January 14: Dress Up Your Pet Day

Confession: I don't hate when people dress their pets. I mean, I don't approve of tutus or glitter--even animals deserve some dignity--but I think a cute sweater or funny t-shirt is just adorable.

Our first Peanut had a red sweater with black diamonds on it. It even had a bit of a turtleneck. It was so cute. And a few years ago we bought second Peanut* a pink argyle sweater because she is a Southern girl, after all.

She also let me put a bow on her as a pretty necklace.

I couldn't find any pictures of Dimples dressed up, but she was terrified of the camera so that could be why.

Since Peanut girl is home in North Carolina and I can't really dress her up today, I thought I'd go for a little virtual dress up.

 

She'll be ready for the runways of Paris in no time.

*My sister gave first Peanut his name and when we got Peanut and Dimples they were already named. Out of respect for dear Peanut the First, we always refer to him in as Peanut One or First Peanut or Peanut the Magnificent.

Things I Learned This Weekend

Dogs are good for the soul.
Yes, I've known this for years. But since Wednesday I've been dog sitting for a friend and I was reminded of it.

Some dogs like to get up early.
Specifically, 6 a.m. on a Sunday.

And some dogs don't understand what "5 more minutes" means. 
But I did get him to wait until 7:20 this morning.

Poop is gross.
And I don't like picking it up.

If you have to get up a lot in the middle of the night to pee and/or blow your allergy-riddled nose, the dog will think it's time to go out.
No, Bugsy, I'm not taking you out at 3 a.m.

Columbia Heights has lots of hidden gems that are fun to explore with a friend.
Lauren came to visit and we ate, shopped, and walked Bugsy. Hidden gems included this statue and a little-pricey-but-still-fun-to-explore consignment shop.

Just because a bakery won "Cupcake Wars," twice, doesn't mean it's very good.
But Lauren and I had fun trying the PB&J and the s'mores ones anyway.
 

I officially am never going to love Eleven as much as I love Ten.
Talking about Doctor Who, of course. I want my Doctor back.

You're never too old for the Halloween section at Target.
As Brandie the witch, Karey the spider hat, and Bonnie the hatchet victim proved.

I can go to Target every day and never get bored.
I'm staying at my friend's place, which is only a 5 minute walk to Target. I may or may not have been  every day. But I've only spent about $30. Whew.

The Emmys are even more enjoyable when one of your best friends is at them.
My friend, Jan, works for a network and is in the audience at the Emmys this year. From helping her pick a dress to reading her tweets and texts, it's been really exciting and I'm excited for her.

What working from home looks like...

...when there's a Peanut in the house.

Monday:

I was trying to do work at the dining room table and she just wanted to be petted. So I threw the blanket on her to keep her occupied. Isn't that the cutest nose ever? (My parents are putting down new hardwood floors, thus the plywood above. See glimpses of the pretty new floor in the photos below.)

Tuesday:

Staying warm in her new outfit. Don't let the sad face fool you, she's a good Southern girl and loves her argyle.

Wednesday:



She's not playing around anymore as she plants herself directly between me and my laptop. (Yes, I was working on the floor. I think better lying on my stomach, seriously.)

Luckily, I'm free from work in about two hours for the next two weeks and can giver her all the attention she rightly deserves and needs.

Dimples

I won't say much because I don't want to upset my family that reads this, but on Friday my family had to put down Dimples, one of our border collies. It wasn't expected.

She and her sister, Peanut, have been in our family for 10 years. She truly was just a wonderful dog. Whereas Peanut is like a human and makes you work for her love--and holds a grudge while she's at it--Dimples just loved everyone. Yes, she was skittish, with the sound of her own butt hitting the floor scaring her sometimes. And yes, she was a bit of a ditz. But she also had the happiest smile, sweetest demeanor, and most intense tail wagging you've ever seen in a dog.

She was also my New Year's Eve company last year and I'll be hard pressed to find a more loving date anytime soon.

Holiday Rewind Part 5: You Say It's Your Birthday

As usual, the first day of a new year is always my favorite day of the year. Not because of resolutions, or black eyed peas, or any of that fresh new start business, but because it's my birthday! I turned 27 the first day of 2011, which is a little too close to 30 for my liking, but until I figure out how to change it, that's what I am. This year I managed to turn my birthday celebration into a FOUR DAY AFFAIR. How did I manage that?


Day 1: Thursday, January 30
Due to some scheduling conflicts, we had to have my family birthday dinner on the Thursday before my actual birthday. We started with some British-style poppers purchased at Target. I had Joey help me with mine because I was afraid of the noise.

We all got different little cute prizes and of course crowns, which we wore proudly.

Some, more proudly than others.

Then we went to a new place downtown, which was very nice. It even had a real London phone booth.

But this is still North Carolina, where we really love our basketball, so there was one of these, too.

I tried my first shrimp and grits, though it was more like shrimp and polenta, but still very tasty.

And we all just ate, talked, and had a good time. I also had wine, which meant I had a very good time.

And after it was all done, we watched the last half of an AMAZING Carolina bowl game.


Day 2: Friday, January 31
On Friday I had the place to myself. I spent the entire day on the couch, in my pajamas, watching movies. My hair didn't even get brushed until dinner time.

And then the last hours of 2010 were spent comforting this little Dimples girl, who was completely terrified of the neighborhood fireworks, yet again.

Day 3: Saturday, January 1
MY ACTUAL BIRTHDAY!  Another fairly lazy day at home, though I did change my clothes, brush my hair, and even put on some makeup. It was just me, the parents, and the dogs, which was really nice. I did manage to accomplish something, however. Thanks to BBC America's "Who Year's Marathon," I finally got to watch the latest season of "Doctor Who." Hooray!

Later that night it was gift time. Perfectly coordinated, as usual, thanks to Mom.

And then another little girl, Peanut, tried to steal my thunder.

It's a good thing she's so precious.

We ended the day with some cake. Now, I've been telling Mom since I turned 21 that I didn't think it was necessary to include a candle for EVERY year plus one to grow on. This year, after her and Daddy went through about five matches and a burnt hand each, I expect next year to have significantly fewer flames.

Day 4: Sunday, January 2
The last day of my birthday celebration occurred in my favorite place on earth, Chapel Hill. More on that tomorrow for the final installment of Holiday Rewind.

Day 335: All dogs go to the train station

Despite proving several months ago that Peanut (and Dimples) simply are not adventurous dogs, we still took Peanut with us to drop me off at the train station today. Which meant I spent an hour petting her, trying to keep her nails out of my sweater, and attempting to convince her she is simply not a lap dog. (I only succeeded at the petting her part, like she'd have it any other way.) Of course as soon I get out to check my bag, she jumps in my seat, where she proceeds to sit nicely the rest of the wait and apparently almost all of the way home for Mom. I think she was just acting out since I was leaving, she is nearly human after all.