A Very Merry Christmas

Although not quite Christmas, I have certainly been in the spirit for weeks now. True to form, I had the tree up prior to Thanksgiving (which I know to many is a no-no, but I just couldn't help myself). If I could, I'd probably leave it up year round, not because I'm lazy, but because Christmas brings back some of my very best childhood memories, specifically at 525 W. Joliet Street. Anyway, here she is...

As you may be able to tell, I've got a couple of light strands that don't seem to want to work this year, and I can't seem to find the culprits. I've gotten use out of this one for a few years now, so it could be her last. The white has certainly been pleasant, especially living in the desert. Aside from the incredible trip to Montreal that I'll write about shortly, snow is just not a thing I experience during the holiday season, so the white has served a great purpose.

Before I continue onto the trip, one of the firsts for me this holiday season was chopping a real Christmas tree. Believe it or not, Arizona is full of them, which only requires driving a couple of hours up north. Here I am in Heber, Arizona, cutting a tree (and using an ax) for the very first time.

Success!

Anyway, Heber served two other fantastic purposes. One: It was a great opportunity for Alfredo and I to get our annual Christmas photos, and now that my card has officially been mailed, here's the photo I selected...

(He's just so handsome I can barely stand it)

And two: I actually spent some time collecting a whole bunch of pine cones to create a pinterest idea that I saw. Although the pine cones aren't the typical fat pine cones, they're unique looking, so we'll see how that project turns out when I get around to it. Despite my ridiculous number of "pins" on pinterest, I think this will be the second pin I've tried. Hey, gotta start somewhere.

Anyway, referring back to my memories on W. Joliet St., I received the very best gift ever this year, my grandma.

Now living back in Montreal, I don't see her much. She is the most incredible person I know, and I can't think of a better way to end the year than having spent time with her, as well as in Montreal, which happens to be one of my very favorite cities. I guess I didn't really need the white Christmas tree this year, because Montreal had plenty of snow. I loved every minute of it.

And not that I'm some sort of bragger by any means of the imagination, but this has to be one of the best pictures I have ever taken. Let's give all of the credit to Mother Nature. Impeccable. 

I actually wish I would've taken this with an actual camera as opposed to my cheap, outdated iPhone 4s. If so, I'd turn it into a canvas.

All in all, the trip was fantastic and just what I needed to recharge. I even met some of grandma's side of the family, which was fabulous. It does feel good being back in the states, and even better that all of my Christmas shopping is complete. Even Alfredo knows I've been shopping, as he's already spotted some of his Christmas presents.

This snowman didn't have a chance. 

Let's hope my pine cone pinterest project pans out. Until next time! Merry Christmas!

Where did Barktober go?!

Okay. I'm a little bit of a slacker. Actually, let me rephrase. I'm a slacker when it comes to updating the good ole blog. Reason being, life has been so ridiculously chaotic that it's been hard finding the downtime to devote to writing. Anyway, I have no idea where October went, or September for that matter, but I do know some fun things have occurred...enough to "write home about", I suppose. Let's start with Barktoberfest, one of my favorite events of the year. Barktoberfest is a great little event in which organizations come together to promote local animal businesses and shelters. I usually stumble upon great finds, and the event includes lots of hands-on paws-on activities for the four legged fur babies.  Alfredo isn't too keen of some of them, like bopping for bones (since he really dislikes water). In fact, I'm not sure Alfredo enjoys any of the activities, but at the very least, I make him volunteer for the Dog Vinci station annually.

Here we are upon arrival. Believe it or not, Alfredo has lost weight over the last couple of years, but you certainly couldn't tell by looking at this photo. He's never been fat, but he was up to about 26lbs at one time. Currently, he's just over 20, which is still heavy when carting him around in my arms. 

And the most important takeaway from the fest: Alfredo's painting! He's such a little talented artist. He makes mommy proud!

The other event I prepare Alfredo for annually is Halloween. Quite honestly, Halloween happens to be my least favorite holiday of the year, for as long as I can remember. I really didn't appreciate it much as a child. When you grow up in Northwest Indiana, the probability that snow has hit the ground by October 31st is pretty good, so even if I thought I was the coolest kid on the block with the most fabulous costume, it was unlikely that I'd ever get to show it off as a result of my winter coat. Now that I'm older, I think the concept of people my age dressing up as something they aren't is just lame. Also, I've never been one for goblins, zombies, the boogie man, etc. Alfredo probably doesn't like this holiday either, but his reasons are entirely different from mine. He has never been one to like costumes (he loves running around naked), and he just can't get used to trick-or-treaters showing up at the door. Nevertheless, here he is as a Rufferee this year. Wrangler, his sidekick, was a Wide Retriever.

