Airport Day!!!!!

Today, my world traveler returns to the nest. Interestingly, yesterday she called me twice. She sounded just like she did the night before she left for Italy. Maybe she is a little leery of the flight. Above anything else, she sounds tired. Every time she would call me I would always ask if she received a ring. I know she is only friends with her Air Force buddy but Italy can be very romantic, so I've heard. So far, the answer is no. She really is very young only going to turn 20 this year. I would prefer she finish school, get a job, and explore all her options. Thank God times have changed, especially for women.

Wish me luck everyone. Pray that the luggage actually arrives at the same time as my daughter. We will finally celebrate Christmas soon as we held off the opening of gifts until she returned. Truly, this was a beautiful holiday as not opening gifts let me focus more on family. That's one side of it...the other being that without the gifts and seeing the joy on their faces, it was a little boring. Oh well, Norman Rockwell and his fantasy paintings are beautiful but really not true. Here's to truth!

Hello World,

Christmas is over....that's the most wonderful time of the year. I just returned from a quick trip to Target and now its time for the real sales. If I had a half of brain I would begin my holiday shopping now. At the very least, I should pick up all the wrapping paper and trimmings. I didn't so that though because I know me better than that. I STILL won't wrap anything until the eleventh hour so what's the sense in being prepared that early. God help me, I LOVE "Black Friday," the after Christmas sales, all the hot times in the stores. I guess that's what makes me, me.

Happy Kwanzaa everybody as this is the first day. I love what the lighting of the kinera stands for, the seven qualities are important no matter what your beliefs. Everyone enjoy!

I'm off to heat up leftovers.

Holiday thoughts......

Yesterday I spent the day preparing a holiday feast for my family, wrapping gifts, and shopping. Yes, still shopping! Anyway, while I was in my kitchen I had my TV blaring with Christmas movies. Lifetime TV was great for this as it was airing one Christmas movie after the other. Also, last night I took a phone call from a dear friend who recently lost her Dad. Throughtout time, I've lost both my parents, my father-in-law, and a very dear aunt. My Dad passed around Thanksgiving one year, we buried my aunt on a day before Christmas Eve, and my father-in-law passed just before the holidays three years ago. My Mom passed at the start of a Winter break from school. Well, as could be expected, all of the above mentioned events got me feeling a little down. Its Christmas, I'm tired, run down, my daughter is away, I see a lot of sadness at work--it all adds up. I kept hearing this one phrase in my head which must have come from a movie. It was keep a holiday heart. Me being me, it inspired me to write the following:

A holiday heart should be carefree and light,
It should glow like the candles so cheery and bright.
That joy that you see in each child's eye,
As he waits up to see if on Santa he can spy,
Should live in us forever no matter what day,
And color our outlooks like shining sunrays.
Yes things change, friends go, people leave.
There are those that we love, and for others we grieve.
But ask yourself if you are truly alone,
If in your heart their memories are sewn.
I think of our hearts like patchwork quilts,
Each person adds a piece upon which it is built.
So keep that holiday heart all year,
It will bring you much happiness and keep loved ones near.
My wish for you now and the whole year throughout,
Is to keep your holiday heart open, for that's what Christmas is about.

Yeah, school is out!

Join me and people who work in a school everywhere in rejoicing over the holiday break. I honestly don't think I could have taken another minute of working. Ok, I understand that to someone who works year round, long hours, etc. I sound like a spoiled brat, but working with kindergartners is really not easy. Of course, now its crunch time as far as Christmas is concerned. I guess I'll get everything done that that little loud voice in my head says I have to do. After that, I'm going back to enjoying my beloved Bruiser 24/7. Then my princess will be back from Italy with pictures and stories to fill my head. I'm thankful for the holiday preparation though as it keeps my mind off not having my daughter here for the holiday.
Oh in my next life, I want to come back as my own daughter if that's possible. My own mother is probably flipping in her grave that I let my darling travel abroad, over the holidays none the less.
Oh well, life is good or at least better than the alternative!

