Pook & Lexi

Is this the chair for our garden?

2010-03-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

After looking forever, I'm crossing my fingers that this chair will work for our garden. It looks cute in the picture and it's $59 at World Market so the price is right.

Time to update my blog description again,,,

2010-01-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

I've turned another year older (38 now, no longer 37) and my SSDI application has been approved. And I guess Stella's not really a puppy anymore either.

Lexi thinks Stella is crazy

2009-11-11T23:29:00.000-08:00

Stella is trying on her new raincoat and Lexi is checking it out for the first time. Stella stayed frozen in the same spot for at least 10 minutes. Even when I fed treats to Lexi 8 feet away, she wouldn't move! Eventually she got used to the coat and the rustling noises when she walked.

This is Stella's best look

2009-10-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hopefully it will only take a couple of months for her fur to grow back out to this length.

Stella's new look

2009-10-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

ONE WEEK LATER

Not sure about this one but it could be cute

2009-10-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

And another!

DIY

2009-10-13T16:10:00.001-07:00

OK, this is a little ridiculous!

There are even patterns to make your own dog costumes!

Another cow option

2009-10-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here's another cow costume. Who knew they were out there?

Stella wants to be a cow for Halloween

2009-10-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

I found this costume at Petsmart.com but I'm going to keep looking around. Unfortunately, I'll be out of town for the Havaween meet-up. Yes, there is a Havanese meet-up group and yes, they're having a costume party on 10/25.

It's really raining!

2009-10-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm shopping today for rain gear for Stella. Along the way, I found a USC t-shirt that Joseph would probably love.

I'm not sure how to take Stella for a walk in the rain. Do you just play inside with your dog on rainy days? Go for it in the park and dry her off when we get home? She just had a bath on Sunday!

Decorating the great room at The Sea Ranch house

2009-08-11T22:06:00.001-07:00

How would painted wooden chairs look with a table similar to this one? One chair is a bit fussy and traditional and the other a bit kitchen-y but I think the look is still something to think about.

Both chairs are from Pottery Barn but don't hold that against them.

The Big Reveal

2009-07-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

My reveal is not quite as dramatic as on HGTV, but I'm pleased with the result. Feedback from Jeri Dansky and her readers was helpful and I saw my space through fresh eyes via the comments of others and by viewing photos of the space. Open shelving looks like open shelving and everything is on display. Since I'm committed to the shelves and like the look when the space is neat and tidy, I decided to make peace with my laundry room through a combination of clean up and attitude adjustment.

Although I had dreamed of matching white containers lined up on the shelves with lots of empty space around them and a clean catalog look, I learned that I like my striped bins and didn't want to part with them. They work, they're paid for and I think they're cute. Therefore, my "after" is really just a clean up and a hybrid of the comments I received. I accepted that the shelves are open and unless I buy all new matching containers and get rid of my striped bins or screen off the area, it's going to be an eclectic look.

My little, handled bins from the old cabinet did not work on the new shelves so I swapped them out for four white bins that do work and cleaned things up. While working on the shelves, I realized that the shelves needed to be adjusted so that they could accommodate a roll of paper towels. Your utility area isn't really working if you can't store extra paper towels there.

I cleaned up the mess on the floor under the shelves and moved the blue striped crunch can to a high shelf. It's holding reusable grocery bags and another crunch can so it's nice and light and easy to pull down when I need those things. The reusable grocery bags used to hang in my pantry. Since I don't use them very often, this is a better home for them. Also, I think the blue striped crunch can looks nice with the striped bins and even helps the large blue plastic tote relate to the space better. The large blue plastic tote still looks out of scale and out of place but it bothers me a lot less now. In the future, I'll go through its contents again more carefully, purge and consolidate those items in smaller, white containers. Right now, I'm using my time, energy and money in other ways and I'm happy those things have a home and that the large blue tote doesn't scream out at me like it did before.

I went through the extra paper bags stored in the paper bag holder on the left side and recycled some and neatened up the remaining bags. Now that the bags are lined up and not bulging out of the holder, I don't notice them unless I'm reaching for a bag or putting one away.

The room works much better now and looks neat and organized to me.

Now, it's time to tackle the other side of the room!

If I can go through the contents of the white plastic drawers this week and get rid of those things or find new homes for them, I'm going to look for a small table at the Alameda flea market on Sunday.

Getting help for the laundry room

2009-07-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

I upgraded to a front-loading washer and dryer a few months ago and replaced a cabinet with doors with open shelving in the process. The end result looks pretty sloppy to me. I never finished the job and was stumped so I asked an organizer/blogger for assistance.

