8/31/09 Great exercise for Gussie

Another bad day, back-wise, so Gussie's exercise consisted of walking across the alley to the gas station to buy some trash stickers. Then he walked out in front while I placed my recyclables at the curb. He really thought he got a nice walk since he had his leash on. And I don't even feel guilty.

Tonight's article is: Chris Brown "doesn't remember" assaulting Rihanna

8/30/09 Lazy Sunday

Slept in and all I did all day was work on the computer. Lazy day, but it felt good.

Tonight's article: Mental Health Examiner: Do you live in a stressed-out city?

Last night had dinner at Jan and Tim's. My oh my the food was good. I ate way too much. Had to get back "on the wagon" today.

8-28-09 No new site yet

My Examiner boss is having trouble setting up my new site, but hopefully it will be done soon. In the meantime, here's tonight's mental health article: Worrying about losing your job causes high stress, even more than we thought

8/25/09 Puppies, puppies, and more puppies

Am going to see two Shih Tzu pups tomorrow. Free. Purebred. Just hope some family members want one. I know they are going to be adorable.

Applied yesterday for another examiner position--national Reality Show Junkie Examiner.

Tonight's article is: What role did Michael Jackson play in his own death?

Am tired out tonight. Will probably hit the sack early. Well, maybe after just one more game of Farkle... (fingers crossed behind my back)

8/23/09 A beautiful Sunday

We all had such a good time out at the cabin. Thanks so much John and Paulette. Everything was perfect.

Today's weather was gorgeous. Didn't do much. Ate a lot of fried green tomatoes, because when I have green tomatoes in my house I just can't help it. Who else in the world has an addiction to fried green tomatoes? What a dork.

Gus and I walked for a mile throughout the university and it was fun seeing all the kids settling in for the year.

My latest article is Compassion versus justice: Scotland releases Lockerbie bomber

8-22-09 Pedicures and puppies

I took Gussie with me when I got a pedicure. He absolutely loved it. First he had to smell everything because these were brand new smells for him. Then Kaitlyn and Jaden came in--the owners' kids. So Gus had a ball while I was relaxing and getting my toes prettified.

This afternoon we're going to John's cabin for a big family picnic. I'm excited. My sisters are bringing their dogs too, so should be fun.

Today's article is Does Kate--of Jon and Kate Plus8--have OCD?

8/21/09 A good day

I worked a half day then picked up Gussie. We went to QU to get my ID updated and I brought him in with me. It was really fun to watch everyone's faces. School hasn't started yet so I thought what the heck.

Then I slept all afternoon. And this evening went to Germanfest with Jan, Tim, Uncle Bill, John, Jane, Pete, and Sarah. I really enjoyed myself. Because of my recent bout with back "stuff" I couldn't polka with Jan like we always have done, but did do the chicken dance with Jan. (And, Jan, I'm paying the price as I feared, but I promise not to call you and cry.)

Here's my first article as the national Mental Health Examiner--Autism service dogs: True service dogs or merely comfort animals?

8/18/09 Gus is a star

Gus is a star in the Alpha Dog commercial. He's in it a few places, but at the very end he runs toward the camera all by himself. I'm so proud of my little buddy. It'll be on KHQA through 8/31. Elizabeth showed me at Alpha Dog today, but I saw it during the news tonight. Gee, this is fun. I hope to catch it on video.

Tonight's article is: They gave a second chance to Michael Vick's dogs: Does he deserve a second chance too?

8-15 Back home

After a fantastic vacation, I'm back to normal. (Normal?) Am working on publishing photos on Facebook, but am running into just a little trouble. I promise they'll be there by tomorrow.

Today was great--my sisters, niece Sarah, and I volunteered at HELP which is a back to school extravaganza, providing many needed services for kids going back to school. Back to school physicals, sports physicals, dental exams, clothing, haircuts, school supplies and backpacks, and probably more--all these services were offered today. It was wonderful. The other family members have been doing it for four or five years, but this is my first one. Won't be my last.

Then afterward a whole bunch of us met at Cassano's for Jane's belated birthday lunch. It was fun and delicious.

Tonight's article is: Euthanasia: Australian with quadraplegia has right to die.