The Waiting Room

Last night, Rented Life and I, along with our husbands, saw Joan Osborne in concert. What a fantastic show! I truly believe that she is one of the most underrated artiest out there. What a voice. And that hair almost makes me want to go back to my curly locks...almost!

Here are some pics



Joan is amazing in concert. In addition to performing "One of Us" and "St. Teresa" (St. Teresa being the final song of the encore set), she performed many of her soul covers from "How Sweet It Is" and "Breakfast in Bed".

As always, I have some interesting thoughts on things that I saw going on around me.

• To the group of people standing in front of us who talked to each other instead of watching the show, there are plenty of places to chat. The concert was not one of them.
• Why do people who smoke insist on flicking their cigarettes in the direction of people?
• To the strange guy standing near Rented Life who was dancing and drooling over Joan Osborne: Yeah, like you would have a chance with her!
• To the guy who kept yelling "Free Bird": Lay off the ganja!
• Speaking of pot, what was up with practically EVERYONE getting stoned?
• To the 6'5" guy who insisted on standing right in front of us: You did that one purpose, didn't you, asshole?
• I think the guy sitting in the chair next to Husband actually slept through the entire show
• The poor guy who had is girlfriend on his shoulders for most of the show better know a good chiropractor!

In case you are wondering, the husbands had a great time too. Turns out they have a lot in common from guitars to music to food!

I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship!

I survived my first day of mediation training. Whew! Day one was rather boring in that the facilitator spent a majority of the time discussing theory. Her presentation style was rather disorganized as she fumbled with her transparencies. Two words "Power Point"!

I had to force myself to participate early in the seminar, not because I am one of those people who likes to hear themselves talk, but because I would either fall asleep or escape into fantasy if I don't. Thankfully, toward the end of the day, there was the opportunity to engage in some group discussion which seemed to wake everyone up. We had to come up with a working definition of 'conflict'. I think the best example of what is conflict is trying to get 24 people, 15 who are lawyers, to agree on something!

That's conflict, baby!

Well, one day down and three more to go. The good news is that everyone agreed to order in for lunch, so we will finish around 4:30! Woohoo!!

Fresh broccoli from my garden. Yummo!

I decided to make good use of my time this morning, so I got in a workout. Here's the playlist which is also posted on the Active Academic. It's an ode to some kick-ass women!

• Super Duper Love by Joss Stone
• Real Love by Mary J. Blige
• No Scrubs by TLC
• Just Like a Pill by Pink
• Crazy on You by Heart
• Call Me by Blondie
• Ain't No Other Man by Christina Aguliera
• Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson
• Celebrity Skin by Hole
• Extraordinary by Liz Phair
• Bring Me Some Water by Melissa Etheridge
• Brass in Pocket by the Pretenders
• 32 Flavors by Ani DiFranco

Run time: 51:30

After three slaps of the snooze bar, I dragged myself out of bed. I showered, put on make-up and my "big girl" clothes which consisted of a lovely pair of camel color wide leg pants, a burgundy pink v-neck sleeveless top and my favorite brown Enzo Angiolini sandals. As I was gathering my information for the mediation training, I glanced at the brochure.

"Dates of Training: June 26, 27, 28 and 29."

What?

I look at the calendar. It's says that today is June 25th.

"Honey, what is today's date?" I ask Husband.

"It's the 25th." he said.

"Are you sure?" I asked, feeling hopeful

"You are looking right at the calendar." he said

Crap! The training starts tomorrow!

OK, in my defense, it's reasonable to think that a training seminar, or any seminar would start on a Monday, right? Who starts a seminar on a Tuesday?

And it could be worse. I could have gone to the seminar, only to find out that it starts tomorrow.

But still...crap!