Here's a link to the post on Jeri Dansky's blog:

Jeri's Organizing & Decluttering News: Reader Question: Laundry Room Re-do

Jeri had great questions for me that pointed me in the right direction and lots of her organizer friends provided feedback, too. I'm still working on the space this week but it's coming together. Stay tuned!

Juice Beauty: Organic Green Apple Cleansing Gel

2009-07-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Juice Beauty: Organic Green Apple Cleansing Gel - Purifying Skin Cleansing Gel

Another amazing product! My skin looks really good after a few weeks of using this cleanser. I'm on the website now checking out their other products!

No more boogers! This stuff works!

2009-06-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Pretty Eyes, Tear Stain Remover, 250 ml

Contains a very mild cleansing agent, completely safe around the eyes. It gently lifts away unsightly tear stains and cleans the skin and hair so mites and bacteria are firmly discouraged from living in this sensitive area.

Ideal for white dogs or cats where tear stains are particularly obvious.

Available in 100ml & 250ml Bottles

New stool from West Elm arrived today!

2009-06-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Here's Lexi checking the clearance under the desk. That can't be comfortable!

At a crossroads in life...

2009-05-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

It seems that a blogger I follow has sent readers my way and I'm considering it a direct challenge to get some new posts up ASAP. Now might be a good time to explain my changing status. I've worked part-time and been a stay-at-home-NOT-mom on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a little over three years. Work has gotten harder and harder for me and today the wheels were set in motion for my retirement. Yes, retirement. At the ripe old age of 37. Before my mom, dad, stepfather, etc. I've made several broad, sweeping statements to my husband that really have little to do with the situation but they're how I'm creeping up to it and trying to think about it in my own mind. Tonight I declared that I won't wear stretchy pants (my term for yoga pants, sweats or, on a really bad day, pajamas) every day. I've also spent a lot of time thinking about the temperature in our condo and the fact that we don't have air conditioning. We live in San Francisco. It's not really about the stretchy pants or the lack of A/C in our place. I'm trying to understand a difficult situation, unmedicated, and the understanding comes slowly in fits and spurts. Sometimes it doesn't come at all. It's another increment and a loss that probably happened some time ago (seen one of my cover letters lately? how about a spreadsheet?) but I'm mourning it now and it's bringing up everything I've lost. I miss marathon shopping sessions with my mom. I miss driving 90 mph in my TT up and down 280. Oddly enough, I miss working overtime all weekend and then blowing the money on a new purse or boots.

I like where I am now and who I am now but it's really hard letting go of what used to be.

Where've you been?

2009-05-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I've gotten sucked into Facebook and pretty much left my blog to silently mold over by itself.

To make it up to my loyal reader (you know who you are), I'm posting this video of Stella and Lexi wrestling. I've been holding onto this one hoping it will turn into one of those videos people send to all their work friends who like funny animal videos and one day someone will send it to me not realizing I started it all. Well, Stella and Lexi started it all, I suppose. And yes, that is poop on the floor.

Enjoy!

Stella looks so grown up in this picture!

2009-04-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

And I thought I'd timed it just right with the housecleaners on Thursday and Karen & Dewain coming on Saturday...

2009-04-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Stella's first trip to the garden center

2009-03-30T16:28:00.001-07:00

Stella took her first trip to Sloat Garden Center on Saturday. She rode in the cart and everyone asked about her.

Outfits for all moods & occasions

2009-03-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Do I think so because I'm her mom or is Stella actually the cutest puppy in the world?

2009-03-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

All shots are done! Yesterday was Stella's first day as a free woman!

2009-03-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

First crop in the Earthbox: lettuce

2009-03-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

The green planter contains all the extra plants I over-bought because I didn't read the directions first. We're going to see if they grow for a while and then eat them. In the meantime, it's a test between the Earthbox and my method of stuffing in as much as I can.

Found Soda Crates | Pottery Barn

2009-03-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wooden soda crates at PB
It feels like PB ripped off my neat idea and I can't decide whether I should get rid of my crates or just be glad I bought them before PB did and then tried to re-sell them to me at probably twice what they paid the hoarder who had them in their garage for 30 years.

This is so disturbing.

2009-03-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

It makes me want to throw something away.

Oakland woman found under junk pile.

Play time!

2009-03-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

Stella in the garden

2009-03-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Nap time!

2009-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Advice on selecting fluffy pets

2009-03-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, we have two fluffy pets. Lexi, our indoor cat who won't even step over a puddle during her rare trips outside is self-cleaning and BROWN. Stella, our fluffy dog who loves to go outside and dances in puddles, requires baths and blow-drying. She's WHITE. This is not the ideal situation. Anyone considering a fluffy pet, think about this.

