Dentist, Birthday present, Brisket, Luggage, Pioneer Woman farewell, and even the Tub…

Some of you may have been observant and noticed there was not a Friday post. I do apologize for that. I had a dentist appointment in the wee hours of Friday morning and thought it was going to be a simple final fill and I would head off to work immediately after. No, as my luck runs par for course, the dentist took the x-ray and decided she wanted to irrigate it a bit more. While I appreciated her attention to detail, I did not appreciate the 4 shots of Novocain and the following 2 hours in the dentist chair. The entire two hours spent listening to the dental assistant go on and on about her grandchildren. She was annoying me and the dentist. I think we both wanted to shout, “Shut up, no one cares”, and I however, had my mouth sprung open to the point of snapping and the dentist too professional to do such a thing. So, now I start the healing process over, I’m back on pain meds to sleep and 600 mg of Advil every 6 hours and yet another trip to the dentist later this month. I swear if one more dentist tells me, “You have such a small mouth”, I believe I may scream, “What the crap do you want me to do about it”. It almost kills me when they put the thing in to take an x-ray and if they don’t bust their balls to get back in the room to take it out, I’m taking it out. It has pissed a few off, but seriously they are not experiencing my pain and you just flipping told me I had a small mouth, DUH! This process sucks, moving on…



I got a sister a very nice birthday present don't you think...

It's an According to Alison original, but she told me I couldn't sign it unless I was later famous. Siblings!

Easter weekend, I made a Beef Roast Brisket…

This part is a bit gross, since I'm not a big meat person. First step get over ick-i-ness of it and put into pan.

Chop veggies

Douse with wishisare sauce (spelling help needed) and prep for baking-350-3 hours.

Steamy hot from oven

A little help slicing

Easter Sunday lunch! Can you believe I made this? Well, Mom made the yeast rolls, but seriously I did the rest!

If the key to a man’s heart to through their stomach, then I say, “here men, over here men…”.

This weekend I bought luggage for my upcoming trip. I didn’t have to have it, but it will be a nice addition to the items stored in my basement and in the event I ever actually have a man to take me on long weekends or international vacations, I’ve got the luggage to go along. My passport is always ready for that quick get away out of the country.

I used to love reading the Pioneer Woman blog, would rush to it mornings for a dose of ranch life. However, my enchantment has ended. I will likely pop in every now and then, but she has gone commercial like so much in the world. I’m all about making a buck, but I’m not amused by her anymore. I just felt I should share my disappointment and wonder if others have the same.

Long post, lots to say or not I guess. The tub issue is a bit of a funny note to end on. I moved into my new place in August. When I moved in my neighbors on either side were rarely home—score! Last month one old neighbor moved out and a new one moved in. He seems nice enough, but scared the crap out of me yesterday. I had decided to take a bubble bath; I love a good long hot soak in the tub. No wine this time, pain meds would be taken later and since I live alone, I thought it a good idea not to really mix the two. Anyway, I’m in the tub, in my peaceful zone, contemplating the ways of the world, what I needed to do at work the upcoming week, the throbbing in my mouth, and reminding myself to pay my rent for the month. All the while trying to turn off the brain and simply take a moment to relax. I had just reached this zone, I was immersed in the water only my feet resting outside the water to cool of a bit, when CRACK! I bolted to a sitting position, panicked, what broke in my apartment? Then I heard the noise again, not as loud this time. It turns out my neighbor, I can only imagine, was getting in and out of the medicine cabinet on his side. There is no sound proofing between the apartments on the upstairs section. I often take a shower with my neighbor or course him in his or course. However, I have not been in the tub at the same time he was doing something in his bathroom. The noise was amplified by the water I guess, who knows, but it scared the crap out of me and here I was just amused by another blogger's apartment life posting a few days ago. Who knew? Next time, I’ll have a bit of Sinatra playing while I take my bubble bath and drown out any invading neighbor noise.

Welcome to Monday Kids!

What is Today?

