MangObama

I took the Pastelitos to The King Mango Strut today. There were tons of people, lots of loud noises and many new smells. They got lots of attention since everyone who sees them has to stop and tell me how adorable they are. They behaved like champs, even going to sleep amidst all of the noise.

Pardon me, but you're standing on my tail

Last night, I went to a game night with friends. I took The Pastelitos along (with permission first, of course) because I've read that exposing puppies to as many different people and situations as possible before they are 16 weeks old makes them very well socialized. They are 15 weeks old today.

There was also a 10 month old baby there. I was a little worried that they would want to play too roughly, but they behaved wonderfully. At one point, they were both asleep in the middle of the floor and the baby was crawling all around them. All of a sudden, Queso lifted up his head and looked at the baby with a bit of concern. I looked down and saw that the baby was STANDING on Queso's tail. He didn't yelp, he didn't nip, he didn't even whine. When the baby got off of his tail, he went right back to sleep.

I've got the best Pastelitos in the world!

America Alone

I've done quite a bit of reading over the last months. Library cards are AWESOME! I just realized that I didn't post information about America Alone by Mark Steyn. I have quoted the premise of this book to so many people in the last few months that I need to put it here. I highly recommend it!

On my own time

One of the opening illustrations that Stephen Covey uses in his GREAT book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is that we would all be happier if time would just stand still for awhile so we can manage all of our tasks on our own time schedule. Imagine picking up task and being able to respond to it from start to finish without the pressing needs of everything else in your world.

That's what winter break is for - my days now consist of picking up one thing at a time (e-mail, chore, project, whatever) and spending as much time as needed on it until I can cross it off of my list FOREVER!

For the larger tasks, I set the timer for on hour. When the bell rings, I pack it up and table it for another time. When I think of something else to do, I add it to the list. (Lists are a great friend; electronic lists on my PDA are the greatest friend in the world!)

My goal is to get all of those "New Years Resolutions" about finishing projects done before New Years. Wish me luck!

Christmas Recovery

I'm feeling the benefits of staying home for Christmas: I'm not in "recovery" mode! I did get to see friends and family in Chicago the weekend before, but was home in time for Christmas Eve service at church. Christmas Day brought lots of quiet time, reading and reflection, doggy playtime and phone call greetings. It was a lot less stressful and I can feel how much more relaxed I am in the days following. I'm actually looking forward to another week of vacation time and have lots of projects/goals to catch up on with all of my free time!

The Next Mozart

I've decided to clean out my e-mail files and found a cool video from a long time ago. Unfortunately, I can't upload it, but here's a weblink showing you this little musical genius! Enjoy!

This time was different

An entry in the journal of the 7th grade Dean:

Dean: Jonathan, Mrs. Gonzalez said that you were throwing a paper airplane in class on Monday and that she asked you to stop.

Jonathan: Yes, I know.

Dean: And she wrote you up on Tuesday for throwing a paper airplane in class again

Jonathan: Yes, I know but I threw it for a different reason this time.

A Very Pez Nativity

Heard at the dog park

"WOW! Look at the size of those paws!"
"They are going to be HUGE!"
"You have TWO of them?!"
"You're going to have your hands full!"
"They are SOOOOO cute!"

Your Brain on Music

I just finished "reading" This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin. I use the word reading loosely because it is a very scientific book with lots of big words and not very many illustrative stories. My attention span couldn't take it - oh, look! A chicken!

There were TWO good quotable spots in the book, however.

1. on page 132, he discusses memory retrieval and perceptual completion, or how we often "fill in the blanks" of memories with gaps. He uses the retelling of a dream and how the transitions between parts of the dream are not always clear and that we can't help but fill them in. That isn't the cool part; the example of the dream he gives is: "I was standing on the top of of a ladder outside listening to a Sibelius concert, and the sky was raining Pez candy..."

(Do I need to go on?)

2. on page 230, he discusses Raffi, Barney, and tic-tac-toe. "When music is too predictable, the outcome too certain...we find the music unchallenging and simplistic."

To illustrate: "Suppose you're hitchhiking....you may be willing to tolerate a few shortcuts, especially if the driver is friendly, believable and up-front about what he's doing. (If not), your sense of safety is sure to be violated. Some react with sheer panic ("That Stravinsky is going to kill me!") and some react with a sense of adventure...("Coltrane is doing something weird here, but what the hell, it won't hurt me to stick around awhile longer, I can take care of my harmonic self and find my way back to musical reality if I have to.")

Now THAT'S funny!

Things heard around the house today

1. No!
2. Electric cords are not a chew toy!
3. NO!
4. My shoes are not a chew toy!
5. NO!
6. Furniture is not a chew toy!
7. NO!
8. I am not a chew toy!
9. NO!
10. Good dog!

Whatever you ask for.....

If any of you out there really want something, just tell me. I'll pray for God to give it to ME, and then YOU'LL have it in no time. That's kind of the deal He and I have. Put your requests in NOW so you'll get your heart's desire by the holidays!

Who's training whom?

Guava and Queso are 9 weeks today and growing FAST. They got their shots a week ago, and they had both doubled their weight in the 2 1/2 weeks I've had them. I started crating them separately at night last week, and yesterday I separated the crates. Last night was whiny, but tonight, they are doing better. I took them both into the pool briefly today - didn't think THAT one through! It was all good until they got out and decided to roll and play in the dirt. THEN I had to give them both a bath, which involved me getting into the tub to calm them down. They were pretty mad at me afterwards, but by dinner, all was well. After dinner, I took them out to the backyard one at a time and worked on some commands. As long as they are alone and I have food in my hand, they can come, sit and lay down. We're working on "stay" next. Can't wait for you to meet them!

Training

Training 1 puppy = hard work
Training 2 puppies simultaneously = insanity

Training 1 human = piece of cake. Signed, the puppies.

The Butcher AND the Baker

In case you get bored, this might come in handy.

When push comes to shove, it's not how it looks as much as how it tastes. OK, it's a LITTLE bit about how it looks.

Don't let their names fool you!

They may be named after my favorite pastelitos, but they are far from sweet and flaky. Just kidding - they are BEYOND cute, especially when they try to tackle each other. They are 6 weeks old today!

Meet Queso

Meet Guava

Maybe he doesn't like bacon

I saw this headline the other day and simply laughed out loud. Try using this excuse to your pastor as a reason you missed church.

Homeless in Miami

I was in the car with my new housemates (tenants sounds so formal) as we were returning from a Bible study cook-out. We passed a man begging on the street and talked about times we've encountered other homeless beggars and offered them food, not money. Sometimes they are grateful for the food. Sometimes they want the money.

They told me two stories that were sad but still a bit funny:

1. They met a man who claimed he was hungry and hadn't eaten all day. They offered to take him to McDonald's or the local pizza joint and buy him a meal. He told them he would rather have sushi at the high-priced joint down the street.

2. There is a restaurant on that same street that gives away all their leftover food at the end of the night. It will even "make to order." There is a woman who goes there every night and is very specific about what she wants: "I'll have the pasta alfredo with chicken, but hold the garlic."

ONLY in Miami!