Adventures in Dog-sitting and other ramblings...

So as most people who know me discover, I am in love with dogs. It's true. I love them. I'm super allergic to cats and they're usually just too bratty for me. Whereas a drool-machine, hyper-active,snuggle puppy is the way to win my heart over in a second...

So we begin with my adventures. I volunteer straight away to any friend with a dog that I will dog-sit for them anytime (if I'm available). Because I love dogs and can't get enough. And I don't require pay I just do it because I love to. Now the friends I do dog-sit for are super generous and pay me anyway but I do it because I just love getting to spend time with a dog/dogs since I can't afford to care for one myself right now.



So I am sitting for two friends' german shepherd this week. They just got engaged and are visiting her family in Ohio and I jumped at some quality puppy time. He is a 1.5 years old GS who thinks he is still a puppy and has loads of energy and is an attention whore. Which I love. Seriously I really do. But this week has just been really hard on me. Every time I walk him, long walks with a hiking pack (as they're trying to train him to carry water for when they go hiking/camping) he still wants to go kick the soccer ball around for an hour or so. And this is before, and two to three times after I get done with, a 6 hour work day. It's just been very intense. And for some reason he has taken to whining all the time. I mean all the time. He's fed, peed, pooped, walked, played, is exhausted and laying on the floor to cool down, and he still wont stop whining. I'm giving him an all-out gusto belly-rub & still whining. I am just at my wit's end this week. I feel bad for not having more energy and patience but...I dunno. And I've NEVER said this about dog-sitting before, but I'm glad it'll be done tomorrow. I just need some quiet me time. And some rest! :) Although I have to say I have been loving all his puppy dreaming where he barks and runs whilst asleep, so freaking cute every single time!



In other news for some weird reason work gave me extra days off so I am going to try to get home on an earlier flight! How amazing that I might get an extra 1.5 days with my family and friends! I'm so excited to see everyone and spend some quality time. It is much needed. I just hope the prices aren't too high for switching!



I'm a little saddened, however, by the fact that I might not get to see my extended family on my father's side after desperately trying to work it out so we could go down to see them because my oldest brother is choosing, rather than come up and see me for Christmas (and I haven't seen him in about a year and a half), to stay down in Indiana with his crazy on-again-off-again girlfriend who attacked my sister about 2 years ago when she was wasted. I really just don't understand that. I'm trying to see it from his perspective but I'm a bit hurt. And bummed about possibly missing another opportunity to try to connect to my Polish side of the fam after only discovering they all existed two years ago. And as usual my mother's side of the family hasn't even tried to get in touch. It's been literally 17 years since I had a relationship with any of them (other than my mom's sister and her family). I just thought maybe this year would be different. I guess I just need to be the one to make it happen,or try anyway.



Also another big weird thing is this will be my first Christmas without a certain friend I've known for about 18 years. Due to a huge falling out caused be her rumor/lie-spreading about me and hurting my mother, and pissing off me, my sisters, and my father she is no longer welcome in our home or lives. Which is just weird and sad. I mean she was "part of the family" and now she's just gone. It's the right thing because what she did was horrible with a capital H but still it feels sort of off not planning things with her or talking to her, etc. I guess I just still have to learn to let go of people who are toxic. I always want to give people a million chances, especially when they don't deserve them. *sigh* Whatever, I'm trying to let it all go.



I think I'm just a little blue. I had a really intense acupuncture experience on Friday where he put a needle in and I just started crying, like hard sobbing crying, and it burned in my chest. It was so intense and crazy. And my acupuncturist just asked "What are you so sad about and you're holding in?" I just sobbed "I don't know but make it stop!" It was the strangest and weirdest experience I've ever had while trying this bit of pain management therapy. It has helped so much with the pain from my back but this was just so crazy and I think it released some sort of blue-ness in me that I'm working through. Maybe from all this old extended family stuff, and losing my friend of 18 years, and another friend just recently moved away...I don't know but I guess I need to work through it all.



Here's hoping that maybe getting home sooner for the holidays will brighten up my spirits. This time of year is my favorite! Really all of December is. The First is my birthday, then Christmahakwanzakkuh, then New Years. It's just the best! Hope all your holidays are amazing too :D

"What did they hit you with? Whatever it was it was hard"

I had a pretty good day at work today. Mandy kept me positive and we projected making money and I did. Even though it was chilly and rainy I still made over $100. I'm very pleased.



