9/7 No labor Labor Day

Went out to lunch with Jane and Sarah, then an exciting jaunt to KMart. I've written one article today and have one more to do. Plus one more load of laundry. Yep, I've put everything off until the last moment as usual.


Today's Reality TV article--Big Brother 11: I want you to be in the final two with me

9/4/09 Eating tonight and weigh in tomorrow

Had dinner with Jane, Pete, and Sarah at Elder's. I sure shouldn't have gone there and eaten french fries--I have to weigh in tomorrow morning. Yikes. But I skipped last week for no good reason and I really have to go tomorrow.

Then Jane, Sarah, and Jordan came over and Sarah and I watched the Hannah Montana movie. It was predictable but really cute and had some good music in it. And Gus sure liked having company.

I wrote two articles tonight. Hope you enjoy at least one of them. :) Thanks for reading--thanks for at least clicking. :)

Big Brother 11: Do good guys finish last or will Jeff stay in the game?


Online therapy: My name is Eliza, how may I help you?

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?

8-15 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.

7/25 A good day except for WW

I've loved today. This morning I went to WW and gained a half pound--BUT it was my only gain in 11 weeks and I feel really good about that. Today I'm starting counting my points using my iPhone and that will make things easier. No excuses.

Then Sarah and I took Gussie to lunch and to the dog park. Dropped him back at home and we went to see The Ugly Truth--probably the funniest chick flick I've ever seen. Sarah and I were embarrassingly LOUD with our laughter. We both heartily recommend it. Especially the panties part. (I'm laughing out loud just thinking about it.)

After I dropped Sarah off, I again picked up Gussie and we went to the park to the Curran family reunion, at Mark's invitation. I saw so many people that I knew (especially Cathy, with whom I went to school, and Mark of course). Mark's daughter Nikki is absolutely stunning with stunning children too. Such fun.

Then Gus and I came home and walked for a mile using my iPhone GPS pedometer. It only cost $1.99 and is fantastic.

A truly good day.

Tonight's article is: Obama, Crowley, and Gates: Let's sit down and have a beer

5/1 Relaxing

I took the afternoon off and am happy. This afternoon I bought more goodies for my garden. Can't wait to plan more items, but may have to wait for Rob and Beata to arrive for some help. Jan said she may have time soon to do more planting. I'm okay either way.

Went to dinner at Maya tonight with Jan, Jane, Kris, and Sarah. It was delicious as usual. Then I wrote an article about racism--and mentioned Maya in it.

The flu virus isn't as bad as the racism virus

4/24 A good life

At 1 I met Jan, Tim, Pete, Jane, Sarah, Jordan, and Ashley for lunch at Krieger's. What a perfect way to spend part of Friday afternoon. Cindy walked by and we chatted with her a while.

Jan stopped by my house a little later with some lovely flowers for my garden. She's the greenest thumbed person I know and she'll help me know the weeds from the not-weeds. Of course I can't do much work myself, but I'm feeling pretty good and can surely do some.

We spoke of all the activities going on this summer, and I think I'm going to walk in the Susan B Koman 5k in Peoria with Jan, Kristen, and Jane. Because we're missing the Avon Breast Cancer Walk this year, we want to do something.

Gus and I took a mile walk this afternoon too, and I saw John (our brother). It was nice to talk to him too. (Oh, yesterday I forgot to blog that it wasn't just Gussie's birthday, it was Bozie's too. And speaking of cats, Allie Cat had diarrhea on my bedroom carpeting this morning. But I still love her.)

Tonight's article: Feel-good Friday: Vaginas don't have teeth.

I'm so happy to be in Quincy. There are so many family events going on and I would have been so jealous if I were still in Biloxi. I love you guys.

4/18 Up and down all day

UP: This morning early Gussie and I went to my office and I caught up on a lot of work. Then we went to the Barkus Parade and Mardi Paws at Washington Park. I bet there were 200 dogs there. Gus loved it. So many butts to smell.

