three months....

I know y'all have been on the edge of your seat waiting for the three month update of my 2011 birthday wishes.  But let's face it....even if you haven't you're getting it anyway....

2011 Birthday Wishes (original):

• procure a MacBook - yes, I am asking for one for Christmas.  no, I will not likely get one.  however, these is money from the tax return.... 
• amp up physical activity - well, I found out where some yoga classes are - now I just need to get off my ass and go to them.  I've also gone on two bike rides (9 & 12 miles) despite not being on a bike in over five years.  of course, the timing would have been better if I discovered the biking in the spring instead of the fall.
• try to eat better - baby steps!  I have been eating more salads and soup for lunch (a sneaky way for me to get veggies).  but seriously, I love me some chicken wings.
• attempt to be culinary - now that I'm single again, I've been forced to cook again.  this usually translates as "empty contents of package into bowl, add water and microwave for five minutes".  at least I add veggies.
• embrace my curls - when my hair was long, I was good at doing this.  however, on Wednesday I got six inches hacked off.  the new style is not conducive to curls (read:  I don't like it curly with this style).
• beat my brother in "Words with Friends" - 13 August bitches!  sad part is I haven't won since.
• travel somewhere besides DC & Chicago - rumor has it I might be going to New Orleans in June.  I will go to NOLA dammit!
• see Wisco Gov. Scott Walker get recalled - this process has started in Wisco.  I know, I got my first volunteer phone call yesterday from United Wisconsin.
• increase social media knowledge - I'm still a geek. and since it's part of my job, they'll pay for me to go to seminars on this topic.
• engage in artistic endeavors - I take random pics with my iPhone (I love my iPhone) but that doesn't count.  the winter endeavor is to tile my "east side special" coffee table.
• continue to promote rjl creative -  this will happen...I know it.  when friends ask if you do freelance and refer their friends to you, that helps.  a lot.
• become involved with APBT & AmStaff dog rescue/advocacy - similar to yoga classes - I know where events are I just need to get to one.
• that my mom wins her battle with pancreatic cancer - her last treatment is today!  and she's has limited side effects so this is great...so far so good :)

look who's 10!

Over Memorial Day weekend 2002, my life changed forever when a nine month old pup entered my home...and my heart.

To be honest, I wasn't the one who initially noticed Cayenne online - and I was a bit hesitant to get another dog.  Upon further research I learned that he had already been in and out of two homes, and was searching for his "forever home".  Then I was sucked in by those big, brown eyes and big, goofy smile.  There was no doubt in my mind that Cayenne would be my dog.

Cayenne arrived in Wisconsin via plane from California.  His plane ticket was more than he was.  When he touched ground, he was skittish - and understandably so.  I mean, how would you feel if you were just shipped off 2000 miles away?  In fact, I'm told he peed in the car on the way home.  I finally met him after work that Friday, and Caye greeted me the adorable clumsiness of a pup still trying to grow into his body.  This would likely explain many of my "mystery bruises" those first few months.

Over the nest few weeks, Caye settled into his new digs nicely -although I did need to teach him that the sniffing of the crotch is not an appropriate greeting for humans (and yes, once in a while we still need to work on that) and that shoes are not toys.  It was also apparent Caye was indeed my dog.  If you remember the My Buddy doll ads, that was Caye and I - he was pretty much surgically attached to me whenever I was home.

Since he was always underfoot, I had plenty of opportunity to observe Caye's personality.  He has to be one of the most curious (read:  "little shit"), gentlest, happiest and friendliest dogs I've ever known.  Trust me, he tries to make friends with all animals (see above pics).  Because of this, I still wonder why his first two owners didn't want him.  Maybe it's because he's a "bully breed" (read:  American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire and like breeds) and was stereotyped as a "fighter" - which he is obviously not.  Maybe they didn't want a family dog or didn't want to care for him.  Maybe they couldn't deal with the clumsiness and training of a puppy.  Whatever the reason, I'll never know.  I'll also never know what the first nine months of his life were like - although I have some suspicions.  Despite that, Caye easily forgave the actions of his previous owners (as dogs do) by trusting and accepting me with open paws.  What I do know is that Cayenne ended up where he was supposed to be.

And while I was there for Caye by giving him a forever home, he's been there for me too. During my whole divorce ordeal, he was the best listener and snuggler ever.  We mourned the loss of Lily (his older sister) together.  Caye also laid by me after my knee surgery (careful not to actually touch the knee) to make sure I was okay...although never completely understood why I couldn't take him for a walk.   Yes, dogs are amazingly intuitive.  Dogs also possess and provide unconditional love, despite all your idiosyncrasies.  If you don't believe this, you must witness how Caye reacts when I come home from work (or taking out the garbage).  To be honest, I love the big guy too - quirks and all.  These quirks include, but are not limited to:  a fondness for black labs, regardless of gender; the need to turn around three times before retiring on the bed for the night and the propensity to rip the faces off all his stuffed toys. 