Also, I am watching (again) Michael Collins and it is remining me again why I love this movie so much and why I CANNOT wait until we go to Ireland this summer. My dreams of visiting my heritage is finally coming true: Joe and I are going to go to Poland and Ireland! I am SO excited. Now to just save up a bajillion dollars so I can go. Oh and get on getting a new passport. So much to do!



Also I want to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (another dream trip) this year so I can visit my dear lil Georgia Peach who just moved back there. What an amazing trip that will be as well, again, if I can save up a bajillion dollars :)



I am also too excited to go home for Christmas this year! First of all SNOW!!! I know I am a "weirdo" according to most, but I love snow and cold and winter. I cannot wait to play in the snow, wear scarves, snuggle up with my puppy, get cold chills in the wind, and enjoy the true wintery weather! Also I am dying to see my family (as always) but this year we get to also see my Pops' big ol' Polish side. And from my Ma's side my Aunt and Cousin are coming down for a gals' day on Monday the 28th! I'm just excited to be surrounded by those I love and who love me. What a wonderful holiday this is going to be. I hope yours is just as lovely and full of family, food, booze, and fun. :)



I am in the best mood despite the earlier part of this weekend starting with drama. It has progressed into a pretty lovely few days of work and fun. I saw Disney's The Princess and the frog, hung with my friend Kari (laundry night and the afore-mentioned movie), spent time with my honey, and actually got quite a bit of sleep. Work was good like I said, so all in all, pretty great!



I hope all is well in your worlds dear friends. I hope all your grey skies turn blue. And I hope you are having a spectacular holiday season!

"And they also have a weather-proof coat..."

Okay, I know this might make a few people angry but I just need to get it off my chest. I apologize if you get offended but it's my opinion and you don't have to read on. So here goes...

I am so sick and tired of people who want to get into a religious discussion with me on the pretense that it's a respectful discussion, meaning not preaching at me or lecturing me, but DISCUSSING beliefs. I am more than willing to talk about any subject, or even debate any subject, if you are respectful of me as a person and the fact that they are my beliefs (or lack thereof) not yours, just as I do to you. Who do you think you are? I mean, seriously, who do you think you are?

How do you KNOW you're right and I'm wrong, or anyone who doesn't believe what you belive is wrong? It is a BELIEF. Meaning there is not FACT or PROOF to back it up. You just have faith in it. So don't tell me I'm wrong or anyone else is because they don't believe in your god or savior or holiday bullshit. Don't disvalue what they believe in, ESPECIALLY if they respect you and yours.

I am just so sick of that. And don't tell me not to say Happy Holidays. I will friggin to say it! There are more than one holiday going on during this season. Yours is no better or more right than anyone else's. GOT IT? And P.S. Judaism is older than Christianity so don't use "we were there first" as your excuse. That just makes you sound stupid. In fact if you want to pull that out then you better look it up friend because if I recall correctly the oldest recordings of religion were Hinduism.

I am just so sick of that. I'm sorry if it pisses people off but it makes me too angry when someone tries to force feed you their beliefs/faith. I respect you, your beliefs, and your right to practice them so you NEED to do the same to me and everyone else. These rights you hold so dear to say what you want and believe what you want, I hold just as dear. No I am not Christian. No I do not believe in God or Jesus or anyone in particular. So stop cramming it down my throat!

I love that everyone has the faith that they do. And I love that we live in a country that has established rights for us to practice those faiths. But don't sit there and try to take that right away from me by literally forcing yours upon me. If I wanted that, I would be in a country that didn't have SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.

For goodness sakes. Can't I just be good to people based on the fact that they are people, not because God/Buddah/Vishnu/Allah/Yaweh told me to? Can't I just treat others with kindness, love, respect, and forgiveness because I want them to do the same to me not because some parable in the Bible/Koran/Torah/etc. told me to? You know when you break them all down it comes down to that golden rule we learned in kindergarden right? So why do I need a god or a book written by MAN to tell me what the heck I'm supposed to do/feel/be? That answer is I don't but if you believe in those things: MORE POWER TO YOU. I think that it is fantastic that you love them/it/whatever. Just please, Please, PLEASE let me do/feel/think/believe what I want too. If you want to follow, follow on. But I don't. EVER. So stop trying to MAKE me believe what you do because it only makes me NOT want to more. It takes me back to that special place in 7th grade where little girls told other little girls they couldn't be friends with them at a sleepover because they were going to hell. They didn't even know what hell was then, not truly. I mean, ugh!