Speaking of trick-or-treaters, I was quite disappointed this year. I only saw a total of five kids. I don't know what is more disappointing, the lack of kids, or that I'm now stuck with lots of my favorite candy. it's a shame I can't share with the dog. I'm not sure Alfredo was given too many treats this Halloween, but he is certainly learning new tricks. Having him around other dogs has taught him new things. One thing he has learned is how to use a doggy door. I'll save that one for another day. Another thing he has learned is the need to become territorial over bones, toys, and other things he thinks belong solely to him. When he stops playing with something of "his", he's learned to hide everything. Here's a bone he tucked into the couch...

And speaking of hiding, I actually think he tried playing a game of hide and seek with me a few weeks back. He actually moved these pillows on his own, which he does almost daily.

Well, this probably brings us up to date on what we've been up to. Shockingly, I've come across several random animals during the month of October. I guess this is another reason why I've been too busy to blog. Mom came into town a few weeks back. During her stay, we headed up to this Out of Africa place in Camp Verde, which was quite amazing. Aside from my first zip line experience, I fed a tiger...

was kissed by a giraffe

and was chased by zebras. Literally.

Then, of course, there was the Arizona State Fair.

 Having lived in Arizona for 7 years now, you'd think I would've experienced the state fair by now. Well, this wasn't actually the case until a couple weeks ago.

 It didn't really bother me that I was among the oldest people - without child- visiting the petting zoo. After all, I still remember drawing a picture of myself surrounded by farm animals for a first grade assignment. The goal was to draw a picture of what I wanted to be when I grew up, and so I did just that. It wasn't until later that I found out that most of the farm animals ended up being slaughtered. Terrible.

Here's a llama. Random! I was actually nervous he was going to spit on me.

And lastly, I'll leave you with not one of my favorite animals to say the least, but hey, who isn't going to take a picture of a tarantula wandering the wild, and no, I didn't see this guy at the fair.

Things you can learn from my dog

People argue whether animals, specifically dogs, are capable of feeling the same emotions that we as humans feel. Some people think dogs react strictly to positive reinforcement, aka food, and that's why they form a bond with their owner. I would argue the bond is much greater. In fact, in comparison to the relationships I have with people, Alfie's blows everyone else's out of the water. Here are few reasons why:

• He is always incredibly excited to see me when I walk in the door, and he's not afraid to show it by jumping around and attacking me with kisses. What's even better? The fact that I can be home all day, walk outside simply to get the mail, and he's just as excited to see me walk in the door as if he hadn't seen me for hours.
• There's no such thing as spending too much time together.
• He loves following me everywhere, and even if we are at the dog park, let's say, he's always aware of where I am.
• He protects me from people/things he thinks are threatening.
• Whenever I feel down, he knows it. Not only does he know it, though. He acts on it. The last time I had a weak moment, it took him less than one minute to jump on the couch, lick my face, and snuggle next to me.
• He's a great listener when I need one.
• He never hurts my feelings.

It's quite amazing that dogs are capable of doing such things, yet it can be difficult for humans to act the same. I think the world would be much more loving if we all could learn a thing or two from our dogs.

  

It's official: I'm a city girl

As the 30 year challenge continues, it seems I am becoming a bit more adventurous. May's trip doesn't seem a big deal since I chose to go to Sedona, but I actually stayed in Oak Creek Canyon which is more wilderness-like. May I add, the cabin was amazing, which included a fireplace and hot tub in the bedroom. Speaking of fire, the amazing (well, not really amazing but interesting that I experienced this) thing was that during my stay, there was a ridiculously large forest fire burning less than two miles away. The air was thick in the mornings, but as the day carried on, it was very peaceful and relaxing. Now, because I had been to Sedona previously, the rule of the 3o year challenge is to experience something new if I attended old stomping grounds, so here's a picture I took of the fire from the Pink Jeep Tour...

This is actually smoke, not clouds.

While in Sedona, I took a stroll on my very favorite mountain, Bell Rock, and reached new heights! This picture is also quite cloudy from the fire.

