KNOW YOUR GENES?

May I present to you....Axel, the new 4 legged love of my life (not to exclude Riley). The drummer and I have been looking at adopting a new dog for a while now and we finally found him! I was chatting with a fellow co-worker the other day and it came up that she was a foster mom for our city's Humane Society. Well, I hadn't been on (stalking) their website yet so she showed me the link and I immediately spotted him. I emailed the drummer his pics and info (as I frequently do with other dogs...It's almost an illness) and told him that I thought that this was the one! He fell in love as quickly as I did and the next thing you know I'm filling out the online application. Now there was a little mix up with his name and picture at first...(they accidentally put his picture with his brother's name...Ace) But everything was quickly sorted out and we got our little (huge) puppy boy.

So, now that we've gotten him home and we're sharing our good news with family and friends the question of, "what kind of dog is he?" keeps popping up. Well? We don't really know? With Riley it was easy...A Golden Retriever (I got her from a breeder, she's got papers). But since Axel was abandoned on the side of a country road along with his siblings we don't know what breed his parents were. And his adoption paperwork only makes things more confusing...according to those and the website he's a Lab/Saint Bernard/Hound/Shepard mix? So being the proactive (annoyingly curious) mommy that I am, I searched the web for this:

It's a Pet DNA test that you do at home! You just swab the inside of their cheek with the test swab in the kit, put it in the envelope provided and send it off to the lab (no pun intended)(even though I think it's really cute to think there's a Labrador in a lab coat and goggles testing swabs...awwwe). In a few weeks they send you back the results with a cute certificate that tells you exactly who your dog's ancestors are! Pretty cool I think. I can't wait to find out just exactly what breed Axel is. Not only will it make my response to "what kind of dog is it?" a lot more simple, it will also provide us with valuable information about our pet like physical and behavioral traits that are specific to certain breeds. What I can tell for now is that he's going to be a Super Sized Big Boy (his paws are already bigger than my 75 lbs. Golden's). So I'll definitely let you all know what breed(s) Axel is when his test results come in, but in the meantime do you know your pet's breed? Do you know your own Pedigree? Can you guess what my puppy's chemical makeup consists of? Can't wait to see if anyone is right!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

CELEBRATING THE 4TH

As the 4th of July approaches us this week, I can't help but find myself somewhat sad. The sight of American flags hanging from every possible place and talk of fireworks only makes me miss my baby brother more. You see my brother is a part of the Marine Corps and is in Iraq as we type. I worry/think about him everyday and this week I find my thoughts wandering to him even more. I come from a very Patriotic family. My dad always tried to instill in us the importance of country and to uphold the ideals of our founding fathers. The constitution was almost regarded as highly as the Bible in our house. He had it posted along with the amendments on our refrigerator (the place where all things important are posted...school papers, reminders, pizza coupons). So naturally my brother wanted to defend and serve his country by joining the Marines. Now I have to say, with the exception of my father, everyone was pretty shocked and upset that my little bro decided to join the Marine Corps during the middle of a war. Not that we didn't support him in his decision or weren't proud as hell, but just worried of what that might mean in the future. A moment I will Never forget is seeing my brother for the first time after he completed boot camp. The drill Sargents had us all (family) confined to a small roped off square. All our boys came jogging out of the barracks chanting their steps. They paused in front of us staring straight ahead as we all yelled and screamed. I remember seeing my brother out of the crowd and the look on his face. It was like a dream. I could barely scream...my voice cracked...I was so excited and so over joyed that I was starting to cry as I yelled. I couldn't get it all out fast enough. The graduation was a 2 day affair, and that first glimpse of our loved ones only ended up being a tease. They had to go back to their barracks and get ready. The next day they graduated and I've never seen more relief on more faces in my whole life. I have a dear childhood friend who is also in the Marine Corps and was stationed in a nearby area. He came to my brother's graduation and presented him with a Marine coin that was given to him for good luck by another Marine before he left to fight in the war (my bro is supposed to pass it on to someone else before their first tour when he gets back). It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. And I felt so touched and honored that he thought enough of my brother to give it to him. I'll never forget that weekend. I got to see the ocean for the first time and it was with my brother who was starting a new chapter in his life.