Cayenne has also served as a fantastic ambassador (ambassadog) for his breed.  People compliment me on what a sweet and well-behaved boy he is - usually after they comment on how muscular and handsome he is.  I mean, how can you resist that smile and wagging tail (which actually wiggles his whole body)?  Cayenne was socialized from his beginnings with me, and is always willing to meet other dogs and people as well as tag along on public excursions.  His favorites include the farmer's market and the Palomino, not only because of the "sniff stops" and affection from folks, but because of the very good chance he'll get bacon.  (Ok, maybe it's really because of the bacon).  Regardless of the motive, Caye's charming and endearing demeanor - plus good looks and positive attitude - has won over skeptics and changed more than a few minds about the perception of the breed.  That was never my intent, but Caye is indeed a "poster dog" for all that is good in "bully breeds".

Nine years later, Cayenne is (finally) showing signs of his age by mellowing a bit and white hair on his face while still maintaining the curiosity and playfulness of a puppy, and of course, his undeniable zest for life.  He is the best pup anymore could ask for...and I wouldn't trade him for the world. 

Happy 10th birthday big guy! 

birthday wishes 2011

soybean wishes & dreams

On Tuesday, I will celebrate my (undisclosed age here) birthday.  And I've learned yet again, it doesn't matter how old you are - your mother will still ask "what do you want for your birthday?"

This year I actually had an answer:  a MacBook.  I think I'm just going to get a check, which undoubtedly will end up going toward something else.

So with that segue, I give you my birthday wishes of 2011:

• procure a MacBook - did I mention I really want one of these?  
• amp up physical activity - hashing, boot camp and volleyball are great...but maybe get back into yoga?
• try to eat better - as an admitted "junk food junkie", sometimes it's a chore to sneak salads in there (because a cheeseburger & tots sounds so much better) even though I actually don't mind salads.
• attempt to be culinary - stop laughing.  I mean it- I've even considered taking a class.  Damn you Food Network and shows like "Chopped"!
• embrace my curls - as a friend put it "learn to love the hair you're in!"  I will say this "embracing" makes getting ready in the morning uber-easy.
• beat my brother in "Words with Friends" - he gets all the good letters, I swear.
• travel somewhere besides DC & Chicago - love those places, but I also want to explore somewhere new (or revisit Toronto).
• see Wisco Gov. Scott Walker get recalled - that would be a happy day!
• increase social media knowledge - I'm a geek.  I like this stuff.
• engage in artistic endeavors - painting, photography, drawing....I need to be creative at home, even if I'm that way at work too (because it's a different type of creative).
• continue to promote rjl creative -  this will happen.  Although I'm toying with a name change to "marketing & design" or naming it after Caye with a % of the proceeds going to dog rescues, which leads to....
• become involved with APBT & AmStaff dog rescue/advocacy - if you've met Cayenne, you understand why.

A few less than last year but this year, most of these "wishes" are actually attainable (2010's playing the bass and world peace, not so much).  The "Words with Friends" one might be kind of tough - does anyone have a portable Scrabble dictionary I can borrow?

subway, i hardly knew yee...

As of late, I have "liked" quite a few pages on facebook regarding American Staffordshire & American Pit Bull Terriers.  Yes, Caye is an AmStaff (and an adorable one at that as evidenced below).

Many of these sites focus on the fostering and rescuing of these "bully breeds".  Mostly, they share success stories.  I  admire all those who dedicate their lives to foster and/or find "forever homes" for this breed - and for any dog for that matter.  If I could, I would take every single one of those pups home with me.  However, there are also stories about dogs being euthanized, etc. for one reason or another (usually no one to take them in).  After reading those stories, I get teary-eyed (at work, no less).  My co-workers now think I have really bad allergies this year.

And once in a while, the topics of BSL - Breed Specific Legislation (which is evil - "punish the deed not the breed") and Michael Vick resurfaces.  This time it was the latter.  On Sunday at the BET Awards, Vick was awarded the Subway Sportsman of the Year award.

I'm sure you have at least heard about Michael Vick and his dogfighting ring - which consisted of American Pitbull Terriers (APBTs).  If not, you can read this article to get up to speed.

This has prompted a petition entitled:  Say No To Subway.

Yes, I like Subway.  I love my dog.  And Jimmy John's will suffice.  If you feel so inclined you can sign the petition here.

I did.  I also felt compelled to share my comment along with my signature:

As an owner of an American Staffordshire/American Pit Bull Terrier, I cannot believe anyone would give a "sportsman" award to someone who committed such heinous acts against animals.  Yes, Vick had a great year athletically - he served his time and should be able to continue his career.  However, the term "sportsman" has come to be defined as more than athletic prowess.  It also pertains to conduct, attitude and overall good character on AND off the friend including fair play and courtesy – none of which Vick displayed off the field whilst funding (and other involvement) Bad Newz Kennels.  

I was a frequent Subway patron.  However,  I cannot support a company who bestows an honor upon an individual who does not emulate the traits of “sportsmanship”.

I do realize not everyone feels the same way about AmStaffs/APBTs as I do.  However, after meeting and interacting with Cayenne, most people tend to think of him as a happy, friendly, well-behaved dog and are shocked that is indeed an AmStaffs/APBT (thank you negative media coverage).  More importantly, most at least consider the fact that all "bully breed" dogs are not evil.  

Although it is not (and never was) my intent with him - Caye is indeed a great ambassador for his breed.  But really...how can you not love this guy?