Dog gone gray

So doggies go gray, too, and not just on the muzzle.

When I adopted Zoe in November of 2005, she had one budding wiry gray hair on her back, but the seeds flourished.

So at the ripe old age of FIVE, Zoe has a full crop of grays growing. I suppose that's fitting since I discovered my first grays this year and I am 35, which is Zoe's equivalent age in human years. Oh DREAD!



Zoe is a much cuter, younger-looking gray than I. She wears it well.

Låt den rätte komma in

I recently viewed Let the right one in (2008), based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie. A co-worker of mine absolutely loved the film, so my assistant and I were dying to see it.

Had I not been exhausted every time I tried to watch it last weekend, I could've easily made it all the way through in one sitting, as I did last night. I liked it. I didn't love it, but I definitely liked it, which is far more than I can say for my assistant! Perhaps if she gives it another go she'll change her mind.

It's a strange film, marketed as a love story between a 12-year-old bullied boy and a vampire, but as is suggested by the reviews of the novel, there is a great deal more to the story than the interactions between Oskar (boy) and Eli (vampire).

I watched the dubbed version, which alone made the movie a little odd, because a lot of the voices sounded the same. Most of them were very feminine (to me anyway). The dubbing also imparted a bit of artificiality to the script, as the voices in many circumstances didn't match the tone of the scene, much less the character.

Moving past all of that, I found the story to be quite touching. My interpretation of it was that of a sweet, rather innocent and true friendship that was somewhat warped by the innate differences between human and vampire. I suppose the beauty of the story was exposed when those differences were successfully cast aside, paving the way for the bonds of friendship and love to overcome and conquer fear.

I've come across several reports stating that the original DVD release (likely what I watched) differed from the theatrical version. Most of those reports describe alternate subtitles, and as I viewed the dubbed version, I can only imagine that the offending subtitles referenced in said reviews were used to dub the version I watched. Who knows. Since I liked the movie anyway, I'm not too concerned. Sorry for the run-around explanation.

I, like many other viewers, adore the closing scene. It is a heart-stopper. It put the bow on my stamp of approval for this movie.

More on poop

As I've reported before, I am very responsible about picking up after my doggies. In fact, when I go over the perimeter of our cul-de-sac with my pooper scooper, I make a point to pick up ALL visible poop - knowing that it does not all belong to Bailey or Zoe.

When I took Zoe out yesterday to do her business, as she was in mid-dump I heard a woman's voice scream at me, "It'd be really awesome if you'd pick that up!" before the car she was in drove away. It took me a second to realize she was yelling at me, so I didn't have enough time to respond.

Had I had time to respond, I would've yelled, "I always do!!!" But instead, I spent the better part of the afternoon fuming at her accusation.

I know the next time I see her I'm going to have a hard time not confronting her. I'd want to tell her that I do always pick up after my dogs and that I am not the only dog owner in the neighborhood. Regardless of those facts, I'd want to tell her that she shouldn't shout accusations at people unless she witnesses them leaving excrement in the grass. Or I'd want to tell her that a real jerk might smear their dog's poop on her car if she continues to scream undeservingly at innocent dog-walkers. (I would never do that, but some people might).

What would you do if you were me? Would you ever say anything to her? Am I being overly-sensitive?

I probably am being overly-sensitive, but I don't like being treated like a disrespectful neighbor when I have always taken poop pick-up seriously.

3 1/2 pounds - Hallelujah!

I took Bailey to the vet yesterday afternoon for his six-week weigh-in. I'd been telling myself for days that he certainly appeared to have gained some weight, but I knew that until I saw it on the scale with my own two eyes, I would be a nervous wreck. That was, indeed how I felt, right up until Bailey stepped on the scale.

I am happy to report that Bailey now weighs 43.4 pounds - 3.5 pounds more than just six weeks ago.

I got a message from my vet telling me, "Keep doing what you're doing - he's moving in the right direction, but of course we don't want him to get too fat!"