• Blogging will be light this week as I am attending a training to become a court appointed mediator. 30 hours of train begin tomorrow and run from 8 AM to 5 PM through Thursday. Thankfully, I will be in air conditioning, because it is supposed to be 90 degrees tomorrow!
• I have no idea what I am going to wear. Can I be casual (dressy crops, nice top and dressy sandals) or do I have to break out my "big girl" clothes?
• Husband and I went to the drive-in last night to see Ocean's 13. We took the Boy with us. He munched on popcorn and fell asleep in the back seat!
• The movie was pretty good. Better than 12 but not as good as 11.
• The drive-in we went to is closing for good at the end of the summer. Another bit of nostalgia disappears.
• I applied for two local teaching gigs. Keep your fingers crossed. Light candles, say prayers, send me some of the good stuff!!!
• The Boy got a bath today. He smells nice...for now.
• Broccoli is starting to come up in my garden. Yay!!!!
• My idiot neighbor, whom we like to call Fat Bastard, is playing with his remote control car in the backyard. The sound is annoying. It sounds like a swarm of hornets!
• Husband wants to go hit golf balls tonight. I want to go, but my sinuses are starting to bug me. It's hard to concentrate when your head feels like a football.

Have a great week everyone!

Addy N tagged me (Damn, I was hoping to tag her if I got tagged!)

Rules:

• I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
• Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves
• People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
• At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
• Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog

Random Facts:

• I have one brother who has not spoken to me for three years and I don't know why he is mad at me!
• I tried out for Jeopardy in 1992 and failed the qualifying test by one point!
• I met Husband when I was 19 and married him when I was 24. We will be married 15 years next month.
• During college, I worked on the security crew for concerts. Kinda odd since I was only about 100 pounds at the time. But, I did meet some famous people!
• When I was 19, I was charged the child's price for a meal when I was out with my mom!
• Despite living in Lake Effect Snow Central for 17 years, I still have my accent from my hometown. (At least that's what Rented Life says!)
• I was a vegetarian for most of my 20's. I have since returned to eating meat, but I mostly eat chicken and fish.
• I used to bite my nails. Getting engaged cured me.

OK, Rented Life, Prisca, B*, Ragey, Philosophy Factory
Doggy Mama, Weezy and Geeka you're up, unless you were tagged already!

Dear Dr. Seeking Solace:

After an exhaustive review of over 125 candidates for the position of Assistant Professor, we narrowed our search to a candidate who meets our criteria and accepted our offer.

Sadly, you were not selected.

Um, right...

Husband and I are going to Cape May, New Jersey in August for a week. We are meeting my best friend, M, and her husband, J. Husband and J are good friends and have a blast behaving like 10 year old boys. One year, the guys purchased these little containers that made fart noises. They sat on the porch of our B&B making fart noises as people walked by! M and I just try to ignore them or drive them crazy with our constant gabbing!

I just found out today that Husband's brother and his wife will be in Cape May the same week! My brother-in-law's wife is so cool and just so fun to hang out with. Plus, she knows M, so we will have an absolute blast hanging out at the beach or shopping. Besides, I can't image what kind of antics will occur with Husband, his brother AND J!!! All I know is, we are going to have an awesome time!!!!

But, I am going to remind the guys that I am not licensed to practice law in New Jersey!!!!

Rented Life and I had our blogger meet up today. We met for coffee at the Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble near my house. I was a little late because my stupid cab-driver was probably sleeping instead of driving!

We had a great time chatting over coffee and later over lunch at a Mexican restaurant chain. Our waiter was such a piece of work. First of all, the guy was like seven feet tall, at least from our view. He seemed really anxious to get our order out because he was able to confuse chicken enchiladas with cheese enchiladas! Then, he blamed the cook for the mistake! (RL: Took him long enough to get the order right!) Finally, when I asked him to break a $10 bill, he wanted ME to go to the bar to do it!


Turns out we have TONS in common like husbands who play guitar, a love of gardening, growing up in the country, crazy students and a love of Canadian music! Also, we attended the same graduate school!!!! Hard to believe that all this time, we only lived about 10 minutes from each other!!!! Rented Life got to meet and pet the Boy!!! He gave her hugs too!


And finally, in true blogger meet up fashion, here is a photo to commemorate our get together! (Although, I have a feeling it will be the first of many!!!)


We both LOVE handbags!!!! Can you guess whose handbag is whose????

Now that I have re-synced my camera phone to my computer, here are the bathroom remodeling photos!


First, the before... One Ugly Ass Half Bath!

Yes, that is yellow plastic tile on the walls!

The world's ugliest toilet seat!!!!!

