Happy Birthday Big Brother!

That's right Big B is 37! I can't believe he is ALMOST 40!!!

Ooh...it's different

I decided to jazz up my site a bit. Like it? I do!

One Week Ago...

I took this picture of L. It was his first big snow. He loved it. You can tell he's dozergirl's dog...he likes to put his head down in the snow and plow through it.

First Day Lent/First Day Freegan -- Kinda

So...this whole Freegan thing may be harder than I anticipated. I hope to improve with time. L came with me to work today, and if he didn't have something to chew on, he would be into everything. He's chewed up power cords and hasn't been hurt yet, but I don't want to take any more risks, so I did buy him bones. I also called to cancel the cable, however nothing is simple. I decided since I work at home alot, I really couldn't do without Internet in the house, but I could drop to a basic cable package (cause if I didn't have something, I would have to go out and get rabbit ears, etc. So I called the cable company and apparently they were able to bundle something and do this and that, and stir and bake and when it was all said and done, my cable bill was $40 cheaper and I have 60 more channels. If I'm spending more money, but possibly consuming more, have I accomplished my goal? I don't know -- it makes my brain hurt. I suppose the correct answer would be to throw the TV out and just not have any of it, but I just can't rip off a band-aid like that. But, living by myself like I do, the TV isn't just a time-waster, he's a genuine member of my family. He's who I hear talking in the other room, he's the one who puts me to bed at night and wakes me in the morning, he lets me know when the weather is bad and when I should stay home...he's always there for me. **sigh** I panic at the thought of no TV at all. Small steps Dozergirl, small steps....

Ash Wednesdays is THIS WEEK!

So, I don't always give something up for Lent. Sometimes I do, but I figure it's a personal choice right? So, I'm toying with the idea of going freegan for Lent. Freegans basically shun the worlds over-consumption of resources. Hard-core freegans actually go dumpster diving instead of going to the store. Well, I'm not about to do that yet, after all my goal is not to become a hippy-dippy. I would like to cut down on my consumer waste though. Obviously, a few rules would have to apply to my situation. Groceries and medical things are allowed...also anything that contributes to the safety and well-being of myself, my dogs, my house and my car. I think I would also have to make an allowance for pre-established engagements. Example, I have breakfast every Thursday with my discipleship partner. This would have to stay. Also, am a member of stamping club that has dues bi-monthly. It would be wrong of me to back out of this.

Here are the things that I would miss if I did this:

1) High speed Internet at home.
2) Cable TV -- period
3) Movies
4) Starbucks
5) Sunday Dispatch
6) The yarn store
7) Air fresheners for the car -- ooh...L is stinky sometimes!
8) Office supplies (new pens and paper are like a drug habit for me)
9) Manicures -- ooh wait...that might need to stay as a "medical" expense.
10) Beer...maybe this can be medicinal too!!

On second thought, maybe I'll give up chocolate.

17th Century Pop Culture Guru

So this morning, woke up at 6:45. Am usually up at 5. Needless to say, was very frantic trying to get everything together to go. The back door is frozen, which doesn't help at all. The dogs don't like to poop in the front yard...they are very reserved guys. L is getting over it, but S hasn't gone in two days. It doesn't help when I'm at the end of his leash telling him to hurry. Oh well...the big thaw is coming soon. Hopefully the back door will unfreeze and they will be able to spend more time out there.
Cousin LA called this morning. She had a song in her head that she couldn't get out. She hummed, whistled and sang it for me. I could identify Baroque period, possibly Bach, but not the exact song. She said she heard it symphonically, rather than a solo instrument (symphonically -- is that even a word?) Now I need to find the song because it's in my head too! I love hunting expeditions...

You've got a friend in me.

I had the distinct honor of watching my old college friend Eric perform for Five Nights at Ohio State Marion. Eric and I spent many of our school days together (non-school days too!). It was wonderful to see him again. Even more wonderful, he's happy and successful. He is currently the director of education outreach with Opera Columbus.

Eric's program was a one man 35 minute show about those people who influenced his life and career. He covered every type of music possible -- from Mozart to Outkast. His interpretation was flawless and his voice as magnificent as ever.

Bravo Eric!