Best part of the trip? Alfredo attended! 

Now, one would  think I'm an outdoorsy kind of person by looking at these pictures, but my recent experience of camping would suggest otherwise. This month I visited the Mogollon Rim, which is incredibly beautiful. Likewise, it was a great escape from the Phoenix summer heat. Here's a picture at sunset...

When I wasn't enjoying the views, I was making the best of the environment, i.e. colder weather (I'm talking going from triple digits in Phoenix to 50s at night), the lack of running water/a bathroom, cold drizzly rain, little cell phone service, and a slight leak in the air mattress which made for rough mornings. Hey, we survived...

Okay, so Alf is a bit miserable looking in this photo (only because of the rain), but he really did have the time of his life. He also made plenty of friends on this camping trip. Not surprising. Here he is looking a tad happier on our brief hike...

And of course, he even took some time to enjoy the view...

After this experience there are two things I know for sure: I have another great trip in the books, and I definitely am and always will be a city girl. There is no greater feeling than civilization.

Hodgepodge

Well, it's hard to think that April has come and gone, and that May is already almost half over. Exactly just where does the time go? Anyway, I haven't written in awhile, mostly because nothing incredibly exciting has come our way, well, other than the big 4th birthday...

True to form for Alfredo's birthday this year, I showered him with gifts full of stuffing so that he could have the luxury of ripping them apart all over the living room floor. Some are completely done for by now, but there are a few who survived (with missing limbs). His lion, although looking a tad beaten up, has survived the longest. I also think it happens to be Alfredo's favorite. When he really likes something, he keeps it around for awhile. In the case of the lion, I catch him snuggling from time to time...

 

Anyway, speaking of birthdays, my 30th year challenge (refer to my last post) is continuing quite nicely. When I'm not off discovering this magnificent world, work is taking up most of my time. In fact, sometimes Alfredo makes it difficult for me to get ready in the mornings. He will purposely take my shoes or sit in my closet, in hopes that I will rethink my work day and stay at home to hang with him.

Getting him out of my drawers is no easy task. If I haven't mentioned this previously, Boston Terriers are incredibly stubborn. Alfredo certainly fits the stereotype.

When he's not lounging in my drawers, you can also find him in the new addition to the Tuna Can (what I refer to as the condo), in our new Papasan chair. He's actually laid in this thing more often than I have.

Moving on...Alfredo made the news a couple of weeks back (I wasn't kidding when I titled this post "hodgepodge"). 12 News has a contest for viewers to post their furry legged friends, and after submitting Alfredo's picture, he was one of five animals on this particular Friday that was selected. You can find his picture by scrolling through a few of them here.

And lastly, we are enjoying having a lazy Sunday together. It's actually Mother's Day today, so I leave you with a picture of what motherhood means to me.

30!

Thirty could turn out to be the absolute fastest year of my life. I almost feel like Alfredo, who supposedly ages about 7 years for every one year that passes (tear). Anyway,  because it's a "big" year I guess you could say, I've decided to do what's called "The 30 Year Challenge." What this means is essentially this: every month for my 30th year, I am exploring new lands. The real challenge, of course, is that if I pick a spot dear to my heart, i.e. any place that I've already been to and love, then I have to discover something in that place that I have never previously experienced. For example, January's trip to Tucson (refer to my last post) entailed Sabino Canyon. In February, I hiked Four Peaks...

 This mountain can be seen from all over the valley and is quite significant in elevation, especially in comparison to nearby ranges. The elevation of Four Peaks is 7,657 ft., and there was no stopping until I successfully reached the summit. Okay, so maybe there was a little stopping...

At this point, I'm only about half  way up. You can't stop me for taking a break to enjoy the view. Anyway, it was by far the most challenging hike I have ever been on, and it was also incredibly rewarding.

I guess the only bummer is that it wasn't really dog friendly, unlike Scottsdale Fashion Square, the local mall.

ANYWAY...my March trip was spectacular. I literally went to Portland, Oregon on a whim. What an amazing city. The wilderness outside of the city was even more incredible. Here's another waterfall, which makes me realize I've already seen two this year. That's quite unusual for me. 

On a side note, true to form I went shopping prior to my trip. I scored that rain coat at the Banana Republic Outlet for a mere $40. That's probably a good thing, since traveling isn't cheap and I have at least 9 remaining trips until 31. 

