretty ridiculous. Let me essplain...



Today, I got to sleep in and wait for the cable guy to arrive (you know how they give you like a 4 hour window?). This morning, I got up around 8, let Austin out and fed him, then he went back into his crate (trying to keep with his usual schedule) and I went to the couch for a little morning nappage until the cable guy arrived at around 0950.

He came in, introduced himself, and come to find out, he actually lives about 2 or 3 doors down. Small world, eh? Well, I show him where we need the cable box set up, and where the spare bedroom is, for the 2nd box (that we get for free, I might add, thanks to Verizon promotions), and on the way up, I warn him about my "ferocious" dog being in his crate, in order to prepare him for the obnoxious whining he would undoubtedly be privileged enough to hear for the next 3 hours straight.

Upon seeing Austin, he sticks his hand in the crate to pet him (and Austin pretty much molests his hand) and tells me, I'm okay to let him out of his crate because he loves dogs and wouldn't mind him. I warn him that he's quite the puppy, still, and let him out. He is great - no jumping, just listens perfectly, and goes right outside to potty. And for the next hour, he's fantastic! He makes instant friends with the cable/neighbor guy, who says he also has a lab mix (Austin's favorite kind of friend - just ask Luke), and pretty much stays with him while he works... just watching... like an angel dog.

As the guy takes trips outside to his van to retrieve supplies, Austin sits at the front door, awaiting his new-found-friend's return. I decide that it's time to give the cable/neighbor man a break, and shut the door to the basement (where he's working), keeping Austin upstairs with me. And he just continues to be the sweetest dog! He actually layed on the floor in the kitchen while I did dishes (he looked like he was depressed that his mom wouldn't let him play with his new buddy, but I figured he'd get over it). So, I get dishes done, and decide I might as well head up to take my shower while the cable/neighbor man was working in the basement (yes, ladies, I locked all possible doors between us), and I let Austin back down to visit with his new friend, again. All seems well in the world as I slip in to take a nice long (though I've taken much longer) and relaxing shower.

I finish my shower and get dressed. Brush through my hair, and decide to go check in how things are progressing. The cable/neighbor guy is in the spare bedroom hooking up the internet, and I head down to look for Austin. Well, the genius cable/neighbor guy left him outside (totally fine, and probably the best idea). But the NOT so genius side of my cable/neighbor guy left the friggin outside door open, too! (one question, dude - are you a COMPLETE moron, or do you just have episodes, occasionally?)


So picture this, as best you can. I slowly open the door to the basement to find the stairs almost COMPLETELY covered in mud and wood chips. Austin is about 5 stairs down, looking up at me like a man caught gorging his face in the back room of a restaurant. I can practically hear him saying "oh crap" in typical Austin voice fashion. As if reacting to what's about to happen, he attempts to run out of the door I'm standing by into the house, but he's blocked. So, he takes of running outside. Good choice, moron. Good choice.


I walk outside, stomping like a 6-year old who's been told "because I said so", and just GLARE at my dog and all of his glory. Not much to my amusement, there are two gigantoid holes in the pretty small garden plot on the right side of the yard. Austin is cowering in the opposite corner, so I choose, if only for the time being, to let him cower in fear as I begin clean-up.


I start by grabbing the rake, and shoving most of the dirt back into the holes, then use the pooper-scooper to pick up the wood chips and place them over the poop-like-mud, patting down in hopes that it will settle and never be touched again. Then I turn my sights on the inside. I started out using the pooper-scooper to pick up the big pieces, but resolved to use the broom instead (which ended up being way more efficient anyways). Starting at the top of the stairs, I use the broom and begrudgingly sweep all of the gunk (minus the now caked-in mud, mind you) to the floor, and then sweep all of it out the back door.


By this time the cable/neighbor guy has returned to the outside and kind've laughs out an "uh oh". Umm...Yeah, buddy. Ya think?!


