Category Archives: my dog

Nora Confessions Part X

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View all previous installments here.

* I’ve never read or seen The Lord of the Rings Triology. Some say this makes me strange.

* It’s really hard for me to stay out past 11pm these days. Even harder for me to drink more than one drink a night.

* There are days where I strongly consider going to law school; I just don’t know if I’m ready to give up my “real life” job and current lifestyle to do it. I also wonder if I’ll regret if I don’t.

* When I have to leave Jack with the dog sitter during my work trips, I get super sad. A small tear may or may not make its way down my face.

* I was fortunate to stay in a four star hotel during my business trip; as much as I enjoy the luxury I always feel guilty that there are people on the streets with no bed, no shelter, no food. (Yes, I am doing something about it. I’m actively donating money to local charities and considering new volunteer efforts.)

* I ruined my no late fee stretch at the library this week. I’m a little disappointed in myself.

* I will always be Team Edward when it comes to Twilight and a fan of Mr. Big when it comes to Sex and the City.

* On the weekends I get up early but I secretly wish I were sleeping until noon or lying in bed watching movies, being totally useless.

* I think baby showers are fun.

* When people ask my why I’m not married yet I have to physically restrain myself from either punching them or screaming. I’m ONLY 26!

* With that said, there are some days my hopeless romantic heart and soul are seriously tested.

Anything you’d like to confess today, big or small, serious or silly?

Last Chance! If you haven’t done it already, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $50 gift card from CSN stores! Enter by tonight at midnight!

My (Fur) Baby's 6th Birthday

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It’s hard to believe sometimes that Jack went from this (Nora aged 20, Jack aged 10-12 weeks):

to this (Jack, aged almost 6):

The day I adopted Jack, my College Boyfriend and I were incredibly bored. Having exhausted the mall, walking around campus and perusing the bookstore, we decided to stop by the Humane Society.

From behind the barbwired cage, Jack looked at up me with the puppy eyes (which he still reserves when he really wants something), pleading with me to take him home. We played with him for an hour and when it was time for us to leave, he whined. My heart was both broken and over the moon in love with him. After a brief “fight” with my landlord (the lease I signed said I was allowed a dog yet they told me I wasn’t allowed one), and 400 non refundable dollars later, Jack came home.

As a puppy he was nothing but adorable: housebroken within a month, learning tricks after two months, perking up to rap music like the Black Eyed Peas, Nelly and Ludacris, loving car rides, his chew toys, long walks and puppy cuddles.

Within a year he had learned to sleep in late like his mama, wrestled playfully with other dogs and became a huge hit among my friends. I have blocked out the few pairs of shoes he ruined, lamp wires that he chewed through and the few times that he kept me up late wanting to play instead of going to bed.

To this day he loves his toys, behaves more like a border collie than not (I swear he lays around and counts the number of people in the house each evening), he prefers ice cubes to water in the summer, he’ll sleep in his bed until 5 am each morning when he decides cuddling with me is more to his liking. He’s terrified of the swimming pool and hates baths, waits at the stairs for me each morning, won’t eat until I tell him to, alarms me to other dogs, runners and strangers on the street and most of all, he greets me each day, happier than the day before with tail wags, kisses and endless love.

Happy 6th Birthday, Jackers.

Love Always,
Your Dog Mama

Letters: Russell Brand, Fish Wire, Libraries, Knees and more

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Dear Russell Brand,

Thank you for being hilarious in Get Him to the Greek. After wrestling with advanced corporate finance for a day, it was just what I needed. I’ve developed a new crush on you, your accent and your eyeliner-wearing self. Please do a comedy tour and come to StL.

With adoration,
Nora

*************

To: Rude, Loud Neighbor
From: Nora, the eternal Hippie

It has recently come to my attention that you have strung fishing wire above your pool and deck area in an attempt to keep (trap?) ducks from coming into your pool area. We live in suburbia with trees, ponds, shrubs so it’s only natural that we will have ducks. It’s one thing to not like them; it’s an entirely different beast if you try to kill/harm them. Have you thought about the noise, pain and mess the ducks will make if they are trapped? I’m incredibly disgusted. Animals were here first, then humans. Consider that before you continue to concrete your entire backyard.

