Dear People that threw Charlie away 8 years ago,

Thank you. Thank you for giving him up, whatever your reasons were. I forgive you for messing up his teeth, we didn't mind getting them cleaned every year. I wonder what you did that made him never want to play, but I will forgive you that too. Had you not tossed him out, he would have never found his way to us. I think you tossed away the best dog you never got the chance to know - I feel a little sorry for you. Let me tell you what you missed.

You missed not just a good dog, but a great dog. You missed the little hero, who, when I fell down some stairs stood by my side and barked until my brother-in-law came to see what the problem was. You missed the silly little "circus dog" who made a game out of running around my little apartment and jumping onto the couch and over the back of it. You missed my friend who danced on his back legs around the Christmas tree, looking for that one candy cane that I might have hung just low enough for him to grab.

You missed the little alarm clock, who didn't care how much I had to drink the night before, if it was a weekend, he was barking at me either from the doorway or from inches from my face right around 8 am, without fail.

You missed the winter cuddler, who would patiently wait for me to sit with my legs tucked just so, so he could jump up and curl right into the nook he thought I made just for him. You also missed the comedian who made my sister and I cry with laughter when we tried to get him to wear "snow booties". You missed the life of every party. We had to almost physically check many of our guests to make sure they weren't walking away with a beagle parting gift.

You missed the magic dog who seemed to grow in height and weight whenever he deigned to sleep up on the bed with me. I swear, he became as big as a St. Bernard sometimes.....

You missed the furriest best kleenex, if anyone was crying, Charlie would go to that person and sit right up next to them 'here', he seemed to say 'use my scruff for a cuddle and a sniffle, that's what I'm here for.' You missed the dog who couldn't hate the dog beach more. He wrapped his entire body around my legs when we got him about 6 inches into the lake - I didn't know a dog could bend like that.

Thank you, so much, for my best friend, my constant companion.

(Ok, now. I got that off my chest. I'm going to take the rest of the week off. I'll be back next week, and I hope to be back to my old bitchy self. Thank you all so much for your kindnesses. Sil1x, thank you for the chocolate and ice cream - Americone! - and for letting me cry on your living room furniture. You and the little one cheered me up more than you can know. Shannon and TheMarty, thank you in advance for the dinner/drinks coming up. I hope to be ready to go out Thursday night, and I'm glad it's with you. All of my friends, old and new, internets and otherwise, thank you all so much for your support - Your reaching out via phone/email/text has made me feel better. I know Charlie loved you all too.)

Bad news

Charlie was put to sleep this morning. I can't say anything further right now. I just got the news myself, and I am debating staying at work or going home. See, I really don't want to go home, but I can't see myself sitting here and sobbing the rest of the day. I'm going to be taking a little blogging break. Thank you all - SO much - for the kind words. It means more than I can say right now.

An update

There are so many topics I want to write about, however, there's something big going on in my life right now, so I don't have the time nor the motivation to blog. Because I count you all among my friends, I'm sharing it with you here. I've just spent half of my Sunday morning crying in my parents' kitchen. I'm afraid that my aweome precious beagle, Charlie, is dying. He's had a back problem for about 5 years that has been getting worse this year. About a month ago, we had to take him to the emergency vet. They thought again it was his back. Things have been going down the tubes since then. This weekend seems to be the worst. He has not gotten up, eaten or really drank any water all weekend. I've made him rice with chicken broth, he wants nothing to do with it. I have to bring water to him in his bed and hope that he drinks a few ounces. He's only been outside once this weekend. I went to my parents' house to talk to them. I walked in the house and immediately started crying. I want the vet to fix him, make him better. I don't want him to suffer anymore, I really do think at this point that he is suffering. My parents told me that our vet (he's been my families vet for 30 years) never makes the final decision for you. I guess we will have to say "I think it's time" and he will either disagree or say "ok". I don't think I can do this. I have to go to work, so it's going to have to be VonSis that takes him to the vet either tomorrow or Tuesday. My dad is going to go with her, for moral support. My parents came over a little bit ago. I know they said that they wanted to see how Charlie was doing, but it sure felt like they were saying goodbye. I know that I won't be doing much of anything besides working and taking care of Charlie over the next little while. So, my friends, bear with me. If you think I'm a sap for being so attached to my dog, so be it. But, if you understand where I'm coming from then thanks. Hopefully I'll be back later this week, with some good news.

I do what I am told....

Thanks Saying Yes!!! My uncle once: said "which way? North or South?" but with his heavy German accent it came out "Norse? Or Souuuuse?" I nearly peed myself laughing Never in my life: Have I driven on a highway When I was five: My life started over, for the better High school was: Fanfreakintastic. I loved almost every minute of it. I will never forget: Song lyrics. Like, ever Once I met: Sister Hazel. Ok, more than once, but still There's this girl I know: Who can't admit that she is wrong, so instead attacked me, and on my birthday. Kinda an evil thing to do. Once at a bar: I danced on the bar, and got free shots. By noon, I'm usually: Hungry? Last night: I had too much to do, as always. If I only had: More money, and more time. Sigh. Next time I go to church: Who's getting married? What worries me most: Not going to go there. What I miss most about the 1980's: Medusa's. and the hair. And the economy. If I were a Shakespeare character, I'd be: sad A better name for me would be: No, I think Von fits me perfectly I have a hard time understanding: Math. math is hard. If I ever go back to school: I will finally be doing what I should have been doing my entire adult life You know I like you if: I try to make you laugh. Take my advice, never: Stop at every shot table at Exit. There's too many of them, and you will get sick. I swearz. My ideal breakfast is: carbs. Any breakfast really. I love breakfast. Especially Cracker Barrel. Especially the one in Rochester NY. Why won't people: Find me a boyfriend? The world could do without: JOHN MCCAIN My favorite blonds are: Myself! ( I am a great blond!!) and Laura, and that chick I see on the escalator every morning with the awesome hair, and I'm so jealous. If I do anything well, it's: Sing (my shower and my car think I'm awesome) And by the way: It's time to start working. ***Yes, I know I owe a BostonAwesomeTrip recap. It's coming. I promise.*****