Well today is Thursday, but also today is Education and Sharing Day. On that note, take a moment to think about all the educators that have made a difference in your lives. I have one in particular that jumps to mind. Mrs. Spence. She was my 3rd grade teacher. I had just moved to a new school district and Mr. R was calling me Alison Wonderland-which I hated. Evil boy, he later got me in trouble for helping him cheat in the 8th grade, but that’s another story.

However, Mrs. Spence was great! Loved her! I learned to spell the few words I can spell from Mrs. Spence. She gave a certificate with a sticker on it with every spelling test if you got a 100%. I worked my 3rd grade butt off to get those certificates; I thought they were the greatest. She let me come down to her class during “Reading Week” when I was in the 7th grade(?) to read the Large and Growly Bear to her class. (Best children's book ever!) This was a great treat. Because of Mrs. Spence I thought I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but reality set in. Today, Mrs. Spence, today I publicly thank you for being a hell of a teacher.

T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!

I love my job…

Seriously, I’m not kidding. It’s keeping me insanely busy this week, but I really do love it. I have seen close to 100 students in the past 3 days. My door has been a revolving one: one leaves and another is immediately in my office. Our lobby has been standing room only. This is a typical first week of the quarter; it’s always a bit insane, but then will calm back down again. I love that I can solve problems for these kids that think their issue is not solvable and they are never going to graduate. I’m like a super hero. Captain Alison!

I love talking with a student who is ready to quit and drop out, but after our conversation feels reassured and is ready to face a new quarter. Now, I can’t always solve the student’s issues. I have a few that hate me because I have to tell them “no”. In general people do not like to hear “no”, especially when to the mind of a 21 year old what they want to do it is perfectly acceptable.

I may not make a ton of money. I may have more debt than income, but let me tell you, having a job that I enjoy everyday most of the time makes up for the lack of spectacular income. I’m getting a bit misty simply thinking of one of my students. He came to be because he was having problems with his previous advisors. We knocked heads a bit a first, he wanted to quit-but stuck it out. He is graduating spring, pending successful completion of his spring classes. This kid is just great, he hasn’t liked all of the answers I have given him, but we came to an understanding and he is going to graduate—even if I have to make sure he is going to class.

Ok, sappy moment over, back to work.

The Stress of Being a Winner…

I can not believe the bitter congratulations that I have gotten today. Just because my brilliant idea won the gas card, don’t be bitter colleagues, just accept I’m better than all of you and move on. :)

In honor of Ms. T...

My Interview With An Entrepreneur...



Below is my interview with the lovely Ms. T, Entrepreneur-extraordinaire, enjoy.



Are you a daily reader of According to Alison?
But, of course! Stalking friends is one of my favorite hobbies.
(Hum, it's good to know I have a loyal audience for my Leo like tendencies, but the stalking part...hummm.)



How do you know Alison?
We worked together—super secretive stuff. Many think we worked together as academic advisors, but what I can say is that there’s a reason our friends and families didn’t see us much during that time. We were sucked in. I’m afraid I cannot comment any further.
(Good times, those were the days when my diet was popcorn and a bottle of wine almost every night--so that might be a sign. I tell you more, but then I'd have have to tell you about FU and then...well it's not pretty.)



Do you have pets?
I have two rescue dogs, Kaida and Kami. I assume the next question is, “What are they?” Kaida likely has Husky in her, but many White German Shepherd pet parents think she belongs to them. Kami is believed to be Shetland Sheepdog and Pomeranian. I’ll let your readers decide with these pictures. I’ll also inherit two cats named Oscar and Chloe when we get married in October.
(Adorable!!!)

I hear you are starting a new business adventure, please tell the readers about it and why you wanted to take on this business.
Why, yes! My goal is to educate pet parents before the adoption process and, once adopted, keep the dogs in their homes and out of shelters. I offer customized dog training in pet parents’ homes. I previously worked as a dog trainer at a facility, and the most common frustration I experienced were pet parents that graduated with their dogs from class but couldn’t translate the training in their homes. With me bringing the training to you, I get to see the real issues, and there is less need to generalize the training to a different environment. I also customize every training after the free initial consultation so that we only work on what you and your dog need.