Fast forward about 15 minutes. It's time to put Austin in the crate. He's done enough damage for one hour... and I've had enough! So I go get his treat (seems to be the only way I can coax him into it on my own) and I start the taunting. But he goes and lays on his bed like "Look, ma. I'm being good!" I give him a little piece of it, then tell him to go get in his crate, but he returns to me a blank, sarcastic stare. This and other similar taunting methods drag on for about 10 minutes, until I FINALLY have him running upstairs (thanks, in part, to cable/neighbor guy being up there) and he JETS into the bedroom. I go to chase him out, and he cuts out through the bathroom and JETS back downstairs. You've GOT to be kidding me!

Well, I get him back upstairs, again, and he tries the same thing (stupid me - left the doors open!), but this time he's caught off guard as cable/neighbor guy tries to help me out, a bit, by blocking his escape route down the stairs. So I GRAB him by the scruff of his neck (just like a pissed off momma dog would... minus the teeth, that is) and SHOVE his butt into the crate... throwing his treat at him (he's lucky I have awful aim). Completely and totally ticked off, I command "Now, STAY!" (wow, mom... that was really powerful. He's locked in a crate and you sure showed him by telling him to stay! I bet he's not going anywhere... realll nice).

I didn't even look at cable/neighbor guy, because I felt like a complete idiot, with my soap-opera-ish "AND STAY OUT!" remark punctuating the hour of horror.






So... Anybody want a dog for a week? Don't feel bad. I didn't figure you would.



*sigh





I need a vacation.

Riddle me this...

Why don't Blind people skydive?





















...Because it scares the dogs.






ha ha ha haaa.... I need a vacation!

God and the Post Office

I got this in an e-mail today (it didn't actually happen to me), but I just thought I'd share it because it's so stinking cute - and makes me happy that some people still have a heart!

"This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith, and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' ....in an unfamiliar hand writing. Meredith open ed it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies'. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven.

Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love, God"

But teacher, my dog ate my -

SHOES!!!

What is WITH this dog lately?! I don't get it. He's usually fine with this stuff. He's had a MAJOR oral fixation, lately, and I wanted to kill him!!

He was SO good yesterday evening. I was doing dishes, and when I usually have to listen really closely to his every move, and wonder what he's getting in to - he just sat there in his window seat, and watched. Then slept on the floor of the kitchen. He was being awesome!

But I guess... he's slept since then. Because this morning was not so cool. At first, he had gotten some mail off the table (a favorite pass time of his), and as soon as I told him to "leave it"... he did! It was fantastic. We were both happy AND he got lots of lovin' for it. Apparently he misinterpreted that to mean "Hey... why don't you go get something ELSE you're not supposed to have. That'll be fun!"

Just so you understand how this happened, let me give you a little info. McStudly is switching back to his night schedule, which means... he went to bed SUPER late last night, to sleep during the day, so he's awake for his 12 hour shift tonight. Translation - I have to get ready out of the bedroom so as not to wake him up. So... with that... I continue my story.

I brought my clothes out, and set then on the back of the couch, then let the dog out and fed him, etc. While he was eating, I did everything in the bathroom and blah blah blah. Well - I went into the living room to finish getting ready, and Austin was chewing on what I thought was his bone, over by our chair in the corner.

I finished getting dress...

looked down to put my shoes on...

and there was only one.

???

Picture my face as the SUDDEN realization hit me - he wasn't chewing on his bone - he was chewing on my SHOE!! So... I whisper-yelled (the kind you do when you can't be loud, but you want the whisper-yell-recipient to REALLY feel your anger and frustration - like when you draw on the hymnal in church - because it is, after all, a giant coloring book for young children, isn't it? - and your mother just doesn't appreciate your creative genius...) at him, and pryed it from his mouth, only to find that he had now chewed a nice, big-toe sized hole RIGHT in the front of my last pair of work shoes.

nice

And - I say last pair, because he snuck (yes - snuck. he's berry berry sneaky... we underestimate his sneakiness) into our bedroom, last Thursday evening, and ate my other work shoes.

Needless to say, whatever shoes I buy today over lunch (at the PX - ROCK ON military discounts!), in order to replace the slippers (Yes.... slippers) I had to wear to work today, will always be in only one of two places - on my feet, or in their original box, in my closet.

Dumb dog. *sigh* But I love that little dirtbag.