And now, the after...


Yes, I know I don't have any curtains or blinds. They are on order. I am also going to put a shell in there for towels and stuff. Plus, I have a beautiful painting that I have to frame which will go in there also.

Loving it!!!!!

Rented Life and I are having a blogger meet-up today!!! Of course, details will follow!!!

...The finale of Celebrity Fit Club last night? I am pissed the Dustin Diamond was on the winning team. My hope is that if he is truly bankrupt and has filed for bankruptcy protection, he won't see a dime! Hopefully, his creditors have swooped down like vultures!!!!

I hope Brat finds someone to kick his ass! Or better yet, a smack down fight between Dustin and Harvey!

That being said, everyone else looked fantastic! Although, I just want to shoot Marcia Brady. Partly because she is so annoyingly perky! Tiffany, Brat and Kimberley look awesome. Curvy girls rule! I thought Harvey was going to fall out of his chair! You think he has a crush on Kimberley????

I saw BNL over the weekend. And they did not disappoint!!!! Here's a little something from the "Bathroom Sessions".

On this Father's Day, I am reminded of all the advice my father gave me. He had a saying to help one navigate life's many obstacles. Even though my father passed away 19 years ago, I still fall back on his words of wisdom.

So, on this Father's Day, I thought I would share with you some of his advice that has helped shape me into the person I am today. You may have heard some of these saying or variations of them. But, I think you will get a kick out of my dad's way of making sense out of life.

• Don't write a check with you mouth that your ass can't cash.

Translation: Don't say anything unless you have the ability to back it up.

• Don't get into a pissing contest with an asshole.

Translation: You will never win a battle with someone who is an asshole.

• Cream always rises to the top.

Translation: Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't achieve greatness because of who you are.

• The only people you can trust are your parents and your priest.

Translation: Your parents will always have your back. Your priest will never tell your secrets.

• Don't take no shit from nobody.

Translation: Although it's a triple negative, it's speaks for itself

• Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you.

Translation: Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

• Don't mess with old people because old people can hurt you.

Translation: Old people have been there, done that and can still kick your ass!

Thanks Dad! Happy Father's Day!!!!

The Boy's social calendar is quite full. Yesterday was his first official visit as a "Paws for Love" therapy dog. He had such a good time schmoozing all the patients at the nursing home, especially the ladies. One lady gave him vanilla ice cream! Another woman, who was bed ridden, asked if he could lie in the bed with her. The Boy gently jumped into bed and snuggled with her! And, he was just one of the guys when hanging out with the male patients, catching treats in his mouth. One gentleman remarked that maybe the Boy should try out for the Yankees!

After our visit and a light dinner, the boy had a walk with his buddy Sage. We walked at least two miles which I thought would result in one tired pooch. But no, The Boy and Sage engaged in full frolic, chasing each other.

Once we got home, The Boy had to visit with Dusty and her mom. Dusty is a female GSD mix who lives down the street. Can't disappoint the ladies!

Finally, after a full day, the result is the above picture!

Such a good Boy!!!!

• Rented Life lives 10 minutes from me! Who would have thunk it? All this talk about liking the same hockey team and going to a certain arts festival last weekend connected all the dots! Working on a blogger meet-up. Details to come!
• What?...No comments on my kitty post??? Is this mic on???
• I have spent the last few days trying to fix the cryptographic service error on my computer. Before throwing the damn thing out the window, Husband was able to fix it. Shout out to Husband...you are so awesome!
• It is so freakin' hot here. We have central air in our house, which is a luxury in my neck of the woods. I don't like to run the AC unless it is really oppressive. But, the last few days have been a bit tough. Plus the Boy has not blown his coat yet. He lounges next to the vent! It is supposed to be cooler today which is a good thing because the Boy and I have our nursing home visit and we walk there since it is only a block from the house.
• My garden is doing well. My tomatoes are doing great! Two of my pepper plants are a little weak. They need a little TLC. The other peppers and basil are doing well too. The broccoli is struggling a little. It has not rained in a few days, which does not help.
• Saturday, we are going to see Barenaked Ladies with Divorce Lady Attorney and her boyfriend. Great fun!