I also offer other services including pre-adoption education, AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation and evaluation, and individual and litter temperament testing. (Sounds like a lot of work, but you are the woman for the job. Yeah, you!)

Are you currently accepting new clients?
Absolutely! I even travel to the city for an additional fee. (Ms. T lives just on the edge of the sticks, so the "city" refers to Columbus. We "city" folk appreciate you willingness to travel. If anyone is interested leave me a comment and I'll get your details to Ms. T.)

If you were up for your last meal, what would it include?
Ha ha…everything! Just a small peak at the menu—Grandma’s noodles, Mom’s mac and cheese, Tom’s fettuccine alfredo, portabella mushrooms, breadsticks with garlic sauce, lobster, scallops, Colleen’s deviled eggs, tiramisu, and German chocolate cake. Oh, and a filet or ribeye on the side.(I don't believe all of that food can fit into your tiny tummy. However, I do believe it all sounds wonderful, please invite me when you are up for your last meal.)

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
I’d be a mallee eucalyptus because I’m multi-stemmed, short, well-adapted to fires, have distinctive flowers and tasty fruits, and am sometimes toxic. If I’m on a job interview, please ignore the last three. ;) (Wow! It looks like you did a bit of research to find out what kind of tree you are. I agree leaving the last bit off during a job interview would be smart, well unless you didn't want the job and then the expressions on the interviewer's face might be worth it.)

Have you ever been skydiving?
YES! Are you up for going? Do you know of anyone up for going? I’ve been tandem skydiving twice and would love to go tandem again or even freefalling if I could rope someone into going with me. Here’s the website - http://www.aerohio.com/ There’s a spring special of $50 off in March…Please say someone wants to go with me soon! (It's a perfectly functioning plane, why, why? Actually, I want to go, but it never seems to fit in my schedule--one day when I have tons of excess money and time.)

If you given $100,000 and told you must spend it all within 24 hours, what would you do with the money?
I assume the word ‘spend’ means it’s not acceptable to quickly invest the money. So, I’d pay off my debt from dog training school, put a down payment on a house, and book Tom and I a honeymoon to Italy. (Yes, you must spend the entire amount. Although your spending is practical and likely the smart way to go--I'd spend like I was going to get this amount everyday. hehe)

Ms. A, it’s been a pleasure. I wish you and your readers many days of much more interesting subjects.

Thank you Ms. T for sharing with us today--I believe it was interesting. I feel I am a bit better educated on how your mind works. I'm a bit scared now, but more educated.

Enjoy your weekend Kids! Don't you just love the spring colors!

Spring…

It finally made it! I didn’t think it was ever going to get there. Hurray! Hurray!

In spring’s honor a few spring like photos, yep they are from the archives because it’s been winter, duh!

YEAH Spring!

More Clear Skies...

Check out this link and the entry for March 12th. Who's lovely pic is that, yep it's me. Thanks Ms. H for noticing.

http://www.yourhallmarkcardcompetition.blogspot.com/

Now, if just the tooth could cooperate!

Maybe the Rain has let up a bit...

The name of the upcoming Consumer Sciences newsletter is Consumer Sciences Today and was submitted by Alison! Alison will receive a $25.00 gift gas card for her effort. Thank you for all who participated. Please keep in mind that you still have the chance to be a part of the newsletter by submitting ideas for stories. For further information on the content and stories we are looking for, feel free to call or email me anytime. Thank you and nice job Alison!

Email, just sent out to the Department. Yeah me! My poor co-worker was also a finalist, but Mr. A didn't win. Yeah Me! *karma is going to get me*

When it Rains it Floods…

It’s been raining here in Ohio for the past couple of days. I feel like my life has been raining also. Friday started with a root channel. Not the weekend to take on such a painful event. I had people to the party on Saturday and love them all for coming, but I was out of it most of the night. I was functioning mostly on pain killers and did stop for a bit to have a couple of pints of black and tan, but then gave up and went back to the pain killers. I’ve done a lot of sleeping the last few days. I don't have a high tolerance for pain and although the dentist tells me this is normal, I really feel like the majority of the pain should be gone by now.