Good move!

2009-03-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Obama overturns Bush policy on stem cells
By PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – Reversing Bush policy, President Barack Obama on Monday cleared the way for a significant increase in federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research and promised no scientific data will be 'distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda.'

Obama signed the executive order on the divisive stem cell issue and a memo addressing what he called scientific integrity before an East Room audience packed with scientists. He laced his remarks with several jabs at the way science was handled by former President George W. Bush.

'Promoting science isn't just about providing resources, it is also about protecting free and open inquiry,' Obama said. 'It is about letting scientists like those here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it's inconvenient especially when it's inconvenient. It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.'

A new ride for Stella

2009-03-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Stella's pink and black carrier is really cool and well designed but it's sized for adult Stella, not the 3.8 lb. puppy I'm taking everywhere whose feet can't touch the ground.

Stella's first trip to the beach

2009-03-08T19:34:00.001-07:00

We took Stella to the beach for the first time today. Apparently, the salt water kills viruses so you can take little puppies to the wet sand and play with less risk. She really liked it and had fun running around in the wind.

The intersection of house breaking and gardening

2009-03-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Stella and I spend a lot of time outside in the garden sniffing around and thinking about peeing. The other night, we came back in and I noticed that Stella had slugs all over her nose. Yuck! I keep trying to remember to grab my pruning shears on the way out of the house so I can prune the lavender bush while I'm waiting for Stella to pee or poop.

Intense mental health day

2009-02-19T23:34:00.000-08:00

I had back to back appointments with my psychologist and psychiatrist today. They're in the same building and the appointments fell on the same day so we ran with it. I spent 90 minutes talking about my frustration with my neurologist and how he's handling my possible thyroid problem. The psychologist gave me a pep talk and some steps to regain control of the situation and the psychiatrist is going to call the neurologist and try to get to the bottom of things. Yea! Some background information: my neurologist tested my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in December and it was high (5.26) so he re-tested in January and it was still high (4.92). He then sent me back for more tests: TSH again, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies. Is he an endocrinologist or does he just play one on TV?

Comfy den inside our home: check

2009-02-19T23:10:00.000-08:00

Stella's crate is in the kitchen and will some day feature a custom crate pad. We'll put in the order with RDA Tailoring once potty training looks promising and effective.

Description: Midwest Metals I-1524DD 24 Inch iCrate Double Door Home Training Crate.
Designed completely around the safety, security and comfort of your dog. The Midwest Metals I-1524DD 24 Inch iCrate Double Door Home Training Crate comes to you equipped with every feature you can think of; two doors for easy access to your pet inside either thru the traditional front door or from the side with the second door, the double door also affords you more opportunities to fit larger crates easily in your existing rooms or vehicles, a composite plastic pan for easy cleanup in the event of an accident, two plastic carrying handles to move the dog crate from one location to another comfortably, safe and secure slide bolt latches for the safety and security of the pet inside and the furniture on the outside, and most importantly a free divider panel for use while your puppy is still growing up.

Cute, airline approved carrier: check

2009-02-19T22:53:00.000-08:00

Stella will ride in style to her first vet appointment on March 2nd.

Description: Each PETote carrier is superbly designed, meticulously hand sewn and painstakingly handmade here in the US with an uncompromising dedication to quality. Optimum safety and security for the pet. Strong, durable hi-impact shell and platform construction. Multiple zipped access openeings. Multiple fresh air ventilation system. Roll-down privacy flaps. Light weight and balanced for effortless carrying. Handle or padded shoulder strap carriage. Designed to fit body contour for easy carrying.

ANOTHER pair of prescription glasses!

2009-02-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

This time I got prescription SUNglasses. I'm working out a theory connecting my worst vestibular problems to wearing my contacts so a pair of prescription sunglasses seems like just the thing for the trip to Mexico. I don't understand the contacts/vestibular connection and I'm testing out different conditions now to see when it's better or worse. In the past week while I've been wearing glasses, I've had some great days with no swimming head or spinning. It's so strange but I'm just happy something feels better rather than worse.

The search for a lounge chair for the garden returns to the favorite from last year.

2009-02-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

My cousin checked out the Ikea candidates yesterday and reported back that they don't look too cheap and flimsy in person but might not be the best choice for sitting back, kicking up my feet and reading. I contacted CB2 about the chair I liked last summer and heard good news back today. Yea!!! Last summer I waited and waited for the CB2 store to open in SF in the hopes that this chair would be available in the store and that it would be on sale by then. It did go on sale but it was still an on-line only item so I skipped it. This year I might just do it.