So, I will keep him on the amount of food he's been eating over the last six weeks. I'll probably slow down a bit on the treats, just to be sure I don't overdo it, as Norwegian Elkhounds are very susceptible to obesity. I don't want my old boy to get too big!

If I can get him back up to a solid 45 pounds and keep him there, I will be a very happy dog mama. Bailey is nearly 11 1/2-years-old. I'm hoping to keep him around for at least a few more years!

Farewell Beezil

My friend and co-worker told me yesterday that he had to put down his 17-year-old Italian Greyhound on Tuesday evening. I was heartbroken, but unsure how to react. My first reaction would be to jump up and hug the person, but I don't know if I've ever physically touched this friend more than a few times, so that option was squelched. But that didn't keep me from wanting to cry.

I was relieved to hear that Beezil had a wonderful final day. He spent his entire last afternoon basking in the sun - something his owner told me he adored. I can picture him, "frog-doggin" (see 1st photo below) all day long.

Beezil's parents are avid dog lovers, rescuers and advocates. I am thankful for their generosity and hope that many more dogs are fortunate enough to cross paths with people like Beezil's folks.

Green tomato thumb

Thanks to my stealthy dad who smuggled tomato seeds out of New Zealand a couple of years ago, our family has enjoyed some impressive summer fruits.

I made a point of saving several seeds from my crop last year, so I've begun cultivating them for this summer. It's a good thing, too, because apparently my dad misplaced his stash and is without seeds for this summer's tomato harvest. Whoops!

I've got seedlings on the ready. Last year I only planted in a pot, which yielded a very minimal crop. I plan to plant in my back yard this year. Here's to hoping for tomato-mania!



Bailey weight post will immediately follow our visit to Park Vet on Thursday. Again I ask, wish him happy gaining!

Bailey on the rise

Official results won’t be in until next Thursday, but Bailey appears to be successfully packing on the pounds.

When I initially increased his portions of food, he wouldn’t finish it all – which was extremely surprising, considering that my dad nicknamed him “Hoover” when he was a puppy. Explanation shouldn’t be necessary.

He very shortly adjusted to consuming 1/3 more food than he was used to receiving (he’d been eating the same amount since he was about 2-years-old). He also enthusiastically enjoyed the extra showering of treats – who wouldn’t?!

I was pleasantly surprised by his less frequent “accidents” as well. Don’t get me wrong, I dearly love Bailey, but I do NOT love his hair – his LOADS of hair. His loads of hair + frequent accidents = lots of hairy rugs and dog bed parts in my washer = NASTY hairy washer = not–so-clean human clothes = unhappy Tracey. Grrrr.

So as not to jinx it all, I’ll leave it at that. Here’s to hoping Bailey’s weight has risen above 42 pounds by Thursday. Wish him luck!

Sweet dream doggies

Neither of them are puppies any longer, but they're still my sweet little baby pooches. Here's your cuteness-gram for the day!

A hint of a silver lining

I admit that I remembered the upcoming anniversary of the Columbine massacre only after watching an episode of Cold Case on Tuesday night which carried a very similar plot. I was overwhelmed with memories of the event - what I read and saw on TV in complete horror.

When I occasionally find news items and such covering that day, my emotions completely send me back ten years.

It is among the most horrific and sustaining memories of my life. Others include, but of course are not limited to:

•September 11, 2001: WTC

•March 4, 2005: death of my best friend's niece, 24-weeks-old, from recurrent pulmonary vein stenosis

•February 16, 2006: death of my best friend's 26-year-old brother, from diabetes-related complications

•April 24, 2007: death of dear friend Chris Reuther, at the hand of a stranger (blunt-force trauma)

•March 5, 2008: murder of Eve Marie Carson, UNC Student Body President

But getting back to Columbine, after reviewing the information online I came across a few organizations/sites that are doing a remarkable job at spreading the word that compassion, not violence, is the answer and hope is in sight.

Here are a few that might be of interest:

1. Rachel's Challenge: an organization who's mission is to reach as many people as possible with the message of kindness and compassion. Started by Darrell Scott, Rachel's father.