In addition to my life rain, my toilet decided a couple of days ago to start leaking. Thankfully, although he drives me crazy, my landlord is right on it and brought over a new part yesterday and seems to have fixed the issue.

I’m tired of the rain, outside and in my life. Rain, Rain, go away, little Alison wants to play. *smile*

Long Story Short...

Emergency root channel Friday afternoon. More when I'm functioning better.

ARGHHH!!!!...

I have this horrible tooth ache. I have no idea what the problem is. I was just at the dentist a month ago. I called to get in today and "he's out of town". Only the receptionist was answering the phone, I guess to be the of bad news girl. The last time I was there, I had to see a different dentist because mine was out of town. ARGHHHH!! I didn't get hardly any sleep last night because at about 1:30am I was awakened by incredible pain. I took a ton of advil and tried to go back to sleep. It was not to happen. I did finally nod off for a few just in time to wake up again.

I did get into the Faculty Clinic late this afternoon. The woman was very nice on the phone but told me normally they do not do procedures on the first visit. So, I've downed a few more advil and have blocked as much of my calendar as possible. I made it through a student appointment this morning, but had a difficult time focusing because of the throb in my jaw. Ah, I'm so annoyed, not the weekend to have such a problem. Although, I guess if they can't figure out what is going on, then I'll be inebriated all weekend and have an excuse. :-) Cross your fingers, this is a simple issue that can be taken care of today!

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you do!

Trivia…

Before we get to the trivia, let me say thanks to the Marrieds last night for a delightful dinner. Ah, I love the marrieds, such fun kids. Dinner was a delight, only Ms. A and her Rachel Ray like self could make Raman noodles tasty. Yep you heard me correctly Raman noodles. (Sorry Mr. A, I just can’t.)

Ok on with the trivia, today lets play a little game. I have no prizes, except you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done. I guess if I see you out on St. Paddy’s Day, I’ll buy you a pint, deal--if you get the most correct. Ok here we go. Do you know what these Irish related Terms mean?

1. Aer Lingus

2. bangers

3. Bus Eireann

4. Eire

5. Post

6. EU

7. Sláinte (Slawncha)

8. Aisling

9. Craic (crack)

10. Uisce Beatha (Ooshka baha)

11. Leprechaun

12. Blarney Stone

13. Chips


Ok, if you didn't cheat and scroll down already to view the answers, see how well you did.


1. Aer Lingus—is an Irish airline. They offer regular flights from the states to Shannon and Dublin. Super nice people, even got me a flight into Ireland from Paris when I missed my flight. Silly part is, I was in the airport waiting on my flight, but was in the wrong location and did not hear them paging me. The material covering the seats is green with quotes from James Joyce novels.

2. Bangers---we refer to them in the states at sausages

3. Bus Eireann—this is one of the bus services in Ireland. These tend to be for longer trip across the country, not the local service in Dublin or other cities.

4. Eire—this is the Gaelic term for Ireland

5. Post---this is the common reference used for the Irish Postal Service. When I lived in Ireland there was no guarantee the Post was going to arrive and if it did, it did not mean it was your Post (mail). I never did get the Reese Cups sent from the states, oh how I missed Reese Cups and Mexican food while I lived there. However, I did have Kilkenny and Murphy’s so that made up for it.

6. EU---stands for the European Union

7. Sláinte—Gaelic term meaning “Cheers”

8. Aisling---Gaelic term meaning “dream”. This is also a common girls name in Ireland

9. Craic --term meaning to have a bit of fun, to have a laugh

10. Uisce Beatha---meaning The Water of Life---whiskey. This term in used in a few Irish traditional songs.

11. Leprechaun--- In Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a little sprite or goblin. A mischievous sprite or elf. Lou!

