Raq! So good to see your pixels and hear that everything is settling nicely with the new job and that the darkness has been resolved.

Re: the dog thing, I'm as doggy a person as it gets. I like the big 'uns and have never been intimidated by one, but I'm also not foolish around them either. Then again, I'm not foolish around any dog, since the only dog I've ever been gnawed on by was a Chihuahua.

I'm not a big small dog fan, but absolute truth of the matter is, faced with a dog, I'm going to become a big mushy puddle of goo and well do they know it since I have the neon "SUCKER" sign tattooed on my forehead.

The toddler with the clappy hands squealing oh doggie! will always be a part of me.

As I put on 'boy deodorant' to go outside because we are out of coffee and I must have coffee before I shower I am reminded of the other night and how much I love having guy friends.

One unexpectedly stops by with beers and wants to play Dominion so I join in and say, "I apologize, the last person who hugged me said I'm stinky but instead of taking a shower I just put on some boy deodorant." "No worries." says one boy. "That's what I do." says the other.

well do they know it since I have the neon "SUCKER" sign tattooed on my forehead.

Me, too! I remember the time I went to my dad's for the afternoon, and his neighbors were out shoveling their driveway with their dog running around playing in the snow. Well, he just gamboled over to me for some skritches, which I very obligingly provided. His owners were looking at me in shock, and said that he never ever does to anyone, let alone complete strangers. I told them that he must have known I was a soft touch.

The DC shelter took in a bunch of orphaned pets from Tuscaloosa, and I was sorely tempted. I know the cats would hate it if we got a dog, and I know we aren't home enough.

But...dog!

I am being a horrible play date mom.

One of the girls that is over is on some pretty heavy duty meds (she's EI) that kind of make her chunky. Her parents, who are trying the very best that they can, are setting her up for eating disorders the way that they are with her and food. Very strict calories, almost no carbs, lock on the refrigerator door at home, poster board chart of her meals.

She's SIX.

So far, under my care today, she's had Oreo's, homemade pizza, ice cream, and lemonade.

They're never gonna let me have her again, but I swear - I've NEVER seen her this happy. No fits, no pouting, no crying, nothing.

one was just the perfect glittery green that will be awesome for Mardi Gras.

t makes note for manicure party next February

NEIGHBOR!

Dude, that's what playdates are FOR.

It's like the lite version of Trip to Grandparents.

(she's EI)

Environmental illness? Except after C?

She's such an awesome kid. Wicked smaht. But she's got some fiercely over-protective parents that are so freaked out by the EI stuff (and I can't blame them - she can be a handful and a half when she's having herself a 'sode) but so much of her stuff is just being 6. Lighten up, folks.