*************

Attention: Left Knee

It’s been about five weeks of physical therapy and overall, you’re showing great signs of improvement. I appreciate your cooperation and willingness to work hard to allow me to exercise again. However, this little bit of inflamation and setback for no good reason? It’s not ok. Exercise is my release. It’s how I get through the work weeks. Sure, I’m learning to cope in other ways but let’s commit to getting 100% better. I’d like to run a few 5ks later this summer, so let’s work towards that shall we? Keep up the good work and keep the eye on the prize.

Yours in Exercise,
Nora

*************

Dear St. Louis Libraries:

I’m pretty excited about the adult reading challenge you have in place this summer. Chances to win Barnes & Noble gift cards? Sign me up. I also love that you have a book club and have increased the new releases section. My only request: plesae be open on Sundays and maybe consider some outdoor seating for the lovely summer nights we have?

Always,
Book Addict

************

To: Summer
From: Nora

Please don’t disappear within a blink of an eye. My weekends now through mid-July are filling up and sadly my days are spent within the walls of corporate America but I’d really like to have some lazy summer days and really enjoy you. Try to stick around as long as you can.

************

Dear Jack,

Your sixth birthday is coming up in July. I can’t believe we’ve shared six years together already; you’ve been such a loving, happy, spunky, adorable dog. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and waiting for me by the door each evening. Adopting you was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

Love,

Your Dog Mamma

***********

Any letters you want to write today?

Holidays

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Holiday weekends are for…

… going to a midnight showing of Sex and the City 2, ignoring the bad reviews because we all know sequels aren’t as good as the first, loving the fashion, the underlying tones in the movie, giggling with the girls, and indulging in a $10 cosmopolitan. Don’t forget the fact that we dressed up and shamelessly took photos while we waited in line for the movie.

… sleeping until noon as much as possible, even if your body only allows you to do it once.

… disconnecting from all things technology including blogs, gmail, work email (well, ok, I checked it once), twitter, phone calls, online classes.  

… finding new tv shows to be addicted to, even if  only for the weekend but realizing you kind of want to watch the entire season. (I’m looking at you, Drop Dead Diva.)

… treating yourself to late snacks just like you were in high school. On the menu: Doritos, an ice cold Coca-Cola, cookies.

… taking advantage of the sales at the mall to buy a few new fabulous pieces of everyday jewelry, possibly including a faux black diamond ring a la John James Preston III.

… meditating on the big life questions, maybe getting nowhere, maybe getting somewhere.  

… finishing a book that you really, really wanted to read (Kingdom Keepers III) and being ok with putting down a book that’s not grabbing you, at least for now (Swimming).

… giving yourself a pep talk: only eight more weeks of finance and you’re done with the subject forever. Only 16 weeks before you’re 100% done with school. FOREVER.

… wrapping up loose ends around the house: cleaning, filing, organizing, trashing.

… baking the classics: chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal carmelitas.

… wishing that it wasn’t necessary work everyday, 8 to 5 (and then some) because the feeling of freedom, being able to do whatever you want whenever you want is just so amazing.

… hugging your family members, catching up with neighbors and friends, penning notes to others.

… remembering those who have sacrificed their lives, families, loves and so much more for our country and freedoms.

… going on long walks with the dog and your sibling, talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

… making some mid-year resolutions with yourself regarding personal health, wealth, and overall goals.

How do you spend your holiday weekends?

Fever, Telephone, More Books, Seeds & Fur

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I’m in the throes of finals. We’re talking research papers and quizzes, complicated finance questions and other general ickiness. Fortunately it all ends on May 14th for a whole two weeks. Times like these I tend to think scattered, random thoughts, much like this post will illustrate.

* You already know I’m obsessed with Parenthood. So much so that I tracked down this video from last week’s episode which had me laughing hysterically and decided I had to share, because we all need a little mid-week laughter:  

* And if that doesn’t make you smile then check out this creative, hilarious video from some of our brave soldiers covering Lady Gaga’s Telephone:

* In other news, Darling (aka my fabulous mom) has a book giveaway for you to enter as well. Check it out and enter for a chance to win more summer reading books! Her contest ends this Sunday, is open to US & Canadian residents and you have two ways to enter! So go check it out. You won’t regret it.

* Looking for creative gift ideas? Kyla launched an awesome new project today. Like seriously amazing. We’re talking about an ebook and seeds delivered to your door for a DIY herb garden. Pretty sure this will be something I need to buy for my dad since he’s a cooking fiend who loves to garden and grow a variety of plants and herbs.