Thank you for your email.

It looks like the Grasshopper Chair will be back this spring and summer. Although we are not certain, all indications are that the chairs will be available at our stores as well as online and through the catalogue. Look for them to be available at the end of March or in April. We appreciate your interest in CB2.

Feel free to call us at 800-606-6252 or email us if we can be of further service. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sandra
CB2 Customer Service

Do you think Stella can tell the difference?

2009-02-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

Her outdoor bed is a seat cushion from Target so mom and dad saved lots of money which they used to buy toys.

I know I said no clothes for Stella...

2009-02-11T15:40:00.000-08:00

but the rain today makes me think she needs a little slicker. The hat isn't that great but the coat is cute.

Pet Rain Jacket from Lands' End

Meet Stella!

2009-02-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here she is!

The case for Marvin grows: a boy dog might be better for Lexi

2009-02-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Inter-species introductions follow the same basic rules of adoption as same species, i.e., choose a dog that is younger and of the opposite sex of your cat.

Introducing a new dog to a cat

Great paint color

2009-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm keeping this photo in case we decide to paint our kitchen.

Arturo?

2009-02-05T09:31:00.001-08:00

We've been planning on a little girl but this male is just so cute!

UPDATE: This puppy is now named Buddy and he's going to live in Marin with a nine year old girl who seemed really nice and cute.

Or possibly this one!

2009-02-04T17:46:00.001-08:00

Yes, this is Stella!

This might be our puppy!

2009-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

I'm sure the cat is thinking how stupid the dog in the purse looks.

2009-02-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

It will be interesting to see how a cat person handles all aspects of dog ownership. Maybe Lexi and I will make fun of the dog all the time...

How about somewhere to lie down while mom's gardening?

2009-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

The puppy wish list is growing!

2009-02-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Kelle Carrier Baby Pink and White Small
Kennel Aire Designer Color Wire Dog Homes - PetSmart

An only puppy

2009-01-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

I checked with a breeder in Brentwood whose dog Kalli was expecting puppies this week and found out that there was a single female puppy. Not just one female in the litter, a litter of one female. She looks cute and her markings are really pretty. I turned out OK (don't burst my bubble if I didn't) but I don't know how being a singleton will affect this little dog.

Another to check out at IKEA

2009-01-30T11:27:00.001-08:00

Also $69.99. This one is HULTÖ.

The search for a lounge chair for the garden has begun.

2009-01-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

First candidate:

IKEA | Sofas & armchairs | Rattan seating | MÅSÖ | Easy chair

Not bad for $69.99.

Postmaster General: Mail days may need to be cut

2009-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Oh no! What will Lexi do from 12 to 3 if this happens? It's hard enough explaining Sunday to her.

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – Massive deficits could force the post office to cut out one day of mail delivery, the postmaster general told Congress on Wednesday, in asking lawmakers to lift the requirement that the agency deliver mail six days a week.

If the change happens, that doesn't necessarily mean an end to Saturday mail delivery. Previous post office studies have looked at the possibility of skipping some other day when mail flow is light, such as Tuesday.

Faced with dwindling mail volume and rising costs, the post office was $2.8 billion in the red last year. "If current trends continue, we could experience a net loss of $6 billion or more this fiscal year," Postmaster General John E. Potter said in testimony for a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee.

Total mail volume was 202 billion items last year, over 9 billion less than the year before, the largest single volume drop in history.

And, despite annual rate increases, Potter said 2009 could be the first year since 1946 that the actual amount of money collected by the post office declines.

"It is possible that the cost of six-day delivery may simply prove to be unaffordable," Potter said. "I reluctantly request that Congress remove the annual appropriation bill rider, first added in 1983, that requires the Postal Service to deliver mail six days each week."

"The ability to suspend delivery on the lightest delivery days, for example, could save dollars in both our delivery and our processing and distribution networks. I do not make this request lightly, but I am forced to consider every option given the severity of our challenge," Potter said.

That doesn't mean it would happen right away, he noted, adding that the agency is working to cut costs and any final decision on changing delivery would have to be made by the postal governing board.

If it did become necessary to go to five-day delivery, Potter said, "we would do this by suspending delivery on the lightest volume days."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090128/ap_on_go_ot/meltdown_post_office

Very cool license plate seen on truck parked along Dolores Park

2009-01-26T15:35:00.001-08:00

Seen on a red, slightly lowered pickup truck with no bumper parked on 18th Street today.

