At the end of “The Price is Right” show, Mr. Baker tells audiences to have their pets spade and neutered. I’d like to add another plea for pet-owners: GET YOUR PETS LICENSED!

Today I encountered a wee Yorkshire Terrier in the middle of A Street as I waited for the green light by 10th. Running scared down the road, the little thing was confused and alone. I, marked by years of Yorkie-loving, jumped from the driver’s seat of my Nissan Altima, stopped traffic with one hand and plucked the dog from death. Okay, so maybe it would’ve made it to safety just fine, but it’s true that the Yorkie was lost. No collar (so no tags) and no one looking for him. After posting a few signs in the area, “Little Dog FOUND. Call _______ to claim,” we sat in the church office for a few hours — he in my lap, me trying to figure out what to do with him. Lo and behold, a public health coworker of my mother’s wanted a little dog. So tonight he rests in great foster care, perhaps a great permanent home.

All worrying about the dog’s true residence could have been eliminated by the proper licensing. My call to Animal Control could have resulted in his immediate return to “home.” But now… who knows? If his owners want him back, I hope they have the common sense to call the AC office in the city health department.

This same story happened with a very sweet orange cat just three weeks ago. Except I didn’t find anyone who wanted to care for it — I do believe it’s living at the Human Society now. (Huh? What’s that? Yes, I said “living.” Don’t tell me otherwise!! I’d like to continue living in my naive world, thanks.)

Get your pets spayed and neutered… and licensed!

Happy, happy, happy birthday to two very loved men in my life! My dear husband Jeremy is 33 today and my little brother Andrew is 22. I hope you both have wonderful birthdays and know how special you are to your family and friends!

I stumbled upon this interesting tidbit while reading The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey… In their day, Greek actors were called hypocrites. Yancey states that “Jesus would later borrow the word to describe one who played a false role in public” (p.59, Zondervan, 1995). And of course, we use the word today to describe one who pretends to be what he is not.

So tonight the truth is staring me in the face. I am a Word Nerd. I love etymologies and I love to read the dictionary. I think word histories are fascinating. I guess we all have our own areas of Geekhood. My husband likes nitty-gritty strategy games. Charity likes magazines like The Economist. I like words.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about fall?

Two thumbs up to the Walgreens pharmacists at 17th and South. God bless these guys (and gals) who are so consistent and compassionate in providing for my diabetic needs. They are so stinkin’ cool. While the pharmacy techs are running around behind the counter, sometimes without a clue as to how to make things work, the pharmacists decisively serve their customers, sometimes breaking “the rules” to make things work. Kudos to them.

One and a half thumbs to the fun flick Identity. Starring my most beloved actor John Cusak, the film is the scariest thing I’ve seen in some time. I only say this because the freaky scenes had me scrunched down on the couch, Jeremy’s arm clutched by both hands, with my elbow shielding my eyes (kind of). I can’t remember being in that non-breathing, every-muscle-taut position since Sixth Sense. It doesn’t receive two thumbs for one reason… But I won’t ruin the movie for ya by explaining it.

Finally, two thumbs down to The Dish, a restaurant in downtown Lincoln. This place has plenty of potential, but reminds me of a pauper in prince’s clothing. Our food came out greasy and subpar, and overpriced. Yikes. The ole wallet sure took a beating on that one. Note to self: don’t try to eat at Misty’s downtown on a weekend, ever. The wait there was 2 hours, thus redirecting us to The Dish. Won’t make that mistake again… : /

Change. Control. It’s all about the hair, baby.

I’ve noticed that women tend to get their hair cut to represent various life stages. There’s the I-just-got-married-haircut which states that one’s hair ought to change to reflect one’s marital status. Then there’s the I’m-not-a-high-school-student-anymore haircut (sometimes just a style) which is intended to proclaim one’s independence from the schoolgirl within.

Men don’t have a married haircut — at least they don’t have one of their own choosing. I suppose some newlywed men might get the my-wife-didn’t-like-my-previous-hairstyle haircut. (Most men see less changes on their head and more at their waistlines after marriage… But that’s a topic for another day.) College boys do something very unique however. They rebel from the cutting idea and make attempts, instead, for the growth category. Any hair that can be grown will be. And the liberated lads return home to surprised mothers with all varieties of scruff on their faces and styles on their heads.

It’s all about change. And control. So on Wednesday I went with the nothing-else-in-my-life-is-changing-so-at-least-my-hair-will-darn-it! haircut. And, for better or worse, it feels good.

To all who live close by:

There will be a Pampered Chef party at my house this Tuesday (September 9) at 7:00pm. This is Sarah Baker’s second party ever and we’d all like to support her endeavors in this arena. So… No invitation needed, just come at 7:00pm. Great Christmas shopping for Mom and Grandma. And yummy snacks, too. Call to reserve your spot if you want to come.

-RT

This word, and its synonyms, describe my day exactly:

Entry:   disappointment
Function:   noun
Definition:   letdown
Synonyms:   bitter pill, blind alley, blow, blunder, bringdown, bummer, bust, calamity, defeat, disaster, discouragement, downer, downfall, drag, dud, error, failure, false alarm, faux pas, fiasco, fizzle, impasse, inefficacy, lemon, miscalculation, miscarriage, mischance, misfortune, mishap, mistake, no go, obstacle, setback, slip, washout

Let it be known to all that although adoption is a loving option (as those cutesy pro-life posters read) it is not always an easy option. We trust that God will expand our family in His perfect timing. But as for today, I’ve tasted the bitter pill… and it really sucks.

It’s been a good day, a full weekend, and I’m not quite sure I’m ready to begin the week again, but oh well… Saw Spellbound this afternoon and experienced mini-flashbacks to my elementary school days. These spellers were much more knowledgeable than I was; the words they studied are beyond my abilities today, much less thirteen years ago! This is a wonderful documentary — I highly recommend it. See it with someone who likes to laugh, someone like Charity caught the flick with me today. Ah, laughter is good for the soul… as is, I am certain, the joy of winning a spelling bee. I wouldn’t know what winning one feels like — third place in the Roosevelt Elementary Spelling Bee was my greatest achievement (not that I’m complaining or anything, though I did cry because I wanted to win first place).

Many prayers will be cast up for those of you who begin school this week. I am cheering you on from my spot in the bleachers! Ah, the beginning of a new school year, the chance to start fresh. The butterflies of anticipation at the unfamiliar classrooms, the pains of homework assignments given on the first day, the genesis of new friendships. Good stuff. May the Lord bless this new school year for each of you.

It’s high time to shut down this blog entry, though oddly enough I feel like writing more. This may have something to do with the caffeinated beverage I downed at 8:30pm. And the over-two-hour nap I took this afternoon. Ya think? Alright. I’m cutting myself off. Goodnight.

Eight women celebrating friendship and saying goodbye equals a few tears and a lot of laughter. Praise God for good friends.