2. Crystal Woodman Miller | Marked for Life: Columbine survivor, now public-speaker and author.

3. April Showers Movie Blog: Follows the production, etc. of April Showers, a film directed by Columbine survivor Andrew Robinson. The film opens in limited venues on April 24, 2009, but will be available shortly afterwards on iTunes and via other online "pay-per-view" sites like Amazon.

Approaching 10 years

I can't believe that we are less than a week shy of the 10-year anniversary of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's rampage at Columbine High School.

I remember exactly where I was when I heard of the massacre. I'd recently moved into what I now refer to as "Satan's Lair," and was busy painting. My tiny 10" TV was suddenly flooded with crazy reports of a horrible school shooting. I was floored. Stunned. Dropped my paint brush and left a yellow stain on the carpet to commemorate the event (asshole owner deserved far worse than that).

I have since been touched by violence and loss that leaves me wondering if there is a remedy. I detest a defeatist attitude, but can't help but think that embracing one might be easier.

Has there been an improvement in violence prevention in schools? While I understand that another Columbine hasn't recently occurred, that doesn't mean it's not in the making. I couldn't guess what the best course of action would be, but something is wrong.

This post is not meant to judge anyone. I'm only voicing my frustration regarding REASONABLY available safety protocols.

I don't have children of my own, but my niece, Abby, tops my list of most important in my life. I think of her as safe every day, but when I recall nightmares like Columbine, I am rendered Auntie Worrywort. I anxiously await the day that Auntie Worrywort can take a vacation.

Seven Pounds

I take after my sister-in-law a bit in that under certain circumstances I prefer to get the spoilers up front. For example, when a movie gets terrible reviews for the most part, I’d rather know what’s what before wasting my money.

After a great deal of searching (prior to the movie’s release) I found accurate spoilers for Seven Pounds. (I know they were accurate now that I've watched the film). After reading them I thought, “Why would I ever want to see that movie? That is ridiculous!”

Thanks to the genius invention of redbox, I felt that $1 was a very small price to pay to satisfy my curiosity. After all, I am a Will Smith fan. I watched and liked the film.

As I don’t want to give anything away, this will be very vague. Even if I weren’t a Will Smith fan, I’d like his character in this film. While the plot is a bit over-the-top, his character is very real, likeable and believable. The reasons behind his motivations are not explained in excruciating detail, but I found such explanation to be unnecessary.

Movies are movies, and meant to entertain. Seven Pounds does that, and depending on the viewer, it might just open a few eyes and hearts to what is the meaning of “good will.”

On the acting (IMO): Will Smith was far superior to Rosario Dawson. I love Barry Pepper, but his role was very small and I’d prefer to remember him as Private Daniel Jackson, the skilled sniper in Saving Private Ryan. Despite her seemingly insignificant role, my second-favorite actor in the movie was Fiona Hale as Inez. Her brief couple of minutes on-screen brought tears to my eyes.

I won't make a promise to anyone that this film will be a favorite, but I think it could become one to some. It is dramatic, entertaining and above all heartfelt.

A redbox dollar spent on Seven Pounds would be well worth your money and time.

Canine Rules

Dog sitting gig again last weekend.

I think I might be happier and more successful if I accept my inevitable doggie lifestyle. Maybe, maybe not. Although I must admit that spending time with canines all day would be a step-up (emotionally) from the job I currently hold.

Zoe, perched on a Burleigh couch pillow.



I couldn't help but post this photo. While it looks like Emma is being entirely inappropriate (per usual) I think it's just the camera angle that makes her look like a butt-sniffer.


But Emma REALLY is a huge butt-sniffer - a butt-sniffer I love to pieces.

Quote of the day

"If I'm lucky enough to coach another 20 years, it's going to be awful hard for kids to give me the memories that this club did. But I will always remember not just the wins. I will remember the fun, the laughs and I will remember how lucky Roy Williams was to be their coach."