Or maybe this one

2009-01-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

Bird Bath and Waterer

Providing a fresh supply of water is every birder's concern. First Nature's Bird Bath and Waterer features a durable water reservoir that holds over 100 ounces of water, then releases it into four separate drinking pools on demand. The First Nature Bird Bath and Waterer can be mounted on a 4' x 4' post or can be hung with a chain and 'S' hook. (Chain not included.)

Simply remove the colorful light blue water reservoir and fill it with fresh cool water. In between fillings, both the reservoir and the drinking pools can be washed with warm soapy water. As the birds bathe in or consume the water, it's instantly replenished from the reservoir.

Regular: $21.95
Sale: $18.95
Save: 14% off

Maybe we need a bird bath

2009-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Sunswept Terra Cotta Hanging or Standing Bird Bath - Royal Blue

This durable hand-finished terra cotta bird bath has a 14.5' diameter. Rust-resistant hanging hardware and black enameled steel stand are included. It has an easy to clean, lead free glaze.

Regular: $39.95
Sale: $36.95

Update: first published photo of new microwave

2009-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Stainless steel exterior, 1100 watts of power, 1.2 cu ft interior and a soften button for accurate butter softening

Oh, oregano, you look so good I could eat you!

2009-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh wait, we just did. Thanks for seasoning our homemade pizza sauce.
Grow back quick!

I wish all my plants thrived on neglect

2009-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Huh?

2009-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Like banana flavored beer, I'm not sure why pink grapefruit flavored yogurt exists.

Emmi Swiss Premium Yogurt

Cafe Finch opened today following on the wild success of Hummingbird Habit

2009-01-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

It was a slow day though as word hasn't gotten out about the yummy wild finch food from the same chef who prepares the delicious nectar at Hummingbird Habit. In case you haven't been to Goleta, CA for a burger lately (or ever) and don't understand, the name Hummingbird Habit is a play on the popular Hamburger Habit on Hollister in Goleta.

She's making the rest of us look bad

2009-01-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

Woman with multiple sclerosis will attempt Everest

By MARK MORICAL | The (Bend) Bulletin • Published January 18, 2009

BEND, Ore. — Wendy Booker’s left side is numb from her toes to the top of her rib cage.

Yet somehow, she has managed to climb the tallest peaks on six continents. For Booker to complete the climbing feat known as the Seven Summits, just one peak remains: Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth.

Living with multiple sclerosis, Booker says, is much like climbing a mountain.

“I wanted to show what life with MS is like,” she says. “It’s a struggle. You can’t always get to the top.”

Booker, 54, will strive to become the first person with multiple sclerosis to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s seven continents when she attempts Everest this spring.

http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/story/728273.html

A pet that fetches!

2009-01-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

It's a little messy...

2009-01-18T21:38:00.001-08:00

in the dining room but I can't wait to clean up so I'm posting photos of our new artwork now. We put up four of the planned six photographs today! They look really cool.

Shopping begins...

2009-01-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Cuban Dog Collar

* every seam is sewn down for your pet's comfort
* made of 100% polyester (what seat belts are made of)
* light-weight yet extremely strong
* quick-drying and resistant to mold and mildew
* permanently dyed so colors will never run
* constructed with ultra-strong Wienerlock ® buckle
* solid metal d-ring

This might be a little strange. I'm considering Cuban names but I'm not so sure about this collar.

And to think I voted for him...

2009-01-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Barbara Walters' Exclusive Interview with Barack and Michelle Obama:

WALTERS: I have one final, very important question. I, Mrs. Obama, I sent you a picture of my dog, Cha Cha…

MICHELLE OBAMA: Uh-huh.

WALTERS: Who is a Havanese, and a very perfect dog, and…

BARACK OBAMA: Cha Cha?

WALTERS: Cha Cha. Cha Cha is a dog, he's a Havanese, he's from Havana…real name is "Cha-cha-cha."

BARACK OBAMA: Cha-cha-cha.

WALTERS: Yeah. (overlap)

BARACK OBAMA What is a Havanese?

WALTERS: Oh, it's like a little…it's like a little terrier. And they're non-allergenic, and they're the sweetest dogs in the world.

BARACK OBAMA: But, but it's a…it's like a little yappy dog.

WALTERS: Yeah, you don't want (overlap)…

MICHELLE OBAMA: Don't criticize.

BARACK OBAMA: Yeah, it like sits in your lap and things?

MICHELLE OBAMA: (Overlap) Yes, it's a cute dog. (Laughs)

BARACK OBAMA: It sounds kind of like a…a girly dog.

MICHELLE OBAMA: We're girls. We have a house full of girls.

WALTERS: We know… we…what about whatever you were saying?

