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!