Tiny foster puppy

This is "Brownie," and he is about 9 weeks old. Abby really wants to keep him! He's supposedly a random mix of Jack Russell, Corgi and maybe Chihuahua, and he only weighs about 4.5 pounds.

All of the previous foster puppies have since been adopted!

Quote of the day

"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really comes from it."

-Diana Vreeland

Southland

I just started watching this show about a week ago, but since I have access to on demand channels I've been able to watch 4 episodes so far. Great show - raw and realistic and shot very well.


Unfortunately, from what I can find online, TNT picked up the series after NBC cancelled it in 2009 - meaning there won't be anything beyond the 10 or so episodes of season three. Boo!

Southland is awesome television. I'm not surprised that it was nixed from network TV (due to language and violence), but it is very deserving of a cable station like FX or TNT.

The most recent episode, "Code 4", left me screaming at the television. I was so angry, mainly because I know that what happened in that fictional hour of TV happens way too often in reality.

For anyone who hasn't heard of or watched Southland, it stars Regina King (Jerry Maguire, A Cinderella Story, Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous); Ben McKenzie (The O.C.); Shawn Hatosy (The Faculty, Dexter); Kevin Alejandro (True Blood, Weeds, Ugly Betty); Michael Cudlitz (Band of Brothers); and Arija Bareikis (The American Embassy, Oz). And it's not your typical "cop show."

It stinks that it seems the series will end on an open-ended note (or at least very prematurely), but I still recommend checking it out.

Trash for treasures

While checking on my energy bar brigade stats, I've noticed that Terracycle has added several more collection brigades to their efforts. Many of the brigades require that the collection effort be sponsored by an Elementary, Middle or High School with a valid Federal Tax ID number, but some of them have collection requirements beyond my personal ability.

For example, the drink pouch brigade can be lead by an individual, but they require 500 pouches per shipment. If I thought I had a year to collect that many I could probably do it, but having been "deactivated" from the cookie wrapper brigade for not sending in enough shipments leads me to believe that is not the case.

I only collect energy bar wrappers and last year I sent in 8 shipments containing on average 250 wrappers each, but I have serious help. My brother and father both collect wrappers for me at their offices and I have a few friends that faithfully collect for me as well. On top of that I'm a pretty devoted consumer of energy bars myself.

Along with my own brigade collection, I drop off recyclables at the Durham Museum of Life & Science where they accept items for several Terracycle brigades.

I know it's just a drop in a HUGE bucket, but I truly feel that every little piece of trash reused contributes to a far less trashy planet. Brigade collection participation costs nothing but your time and effort - which for me amounts to maybe 20 minutes every three months.

Be green!

Puppy Fonda

Fonda is the latest in a string of foster puppies hosted by my brother's family. She has a buddha belly and is one crazy pup! I think she's got some pit bull in her.

THIN

I just recently became completely obsessed with the A&E channel - particularly their documentary series Intervention. Every episode revolves around someone's addiction, and while most of them involve addictions to elicit drugs, the episodes regarding eating disorders are most intriguing because I struggled with my own eating disorder for the better part of 8 years of my life.

I was lead to HBO's Thin by way of the Intervention episodes I viewed, and that was a doozy. I felt like I was watching a "Girl, Interrupted" documentary. I wanted to grab those girls, shake them, and tell them that life is better than being a size 0, or even a 2 or 4.

I spent many months in therapy working through my issues, so I understand the struggles women have with food and their weight. I won't pretend that I have a completely healthy view of a balanced diet, but I have maintained a weight of 115-122 pounds for the last 10 years. I am 5'6" tall.

When I recognize the signs in others who are struggling with an eating disorder it breaks my heart. I see it more often than I would like. In most instances I don't feel it is my place to make accusations, but at the same time I truly wish someone would've done the same for me so many years ago.

Having been in recovery for 10+ years, I am comfortable watching others struggle with what I also struggled with. I don't mean to imply that I am okay with others' suffering - what I mean is that I no longer watch the stories of others and look for tips to starve myself at the same time. I don't get angry with these people because I understand their pain. I sympathize with them, but also hope with all my heart that they find the path to recovery as I did.