* Have unwanted hair? Consider donating it to Matter of Trust, an ecological charity, to help clean up the oil spill. (I read quite about this; it’s not a hoax and really does help.) View details and donation procedures here.

Lessons Learned on a Rainy Weekend

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… driving with the radio turned down, the rain slapping the windshield, is a rather calm way to start the work day.

… allowing yourself a tiny bite of a doughnut is completely acceptable after a week of early alarms and chaotic meetings.

… there’s still nothing quite like the accomplishment felt after a long week of work, the many to-dos crossed off the list, a sigh of relief as you exit the building.

… sometimes you have to give into your junk food cravings. Bonus if it’s all something you can make/bake at home.

… laying in bed for an extra hour on a rainy Saturday morning watching mindless ABC Family movies is blissful.

… returning to your favorite breakfast place is always a good idea.

… jumping out of the comfort zone and trying on 1940s style sundresses in bright colors will be one of the best decisions made in awhile.

… writing econ papers is better after several hours of procrastination, a dog at your feet, and a thunderstorm out the window.

… nothing beats Mexican food and a movie on a Saturday night.

… Saturday Night Live isn’t nearly as good as it used to be.

… I’m a chronic over-scheduler. My weekends need less activity, more free time.

… seeing other people run is a stab to the heart right now; the body is craving the open road and the running shoes. Thank goodness for common sense.

… there’s no place quite like bed, Boston Legal in the DVD player, schoolbooks packed away and a book by your side.

Random Side Note: Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support on last Friday’s post. I will definitely be exploring alternative racing options as well as new workouts after getting the final MRI results and discussing all possibilities with my doctor to make sure it’s a-ok.

The (Three Day) Weekend

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This past weekend I…

… enjoyed a leisurely Friday with the family full of Italian food and gelato, laughs and good debates.

… daydreamed about buying my own townhome with a backyard for Jack and a porch on the second floor overlooking a garden.

 

… ran 8.75 miles, without stopping, as part of my training for the upcoming Soldiers Field 10  miler in about seven weeks.

… felt surprisingly awesome after running the aforementioned miles.

… rummaged around my closet for clothes that aren’t too big for me, found nothing so went for a “bohemian” look on Easter Sunday in a flowy dress and curly hair.

… decided that it’s time to go shopping due to the fact I look like a bag lady in my clothes these days. (Thank you running.)

… baked a smore brownie pie and spinach lasagna roll-ups as part of Easter Brunch.

… listened to the laughs and giggles of the neighbors who were in hot pursuit of plastic Easter eggs filled with money.

… ignored school work for 36 hours without feeling the least bit guilty.

… reconnected with an old friend with a few glasses of wine, a whole lot of laughs and promises to meet again soon.

… lazed around with Jack, listening to the wind roll through my windows, the birds fluttering about as they make their nests and having a moment of zen.

photo sources:
garden, eggs, wine

Recipe: A Perfect Weekend

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Some weeks are spent with family, others running around from party to party, others still trying to fit in all the errands and people-pleasing tasks you’ve neglected. Then there are other weekends where you have just a few commitments and everything else is just left to chance and spontaneity. If you ask me, the best kind of weekends.

I spent the weekend chatting with some of my favorite people ever, running mile after mile at the gym (4 miles on Friday, 6 miles on Saturday making a grand total of 14 miles for the week… a little bit short of where I wanted to be), taking pictures of my parents before they headed out to their Black Tie event, cuddling with Jack while reading books, glued to the TV watching Boston Legal and possibly developing a crush on James Spader, picking up a package from FedEx which included these amazing surprise gifts from Brand About Town* to help me “further my personal growth and fitness goals” which I blogged about in early 2010:

My very own Wii & Wii Fit Plus!

A workout towel that says it all

Recipes, Fiction & a jump rope!

 … the weekend continued with excitement over this awesome package, much needed bonding with my dad over burritos before shopping for Darling’s birthday, indulging in a double chocolate chip blended cream drink from Starbucks while studying at Barnes & Noble, scheduling out the coming weeks with all the assignments, quizzes and papers due, savoring my dad’s famous baked macaroni and cheese, packing for my housesitting adventure, enjoying every moment of Johnny Depp in “Alice in Wonderland,” and of course, relaxing.

Of everything that happened this weekend I’d say maybe 10% of it was planned, the rest just happened. It was bliss.