MICHELLE OBAMA: (Laughs)

BARACK OBAMA: Well…well, we're gonna have a big, rambunctious dog.

WALTERS: Okay. Well, what (Overlap)…

BARACK OBAMA: Of some sort.

WALTERS: What I was wondering, is are you being inundated with pictures of funny-looking dogs? I mean, is everybody like me? Is everybody sending you a picture of their dog?

MICHELLE OBAMA: Yeah. I mean, yes, we are (overlap)…

BARACK OBAMA: As a matter of fact…

MICHELLE OBAMA: …getting lots of (overlap)…

BARACK OBAMA: We're getting more advice about this than my economic policy. (laughter)

No doubt about it.

Our new puppy might be from this litter!

2009-01-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

These puppies are all female and were born on December 22. They'll be ready to come home in February. Yes, I would rather have a new puppy than a counter-depth Bosch washing machine and dryer.
Link to nursery page on breeder's website

The skinny on the current puppy choice

2009-01-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Havanese: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em?"

Lexi needs a brother or sister

2009-01-10T19:49:00.001-08:00

How about a Havanese puppy? So cute!

Featured kitty: Journey

2009-01-03T15:20:00.001-08:00

Journey is my husband's sister's cat which makes him Lexi's cousin. Journey lives with my husband's parents in Clovis, CA. He had a recent health scare and now gets an insulin shot each day. Let's hear it for subcutaneous injections!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T14:31:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Confessions from the blogosphere

2008-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

I'm a little obsessed with other bloggers and I've started referring to them by first name. My husband scratches his head and wonders who Benita is. She's Benita Larsson of Chez Larsson, of course. When we go to the Alameda Flea Market, we're on the lookout for Victoria of sfgirlbybay. Is this a little psycho, stalker-ish?

I'm working on posting a floorplan of our condo, like Benita's floorplan in this post: Chez Larsson: Our humble abode. I would also like to post my laundry instructions chart because it's cool but I can't figure out how to post a Word document or at least table formatting.

New blogging tool: a Nikon D40

2008-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

This photo is from the first batch taken with my new Nikon D40. The camera is a birthday present from my husband.

My invisible disabilities made their mark this week

2008-12-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

For the third time in the past six years, I tripped and fell down completely flat on my face this week. The picture of my chin is from the night of the fall and the pictures of my knee are from Friday morning, four days later. I'm actually kind of excited about the bruises because you can see them and people seem to understand how scary and painful the fall must have been. I wish that, without painful marks on my body or a wheelchair, I could convey how my MS symptoms feel and the affect of MS on my life all the time.

The one and only time I gave Lexi a bath

2008-12-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

These people are organized

2008-12-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

It's not just a quirky San Francisco thing. It's GLOBAL!

Santarchy & Santacon

From santacon.com:

Welcome to the worldwide Santacon nexus, the orginal resource for Santarchy events across the globe.

Every December for the last 15 years, Cacophonous Santas have been visiting cities around the world, engaging in a bit of Santarchy as part of the annual Santacon events.

It all started back in 1994 when several dozen Cheap Suit Santas paid a visit to downtown San Francisco for a night of Kringle Kaos. Things have reached Critical Xmas and Santarchy is now a global phenomenon.

You'd better watch out! Santa's coming to town!

Surreal San Francisco: Documenting the Happenings in Dolores Park

2008-12-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

How did all these people get the word to dress like Santa or a sexy elf and head to Dolores Park?

Lexi's sleeping habits

2008-12-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

Back in September, Lexi camped out in a box on my side of the bed. Recently, she moved into the magazine bin when I left a pair of pants there not realizing they would be a cat magnet.

I finally did it!

2008-12-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Here's our new clock for the kitchen. If it looks familiar, it's because I've blogged about it before. It's the Atomic Clock & Thermometer from Smith & Hawken.

Featured pet: Patches

2008-12-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Patches is my Aunt Marjie and Uncle Lamar's new puppy which makes her Lexi's first cousin once removed or something like that. She's a Portuguese Water Dog.

Cute new glasses, bad news and confirmation of suspicions

2008-12-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

I ordered really cute but kind of wild glasses today at Through The Hayes in Hayes Valley. They're red and purple! I failed the peripheral vision test but the really nice optometrist tried to downplay it and told me that together my eyes will make up for the blind spots in my vision. Lately, I've been telling my husband that it feels like my eyes are crossing. They don't actually cross, but it feels like I'm staring at the bridge of my nose. The really nice optometrist and I laughed every time my eyes nearly crossed when she would change the viewer from a single eye to both eyes looking. She said my eyes don't actually cross and that I'm working hard not to. Makes sense and I'm glad someone else can see it 'cuz I knew it was happening. Not sure if this is something new or just something I'm noticing lately. On the positive side, I passed the color blindness test in both eyes, something I failed in July.