Courage

So today I took that ride to the airport I have been anticipating and put my daughter on a plane to Italy. I made myself proud as I really didn't break until she hugged me goodbye. Then came the floodgates crashing open. Miraculously, I gained control much more quickly than I thought I could. I even summoned the courage to call her while I was on the way home and she was in flight for the first leg of her trip to tell her I was fine. I cracked jokes on the way home, kept a stiff upper lip....then I opened the door to my house. Everything was fine. I was lovingly greeted by Bruiser and Sandy but it wasn't the same. The ache came back to my heart but I forged through the day, taking care of business, cooking dinner, and so forth. Still every now and then a tear would fall. I'll be fine, I know that now. I promise this is the last down-spirited blog. Tomorrow, I'm back to blogging about my boy, and Christmas.
Who knows, I actually may even finish my shopping before the big day or feel as though I baked enough of cookies. Then again this is me I'm talking about. In the words I once spoke in front of someone who loved this following saying:
"It is what it is."

The gift

It's 3:05 in the morning...the morning of the day my daughter will leave to spend the holidays in Italy with a dear friend who is serving in the Air Force. I've spent the last few days focusing on my own emotions but I think the emotions have gotten to her as well. She is in the shower as I write this, wanting to know my every move. Tonight we decorated cookies together, had coffee together, packed, and basically have been joined at the hip. A while back I posted about everyone in my family asking me what I wanted for Christmas and I never having an answer. Tonight I got both my question answered and my gift. As any Mom will tell you, a "job" perk is feeling needed. Its the same feeling you get when you take that newborn home from the hospital. The knowing that everything in that baby's life revolves around you. Then they grow up, as they should, and school, friends, life...it all takes them down their own path. You feel happy, sad, proud, anxious, excited, you feel everything with them, for them, sometimes because of them. Many times you feel useless as they get older. You stop feeling needed. I'm caught in that in between age where the kids are too big to really need me that much but not yet at a point in their lives where they have children of their own and need me all over again. Tonight my daughter and I see how much we need one another. Tonight we see that there is a bond that transcends miles, time, destiny. It's my Christmas gift to come to this realization. I wish this for all Moms everywhere.
Goodnight.

A little meloncholy.....

Ok. I pulled an all nighter. I stayed up until 4:30 in the morning baking last night. Guess what? I'm still not done. I guess I won't be done until that little voice in my own head tells me to stop. I wish I could squash that little voice sometimes. I wouldn't have been able to really sleep anyway. My daughter, my heart, my friend, my confidant, is leaving to spend the holidays in Italy. I could have said no, but I chose to give the greater gift and let she and the the person she is travelling to see enjoy one another and Italy. The whole thing is so romantic! But I will miss her.

Well in honor of my feeling down and because by now, everyone that receives a holiday card from me probably has, I'm posting the Bruiser/Sandy Holiday picture. I'm sure you will be able to tell how overjoyed Sandy was at being included in the pic!

Oh what snow!

That was some storm yesterday. I couldn't believe that my district actually cancelled school. What a shock! I attempted to start my baking, and did do a little, but I just wasn't motivated. I spent the day trying to talk Bruiser into going outside to use the facilities. He is honestly such a baby. Thank heavens I have an older cocker spaniel that finally coaxed him into going outside and literally had to show him that he would not melt. Still, all in all, it was a very sweet day. It is really something to see how Sandy and Bruiser get along. I give Sandy a lot of credit. She is an older dog and it can be quite upsetting to suddenly have a puppy in your life, but she took the whole thing in her stride.
On another note, I finally finished my Christmas cards (I think). In a little while I'll post the holiday picture that was included in each card.
Happy snow day!

Bruiser on Zelda's web page

Some of you may remember that I am a collector of all things bulldog. One of my greatest sources of bulldog "stuff" is Zelda Wisdom figurines. I've mentioned the web site before and I spend a lot of time checking out all the site has to offer. Well, if any of you are interested, Bruiser's picture is listed on page 118 under the heading Zelda's friends. The link is http://zeldawisdom.com/friends/friends118.shtml.
Friends and family will soon receive their Christmas cards. Look for a special Bruiser treat inside the card. More on that another time.
Well, off to write more cards.

Suessical the Musical

Today my class was treated to a performance of Suessical the Musical at an old theater here in Westchester County. The performance was simply wonderful. What a perfectly age appropiate show for a group of kindergarten children. The colors were beautiful, the story was simple enough for them to understand, and the songs were lively and inspiring. Should any family memebers read this blog and want to know the exact location I would be happy to give it. Note to PreppyMama--this is perfect for little man and his cousin H. It being an old theater the seats were still roomy enough. The sound system was great. I can't say enough good things about the experience. All in all, the whole day was wonderful.
Its late, I should be sleeping.
Night all.

