Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Everything is a bit better with some Port.



So today i've been a bit blue, ok, pretty blue, well, more like hiding in bed and hating myself for it kind of blue. After being that blue, a girl can get a little peck-ish, but not just any nibble will do... i had a craving for my old 'blue night special': some port and a big-ass salad. i have all the makings for my big-ass salad, but i lacked the port. this little item was of such import in the whole scheme of dinner that i actually got out of the house for the first time today to procure it. a miracle in itself. i was so set on the sweet, comforting taste of port seeping into my blue little tongue that i actually went to two liquor stores before i could find just the right bottle (aka a bottle cheap enough for my $10 allowance so graciously given by one sweet Bananie.) thankfully, the port is working its magic, and i think i have the patience to tackle making the salad. perhaps i won't be so blue after a good dose of greens.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The Dangers of East Side Pup Walking


Since i now have TWO READERS i feel an obligation to try to blog every day. Anyway, it's becoming a nice new way to procrastinate...

Before i sat down to blog in order to practice my procrastination skills, i took our four (!) pups for a walk in our east Austin neighborhood. They behaved magnificently considering that they haven't been for a walk in almost a week, and we all got to take in an extraordinary rainbow-at-golden-sunset-moment. (i felt sad for the pups not being able to fully enjoy the rainbow with their less-than-perfect color viewing skills... i hope they got to see at least a couple of the 7 tasty skittles colors.) All the neighbors were out, and we passed by in perfect formation, saying our hellos, wagging our tails.
The pups continued their stellar performance by all doing their business at the 'no dumping- city ordinance' sign/ natural area. i had to keep them away from the 3 or 4 trash bags that were broken open and leaking very damp trash and various housewares everywhere. at least the couch was gone.
The sun was setting, and the fireflies were starting their evening light show, and i told the pups that we were on our home stretch.. just down the hill and homefr.....
wait. what is that? the pit bull that's usually chained outside the last house on the right is coming towards us with it's ginger-colored accomplice. We stopped short, and i fought off my immediate reflex to turn and walk up the hill, but i knew that if i showed any weakness it would make the whole situation worse. So i stood my ground, and the four poor dogs were forced to stand with me. The most aggressive dark brindled pit approached. First he moved towards the big dogs, then thought better of it, and circled to my right and went towards Lucy, the smallest and oldest. A swift kick to the meaty head sent him back a few feet, and then, thankfully, a big truck came by and to our rescue. The man driving honked his horn and made the dogs scatter, giving us just enough time to detour down a side street. Oh my, so close! Thank you, neighbor!
We regrouped and made it back to dear old Garland. All in one piece. Lucy said she could've taken him. I'll let her believe that!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Why do Badgers get a Bad Rap?


So, today while catching up on one of my favorite NPR shows Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, I heard the most outrageous bit of news... they mentioned the Iraqis blaming the American forces for releasing a pack of huge, man-eating badgers in an Iraqi city. I have heard of the atrocities of war, but this is taking it to a whole new level! What's so bad about these creatures anyway? I think that, aside from their sharp teeth, they're quite cute. But this is coming from someone who thinks the same of opossums. We're all mammals... we should bond together.. animals with breasts are the best! (or something of the sort)
I prefer to think of them as the star of the never ending Badger Song instead.
Special Note: there is already a Wikipedia entry about the alleged military operation "bad badger"... i love wikipedia!

Monday, July 23, 2007

I Love Public Radio


This morning my ears stumbled upon a story on morning edition that spoke directly to me. It was the first in a series they're doing on Adoption in America. If you have ever considered transracial adoption, I highly recommend a listen.

Look Here