Whatever. I just needed to get that out there. If you care for fellow human beings than respect them enough to let them believe what they want. Discuss! Please discuss, but don't preach, or lecture, or disvalue them because of their beliefs. And realize you are not the only person out there. And your faith/religion is not the only one out there. RESPECT people. Aretha taught you the words, now follow them. Please. And thank you. :D

"It's given them time to match-up man-to-man..."

What a wonderful week! I just love. Love, LOVE everyone who made it so special! :D

So it started Monday 11/30 with Joe and I going to Geoffrey's Malibu for dinner. We had delicious Ahi Tuna Tartar, Moroccan Shrimp, Mussels, Day-Boat Scallops with foie-gras risotto, petit filet with potato and mushroom risotto with a bordelaise sauce, a bit of brioche bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce, Joe had two glasses of wine, I had a raspberry lemon drop martini and a spicy bloody mary. It was so delicious and just great to celebrate our bdays!



Then Tuesday (12/1-my 25th), I went to Disneyland with my good friend from MSU, Blair. She and I had the best time! We rode the rides, took way too many pictures, and acted just like the little 8 year olds we are! It was too fantastic for words. My parents also sent me 25 pink roses! My dad bought my mom pink roses when I was born (since I was their first girl) and they wanted to buy me some to mark my 25th. Wasn't that the sweetest?! They're so gorgeous too! It was a fabulous day and so many people called to help make it more special. And as silly as it sounds it was so lovely for people to leave me lil FB messages too! Just so much love, it means so much to me!












Wednesday: I worked and then Joe made some stuffed mushroom appetizers and we headed over to a surprise party for a friend. We all had an amazing time eating, hanging out, and enjoying "Las Vegas" in LA. It was a great time and Joe got a little tipsy and made for a ridiculous ride home :)







Thursday: I went to physical therapy, acupuncture, and worked on my screen play with my new writing partner. We are making progress and I really think this disastrous thing that happened to me will make a hilarious movie that loads of ladies will be able to relate to. Then Joe and I ran up to Hollywood Blvd. to buy some costume pieces for him for our Prohibition themed Birthday party that night. We dashed home, got all glammed up, and headed over to Winstons in WeHo. So many people came out and got all dressed up with us. It was amazing and so much fun! Everyone just made our night so memorable and perfect! And then we headed over to Astroburger and munched down delicious veggie burgers :P











Friday: I stayed in bed watching Glee and soap operas til 2 and then went to work. Then Joe and I went to our friend's going away party. She's moving home to Georgia on the 10th. We're SO sad but it was nice to go out and hang out with her.

Saturday (12/5) was Joe's birthday! He is 27, such an old man! haha. We just bummed around in bed til 1:30 then made bagels and lox and cream cheese. Then we went to a friend's place and hung out for a few hours while she made a bday cake. She got us an ice cream maker for our bdays!! Isn't that the best gift ever?! Then we went to The Grove and shopped around there and The Farmers Market. Then we went to sushi for some late lunch. We rushed home and I got ready to go to a play with a friend and he did math. The play was HORRIBLE. Just very typical LA theatre-crap. It's so sad too. Just so many of them out here don't understand acting for theatre and how it is a VERY different approach than acting for film. It just motivated us to mount our own production of something. :) Then I came home and Joe and I snuggled in for some dessert and watching the movie Fallen.



Today has been pretty lazy too, I was sent home early from work, we're snuggled up in bed watching football, and then we're eating breakfast for dinner with our good friends the Ryersons. All in all it's been an AMAZING week. Such great food, drinks, parties, and most importantly friends and family! We are just so lucky to have so many people who love us and care about us as much as our friends and family do. They mean so much!

Hopefully this next week will continue to be just as amazing, although I don't know how it stands a chance ;0) Hope your week was just as amazing as mine!