Recommended reading for anyone suffering from or living with a loved one with an eating disorder: Wasted Marya Hornbacher

Quote of the day

Courtesy of a New Year's card from friends - they always find good ones!

"If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."

-Thomas Edison

A Heavy Show

I watched the first episode of Heavy on A&E last night (via DVR) and all I can say is oh my. Wow.

The 5'9" male subject - who is my age - weighed 638 pounds before his 6 month ass-kicking. The 5'6" female subject - also my age (and height by the way) - weighed 363 pounds. Her motivation to lose weight? The mini stroke she had shortly before agreeing to participate on Heavy.


I admit my complete shock at how much these two had let themselves go (in the episode Tom is seen ordering 6 junior double cheeseburgers and 3 orders of spicy nuggets, presumably for himself), but I also admit to being inspired and impressed by their level of commitment to making a true life change - a change necessary to save both of their lives.

There were ups and downs. There was whining and crying. But ultimately I found myself cheering for Jodi and Tom's success, and genuinely bummed when they met road blocks.

I'm hoping there will be updates available at some point like the ones they have for subjects from Intervention.

Heavy was somewhat hard to watch, but intriguing enough to have me rewinding and reviewing many parts. Just like they advertised, it's not a show where there are prizes or eliminations. It's just people trying to save themselves from themselves and their food addictions. I will keep watching.

Farewell Caña

I was so impressed by the photos on my friend Blair's facebook page that I felt the need to share.

Sadly, I was enjoying the photos of Caña when I realized she died on Thursday. I met Caña. She was a very sweet girl and entirely lovely. More importantly, I love her owners and my heart goes out to them - deeply.

Photo from shinepetphotos.com.

Disgusting fun fact

I suffer from allergies year-round, but have never been tested to know what exactly is the cause. I'm fairy certain that pets are part of the problem, but pets are never NOT going to be a part of my life.

Based on statistics, I believe I am likely quite allergic to dust and all the counterparts: dust mites and their waste, etc.

Quoted from Glamour's February 2011 issue, "After two years, your pillow is basically 80% dust mite poop." YUCK.

So, does everyone out there regularly wash their pillows (in HOT water)? Do you regularly replace your pillows? If so, do you buy the expensive ones or do you instead buy expensive allergen covers or both?

I'm sure my pillows are no where near as harmful as other dust-ridden things in my house, but if I can do anything to relieve my ridiculously runny eyes and nose I will - other than forgo pets.

Better foster puppies pic

My heart is melting! Dutch (left) & Rory (right).

Foster puppy love

The two current canines living it up at Chez Glazener in Winston-Salem. Super-sweet snuggling!



Both puppies will eventually be available for adoption from the Forsyth Humane Society.

Nano

Delivered to me at work Wednesday - OH JOY. (PRODUCT) Red to do my part, but otherwise just a gift for me! I love this tiny musical genius. Engraving was also free, but while they have an "inspiration gallery" for suggestions I went for the practical engraving of my name.

I have the ipod video thanks to my parents (2007?) but I wanted something more practical for working out. LOVE!

As always I am TEAM APPLE!

More on Lost Dogs

Great post from BADRAP.org - one of the integral organizations involved in saving the Michael Vick dogs.

BADRAP has given so many dogs a second chance and their efforts are greatly appreciated by the dog-loving community!

If you haven't read Jim Gorant's The Lost Dogs I highly recommend it. It is by far the most difficult book I've ever read (difficult to get through due to horrific imagery), but I also feel it is a necessary story told in order to educate people about the evils of not only dog fighting, but also animal abuse.

I won't comment on the Obama connection. I think things can be largely taken out of context, etc. Obama still has more than a leg up on W that's for sure!!!

Again I encourage reading The Lost Dogs. I borrowed the copy I read from the local library, but I know I will buy the paperback when it comes out. I put in my library request 2 weeks before the book was released and I still had to wait more than a month to get the book but it was worth it! All dog lovers should read it - no doubt.

In a world where people take the time to write to the editor (of Sports Illustrated) and comment, "Why does it matter, they're just dogs?" All I can do is shake my head and feel sorry for those who have never truly loved a dog.

Quote of the day

"For last year's words belong to last year's language.
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."

-T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"