DOWN: Right after the weiner dog races it started pouring and we had two blocks to walk to get to the car.

UP: Came home and took a nap.

DOWN: Wrote an article about an 11 year old boy who committed suicide last week after being bullied. A picture of the young man accompanies the article and makes me sad.

UP: Jane called and asked if I wanted to go to the Chinese buffet with them. Hence I'm ending on an up note. (Burp!)


Article: Did bullies cause boy's suicide? Are they liable for his death?

4/13 The White House has a dog

My new article tonight--The White House has a dog.

It was a good Easter. Gussie and I walked for a mile. I spoke to kids on both coasts, so I loved that. Went to Mass with family and then ate lunch at the Patio with Jane, Pete, and Sarah and Jan, Tim, and Uncle Bill.

Just finished filing my taxes and my state one was rejected. Have to figure that one out.

3/21 An odd day

A year ago today I moved from Biloxi to Quincy. Wow, time has flown by.

I'd planned to work on my class for QU and to write my article. But Jane and I went shopping at CJ Banks--40% off of everything in the store. Couldn't resist that. And the great thing is that Cindy took Gussie for a walk while I was shopping. I'm so grateful. Afterward we went to lunch with the rest of her family. Then went to TJ Maxx.

While there I got a crisis call (am on call this week). Had to go to Pittsfield to help out a colleague. So poor Jane and Sarah had to take me home to get my car. Jane suggested I take Gussie with me. I wouldn't have thought of that--but it was a great idea, Jane. We got to spend time together--one hour drive there and one hour drive back. The hour I was in the sheriff's office he slept, so it worked out well. Thanks for the idea, Jane.

Tonight's article is a real downer, but a sign of the times. Suicide forest.

3/13 A nice surprise

I got home from work and took Gus for a short walk, then Jane called and asked if I'd like to join them for dinner with Jan and Tim. Of course, I said. They wanted to go to Kutters, but there was a 45 minute wait, so we went to the Elks. Deb Stotts joined us when she was finished in the ER--yeah, her girls were in a car accident, but luckily they are okay. They have whiplash and will be really stiff tomorrow. Poor things. Poor Debbie. But everyone was really lucky.



Tonight's article is Kids, stop fidgeting: Sit on your stability ball

3/6 I still love Cindy

After I got home from work I put Gus's collar on to take him for a walk. Then I noticed Jane's and Sarah's cars at Joe and Cindy's. So Gus and I stopped by. Gus visited with Kirby, while I talked to the humans.

Cindy was wrapping some presents for Jane, so I ran home and got my present and wrapping paper and she did mine too. Not only that, she ended up taking Gussie for a walk with Kirby. So I was doubly rescued. Thanks a million, Cin.


Tonight's article: Rihanna/Chris Brown: More information revealed

2/28 A wonderful day with my family

I spent the day with Jane and Sarah and it was really fun, although tiring. We spent so much time together that we had both lunch and dinner. Pete joined us for dinner. Then we went to Joe and Cindy's to say hi to Eric and Julie. And Gussie dragged his butt on the floor and made poop streaks. All because I gave him some Greenies and they made "stuff" stick to his fur. God bless him.

And God bless Joe and Cindy. They didn't even blink. While I cleaned Gussie's bottom they cleaned the rug. Kirby just watched.

I left early to write my article, so they're probably all still talking about me. :)

Tonight's article is about Qtown.info--City Secrets: Qtown embraces the soul of Quincy.

12/6 New member of the family

We stopped at the Humane Society today and I came home with another kitten. Her name is Hazel Alice and am calling her Allie.

So I have Grandpa Gussie (Gus), Grandma Bozie (Bozie), Hazel Alice (Allie). The dog loves both of them but the two kittens aren't friendly yet. I'm sure it will happen soon.

Jane, Jordan, and Sarah stopped by for a while this afternoon and played some Wii games. We had a really good time. Then tonight Sarah and I went to see Twilight. It was really REALLY good.

Now I'm going to continue my coughing regimen. I'm going to set a world record.