I think these might be my glasses but I'm not positive.

Moving on to the sunroom

2008-12-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

The hallway is finished and I'm tired of the hunt for a kitchen clock so I'm turning to the sunroom. My inspiration is the Flora Grubb nursery here in San Francisco and the challenge is keeping the room clean enough for a laundry room but full of plants and cool reclaimed objects used as planters, shelves and furniture.

The Container Store > Cable Shelf Brackets

Our Cable Shelf Brackets can be used with almost any type of 5/8" to 3/4" shelf. We show them here with our Driftwood Melamine Shelves (sold separately). They accommodate shelves up to 16" deep, and hold up to 100 pounds when in installed on wood studs or cement, and 75 pounds in drywall. Installation is very easy. For mounting on wood studs, we recommend using the screws included in the package and a 1/8" Drill Bit. For drywall, we recommend 3/16" x 3" Toggle Bolts (sold separately, listed below) and a 1/2" Drill Bit. $19.99 per set

It would be cool to hang shelves for plants using these brackets. I know, not recycled materials but cool nonetheless. We have the paint for the room so we could paint wood shelves to match the walls.

A red striped rug (Saranac) was suggested...

2008-11-29T22:29:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the season influencing me, but red and green just feel like Christmas to me. How about navy?

Frog Indoor/Outdoor

You can also easily see the time from a distance. No shit.

2008-11-29T22:12:00.000-08:00

38 inch Metal Wall Clock

This classically designed 38' Metal Wall Clock will complement any room in your home. The large decorative wall clock features a white face and black roman numerals and has a metal frame that is durable and long lasting. It is perfect for hanging over your fireplace or in your entryway hallway. You can also easily see the time from a distance. Requires 1 C battery, not included. No assembly required.

How about a new rug for the kitchen?

2008-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to get enough of my kitchen. I'm not sure what will make it feel complete to me.

Dash & Albert Rug Company

Lexi was the cutest kitten! Check out those huge ears!

2008-11-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

"Yang Yang was so cute and I just wanted to cuddle him. I didn't expect he would attack."

2008-11-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Panda in China zoo bites student who wanted a hug

By AUDRA ANG, Associated Press Writer

Saturday, November 22, 2008

(11-22) 07:18 PST BEIJING, China (AP) --

A college student in southern China was bitten by a panda after he broke into the bear's enclosure hoping to get a hug, state media and a park employee said Saturday.

The student was visiting Qixing Park with classmates on Friday when he jumped the 6.5-foot (2-meter) -high fence around the panda's habitat, said the park employee, who refused to give his name.

The park in Guilin, a popular tourist town in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, houses a small zoo and a panda exhibit. It was virtually deserted when the student scaled the fence surrounding the panda, named Yang Yang, the employee said.

He said the student was bitten in the arms and legs. Two foreign visitors who saw the attack ran to get help from workers at a nearby refreshment stand, who notified park officials, the employee said.

The student was pale as he was taken away by medics but appeared clear-headed, he said.

'Yang Yang was so cute and I just wanted to cuddle him. I didn't expect he would attack,' the 20-year-old student, surnamed Liu, said in a local hospital, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Liu underwent surgery Friday evening and was out of danger, but will remain in the hospital for several days, Xinhua said.

Yang Yang, who was flown to Guilin last year from Sichuan province, was behaving normally on Saturday and did not seem to suffer any negative psychological effects, the park employee said.

He said it was not clear whether the facility would add more signs around the enclosure or put more fences up.

"We cannot make it like a prison. We already have signs up warning people not to climb in," he said. "There are no fences along roads but people know not to cross if there are cars. This is basic knowledge."

Pandas, which generally have a public image as cute, gentle creatures, are nonetheless wild animals that can be violent when provoked or startled.

Last year, a panda at the Beijing Zoo attacked a teenager, ripping chunks out of his legs, when he jumped a barrier while the bear was being fed.

The same panda was in the news in 2006 when he bit a drunk tourist who broke into his enclosure and tried to hug him while he was asleep.The tourist retaliated by biting the bear in the back.