* Disclosure: All products and books mentioned in this post were  sent to me by Brand About Town and Nintendo as gifts to assist me in my personal growth and fitness goals for 2010. I am not being compensated to write about these products, nor was I asked to write about these products; I am choosing to do so by my own accord.

Five Year Plan

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It’s funny how much things can change.

Five years ago (well, five years ago and four months, more or less), I graduated with my B.A. in International Studies. It was one of those “special,” degree programs where I got to choose my area of study, take the classes that interested me, and learned my little heart. (Seriously, I was a dork in college. I mean, a fun dork, but still… each class had it’s own notebook and highlighter. My planner was color coded. One of my best guy friends made fun of me for years because I was so organized and color coordinated.)

I finished college in three and a half years because little Miss Ambitious Me stayed during the summers to work random jobs, enjoy the town and take classes. Some days I think it was a great decision to finish early, others I wish I had stayed the last semester.

Turning in my final exam in my rural sociology class, an eye-opening, intriguing class, my professor asked my plans post-graduation. They were to: work for Bank of America as a teller, get them to pay for my grad school, save up for a house, and take it from there. I wanted to move to D.C. to work for non-profits or as a lobbyist. (You wouldn’t know it from my blog but I love politcal science, history, and making a difference.)

{via}

None of that ever happened. I didn’t want to work at a bank, so when my dad said that his new business needed an administrative assistant, I took the job. Salary, benefits and my dad as my boss? Sign me up. Within six months I created my own position, pitched it to my dad and his business partner and landed myself the role of Event Coordinator. Two years later, Event Manager. Now I manage to many different things to even put it on a business card (Event, Marketing, Contract Management, Client Relations, Teacher sometimes, and the girl who makes the coffee seems a bit excessive).

When I graduated I was dating a loyal, quiet, country boy. We had grand plans to get engaged and get married but hit a speed bump when he decided he didn’t want to move away from his small town and I wasn’t going to give up what little city life I had.

When I graduated I was going to live at home and save, save, save. After six months of working for my dad, I thought it best if I moved out on my own. So I did, for the past four years, anyway. I apartment hopped mostly because my roommates changed due to marriages, babies and fiances. I’m back at home again and so thrilled for the opportunity to save up money for my very own place. I’ve started perusing the houses and townhomes for sale, all with a yard of course so that Jack can play fetch. (And maybe I’ll get a second dog because Lord knows I’ve wanted one for awhile now!)

If you had asked me five years ago what I’d be doing today, I wouldn’t have said that I’d be a blogger, living in St. Louis, finishing my masters, a book fiend, single,  working for the family business with the likely intent to take it over or training for a 10 mile race. I also wouldn’t have guessed that I would be happy with everything I just described, but I am. It feels like home, like me, like what I’m supposed to be doing. Even if there are days where I have my doubts, I know I’m on the right path.

I’ve also decided that my next five year plan is to have no plan. It just seems better that way.

Are you a believer in the five-year plan?

Friday Loves

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In honor of Valentine’s Day and the fact that I really do love my life, today’s love list includes:

Awesome surprises from Blog Valentine’s in the mail. • The fact that we may actually get snow this weekend, which means I’d be stuck at home and forced to read the awesome book I’m reading. • Blackberry Messenger, the chats I have on there are often a highlight to my day. • The way Jack sprawls out on my bed in the morning to wake me up. • My shoe collection.  • Blogging Book Swaps. • I don’t have to set any alarms this weekend.  • I’m not a duo this year but I still have fun Valentine’s Day plans. • I’m losing weight and feeling great. • Several weekend trips are in the works for between now and the end of the year to see family, bloggettes, and friends. • Working my butt off on a project at work, getting it done and it actually worked which is a bonus. • Whole Foods. I’m kind of becoming obsessed. • I plan on reliving some of my college moments next weekend I visit my brother. • My seemingly endless scarf collection which has seen much action this bitterly cold winter. •  Figuring out the cause that was making 10 kinds of crazy, getting rid of it and being normal again • Having insanely vivid dreams that leave me feeling hopeful and happy • Spring is right around the corner which means I can wear flip-flops.  • It’s Friday, the Olympics are on, and I don’t have anything I *must* do this weekend.   • I’ve made headway on my savings plan, my life plan, and have simultaneously decided to shelve the idea of “planning,” everything for a bit.  • Chocolate, as always. • I get to “see” Benicio Del Toro this weekend and indulge in a Chipotle burrito on Sunday.

What’s making you happy/loving life?