The unfortunate thing about traveling, of course, is that Alfredo isn't always involved. That's okay, though, because on down time, we are still having lots-o-fun. In fact, he's got a birthday coming later this month, and already my co-workers are flooding him with gifts.

Now, this is pretty much the cutest doggy treat bucket I have ever seen. Grandma Linda, aka my incredible boss, hooked Alfredo (and I) up with this adorable gift (and treats, of course)! She has a soft spot for Bostons as she was raised with them. Instant connection!

The very next day Uncle Binny had treats at work. He's by far the most popular dog in the building! ...If only I could bring him to work with me. Alfredo is in for quite the awakening next week. He's got a big 4th birthday coming, and his real grandma is flying in! 

When I'm not traveling or at work, I'm taking Alfie for weekend brunches at dog friendly restaurants. I've got quite a few favorite brunch spots, including Windsor, NCounter, Butters, Morning Squeeze, & The Breakfast Club, all of which, I might add, are dog friendly.

Although I'd say it's not #1 on the list I just mentioned, Morning Squeeze does get brownie points for having a dog menu. That's Alf enjoying his "pup" cakes. 

Well, it's time to let the adventures continue. We're loving life, and reaching new heights!

  

Dion, Puck, Rhino

Alfredo and I have been pretty social lately. I jokingly say that I become popular during the winter months since the weather is so beautiful here and pretty much terrible everywhere else, but this winter there's really no joking about it. I've been blessed to meet up with friends, some of whom I haven't seen in years, over the last few weeks. Carolyn, one of my Chi Omega roommates, took a trip down to Tucson. I of course wouldn't miss her arrival for the world. Tucson ended up being a fantastic weekend. The only downfall was the massive bruise, and I mean massive, from a fall in the Sabino Canyon waterfalls. I'd post a picture of the black looking grapefruit, but who wants to see that? No one. Here's a pic at the waterfalls though. Absolutely heavenly!

Unfortunately dogs aren't allowed in Sabino Canyon, so you won't find any pictures of the fur man here.

Okay, so back to how fantastic things have been. Carolyn's visit was excellent, Fluhr (sorry, still don't refer to her by her married name) came in a week later, mom comes next week, Kopack (another married friend who I still refer to by the maiden name) arrives in March, and Aimee potentially visits in May. Woot!

As always, when I'm busy visiting/travelling with others, Alfredo is taken good care of. The same goes for my dear friend and neighbor Stacie, who is equally as popular during the winter time. A few weeks back on my down time, I babysat her dog, aka Alfredo's girlfriend, Dion, for a few days. She's not a Boston, but she's still incredibly sweet.

I just love this picture. It was great having two watchdogs around.

I can't say they ever officially snuggled together (bummer as I was hoping they would), but they were both very snuggly with me and I could tell they enjoyed each other's company. Alfredo loved eating some of Dion's alligator jerky (which I have now bought for our home), while Dion enjoyed chewing on all of Alfredo's bones.

It was a win win situation!

Now, Alfredo sees Dion regularly which is no big deal, but something Alfredo doesn't really have experience with is hanging out with reptiles. Here is a snapshot of his first reptilian experience.

I've never seen him so interested in something. Well, until he met a hamster several minutes after this picture was taken. I'll explain that in a bit. I have a video of him meeting Puck, the tortoise, since the picture barely does justice, but unfortunately the blogger is giving me problems in terms of uploading a video at the moment. Maybe another day. For now, here's Rhino, the cute little hamster he also met that day.

I can't take the credit for taking this adorable picture, but she/he (I'm not sure the gender has been determined...we think it's a girl), is rather cute, right?! Alfredo wanted to play with she/he badly. Rhino wasn't having it. Did you know that hamsters scream when they are really upset? I imagine that Alfredo probably looked like a dinosaur to Rhino. You learn something new every day! 

Anyway, even though Alfredo is numero uno, I'm trying  to develop relationships with these other creatures. Rhino's (and now also Boot's) cage has gotten the Panizzo pizzaz, and I'm influencing the tortoise to like me with treats.

Another interesting fact: tortoises, like dogs, beg when they realize you've got good treats.

Anyway, those are Alfredo's most recent introductions, other than to the new couch, which he seems to need since life has been so eventful and entertaining lately.

 

I think it meets his approval. Until next time...