How can anyone resist this face?!

But teacher... my dog ate my -

PHONE!!

No really, though. He really really did. Luckily it's working (kinda) for now. And we're not planning on replacing it anytime soon, though I would LOVE that. But I wish I could should you a picture of just how bad it is.

For those of you that don't know, I have an Orange EnV, from Verizon. I heart this phone. Or... I heartED this phone. Becuase now, I can't use it!! I can use ONLY the buttons on the outside/front of the phone. The keypad inside?! Out of use... I can hit any button on the left, and it pushes "7". I hit any button on the top or the right, and it connects me to the internet.

*sigh*

I love my dog, but now I can't use my phone. I'm sad. :-(

**For those willing to make donations to the "help Sarah Replace her Phone" fund, please make checks payable to Sarah Puhl, and leave comments with desire to forward cold, hard, loving cash. You will be contacted with the drop time.**

And NOW - the moment you've ALL been waiting for!!!

Random Happier Thoughts!!!

Yes that's right - this weekend is a 3 DAY WEEKEND!!! *applause applause applause*

Thank you... thank you...

AND Some of you lucky ducks get a shortened Friday, too! Wait... what's that?! I'm a lucky duck? ROCK ON!!! I get off at *drumroll* 2 O'CLOCK today! woot woot

AND Myanmar junta finally agreed to let all aid workers help the Cyclone victims. Awesome!!

Now I must admit... American Idol took me by surprise, and I heard it took David Cook by surprise, too. I think we ALL thought David Archeleta (sp?) was going to win, but he didn't. Whatever - they're still going to sign him, and he's still going to put out a CD, right?! Sounds good to me! ;-)

Blah blah blah.

So... today will hopefully go by quickly. I mean - I've already been here for about 1..2..3... just over 2 hours. And I only have about 4 to go! SCORE! It's really jsut one of those days (as I believe it is with any holiday weekend. Your boss hands you a one page, double-spaced, size 20 font document, and you're tempted to say "I'm sorry, I can't type this one page, double-spaced, size 20 font document - I only have 4 hours left! Just can't be done..."

But You do it anyways. Typing one line... then adding a little something to your blog... then typing the second line... then adding a little something to your blog... third line... checking e-mail... 4th line... doodling...

You finally realize that 3 1/2 hours have passed, and Oh shucks! It's almot time to go!! Poor little document never knew what hit it. You typed faster than Auntie Em in a Cyclone and them BAMMM! You're SO ready to go home and you watch the clock...

tttiiiiiicccckkkkkkkk

toooooooooccccckkkkkkk

ttiiiiiccccckkkkk (what the heck?!)

toocccckkkkkkkk

tiiiicccckkkkkkkk (oh for the Love of Pete)

toooocccckkkkk

And it goes on. Just as a watched pot never boils, so a watch clock never FRIGGING STRIKES QUITTIN' TIME!!!

*queue sappy orchestra music*

And so are the days of our lives...

Memorial Day


So this weekend, we rememorialize (???) those who have served our country. Some have died, some still live on, and some still fight even today. It's not about what you believe, and it's not about your opinion. It's about these people giving of themselves for YOU and YOUR family. Not all have had to serve overseas, but every Soldier, every Airman, every Seaman, every Marine has sacrificed something for you - time with their family, a comfortable place to sleep, a chance to "live it up" like we all do - they've each given something of themselves for us.

I know some have served for the wrong reasons, a political agenda, or for no reason at all but to pay for their schooling. Whatever the reason, they still served.

So while I'm busy trying to convince McStudly to wear his dress blues to church on Sunday so that I can stare at his rear in those FANTASTICLY fitted navy blue pants when the Pastor asks for everyone serving in the military to stand and be recognized (deep, dreamy breath... *sigh*), y'all show some support this weekend. Even if it's just a "Thanks man" high-five. Go for it! Connect four! (sorry... I had to. It's one of those automatic brain responses... blame the lame game commercials of the 90s. and PS - how was THAT for an alliteration?! Rock on again!!)



Peace out, homies!! And Word to the military! ;-)




Tootles....