Monday, March 28, 2005

3.28.05

Good news!

The tumor was a histiocytoma, which was benign.

Right now, Zero is licking away at his foot/leg that was wrapped in bandages for the past week. The stitches are still in now, but the vet wanted the area to get some air. We are taking him back in on Friday to have the stitches removed. Yippee!

We still have to watch him so he doesn't rip out the stitches himself. So, the stupid "whiplash" collar will still be used when we are not around.

Thanks so much for the kind words from many of you. It was a really rough week, thinking about all the possibilities. Those words really meant a lot to us.

Friday, March 25, 2005

3.25.05

Here's the info on the photos.

We took Zero to the vet on Tuesday, thinking he had an acral granuloma. It isn't that serious, but it can be difficult to treat.

That isn't what the bump was. The vet immediately announced that it was a tumor and that he needed to remove it right away and send it out for a biopsy. M and I just stood there in shock. We both stayed pretty composed. It wasn't until after we left Zero there and were walking back to the apartment that I just lost it. I cried, not caring who saw me. I mean, I cannot imagine life without our Zero. He has brought so much joy to our lives for the past 3 1/2 years. I see him EVERY day. He sleeps with us for crying out loud! I know some people out there think we are crazy; thinking we shouldn't care so much about a dog. I mean, he is just a DOG, right? Those people have no idea what it means to have a relationship with an animal other than a human.

Cricket, a Boston terrier mix, was the first dog in my life. She was with me for 13 years--from age 3 to 16. Those years were the most important in my life. When I was upset or troubled, who listened to me and licked away the tears? I am tearing up just thinking about her. Her death affected me as much as any other death in my life. She greeted me every day for 13 years. When she died, I could not remember life without her. Her death was completely devastating and has affected the rest of my life.

Humans have the tendency of thinking that we are the superior species. I don't buy it. Look, we (all living beings) are in this together. As most of you know, I am agnostic. Maybe that is why I feel this way about animals. No, I am not vegetarian. I just believe in the "circle of life". Wow, that sounds really corny. But, that is how I feel.

Anyway, back to the Zero story. Sorry if I am making no sense. I have had a couple glasses of wine.

So, we are waiting for the results of the biopsy on this tumor. I am trying to stay positive. He is still young. Boston terriers have a predisposition for tumors. We knew this going in, but I just never expected it so soon.

Enough for now. Will keep you updated.

Sunday, March 20, 2005

3.20.05

First day of spring. I have to tell you, I am happy about it. This coming from someone who enjoys cold weather. I still love cold weather, but there is a reason for the seasons, people. Honestly, it isn't one particular time of the year that I love (okay, that isn't true. I love October and Fall in general), but I like living in an area where you actually get to enjoy the change in seasons.

The South really doesn't have seasons. It is more like 4 months of Winter/Fall and 7 1/2 months of Summer and maybe two weeks of Spring. Or at least, it always seemed that way to me. Anything over 80 degrees is Summer in my book. And it isn't Winter unless the high is consistently under 40 degrees.

So, right now I should be working on this damn thesis project. For those of you who do not know the topic, it is "Space-planning in public libraries." Interesting, yes?

I will be leaving soon (it's now 7:41 am) for campus for more writing.

Oh, I did take a break last night and went to a relatively new restaurant in our neighborhood. The Brazilian restaurant is called Malagueta. The prices are reasonable and the food is quite good. I had the Feijoada Completa. Very delicious. Reminded me of a typical Southern dish actually. I mean beans and pork is pretty country.

Well, better end this and get working. Oh, I was quite upset Thursday when I learned Alabama lost in the first round. Maybe next year.

Friday, March 11, 2005

3.11.05

Last night was fun. I attended an OU alumni reception in an apartment on Park Avenue. Yes, that's right, Park Avenue. The gentlemen who lives there is a 1950 graduate of Oglethorpe.
Dr. Large and his wife were there, as well as the OU alumni that live in this area. We are all scattered throughout NJ, upstate NY, Long Island, and the five boroughs.

I knew a few people, but most I did not know. It was nice to find out that there are so many alumni in the area. I hope we will keep in touch and even possibly have some get-togethers in the near future.

I am really procrasting right now. I took the day off from work, so I can work on my thesis. I am completely unmotivated.

