Lent began with Ash Wednesday. For this year, I initially attempted to give up smoking; I lasted four days. Sigh. This is pretty tough.
I have also restricted my computer usage to an hour after I get back home from work. Weekends, it's a little more difficult, but I'm getting alot of reading in.
I get to suffer in a unique way; I am working at the front counter next week. Joy of joys. It's hard enough to hear as it is. It's actually working out pretty well, and I've got enough confidence.
I took Odin to a professional groomer (over at Petsmart) today. I had to lead him to the little holding cage, as he wouldn't go on his own. There wasn't enough room for him to stand in there. The look he gave me was so pitiful I nearly balked. As I walked out, he let out a whimper. Nearly broke my heart. The poor dog thought he was being left for good.
I understand he gave the groomer a bath. Other than that, he was pretty good, and smells considerably better. I took him on grand parade through the store afterwards, where he met lots of little dogs (all dogs are little to him) and their people. Awwwww. This tiny Pomeranian puppy just loved on him and managed to get away from her owner long enough to trot after us for a bit til I scooped her up and handed her back. Those short and stubby little legs can move.
He's still scared of the fancy rats they keep there. I'd like to have a couple of rats as pets myself, they're very cute and intelligent, but between Odin and Suki, they'd not last long.
I am going back to watching Braveheart. I never get tired of that movie. Kinda hoky dialogue, yes, but the cinematics and battle scenes are still pretty darn good. One of the kids at church told me today that that's an old movie. Considering he was born in 1990 and the film came out in 95, I suppose it is an old movie to him.
I've never felt old before, but that sure did it. Good thing I didn't mention that I had watched Willow on Saturday.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
60 degrees!
We hit 60 today. Woohoo!
Rumors and the weather services have it that we may hit 70 sometime this week.
I took Odin to the park. I threw his squeaky toy, and he ran off after it. Sometimes he made me run to go get it. Smart dog, knows Daddy needs his exercise!
Later we moseyed over to where I saw a group of people with two adult rat terriers and a litter of puppies all on leashes. The tiny little puppies were barking their heads off at Odin, though he didn't bother with them at all; he knows they'd only be a mouthful. The adults sniffed all over and accidentally got a leash wrapped around a couple of his legs, and he nearly went down like the Imperial AT-AT walker during the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. The people and I managed to get him untangled before he did trip and fall.
All in all, a very enjoyable day.
Well, more updates as events warrant.
Rumors and the weather services have it that we may hit 70 sometime this week.
I took Odin to the park. I threw his squeaky toy, and he ran off after it. Sometimes he made me run to go get it. Smart dog, knows Daddy needs his exercise!
Later we moseyed over to where I saw a group of people with two adult rat terriers and a litter of puppies all on leashes. The tiny little puppies were barking their heads off at Odin, though he didn't bother with them at all; he knows they'd only be a mouthful. The adults sniffed all over and accidentally got a leash wrapped around a couple of his legs, and he nearly went down like the Imperial AT-AT walker during the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. The people and I managed to get him untangled before he did trip and fall.
All in all, a very enjoyable day.
Well, more updates as events warrant.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Today's Lyrics
Hymn to the tune of "Cwm Rhondda", also used for "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer" (or Jehovah in some traditions, notably Protestant)
The Welsh version is very beautiful and is quite popular in Wales. I understand it is a tradition at Welsh rugby games to sing "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer". That has got to be a sight...10,000 boozed up Welsh rugby fans singing hymns.
This is an alternative hymn to the same tune. Very touching.
Lo, between the myrtles standing,
One who merits well my love,
Though His worth I guess but dimly,
High all earthly things above;
Happy morning! Happy morning!
When at last I see Him clear!
When at last I see Him clear!
Rose of Sharon, so men name Him;
White and red his cheeks adorn;
Store untold of earthly treasure
Will His merit put to scorn
Friend of sinners! Friend of sinners!
He their pilot o'er the deep.
He their pilot o'er the deep.
What can weigh with me henceforward
All the idols of the earth?
One and all I here proclaim them,
Matched with Jesus, nothing worth;
O to rest me! O to rest me!
All my lifetime in His love!
All my lifetime in His love!
The Welsh version is very beautiful and is quite popular in Wales. I understand it is a tradition at Welsh rugby games to sing "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer". That has got to be a sight...10,000 boozed up Welsh rugby fans singing hymns.