12. Blarney Stone---A stone in Blarney Castle near Cork in Ireland said to give anyone who kisses it skills in flattering others. The local teenagers and likely adult drunks are said go travel up the castle and pee on the stone. This does not deter tourists, including myself, making the trip, defining gravity and kissing the stone. The little old man that is there to help you doesn’t look like he could save a small child if they started to fall, but everyone does it and stands in line for a time to get to the desired stone.

13. Chips---we refer to them here in the states as French Fries. There are a few folks that now refer to them as “freedom fries”, however until the golden arches changes the name, I don’t think it will stick.

So how did you do? Just a couple of more days---I can't wait. It's like a kid at Christmas when the gifts are all under the tree just daring to be opened early.

NetJets to stay in Columbus...NetJets to stay in Columbus!!!!!!

In the News…

NetJets is holding a press conference at 2:30 this afternoon. Cross your fingers they are staying in Columbus. The city needs the company and personally I have a friend that works there and I would like to see him keep his job.

If oil prices are falling according to a report this morning, why is gas $3.45 a gallon? I didn’t get any last night, so I’m hoping it takes a drop today. Good grief it’s only March, what will it be in June?

Ok, enough news. Let’s take a moment to enjoy photos from the mother land. I didn’t take them. I imported them from all over the web and created the images below. Will the 17th get here already? Well at least the 15th!

One of these days I'll get my photos into the computer and have them on here, one day.

Is there a Full Moon?...

I just feel like my world is a bit off kilter the last week. Is there a full moon or something that creating oddness in the world?

I had a cranky weekend stuck in my house due to the snow which is not necessarily odd, but still blizzard like conditions is not your every day stuff, at least not mine.

I have a Monday-Friday morning routine. I arrive at work, sometime on time, sometimes not. I unpack my work bag of lunch and such. Then I spend a few moments putting on my make-up (can’t seem to build that into my time before I leave the house and I’m too scary without it). I travel down the hall to get water from the fountain to make my coffee. Then I settle in to answer mounds of emails both personal and work. The majority are work; I don’t really get too many personal emails. After reading emails and answering a few work ones, I do a quick review of blogs. I click on Ms. L’s-sometimes there’s something new, sometimes not. I click on Ms. M’s-nothing new since October. I can only imagine that she and her family are sitting in their PJ’s watching cartoons all the time, otherwise why wouldn’t new information be posted on the blog? (just kidding, I’m sure Ms. M and family are insanely busy-kids will do that to you I hear.) Recently I’ve been clicking on Sleepy Scott, I have to say I found myself a bit disappointed when a new one is not to be found. Then of course Pioneer Women and others, depending on time available. I check MySpace if messages are there, vote for my card on the Hallmark site, and then surf CD101 to earn my points.

Are you a CD101 listener? It’s a radio station out of central Ohio, but you can listen online. If you listen and you hear the tips, let me know. I love using my points to watch free movies. I went last night to see Fools Gold, nothing to write home about, but Matthew for two hours is NOT a bad thing!

So yesterday I begin my normal routine and receive a very random personal message. I don't know why but I feel I should note, I don’t have internet or cable at my house. Everyone take a moment, yep that’s correct no cable and no internet and I survive just fine. Anyway, open the email and I have a message from an ex. He is getting married in May and is going to be a dad. Well yeah him, but why in the f*ck did he have to inform me? Is he trying to rub it in-neeneer, neener, neener- since I ended it with him? Or, is he under the impression we are still friends. I mean, it’s fine if he wants me to review his resume while his is applying for jobs, but really friends is a stretch. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be with this guy. He’s a clinger and way too much of one. Anyway, I guess because I’ve been in ultra mode, this just added to my insanity. The real insanity is that this guy can find a woman that wants to marry him after only dating for a few months and I’m still single. This is a horrible thought and but really, what?

Anyway, I emailed him back a nice PC email of “congrats-very happy for you”. I figured this would be the end, yeah for him, and if he was being an ass then-ha, I was nice about it. Today, my morning routine begins and I have another message from the ex, so I open it. Can you believe what it said? He invited me to the wedding! WHATTTTTTTT!!!!! 1. Is he insane? 2. Does his wife to be really want an ex at her wedding? 3. WHAT?!??!?!?!?!?! I didn’t have an answer to this email, so I simply deleted it. What was I supposed to say to that?