-Roy Williams at the Tar Heels homecoming celebration, April 7, 2009

Mission accomplished

I am happy to report that I made it to campus this morning at 8:30 am and easily made my way to the Student Union to purchase my copies of the coveted April 7th issue of the Daily Tar Heel. I was mildly surprised that there was no line, although I remember NOT making it to a lot of my 8 am classes when I was a student. Oops.

On the way back to my car I passed several people carrying what looked like the maximum number of DTH's allowed per person (20 copies), and I couldn't help but wonder why anyone would NEED 20 copies unless they're buying for several people, but whatever.

I just hope that every student and fan who wants one is able to get one without having to pay some DTH thief through eBay!

I love the photo on the wrap-around cover. Excellent.

The Hill is full of thieves

Some people really suck. 

Just as in 2005, a bunch of assholes stole thousands of the Daily Tar Heel post-championship editions and sold them on eBay. The DTH reported that some were so bold as to try selling the papers downtown on Tuesday morning. This is disturbing on so many levels.

For one thing the DTH is a FREE newspaper. Students are in essence supporting its publication by attending the school and paying tuition. They shouldn't have to pay money to obtain an issue of the paper because of a bunch of selfish dickheads.

Back in 2005, I put my best friend in charge of getting one for my brother (UNC Alum who no longer lives in the area) because she was a law student and had an early class the day after the championship game. She couldn't even find one before her 8 am class! Lucky for my brother, one of Kerry's classmates generously gave her his copy. 

The following was copied from the Daily Tar Heel web site yesterday:

"As expected, the first run of 33,000 copies of today's Daily Tar Heel were scooped up - sometimes in large quantities by individuals - as soon as the delivery trucks pulled away from many distribution racks. Reports had some people selling the stolen papers downtown.

Calls and e-mails from all over campus started coming into the DTH office around 7:30 a.m. reporting the mass removal of papers from their bins and drop sites - some even still bundled waiting to be taken inside offices. The DTH considers such removal to be theft and intends to pursue legal remedies.

In the meantime, the paper will continue to be printed and delivered throughout the day. A record 85,000 copies of the issue have been printed. It will be available for weeks after today at the DTH office."

BUT, here's an update.

While I am still fuming over the fact that I spent the better part of an hour driving around campus and the surrounding areas looking for Tuesday's issue, I am grateful that the DTH staff proactively approached the problem this year.

Although I loathe going to campus during business hours (driving there, finding parking and walking to the main campus can take more than 40 minutes) I will make my way there to get my brother a copy of the April 7th issue. According to the DTH web site, each person is allowed one FREE copy.  Additional copies can be purchased for $.25 each until April 28th.

See screen shots below taken of eBay auctions Tuesday. There were many more, these are just a couple of examples.

Notice the first seller, superneutron said he had six papers available at $14 each. This particular auction included the note, "not many of these to go around." Indeed thanks to people like superneutron!

The second seller, fatcheshirecat listed "more than ten available" and sold them for $5 each + $3.50 for shipping and handling. Again I say, selfish dickheads!

I sincerely hope these sellers get caught and lose a great deal more than whatever the sale of the DTH affords them.  I suppose I am most bitter because this annoying situation just detracts from our glorious win!

UNC rocked the house: 2009 National Champs

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! Tar Heels ROCK!

A fabulous exit for the seniors that carried us to this title: Danny Green, Tyler Hansbrough and Bobby Frasor. They will be TRULY missed.

TAR HEELS RULE: I couldn't wish this victory for anyone more than ROY!

Tracey is now the happiest Tar Heel. Shazam, Yowza, Hot Damn!


Timelapse: Franklin Street after the victory from The Daily Tar Heel on Vimeo.

Japanese Maple comeback

My dad bought me a gorgeous Japanese Maple several years ago, but only brought it to Durham last May. I remember that date specifically because our potting of the tree took place on the same day that Zoe almost suffered an actual death by chocolate.

Anyway, the poor tree’s health quickly declined. By fall, I was almost certain it was dead. Not all of the branches were brittle, but they were pathetically leafless, while my brother’s Japanese Maple was gorgeous with vibrant red leaves. I assumed something was dreadfully amiss.