And finally, GML...where are you???????

Yesterday was my first day working with the kitties.

The owner of the Boy's daycare, M, is a trainer and behavior specialist who also rehabs cats and kittens from the local SPCA. She has about 20 cats and kittens at the facility. Many of the cats have issues that prohibit them from being adopted. Some have aggression issues. Some have never been socialized with people. There are also kittens who were abandoned by thier mothers. Some of the cats can roam the kitty area without restriction. These kitties are scheduled to go to their new homes in the next day or two.

One such case was a beautiful black short hair male named Midnight. This was his second time with M. He was returned to the SPCA for aggression toward people. M. told me that the SPCA wanted to euthanize him because they were afraid that he would not be adopted. M. told me that there was no way that one of her rehab cases was going to Rainbow Bridge before his time. So, she worked with him some more and he is a wonderful cat. I think his new owner will have to understand that there are times that Midnight may not want to be touched. But, he is a very nice cat.

There is also a room that has several crates with cats. These cats are also going to their new homes soon or have issues with other cats. They need the most loving! So, I went from crate to crate, gently taking each cat out for play and snuggling. There were a couple that did not want to come out, so we played inside the crate. I would reach in and give belly rubs and ear scratches! When I started playing with one, I would hear all the others kitties meowing as if to say 'Oh, pet me next!" Some would poke thier paws through the crates, trying to get my attention.

Finally, the kittens. There are three kittens in a separate crate. One poor little girl needed some extra attention. She tends to sit in the litter when she poops, so she had dried poop on her butt. I tried to clean the poop from her butt, but it was a little painful and scary. So, M had to take the hose and gently spray her butt. She cried like a baby. Afterward, I wrapped her in a big fluffy towel. She snuggled right in, and fell asleep in my arms!

After two hours of play, it was time for me to go home. I visited with the daycare dogs while I waited for Husband to pick me up. The Boy gave me a complete inspection, trying to figure out when I had been. I grabbed a shower in my newly remodel bathroom and threw my clothes in the wash so that Husband would not have an allergic reaction. I was actually tired from all the fun.

I can't wait to go back!

The bathroom, or should I say, bathrooms are done. The half bath off the kitchen got a full make over with new everything. The entire room was gutted and new wallboard, fixtures and floors were installed. Now, it flows nicely from my kitchen to the half bath. No more embarrassing, 1950's ugly yellow bathroom with a brown toilet!!!!

The full bath on the second floor got a face-lift; new floor, new drainage and fixutres for the shower/tub and replacement wall tile. One of the things I love in the upstairs bath is the new shower head. It is so awesome. It's like standing in the rain!

But the best part about the whole remodeling project is that I finally get my house back!!!!!!!

Husband and I went out for lunch with two of his co-workers at an Indian restaurant. I couldn't help but overhear the conversation at the table behind me. There were two people discussing the goings on at Alma Mater Law School. They were commenting on how messed up the LL.M program is right now. They were also dishing about some of the professors and the pass rates for bar exam candidates.

As we got up to leave, I thought I recognized the woman who was part of the couple. So, I decided to say hello. Turns out, it was my Contracts and Torts professor from first year law school. She was sitting with another professor who I did not recognize until I got home and looked him up. So, I mentioned what I was doing, riding the adjunct circuit and was thinking about jumping into the law school teaching arena. Of course, I did not say anything about being rejected for the LLM program AND for a full time position. The other professor said I should contact the Law School about adjuncting.

Hmmm...interesting.

My first thought was "Cool. I really should contact the school." Then I thought "Are you crazy? This is the same place who rejected you TWICE. Why in the HELL would you think about going for a hat trick?"

I don't know what to make of this encounter.

Neither one said anything about name dropping. You know the "Well so-and-so said I should contact you" kind of thing. So, the skeptic in me says that the guy was throwing me a bone, just to be polite.

On the other hand, if he thought I was a total loser flake, he never wold have mentioned anything. I mean I was standing there in a pair of crop jeans, tee shirt and flip-flops with my hair in a pony tail. Not exactly professional attire!

I don't think either one of them remembered me. After all, I did graduate 11 years ago and I am not active in all the post law school hoopla. So, they didn't recoil in fear when I mentioned my name. And, they seemed interested when I talked about my prior adjunct work.