Oh, and here's some big news. My little brother and his wife are expecting a baby this November. I had a feeling that my mom would get her first grandchild from them. I thought that this pregnancy would take the pressure off us, but it hasn't. I feel even more pressured. I know, I know. We all make our own decisions, and M & I are on a different path at the moment. The clock is just ticking more loudly lately.

Friday, February 25, 2005

2.25.04 #2

If you are interested in what I think of the Gates in NYC, see here.

2.25.04

Sorry so long since last post. I know, excuses, excuses.

I just recently got into reading the Harry Potter books. I was really set against giving them a read, but I was given the first book and thought, what the hell. I love these books. They are great for reading on the subway, when easy reading is the way to go. I find it quite funny that some of these religious right crazies think these books are teaching children about witchcraft. Take a look at this website. Unbelievable.

More later.

Sunday, February 13, 2005

2.13.05

Nothing much to report on the homefront. Micah has been away in Rome since last Saturday. He will be flying into Boston this afternoon and taking a bus back to NYC tomorrow afternoon. I miss him.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I know many out there really hate this "holiday", but I don't see anything wrong with a day celebrating your love for someone. Don't think I have not had V-days without someone special. If I did not have anyone to celebrate with, it could be depressing. Still, I remember when I was little (actually even to this very day) that my mom would always give me and my brother a little something like cupcakes or a small gift. Nobody said that the love you celebrate must be romantic love. If you don't have a significant other right now, celebrate with someone (hell, that could be yourself. did anyone say spa or how about just gorging on some chocolate) that you care about. Please, do not mope around or try to make everyone else miserable. There is too much hate out there people. Lighten up already!

Okay, I have said my piece.

Saturday, February 05, 2005

2.5.05

This lawsuit and ruling are completely ridiculous. I just had to share.

Monday, January 31, 2005

1.31.05

Almost February. Where did the month go?

Last night, M & I ventured into Manhattan. We hit Midoma's new art opening party and mingled for a bit. After the party, we took two cabs (there were nine of us) and headed towards the West Side. Well, more like Harlem, since it was 131st Street and 12th Ave. We ate at a new place called Dinosaur Bar-B-Q. Elliott, one of Marianna's Syracuse friends, did the artwork for the restaurant, so we wanted to check it out. And of course, I wanted to try the food.

We had a good time. I had the pulled-pork sandwich with a side of fried green tomatoes and washed it down with a homemade root beer. I tell you, it was pretty darn tasty. I didn't have room for dessert after that.

Tomorrow is my first class of the spring semester. I can already feel myself getting stressed over it. I met with my project partner, Melanie, to discuss our plan of attack. We met over brunch at Le San Souci, this EXCELLENT French bistro right around the corner from our apartment. The absolute best coffee and crepes. Oh, and fresh bread. Yummy!

So, earlier I promised a link to the website I did for my SciTech course. Here it is. Promise not to laugh. Remember, I am not a web designer. It doesn't have to be pretty, just easy to navigate and understand. This site won't be up forever. I will probably use the space for another project.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

1.22.05

Let it snow. NYC is expecting anywhere between 12 to 14 inches by tomorrow afternoon. Lucky for me, I love snow. And so does Zero. We took him out early and he had a blast running full speed through snow banks. He is so hilarious to watch.

As you may be able to tell from the previous post, I attended the ALA Midwinter in Boston last weekend. I got into Boston on Thursday night and left Tuesday morning. I had a great time, but it was so damn exhausting. There were so many exhibits and so many free or really cheap books, my head was spinning.

I attend several meetings and met up with a few librarians for breakfasts and lunches. All and all, a very nice time.

I also got to spend quality time with family (Mandy & Adam) and was able to break away for a nice dinner with Gina on Saturday night. We went to a great little upscale Mexican restaurant named Casa Romero. I had the Chicken Medallions Stuffed with Cactus & Cheese served with a Mole Poblano Sauce . Very delicious and I must say I have never eaten cactus before.

Well, the spring semester starts in two weeks. I am dreading this thesis project. We are actually supposed to call it a project, not a thesis. The only differences are that we don't have to defend the project and we can work with other people on it. I guess the faculty feels that because librarians often work in groups, why not start learning how to work with others now. Not sure if I completely agree. I will let you know more about how I feel once the project is finished.

Tomorrow, I will venture out into the snow again and take a few photos to post.

Stay warm!