Saturday, September 24, 2011

Mug Shot



Does this look like the face of a criminal? I didn't think so either, until today!

When we got to the park, there as a man throwing a ball for his golden retriever. He was using one of those ball tossing sticks (see photo below). I don't own one of these because on the rare occasion my bulldogs chase a tennis ball, it's always limited to the length of my living room.  

Griffin was being his usual charming, smiling self and wiggled up to the man. I said, "he's very friendly" and as the man smiled at me to acknowledge my ridiculous dog, Griffin casually, and yet surprisingly quick (for him) grabbed the toy our of the man's hands and ran away. My mouth dropped open and my eyes got wide and then I ran after him, shouting, "give that back!"

Luckily bulldogs aren't long distance runners, so I caught him 20 feet away and was able to return the toy to the nice man (who, luckily, was smiling) and then take my little future criminal to the other side of the park so he wouldn't embarrass me any more.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Together Again

Back from NYC! We had a great trip and got to do lots of very cool things like see a taping of the Daily Show, see the Lion King on Broadway, visit the 9/11 memorial, do some shopping and hang out. But I missed my dogs terribly and I couldn't wait to see them. I got home from the airport by 7pm last night. I was planning on driving to camp today to pick them up, but I just couldn't wait any longer, so as soon as I got home, I changed my clothes and then jumped in the car for 2.5 hours to get to my bulldogs. I was tired and not excited to be in the car, but it was worth it when I got there and they were so snuggly and excited.

We played a little while this morning and then headed back to St. Paul. It's been a whirlwind of travel and I'm eager to rest and relax.


Monday, September 12, 2011

Vacation

So... I don't think I am ever going to have children.

I've always thought I would, and I like kids, but it occurred to me today, as I sobbed hysterically for the first ten minutes of my drive, that if I am this upset saying goodbye to my dogs, what would I be like with actual human children that came from my body? And then I decided, for my own sanity, that I would probably stick to bulldogs for the rest of my life. So, sorry mom and dad- those future grand kids you always talk about? Yeah... not happening.

Olivia and Griffin are on vacation this week. I am headed to New York City to see the Daily Show, the Lion King on Broadway, eat hot dogs off the corner and shop for some knock off handbags with my mom. While I am gone, the puppies are hanging out at camp with their Grandpi. When I told them about the plan, they were thrilled and they bounced around and whined and drove me insane until we got the car loaded and headed up north. 

Sunday afternoon-Monday morning, I think we were on the field with the ball about 10 times and Olivia couldn't get enough. She was in heaven and so happy to be back to camp life. I know they will be happy back to freedom with the wind in their hair and hours in the sun and romping through the woods. But I miss them already. 

My biggest fear is that something will happen to me and they will think they've been abandoned and not understand why I am not there to take care of them. The thought of them feeling sad, lonely and confused makes me want to burst into tears again (seriously, how to real parents function on a daily basis?!). My second biggest fear is that something will happen to one of them and I will never see them again. 

I have to stay focused on my fun trip ahead, otherwise I start panicking and googling how to cancel my tickets and hotel room. They will be fine without me for a few days. 
And hopefully my dad will be fine too. I called around dinnertime tonight and all he said was, "they don't listen very well when they don't want to, do they?" 

I'm sure it will be a wonderful week for all of us. I hope so anyway...