But, I don't want to get burned a third time by that place. What's the old saying "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...."

Gah, this is crazy! I am analyzing this too much...or maybe not enough!

My head is starting to hurt. Advice, please!!!!!!!!

People often ask me how a migraine is different from a run of the mill headache. One of my responses is that it's like being on an acid trip without the use of psychedelics! My migraines are accompanied by funky light shows and auras. So, this playlist is an ode to those occasional, well, altered states of consciousness.

• Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix
• Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by the Beatles
• Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys
• Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary
• White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane
• Strange Brew by Cream
• Cocaine by Eric Clapton
• Light My Fire by the Doors
• Casey Jones by the Grateful Dead
• Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
• Freddy's Dead by Curtis Mayfield
• White Lines by Grandmaster Flash

And finally, Any album by Pink Floyd!

After reading Shrinky's post yesterday, I am convinced it is entirely possible. I swear, my head began to throb after reading her post.

It didn't help that it was so noisy in my house yesterday. The contractor was working on the upstairs bathroom, replacing some of the wall tile. So, the sound of title cutter was cutting through my head. I thought I would find refuge outside, but someone nearby decided to break out the chain saw. Husband found some earplugs which seemed to help.

Later in the day, we drove to Indian Reservation Casino near the state line to meet my mom and her best friend who drove up from Hometown. We had a nice dinner at the casino and played the slots for a while. But, my migraine symptoms began to resurface because of all the cigarette smoke. When I got home. I popped an Imitrex and called it a night.

This morning is a little better, I just feel loopy from the Imitrex.

So, getting back to my original thought. Maybe migraines are somewhat contagious. So, a quick shout to Addy N , my migraine sister, if you start feeling the pain...

One of the nice things about Lake Effect Snow Central in the summer is that there is always something to do that is free. There are festivals, concerts and all kinds of stuff all summer long.

So today, Husband and I headed to the Big Art Festival. My lawyer buddy, Divorce Lady, has her office in the art district where the festival takes place. Her office is this Victorian house with a huge front porch. During the festival, she and others who have offices or homes in that area hold porch parties. It's a great way to people watch.

Here are a few incidents of note:

Incident #1
Note to woman who was yelling if she was the most drunk. If you have to ask...

Incident #2
Woman: Well, would that satisfy you?
Man: No, not really.
Woman: Well, do I satisfy you?
Man: No, not really.

Incident #3
Note to Divorce Lady's partner. Don't make a big deal about going to the post office to mail documents to Alaska when your partner's boyfriend works for UPS and he is standing right there as you rant about it!

And finally, a huge note to all the people who insist on bringing your dogs to the art festival. Please leave your pets at home. It was rather warm today and the pavement is hot on a poor pooch's feet. Also, little dogs are very afraid of big crowds. Finally, there are things on the ground that your dog would like to eat, but shouldn't. If you love your pooch, leave Fido or Fluffy at home!!!!!

I am so excited. I have accepted a new position with a wonderful organization. Granted, it's only one day a week and the pay is zero.

So what am I doing?

I am a social-behavioral specialist. I will be working with individuals who need special attention and help integrating into society.

I am not talking about criminals or college students...

I am working with CATS!!!!

That's right, I am volunteering at the Boy's daycare! In addition to providing daycare and training for dogs, the owner of the facility works with cats from the local SPCA who need special attention before they can be placed for adoption.

So, one day a week, I get to play with kitties!!!!

WOOHOO, or should I say ME-OOWWW!!!!!!

Husband and I were outside in our front yard talking to one of our neighbors. A guy that I had never seen in the neighborhood came walking toward us with the most beautiful St. Bernard. We chatted for about 20 seconds about the dog. Everyone began to go on their merry way when the dog, who was only about two years old, jerked the leash. The guy hit the dog on the back end which caused the dog to cower in a down position.

I was floored.

I wanted to say "Hey, you asshole. Don't you realized that you are traumatizing your dog by hitting her?" Someone bigger than you should smack you on the rump and make you cower in fear!"