The Family at my bro's graduation in San Diego

Sister, Me, Brother, Dad, and Step Mom

At the Ocean

I can't bring myself to watch the news anymore (not that I was an avid watcher before) I'm constantly afraid of what I might hear or see. I know myself well enough to know that I would drive myself crazy with worry. However despite all the worry and sadness I feel. I can't help but have a huge sense of pride. Pride in my brother, my country, and our military and their families. I now know how hard it is to see your loved ones get on a plane and not be sure if that's the last time that you'll ever see them. To know that where they are going is directly in harms way and that they are doing it all for their country. And I can't help but feel ashamed that I'm not strong or courageous enough to do it myself. This will be the first 4th of July that I'll celebrate since my brother has been gone and I know it will be hard to watch the fireworks without being a little sad and missing him. So with the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air I'll be rooting for all our troops. HOOORRAAAHHHH! SEMPER FI

Happy 4th Everyone!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

BOGGLE!

(Flickering lights) And then blackness. That was last nights scene as I was trying to finally organize my closet. From what I can guess, we lost power due to the high winds. Probably some 100 year old tree lost one of it's trunks. The whole street was black. I was really glad not to be alone. The drummer just got in town earlier that day from working out of town or else I would have had to endure the darkness with just Riley. It was kinda sweet, b/c it was our first power outage together much less in our new house. The drummer couldn't believe I was able to light our whole house with my out of control collection of candles. (As I was unpacking them the other day I was wondering why a person could have so many and contemplated on throwing a few away) Whew, glad the pack rat in me prevailed and I had them all to use (see sometimes you really will need it). Anyway, the drummer and I were sitting at our kitchen table sipping on a couple of cold drinks just staring at each other not really knowing what to do with ourselves. The drummer just looked at me and said, "we rely on electricity way too much!"...I just started laughing and thought about people long gone and how they dealt without electricity. Then I started to wonder what in the hell can we do besides just look at each other...can't do laundry, can't watch TV, we can have sex I exclaim (his eyes brightened) wait nope not a good week can't do that either. Wait I have the perfect idea...we can play Boggle!! The drummer looks at me unamused and asks, "what in the hell is that?" It's a game I say and it's really fun. For those that have never played it's a spelling game where you shake a rack of lettered cubes and get them all in a space and find random words within the allotted time. It's really actually pretty fun. I'm not even a good speller and I can do it. The drummer seems a little leery about playing a spelling game, especially since he isn't a good speller either. But I convince him with my lovely charm and we play. He was really pretty good for his first time. I'm not sure who won since he didn't keep track,why play?, (the Monica side of me) but I'm pretty sure I did! So it's getting late by now and there's no sign of the lights coming on soon, so we go to bed. I tell the drummer to blow out the last candle and turn off the lantern. As soon as he does the lights and everything else we had plugged in turned on! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Oh well, we had fun and it was all sorta romantic. We got back up turned everything off again and headed to bed, Again. So my question to all of you is what do you do in a power outage?

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

Sex and the City

So I took some time today to take a quiz that my lovely friend Deb had posted on her site and here are my results. I have to say they don't really surprise me, even though I thought I had a little more Samantha in me than this quiz indicates. Here's the link if you're curious as to what character you are. http://quiz.ivillage.com/astrology/tests/sexandthecity.htm


You scored 50% Carrie Your answers peg you as a Carrie-type, much influenced by the Air Sign qualities associated with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Like confident Carrie, a sex columnist, you're curious and perceptive, always seeking answers and never satisfied with the superficial. An Air Sign influence can lead to indecision and an avoidance of tough issues, like with Carrie and her on-again, off-again attachment to Mr. Big. Forward-thinking, incredibly intelligent and witty, you just exude quirky charm. You'd be utterly bored by someone who's just a pretty face or hot body -- though you don't mind looking and flirting! You're more turned on by an equally smart and funny mate, someone who challenges your mind and makes you laugh. You love to talk, so you need a good listener who's open to playful and eccentric ideas about love and lovemaking.

You scored 20% Samantha You identify with Samantha's bold and liberated Fire Sign qualities, characteristics associated with the Signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. You're strong, audacious and larger than life -- and you take what you want! Sometimes you can even be thoughtless and selfish, as you get so caught up in craving immediate gratification and excitement that you overlook someone's feelings. Your personal style likely reflects your desires: sleek, low-cut, revealing just a bit more than might be considered acceptable. Watch that you're not coming on too strong, though. You could scare potential suitors off with all your drama. If you seek so much attention, the more basic qualities of the Fire Signs could be burned right out of the picture. Show less skin or cleavage and more of your creativity, your vibrant leadership skills and courageous generosity!