This is an alternative hymn to the same tune. Very touching.
Lo, between the myrtles standing,
One who merits well my love,
Though His worth I guess but dimly,
High all earthly things above;
Happy morning! Happy morning!
When at last I see Him clear!
When at last I see Him clear!
Rose of Sharon, so men name Him;
White and red his cheeks adorn;
Store untold of earthly treasure
Will His merit put to scorn
Friend of sinners! Friend of sinners!
He their pilot o'er the deep.
He their pilot o'er the deep.
What can weigh with me henceforward
All the idols of the earth?
One and all I here proclaim them,
Matched with Jesus, nothing worth;
O to rest me! O to rest me!
All my lifetime in His love!
All my lifetime in His love!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Dane Discrimination
A very irritating day...
The apartments I currently live at have had a recent change in management. Said new management decided, in their great wisdom, to no longer permit large dogs, indeed, no animals above 18 pounds.
I was told at the manager's office: "When your lease is up, you'll have to either get rid of the pet or move out." That's just cold.
Now, you can gripe me out about my handwriting, playing music too loud, parking wrong, or any number of things. But you do not tell me what to do with my dog. Them's fightin' words!
So, Odin and I are going to go see another apartment complex this weekend; the people I spoke to there said "125 pounds? No problem!" The terms of their lease agreement and everything seem very good; I'd actually save money if I were living there now. Since my lease isn't up til September, I have plenty of time to save money for the deposits and moving expenses and so forth. I told Suki the kitty that we have to move in September, and to get her anxiety over it done with now, as managing and rehousetraining Odin is going to make things difficult. Not to mention moving all the heavy furniture, kitchenware, etc etc. I have alot of sorting to do.
This policy change is going to inconvenience a great many people in this complex. The management company stands to lose a good many longtime customers and business as a result. I can understand that some people are just afraid of big dogs because of their sheer size; I can understand, but not always agree with, breed type restrictions (I've seen vicious black Labs). But to change a policy that was often the reason many people moved here in the first place is bad business and frankly discriminatory against large/giant breed owners. I am going to see if I can't find out why they changed the policy.
I'm just none too pleased about having to move; I don't much care for it, and at least this place I'll be looking at is still within walking distance to the office.
This new place has fireplaces and is closer to the park and has better views of the river, so it will be worth the expense. And not having to pay pet rent! I can understand that some people don't always pick up after their pooch (I've been caught out without baggies for Odin before). I do understand that a business owner can do what they damn well please. This is America, after all. So I shall simply close my eyes and think of the nation, and sign the papers.
The apartments I currently live at have had a recent change in management. Said new management decided, in their great wisdom, to no longer permit large dogs, indeed, no animals above 18 pounds.
I was told at the manager's office: "When your lease is up, you'll have to either get rid of the pet or move out." That's just cold.
Now, you can gripe me out about my handwriting, playing music too loud, parking wrong, or any number of things. But you do not tell me what to do with my dog. Them's fightin' words!
So, Odin and I are going to go see another apartment complex this weekend; the people I spoke to there said "125 pounds? No problem!" The terms of their lease agreement and everything seem very good; I'd actually save money if I were living there now. Since my lease isn't up til September, I have plenty of time to save money for the deposits and moving expenses and so forth. I told Suki the kitty that we have to move in September, and to get her anxiety over it done with now, as managing and rehousetraining Odin is going to make things difficult. Not to mention moving all the heavy furniture, kitchenware, etc etc. I have alot of sorting to do.
This policy change is going to inconvenience a great many people in this complex. The management company stands to lose a good many longtime customers and business as a result. I can understand that some people are just afraid of big dogs because of their sheer size; I can understand, but not always agree with, breed type restrictions (I've seen vicious black Labs). But to change a policy that was often the reason many people moved here in the first place is bad business and frankly discriminatory against large/giant breed owners. I am going to see if I can't find out why they changed the policy.
I'm just none too pleased about having to move; I don't much care for it, and at least this place I'll be looking at is still within walking distance to the office.
This new place has fireplaces and is closer to the park and has better views of the river, so it will be worth the expense. And not having to pay pet rent! I can understand that some people don't always pick up after their pooch (I've been caught out without baggies for Odin before). I do understand that a business owner can do what they damn well please. This is America, after all. So I shall simply close my eyes and think of the nation, and sign the papers.
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