I have not stayed friends with most ex’s. I have contact with one but we have a longer history and it’s not like he is inviting me to his wedding. I think this goes to show, once it’s ended, it should be OVER! Friends does not work! I mean, I am awesome, I will admit it, but really to invite me to your wedding? I’m going to have to tune down my awesomeness I guess.

So, this is part of the reason why I ask if there is an odd shift in the universe.

Moving on…

I’m listening to Midwest Irish Radio today in prep for the upcoming holiday. I love the music and especially the accents when the DJ’s come on. Ah! I would email and request Fields of Athen Rye, but I not sure what mode they are in right now. I emailed once and they were on their fast music hour, but the DJ played if for me anyway. So nice! I just love the Irish. Why can’t I find myself a nice Irish man to use my awesomeness on?

So many questions.

March 20th, 1st day of SPRING...

It's true only 10 more days until spring, but central Ohio did not look like spring was any where in the horizon this past weekend. Below are depressing reminders of the weekend and the fun morning outside my office.

Blizzard like conditions Saturday--view through my front door.
What were they thinking, this is no time for walk through the neighborhood.
9am out my back door. This is as far as it would go, due to snow buildup. Look at that sock, isn't it just cute-and warm and fuzzy!

My car before the big dig

Batman's future car

15 inches the final total at my back door

My poor bike at 9am

My sad little bike at 9pm

The wall of snow encountered this morning exiting the garage. Why? That's all I ask, if you are going to plow, why leave the pile right at the exit?

The sidewalks this morning beside my building. These people are insane, I walked in the road, of course a car tried to take me out, but I wasn't busting my butt on that sidewalk.

It's Friday...

Pot Luck day here at the office. You all know how I feel about the potlucks. I did my appearance and left without incident.

It's snowing again and must be getting interesting out there because the radio keeps announcing cancellations. I don't except Gee will send us home.

Gearing up for St. Paddy's here are a few Irish toasts, enjoy and have a great weekend.

May your glass be ever full.

May the roof over your head be always strong.

And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.

Here's a toast to your enemies' enemies!

Here's to our husbands and boyfriends: May they never meet!

Saint Patrick was a gentleman,

Who through strategy and stealth,

Drove all the snakes from Ireland,

Here’s a toasting to his health.

But not too many toastings

Lest you lose yourself and then

Forget the good Saint Patrick

And see all those snakes again.

Here's to being single...

Drinking doubles...

And seeing triple!

May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.

Do You…

Do you have one of those old sweaters that has been washed so many times, it really doesn’t have it’s original shape and likely should be recycled by now, but you love it and just can’t seem to give it up. I have one of those, I still wear it to work even, but really it should be worn at home only. I just can’t seem to get rid of it.

Do you enjoy mini carrots dipped in peanut butter? It’s very tasty. Jiff peanut butter is the only real peanut butter; if you disagree you are just wrong.

Do you really hate mornings in your office? Do you hate that you have to be nice to everyone and say “hello” and “how are you doing”? I hate when I feel like I have to say it. I’m not a morning person. I want to go about my morning in peace. I’ll talk to you when I’m ready, if I see you in the hall and I don’t say anything, it’s ok, I don’t hate you, I’m just not ready to talk-but this is not an option, I have to be PC.

Do you speak a foreign language? I don’t but kinda wish I did.

Do you ever have days when you are just pissy? I mean pissy for no real reason, except you are just pissy? I feel like that today. No one has done anything to me, but let me tell you, I could crew you a new hole in you head today if you were to just look at me wrong.

Do you have access to Kilkenny beer? If you do, I’ll be your best friend forever if you become my supplier.

Do you not answer your phone sometimes? I do this not because I don’t like the person calling, but I’m having some Alison time and just don’t feel like talking to anyone at that moment.

Do you wish I would end this blog entry? Too bad, but you can stop reading if you like, I’ll understand.