You scored 20% Charlotte A romantic at heart, you chose the answers that demure Charlotte may have chosen. Strongly influenced by the intuitive, profound and sometimes naïve Water Signs -- Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces -- you're like a mother, a mystery and a poet all in one. Though on the surface you may seem innocent and all about seeking the good in people, beneath the surface, you hide secret yearnings for intimacy, for attachment and ideal love. You're seeking a knight in shining armor, a soul mate, someone who will complete you and tether you to the earth when you get carried away with your fantasies. You're super-sensitive, soaking up the moods of others; you emote freely, crying at commercials and sappy movies. You also provide a shoulder to cry on and open arms for hugs. Be careful that you're not so wide-eyed and trusting that you get taken in by some cunning wolf in sheep's clothing.

You scored 10% Miranda You chose many of the same answers that Earth Sign-like Miranda, the cynical but pragmatic lawyer, might have chosen. Just like Miranda's had a tough time deciding whether to give in to the affections of Steve the Bartender, you don't give your heart up to just anyone. Miranda shies away from a relationship with Steve because he's 'just' a bartender, not something more conventionally ambitious or stable. Those with powerful Earth Sign qualities -- characteristics associated with Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn -- are cautious in love and seek stability and status over nearly anything else. Earth Signs provide a steady, realistic attitude and they can bring order out of chaos. A little-known Earth Sign fact: Incredibly sensual, you seethe beneath that smart, expensive business suit of yours, yearning for intimacy but hesitant to give up your material needs, your career ambitions or your responsibilities for a passionate moment that might not turn out the way you'd hope.

Hopefully I will be able to check out the lovely Warren Theatre this weekend and watch this much awaited flick! Can't wait for the pink Cosmo!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

IT'S ALL COMMING TOGETHER

"Is it hot in here, or is it just me? I wonder if these people have the ac on or what?" Just a couple of thoughts that crossed my mind yesterday as I was writing a nice big check for my new couch. Now, just a little history...I USED TO BE a big spender. I would spend a few hundred dollars on clothes or this and that at the drop of a hat. (I kinda had a problem, I'm an emotional shopper). Well I used to be anyway. I've changed my ways (can you say Budget Queen?) and now that I know that I'm like that I can prevent some pretty serious binges.


So going into the furniture store yesterday after work and buying a couch was a pretty huge deal...more than I realized at the time. I had to call and confirm my choice with the drummer. I remember at one point saying, "remember it's the one with the tufted back" to which I quickly came back with "I mean, with the buttons?". Like the drummer knows what the hell tufted means (forgot who I was talking to for a minute)!! So the ever so eager and surprisingly helpful sales lady asks, "have you made your choice? You going with the Berkley? WHAAAAAAAAAA, WHAAAAAAA, WHAAAAAAA, (alarms sounding in my head) Mini panic! Do I? or Don't I? AHHHHHH!!!!! (Ever so confidently, like the good pageant trained girl that I am) Yes! I made my fabric and wood color choices and before I knew it woman salesperson had my ticket drawn up and my plush total ready! Now don't get me wrong, I didn't spend a fortune. I was reasonable. But having gone from ultra Save mode to spending mode has been a little more difficult than expected. I mean, I swear I felt my throat closing up last night. Who makes themselves physically ill by spending money?? Jeeze! Next on the agenda...Refrigerator! Doom Doom Doomm!

Here is what all the stress was about...only difference is mine is a little lighter in color!

*And I scored a super sweet deal on a treadmill!! I'm on a role!

Just A Blonde's Take

Bridget

READY FOR NORMALCY

I'm officially on countdown. I have 14 days until I get to move into my house (that I bought back in November). My tenants have out worn their stay (they've been great, but I'm ready to live in my own digs). The original deadline has been extended for the one and only time and I will officially be able to move into my house on May 26th (Memorial Day)! Here recently my life has been feeling very chaotic. I don't feel like I'm living the life I want and that I'm supposed to be living. Everything feels like it's put on hold and it's driving me crazy! I'm ready to start cooking again and lounging on the couch watching MY TV shows (instead of every crime/forensics show that's out there, that my roomies like to watch) **side note, my current roommates are my parents** Gotta love them! I'm ready to have a closet!!! My current space is a small twin mattress and box spring on the floor of my brother's old room, my dad's current junk room, with just enough space on the left side to store all my dirty clothes (on the floor), space at the foot of the bed for my unmentionable baskets and assorted clean clothes. I'm living out of hamper baskets and over night bags. I have no real space to call my own. Not even a small cabinet or cubby. However, I did manage to clean off one small shelf in the shower for my shampoo and conditioner. Believe it or not my tom boy of a sister has just about as many beauty products as I do (minus all the makeup). I guess I'm just ready to start this new sub chapter of my life..."Home". I'm already a home owner, but I've yet to live in the house I purchased. I mean I'm so desperate to start my life up again that I'm actually getting excited about texturing and painting! I'd even mow the lawn at this point as long as it's mine (and for those that know me, know I HATE cutting grass). I'm ready to spend my weekends at Lowe's and Home Depot. I'm excited about making what's already mine, truly MINE!