I am extremely happy to report that my Japanese Maple has seemingly made a full recovery. Maybe it’s the never-ending rain around here. Maybe it needed a season to recover from being transplanted. Who knows?

I’m just glad it’s making a nice comeback, and indeed, it is growing more beautiful every day.

Sun worshipping Saturday

Yesterday was a gorgeous day in Tar Heel country - finally a weekend without rain! Of course the rainy weather is scheduled to return on Monday, but I'm trying not to think about that.

Maria sent the photo below to my phone yesterday afternoon. Abby was enjoying the sun while at lunch at Moe's.


Zoe spent the day enjoying the sun through our southwest window. I think she missed the sun just as much as I did!

A few words on the middle finger

I have never been a big fan of the middle finger – whether giving or getting it. In the instances that I am on the receiving end of the gesture, I often smile and wave at the person who is flipping me off. I realize that my reaction might seem obnoxious (never mind that in my opinion “shooting the bird” is, under ALL circumstances, obnoxious), but I refuse to retaliate against some bitter hothead who can’t control him or herself.

I bring this pleasant subject up because I found myself on the receiving end of a very enthusiastic middle finger last night. While I’m sure I’m construed as highly biased, I maintain that I was fully undeserving of that middle finger.

On Fordham Blvd, a smallish black car was weaving in and out of traffic. I stayed in my lane but the smallish car kept weaving. Although I never crowded or tailgaited, the black car decided to do the “slam on the brakes” trick. Too bad for him I wasn’t tailgating, so his brake-tapping only made him look stupid. When he finally pulled off (turned right) he forcefully thrust his middle finger out of his window and I just thought, WHY?!

As a seemingly-biased, middle-finger-hating girl, my mind wonders to the worst-case-scenario.

What I mean is, say you’re the asshole flipping off the car behind you. What if you’re a HUGE Tar Heel basketball fan and it’s Ty Lawson behind you – and you just flipped him off. Or, even worse, you could've just flipped off a psycho with a gun. I guess my point is that road rage is hot-headed stupidity. Keep it under control, any way you can.

When I was on the receiving end of the undeserving middle finger last night, I smiled, waved and blew a kiss. My “flipper” was not amused but became obviously flustered (score!).

I have a hot-headed temper. “Flipper” didn’t get my goat. I got his. Regardless, I discourage the use of the middle finger as communication.

Mommy's little monster and her brother, the angel

Wednesday is normally a work-out night, but I had more fun baby sitting Kerry's kids. Well, it was mostly fun. Per usual, Sydney began our time together in complete hysterics. Notice her shirt reads, "Mommy's little monster" - how fitting.

Her non-stop crying gave her a horrible case of the hiccups, and before long her little face was so swollen, red and covered with tears and snot that I couldn't take it any longer. Felton and I decided that the only possible solution was to go outside to the swings. This plan seemed to be a failure at first, but Sydney gradually relaxed and began to enjoy swinging with her brother.


Felton kept me in stitches! He talked circles around me and was a constant giggle-box. We talked about dogs - how Emma and Zoe are black - and how he doesn't know any brown dogs. We discussed lizards and birds and tests of balance. He said he's going to teach Sydney to say please when she starts talking. Mostly though, we laughed!

Felton's laugh - when he's really tickled - is absolutely priceless. I need to record it so that I can listen to it when I need a pick-me-up. I could listen to him laugh ALL day long.

After Kerry got home we chatted outside with the kids for a bit, and while we were doing so Sydney took a big spill. Poor thing pretty much face-planted on the driveway, as evidenced in the photo below. I told Kerry she had to promise to tell Robert that the incident didn't happen while I was on duty alone! I was VERY thankful that Kerry was there to soothe Sydney because I'm certain I couldn't have done it to her (Sydney's) satisfaction.



Of course all the tears and crankiness were forgiven when I was leaving and Sydney cheerfully waved and said "bye bye!" I swear she's gonna love me one day!

Quote of the day

"It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humor."

-Max Eastman

Happy birthday to my brother, Todd - my favorite April fool!