But, I said nothing. It's not that I didn't want to. I really did want to say something. It is unacceptable to hit a dog or any animal. Not only is it cruel, but they don't understand it. Hitting does not solve any behavioral issue, no matter how big or small.

But, my own fear of not knowing this person from a can of paint, sealed my silence. Let's face it. It's a strange world out there. Who knows what kind of reaction I would get, even if I approached it in the most kind and helpful way. Think of the times you have seen a parent smack a kid in public. Do you say anything or pray that it was a momentary lapse of reason?

Or, does silence make one just as culpable?

I have three outstanding resumes for faculty positions and I have not heard a peep out of any of them. I guess I could send and email or make a phone call, but my guess is that if they really wanted me, they would have contacted me. Of course, there is the chance that the decision is on hold, for whatever reason. But, my gut tells me otherwise.

For a while, it would really bother me that I would not get a response, only to find the "FU" letter in the mail with the classic "Your qualifications were excellent, but..". I would obsessively check all leads for a job either in Lake Effect Snow Central or elsewhere, imposing this "I need to have a job by the Fall semester" deadline on myself. But right now, my obsession with the job search has become a mere curiosity as what is out there.

Truth is, I am liking my employment hiatus. I know I was climbing the walls in the beginning, even wrote a few posts about it. Maybe it's the nice weather or that I have found things to occupy my time that have made this period enjoyable. It's also allowed me to think about who is Seeking Solace, beyond the girl with multiple degrees, attorney, academic, business owner, wife, daughter, sister, friend and dog mom. I never thought I would have accomplished so much before the age of 40 that now I am looking to the sky and saying "Now what?" Will I find another job as an academic? Who knows. Will I go back to practicing law? No, definitely not. Something else in the law field? Maybe...I am participating in a mediation training seminar at the end of the month.

Honestly, I don't know where I am going, but I am OK with it for now. Ask me again in October.

One of the cool things about my job hiatus (that's what I am calling it. Unemployment is just too depressing), is that I spend more time cooking which I love to do. So, I was excited to find a great recipe from Everyday Italian on the Food Network. Although Husband is the Almighty Grill Master, I do enjoy making the marinade and sides when we grill.

While the Boy and I were at playgroup last night, Husband did the grocery shopping which included saffron for the orzo. I told Husband he should check the International section for saffron first, and if he did not find it, try the spice section.

When we unloaded the groceries, I could not find the saffron. Husband informed me that after an extensive search of the Asian section and the spice section, he was about to give up. The very last bottle on the very last shelf in the spice section had bottle labeled Spanish Saffron. Elated, Husband picked up the bottle only to see the cost.

.04 oz. of Spanish saffron cost $16.00!!!!

That means, that a whole once of Spanish saffron would cost almost $400.00!!!!

Husband said that there is no way he was going to pay $16.00 for something that was packed in a small white envelope inside a bottle. His exact words were "I've smoked stuff that was cheaper than that!"

He's probably right!

Needless to say, I made the orzo, sans saffron, but added Mrs. Dash and parsley. It was quite delicious.

But, I think the next time I go out for Indian, I am going to ask the server for a little saffron on the side!

I watched VH1's The 40 Most Softsational Rock Songs last night. Boy did that take me back to the days of my pink bike with the banana seat, playing kick-ball in the backyard and of course, AM radio! How many of these do you remember? (It only counts if you were around when these songs were released and you heard them on your parent's AM radio!)

• Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes
• Afternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band (So cheesy!)
• Still the One by Orleans
• Rich Girl by Hall and Oats (One of the commentators said that everyone has a Hall and Oats song on their Ipod. It's true!)
• If You Leave Me Now by Chicago
• This Is It by Kenny Loggins
• Kodachrome by Paul Simon
• Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts
• Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
• Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks
• Peace Train by Cat Stevens
• Horse with No Name by America
• Help Me by Joni Mitchell
• Mandy by Barry Manilow (Anything by that guy is a safe bet!)
• At Seventeen by Janis Ian

I went to a memorial service over the weekend. Most Awesome Former Colleague's husband passed away after battling a long illness. The service was held at a local "megachruch". I have never attended one of these churches, but was quite curious about thier appeal. After all, there is so much media buzz about these churches being more of a form of entertainment rather than worship. So, Husband and I, who are lapsed Catholics, went with a totally open mind.