With all this excitement about getting my life back to normal, I can't help but anticipate EVEN MORE, starting a new life (ummm...slightly tweaked life) with the drummer! He's embarking on this journey of moving into a new house with me and I can't wait to live with him and ALL his stuff! Ummm yeah, I'm pretty sure he has more clothes and more stuff than I do! I can't wait for him to finally put to use the budget I've made for him (at his request, no I'm not a psycho controlling girlfriend type that makes budgets for her boyfriend without his knowledge or asking). He's even said that when we live together he has no excuse to not follow his budget. (Damn right he don't! This girl is all about accountability) Ok, so I expect people to follow through on what they say, I am a woman after all. It would be unnatural if I wasn't at least a little naggy.

And I can't forget my little Riley. She's my buddy and has been through a lot with me (not to mention moved A LOT with me, this will be her 7th place to live in her short 4 human yrs of life). She's my golden girl and I can't wait for us to be our own little family again. She's queen of the house and it won't take her long to claim her kingdom! She's a kind ruler though, she let's me have a small space on the bed at night (As long as her treats are bountiful).

So, I'll see you all on the flip side and let you know how everything goes. I hope to do a post of BEFORE and AFTER with some lovely pictures. You can bet there will be a party to introduce my home to you all. Can't wait, til then!

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

O, I KNOW THAT'S NOT POOP IN MY SHOWER!

I am dedicating this post to Roomates! I've had my fair share over the years and I have to say, the ones I have now top them all!! Roomates can be great! They can provide wonderful company, financial help, as well as security. However, be warned that there are some REALLY BAD roomates out there. Luckly enough for you I have the 2 worst ones on the planet (sucks for me). For those who haven't heard the stories along the way, let me just give you a peek into why my roomates suck: (I will refer to them now on as the Hippie, and the Redneck)

1. The Hippie thinks paying a bill "on time" is waiting until they send you a cut off notice and paying it on the day that the utility company says they are cutting you off!

2. The Hippie thinks the check I write her every month for rent and bills is beer money and not for rent and bills (thus all the cut off notices).

3. The Hippie thinks cleaning her 4 cats litter box once every quarter is plenty and maybe she should cut back on cleaning it so much! (REALLY?)

4. The Redneck and Hippie think the floor and any other surface are great places for beer bottles, caps, cans, and used dip!

5. The Redneck and Hippie think having 20 people over during the work week til all hours of the night/morning drinking and carrying on outside while driving their vehicles really fast down the street making tons of noise is a normal activity that most people partake in.

6. The Redneck and his white trash friends think that threatening to take my dog and put a pillow case over her head while holding a big gun and taking a picture of it like terrorists and then sending it to me is really funny and a good idea!

7. The Redneck, Hippie and their friends think closing doors, much less locking them is just an option...especially when leaving the house.

8. The Hippie thinks it's ok to drive your car through your garage.

9. The Hippie and Redneck think cleaning is....actually I don't think they even know what cleaning is.

10. The Hippie thinks it's a great idea to buy a brand new puppy...especially when she has just gotten fired from her job and doesn't take care of the animals she already has. And of course needs a brand new digital camera to document the young pup! (while she doesn't look for a job)

11. The Hippie and Redneck think it's perfectly fine to have their animals SHIT in MY shower and then leave it...let's not forget to close the door back! (the only time that ever happens!)

12. The Hippie and Redneck think the garage is the perfect spot for garbage when the trash bill hasn't been paid. (For 3 months)

13. The Hippie thinks that cat vomit only adds to the decor.

14. The Hippie and Redneck think Tostino's Pizza is gourmet.

15. The Hippie and Redneck think it's ok to drink all my organic milk and eat all of my food and then drink and eat the replacements they bought before I do.

I could really go on and on, but instead of dwelling anymore on how terrible they are, I'm now redirecting my focus on being happy that I'm moving out and far away from them into my new house I bought! Even though it does kinda stink that I'm having to shack up with the parental units until my house is ready. At least I won't have to wallow in the nastiness of my roomates filth anymore!