Christmas present idea for my blogging family

2008-11-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

Your Blog Tee

I'm not sure what to say

2008-11-13T17:17:00.001-08:00

John Paul Plauché established Plodes Studio in 2003 as a coalescence of art, product and ar- chitectural design. His Houston-based “design everything” studio is recognized among the next generation of innovative thinkers and shows par- ticular promise in design and entrepreneurship. John’s work communicates a clear, conceptual intent infused with process and meaning, while incorporating everyday observations, behaviors and personal experiences. reDO is a limited edition redefinition of a soon to be extinct icon. The infamous aluminum tube web chairs that society has taken for granted for so long are restored to accentuate their covertly true modern form. A stitched leather silhouette of the once web, new hardwood armrests, and mirror polished frame not only redefines the chair’s physical presence, but also its identity. No longer bound by the outdoors and stereotypes, reDO is elevated to kin chairs with roots in Bauhaus modernism. 24”W x 24”D x 32”H weight: 15 lbs restored tube chair, stitched leather, hardwood arms.

$2,500.00

reDO by plode studio

2008-11-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

I really like this clock and had almost talked myself into spending $179 when I realized it's it's 27 inches in diameter. Wow!

THE FURNITURE :: Antique Black-finish 'Longford' Clock with Decorative Carved Accents from the Wall Collection by Bulova. FREE SHIPPING

Obsessing about the kitchen again...

2008-11-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for the perfect clock for our kitchen for months. I gave up and ordered a clock off the Internet a couple of weeks ago. It was cute but large. Roman numerals which was good but large. Today I received an email letting me know that the manufacturer is no longer producing the cute but large clock and my order has been canceled. Oh no! After all the searching and then settling for something and now I can't even have that.

I don't know what to do. It's not that big of a deal but I've given it so much importance. We went to an antique store in Potrero Hill to look at vintage clocks but they were really expensive and needed to be plugged in. We tried the Alameda Flea Market and found other cool stuff but no clock. When the search began, I tried to find something right for the time period of our building (1908) but just found lots of mantle clocks and funky things with pendulums. Then I tried thinking about a time when the kitchen had been remodeled in the past. Perhaps when the first "modern" set-up was installed in the kitchen but that didn't really work either. Our stove is a 1951 O'Keefe and Merritt so that adds the possibility of something mid-century but that's so trendy and a look I'm actually trying to avoid. A sunburst clock just isn't going to cut it. Back to the drawing board. Here's a contender:

Atomic Clock & Thermometer - Smith & Hawken

Is this a cool holiday gift for my boss?

2008-11-10T22:34:00.001-08:00

I can't tell if it's cool or not. What to give someone with tons of money who buys all the toys they desire...

Living Ecosphere
Free Rush Upgrade*

An entire self-sustaining ecosystem thrives within this attractive hand-blown glass sphere: Plants, live shrimp, algae, and microorganisms. It requires only indirect light and moderate temperatures, and offers hours of fascinating viewing. Each EcoSphere comes with a handbook that explains how it works and how to care for it. NOTE: The ecosphere contains living organisms that require light to live. Please remove from box upon receipt.

3"D x 5.5"H

* Choose standard shipping at checkout and this item will be upgraded to next day delivery at no extra charge. RESTRICTIONS: Cannot be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Price $89

Decorating for the way we really live

2008-11-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Decorating for the way we really live seems to be a comment expressed by many interior decorators but do they know what that really means? I see lots of Sunbrella fabric used on the couches in the pool house and that just doesn't mean anything in my world. In my case, our new stainless steel chef's table (craigslist find for $80) is perfect for making dinner (PB&J, tortilla chips and a glass of OJ) to eat alone on our new Tolix stool at 9 pm while the husband watches TV in the front room. This is the way WE really live.

Featured kitty: Munchy

2008-11-09T15:35:00.001-08:00

Hold your ground, Munchy!

2008-11-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

Don't move, Munchy. Hold your ground on that pattern piece! I've got Damon trapped and I'm not going to move until bedtime.

Another awful cold!

2008-11-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else get more colds and flu now that they take Rebif? I just had a cold a few months ago and it lasted forever. My current cold is going on 6 days and it just seems to get worse each day, not better. I saw a P.A. in my G.P.'s office this morning and he thinks maybe the Rebif is suppressing my immune system and that's why I keep getting sick and staying sick longer than usual. I'm not sure if that's right or how it works. The first year after I was diagnosed and I took Rebif, I never got sick. It's been the last year and a half or so that I've been sick at least 3 times and have flu like symptoms again from Rebif on Monday nights. I'm starting the list of questions for my next appointment with my neurologist. It's in January but I'm sure his voicemail will be full until then anyway so I'll sit tight.

Evidence of the vacation

2008-10-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

I noticed that I've posted more about my stupid kitchen and hallway than anything else this month. Lexi demands a post about her, complete with a cute photo. First though, a picture from our recent trip to Washington, D.C.