11/15 I hit the family jackpot

I'm always wanting to be with family on the weekend and I really hit the jackpot today. I spent all afternoon with Jane and Sarah, having lunch and shopping (lots of that). Our lunch was free because it took so long to get to us. That was cool.

And in about an hour and a half I'm going to have dinner with a huge bunch of family. Yay. I love it.

This morning Gussie and I went to the Padua Pet Parade at Quincy University. KHQA-TV interviewed me, while holding Gus, and it's supposed to be on the 10 PM news tonight. In the middle of the interview Gus jumped out of my arms, so we'll see if they air it. :)

It was a fun experience, even though it was mega cold and windy. I look forward to doing this again next year. It was a fundraiser for the Quincy Humane Society.

10/18 A good day

I went to the Hannibal Folk Life Festival with Jane and Sarah. We met Jan and Kristen there. It was really fun. Jane made me take my walking sticks, and I'm so grateful she did. There was a lot of walking and it was painful after a while. So it was a good idea.

The day was super. After Hannibal we drove through Pike County to see the leaves. They weren't at peak yet, but it was still a lovely drive. We stopped in Barry to look at some crafts and we ran into Joe and Cindy--a really nice surprise. Then we drove on to Pittsfield where I bought two cool things for my back yard. Can't wait for spring to come so I can display them. :)

Then Jane, Sarah, Pete and I went to Cassano's for a quick dinner. Yum.

Now I'm home with sweet Gussie and Bozie and will have a very quiet night. Tomorrow I have to work all day on the class for Wednesday night. Love to all.

6/28 Good weekend so far

Got up early and took Gus out. For the first time he decided to roll in poop, so at 5:45 AM he got a bath. Such a skinny little thing when his hair is wet. Went back to sleep until about 7:30 or so. Made breakfast, then talked to Jane. Jan was busy, but Jane, Sarah, and I went to the Midsummer Art Faire at Washington Park. It was really nice.

Saw so many people that I knew. It is indeed nice being home. Plus got a personal tour of the Tranquility Med Spa, owned by a physician who works with Jane. It is a beautiful (and peaceful) place.

Gus was a star. I can't even count the number of people who stopped us to talk to Gussie. A popular fellow. This is another good thing about having a small dog. I can take him places with me. Right now I'm at work (trying to get my new office organized), and Gus is sleeping at my feet. Just what I want.

Forgot my security code, so the police came out. Oops. But I finally found the right one and everything ended up fine.

Nothing going on tonight, but tomorrow is the Gustison reunion, so Gussie is definitely going there since he's named after their patriarch.

6/23 Dogsitter

Today's my 12 hour day so Jane and family kindly took Gus for the day. Jane said when she handed the puppy to Sarah, Sarah said, "This is my dog."

Made me smile. I'm so glad everyone likes him. He's made my week, that's for sure.


This picture is of Gus with the dogs at Jan and Tim's. Shows how tiny he really is.

5/26 Memorial Day

It was nice to sleep in today. Of course the dogs woke me up at 6 AM as they normally do, but they were nice enough to go back to sleep until 7:20. Felt great.

My back felt better last night, and I am beyond thrilled! Here's hoping it keeps heading in that direction and I can get back to normal, whatever that is.

I'm working on losing weight (although it's hard without being able to exercise.). It didn't work when my family had the Bozarth Biggest Loser contest. But I"m now doing it with some of my writer friends online. I'm down 7 pounds in four weeks. Pretty good, but I have a long way to go.

Missing work actually. That's sad when I should be enjoying a holiday.

Had dinner last night at Maya with Jan, Jane, Paulette, Sarah, Kelly, and Deb. Tasty food of course, but the best thing was the company. We always have such a good time when we're together. The only sad part is that Jane may not be able to go on the Avon Breast Cancer Walk because she may need to stay home with Pete. And if she doesn't go, Deb won't go. Although Deb didn't say why. So it would just be Jan, Kris, Cassie, and me. Sure hope Pete is doing well and Jane can go.