T minus

In about 10 hours we will be on our way to the East Coast. Driving. Ok, I'm not driving, but I will be participating in the "keep the driver awake" game. Are we crazy? Yes. We are also broke, so hence the driving. I don't think I'll be able to post anything until after our return, vacations to me mean no computers. I hope to have interesting tidbits to share with you upon our return. I will say that we might go to McGann's, which is a bar that I've been kicked out of not once, but twice. The first time was for *ahem* being too intoxicated. The second was a case involving me getting caught in the men's room looking for a certain picture on the wall that I had planned on taking with me. So, off to Boston. See you on the flip side.

A meme thingy.....

I ripped this off of Saying Yes. Hey, Thanks!!! What is your favorite thing to wear? my red plaid shoes Last meal you had at a restaurant: A Mastadon burger at Kuma's Korner...mmmm... Name one thing that scares you: Driving on highways/expressways (duh) Who was the last person in your bed? Me What were you doing at 7:00am? Waiting for the metra Last person you hugged? I think Sil1x at the party on Saturday When was your last encounter with the police? I cannot recall. That, or my lawyers have advised me not to... Have you ever driven without a license? I really don't think so. I'm crazy like that. What time of the day is it? Lunch time! Who/What made you angry today? Don't want to talk about it. PMSing, so pretty much everyone I know? Do you want anyone? Sure! Do you like birds? Not really. Strange question Do you download music? Never Do you care if your socks are dirty? Yes, gross! Again, strange question Opinion of Chinese symbol tattoos? Lame. I hope they all mean something totally different than what the person thinks. What are you doing tonight? Running errands I think Do you like to cuddle? Not really Do you love anyone? Yes! Whose bed did you sleep in last night? Mine Have you ever bungee jumped? Hell to the No Have you ever gone whitewater rafting? No, but I would love to! Has anyone ten years older than you ever hit on you? Sigh. Yes. Part of the reason I quit the dating website I was on. How many pets do you have? 1! Best dog ever! Charlie! Have you met a real redneck? I'm related to some! How is the weather right now? Fallish, yet sunny What are you listening to right now? Sister Hazel What was the last movie you watched? Sweeney Todd. Meh Do you wear contacts? Nope Where was the last place you went besides your house? Work What are you wearing? Work clothes, black and grey What's one thing you've learned this year? That I have an extra bone in each of my feet. It's called an "accesory bone". What do you usually order from Starbucks? Grande decaf non-fat cinnamon dolce w/ whip Ever had someone sing to you? Yes. And it's fantastic. Have you ever fired a gun: No no no. I would never do that. Are you missing someone? Always Favorite TV show? Grey's/Lost/Fringe is pretty good. What do you have an obsession with? Lots and lots of stuff Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb? Twice Who? Meg Ryan (dude was DRUNK) and Sally Struthers, in the "feed the children" chubby phase Who would you like to see right now? I think the people I'm seeing this weekend! Ever had a near death experience? Maybe Are you afraid of falling in love? A little Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't supposed to? Oh, yeah. Has anyone you were really close to passed away recently? No What's something that really bugs you? I am SO not going there today. I might get into too much trouble Taco Bell or Burger King? Yo quiero Taco Bell Next time you will kiss someone? Soon I hope! Favorite baseball team? You need to ask? C U B S Ever call a 1-900 phone number? Sure, connections when I was like 11. 1-900-2020202! Nipple or Nose rings? Neither What's the longest time you've gone without sleep? 30 something hours Last time you went bowling? Too long ago! WOuld love to go bowling! Where is the weirdest place you have slept? At Double Door, during a metal show. I was that tired. Who did you last speak with on the phone? My boss What does your last received text message say? Something about some radio station going off the air. What's the closest orange object to you? A stuffed jack-o-lantern that is representin' Halloween decor on my desk. (auf Deutsch: Pumpkin = Kurbis) Whew! Finished! That was fun!

Ain't no party like a Von thrown party...

99.9% of the reason that I have been cranky and stressed out lately was because I was leading a team of experts in throwing VonSis and VonBroinlaw a surprise 10th anniversary party. It was yesterday. Given the fact that VonSis has been known to read this here blog, I could not vent here at all.

I'm just glad it went off so well. A big huge THANK YOU to Sil1x, Heidi, and (believe it or not) VonMom. Ok, there were moments (many many of them) when I wanted to kill VonMom, and God knows we haven't spent that much time together Ever, but she was a big help too. Also helpful were all of the DANK people. Yeah, that's right VonSis, she who thinks she knows everything going on everywhere, we planned, prepped, and produced a party for you and 40 of your nearest and dearest not just under your nose, but Where You Work. HAHA!

Here are some photos:

You see, even when I bitch, and complain, and whine about doing it, I like to throw a nice party. I think I did. There was a moment, when Heidi and Sil1x were helping me set up, and I looked around at all of the lovely results of our hard work and said "I am pleased".

VonDad, you owe me a dollar. VonSis totally started crying when she figured out the surprise party was really for her. Pay up.