Do you plan to go see the movie “Semi Pro”? If you are a 17-22 go see it now, you will likely enjoy it to bits. If you are not, go see it at the $1 movie or rent it. It’s ok, funny in parts, but not Will’s best work. I had free tickets or I would not have gone, I don’t typically go to full priced movies, I’m cheap.

Do you have people in your life that drive you crazy? Do you have people in your life that you just can’t imagine you life without? Well then focus on the latter people and not the others.

Enjoy your Thursday. I’ll try not to be pissy tomorrow.

Did You...


See my girl? She did so well, she's such a scrapper. I'm know some of you are Obama kids and others are Republican kids. I like all of you, but I want to see Hillary take the Oval Office.


In other news, it snowed again. Yet, what was I expecting.


Lou and I are gearing up for St. Pats. I've been looking up Irish info, just of the heck of it and watching episodes of Ballykissangel. According to Ms. H it was playing in Ireland when she was there, I'm guessing circa 1997-98. So, it's a bit old, but I love the accents and the phrases.


A friend plays in a couple of bands and I'm trying to decide what I'm going to do with myself on the 17th. I took a vacation day, until it's made a National Holiday, I have to use 8 hours of vacation time to enjoy the day if it falls during the week as it does this year. He's playing at 7am at Fado's and then at 9pm at Rude Dog. I can't decide to start the day crazy early at Fado's or to give it a bit of time and then go to Rude Dog or just walk down the street to Byrnes. I know they will have a fews bands playing, but they don't currently have anything listed. Oh, if you would like to join me for a pint for the day or just after work, let me know and I'll let you know where I end up.

Did you vote?

1. Did you go in and vote on the Hallmark site? Sorry, you have to login to do the voting, but know I appreciate it. Thanks Laura for doing your part! Anonymous, I know, get to voting to help me out. Kidding, just kidding.

2. Did you go vote for the primaries today if you live in Ohio or one of the other voting states today? I just got back. Cats and dogs are flying outside, but I did my civic duty. I had to ask for my sticker before I left, it’s the best part. I did make a difference today and although my girl, as a friend calls her, has a long road ahead, I’m hoping she’ll still be kicking after tonight.

I Promised News and I Deliver…

News Alert! New Alert!

Hallmark started a contest back in January. The assignment was to create a funny birthday card using a photo of a pet, yours or someone else’s. My sister sent me the contest information because she is obsessed with Hallmark, even argued with me that my parent's store should only send out Hallmark holiday cards, because that is what they have sent every year, I say go cheap or go home, but she’s all about the Hallmark. I entered by the deadline in February. I was selected as a finalist, so now you have to do your part and go in and vote. Use the link below or go to hallmarkcontest.com, click on Your Pets, meet, and then Search for “Pig Love”. They stuck me toward the very end of the list. Please ignore the photo of me, it’s horrible, but I was pressed for time to get in a head shot and this one was the one I had. According to the Hallmark guy on the phone, I am one of 67 out of over 5000 entries, so I’m a bit excited. I don’t believe that I will win, but please vote. Voting will continue until September. Make this part of your daily routine: turn on computer, login to internet, and vote for me. You can only vote once a day, trust me I’ve already tired, well once a day from the same computer, they don’t know about my local library. *evil laugh* The card will be printed and available for purchase via the internet and maybe in your local Hallmark store beginning in June, I believe. I’ll keep you posted. Autograph will be available upon request. :)

Send this voting information to all of your friends; come on, wouldn’t it be a hoot if I had to travel to Kansas City with these pigs. Oh, if I win, that’s what I have to do travel with the “pet” to the Hallmark home studios for a professional photo shoot.

http://www.hallmarkcontests.com/vote/index.cfm?step=1&perpage=1&showsingle=yes&card_id=6250

There are some other clever cards in the contest, but everyone loves pigs. Well at least until you attempt to load the dumb shits onto a trailer. Pigs are ok with stepping down from a trailer, but they have a real aversion to stepping up. Odd, very odd.

Now go VOTE! Thanks!