As we approached the building that housed the church, it looked more like a mall than a church. The church was located in the center of an office park, not a typical place for a church. The main chapel area looked more like a concert hall rather than the inside of a church. The seat were like those you would see in any auditorium. There were two large screen monitors too. But, once agian, we kept an open mind.

The memorial service was quite lovely. The service was filed with music selections that VAFC's husband loved. The pastor gave a nice talk about having a life plan. There were some lovely eulogies given by family members.

Then, it happened.

Toward the end of the service, the pastor made a remark about those who embrace "weird" faiths like those who shave thier heads and shake tambourines in the streets. (I guess he doesn't like Hare Krishna). He said the only way for us to be on the right path was to accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior. He asked us to bow our heads, close our eyes and raise our hands if we were ready to accept this journey.

Huh?

First, if I am in a large group, don't ask me to close my eyes and raise my hand for anything because I WILL cheat and peek. (You know you would too, so don't give me that "Oh, no I would not" crap.) And, I did peek down both sides of my row. No one raised thier hands. I can't say for those in front of me, because I did keep my head bowed.

That being said, since when does a memorial service become a recruiting session? Is it really appropriate for a pastor to encourage people in this way at a time when we should be memorializing someone else???

(Note to Prisca: I would really love your take on this!)

I am not trying to be insensitive or blasphemous. Cynical and skeptical, yes. If I am wrong, I will say 10 Hail Marys, 10 Our Fathers and a good Act of Contrition!

I shop at a local organic pet food store for the Boy. Yesterday, there was a TV crew for a local TV station doing a story about a proposed law in my state that would charge an additional 3% sales tax on all pet food and pet products. The 3% would go to animal shelters across the state.

Sounds good in theory...

Here's the rub. I currently pay 8.25% sales tax in my county. That means that each time I purchase dog food or other items for the Boy, I will pay 11.25% in sales tax. I just can't get behind that even if it's for a good cause.

Now, before any of you get your panties bunched up, understand this. I donate an obscene amount of money to many different shelters and animal charities. I am also a SPCA volunteer. All of my pups have come from shelters or adoption programs. I am quite aware of the wonderful work these groups do and the help they so desperately need. But I question if a tax is the way to help them.

Consider this...

• Many groups, like the SPCA, do not receive government funding. What happens to those groups? Are they just out of luck?
• The tax only targets pet owners. Why target pet owners when the plight of animals should be a concern for all?
• How is the money going to be used? Will it help to set up programs to encourage spaying and neutering? How about programs to prevent cruelty? Or, is the money just going to line some politician's pocket?
• Are taxes really the answer? Why is it that when government sees a problem, they figure the best way to solve it is come up with some kind of tax?
• How about changing the law so that pets must be spayed or neutered unless you receive a special license for breeding? How about tougher laws for cruelty cases. Most laws make animal cruelty a misdemeanor, which is usually reduced so that there is minimal time in jail, if any.
• How about tax incentives for pet adoption?
• Retailers will have no choice but to jack up the cost of pet food and supplies to make up for the tax. So, the consumer is being nailed twice.
• What about those who are on fixed incomes? How will the increase affect them?

I will continue to donate as much money and time as I can to help the plight of unwanted animals. I just don't think a pet tax is the answer.

What do you think? Bark back!

I can't stand my new Internet provider. First all the hassles with the Blue Screen of Death, then the problems with setting up email. Now, a new problem has surfaced. I want to sync my cell phone to my email so I can send pics. I need the receiving email host and the address the provider gives does not work! So, I can't post "Friday Dog Blog". That's a bummer because I have a great pic of the Boy on the couch after a day of daycare.

It is stinking hot here. It's not normal for it to be this warm this time of year in Lake Effect Snow Central. Because of the construction, I can't run the AC. So, I am hot and miserable. Plus, my allergies are acting up.

We are also having the fence the the backyard replaced. The fencing contractor (different from the contractor working on the bathroom) is a total flake. He can't seem to keep straight what it is we want, which is not that complicated.

AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!