Visit with Santa!!!!

Oh joy of joy, today I took Bruiser to see Santa, sit on his lap, and have his picture taken! After all, this is his very first Christmas. We had a memorable and wonderful afternoon. It was one of those afternoons where you just get a natural high and it fills your heart with joy. He was just like a little kid, a bit afraid at first but once he sat on his lap, all his fears were gone. There were a lot of other dogs there including another bulldog but he was the star. Everyone, including the owner of the other bulldog fell in love with him. I answered more questions about the love of a bulldog than you can imagine. Of course, we stayed for a good while and Bruiser got to pick out a brand new toy. I know I'm crazy but I love him completely. The employees followed us all around the store and kept asking if they could take his picture again. I have GOT to breed this dog.
For anyone that does not already know, Bruiser was imported fro Russia. He is perfect by everyone's standards. His vet believes he should be bred. People have asked me if he fathers puppies, how much I would sell them for. The breeder I got Bruiser from is going through some hard times right now. My prayers are constantly with her and her family. I ask that anyone reading this, keep a good thought for Natalie. When she is back on her feet I pray she gets more puppies. I'm in line for a female.
I'll post Santa and Bruiser very soon. You will see then what a "ham" he is.
Happy Howlidays!

Nothing new but an earache

Today I have nothing new to discuss. I'm cold and I have an earache. I guess its an occupational hazard. So, in honor of how I feel, I'm doing nothing but posting a picture of Bruiser. Here it is.....please, hold your applause!

That awful question

Today I got that awful question that I get every time this time of the year. You all know what it is--what do I want for Christmas? I know I must be crazy but I cannot seem to ever answer this stupid question. Oh ask me in the middle of July and I can tell you exactly what I want. I just can't answer the question in November or especially December. I also can't answer the question in June when its my birthday but Christmas is especially bad. Of course, what I really want is a female bulldog. I want to breed Bruiser more than anything. I know this is a dream for now but that's what Christmas is all about, isn't it? Still I know I have to come up with something. I spend the holiday time trying to get that perfect gift for everyone on my list. I'm left with no energy to even think about what I want. So this is the assignment for absolutely anyone that may stumble upon this blog. What do you want for Christmas? Maybe I can get some suggestions.

Bulldogs, bulldogs, everywhere!

I've been searching the web with quite some fervor lately for gifts and suggestions. I can't help myself but I have to put in the search word bulldog at least once a day. I can't believe all the bulldog things there are out there. Just wish I had a house big enough to own them all. I know I'm obsessed.. I think its a cross of what a grandma must feel for a new baby, after so long, and what a serious collector must act like. I guess I just described myself as a crazy bulldog loving lady.
Today in Walgreen I spotted this adorabull little stuffed bulldog that sings and howls when you press his paw. Its only a matter of time before I make him mine. Its not an expensive item but I couldn't rationalize it. Give me 24 hours, I know I'll go down and get him.
Anyone who reads this today, please join me in wishing PreppyMama a very happy birthday. To know her is to love her.
That's all for today.

I swear to you, my bulldog can talk!

Ok, I know it sounds like I'm crazy but I swear Bruiser can talk! He has taken to coming up to me, wherever I am in the house, will bump my leg and then vocalize in such a way that I know he wants to go out. Other times, he'll bump me or paw me, do a little singing, I know he wants his nose, big black lower lip, or his head kissed. Granted, he has me very well-trained but there is no denying he is expressive. Just now he told me he wanted a snack. So this is my question to anyone that has a pet. Is your pet expressive and persuasive in getting what he wants? Does he vocalize rather than bark? Obviously, all you fish and reptile people (I love turtles) can't participate by all you others can. Let's just see what we come up with.

A bulldog Christmas!

I stayed home for work today because I was feeling a little queasy but I think I wanted to stay home because I needed a mental health today. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed being home! I finished my decorating, did a little online shopping, and cooked three trays of penne ala vodka for my daughter's college to raise money for cheerleading.
Anyway, if you have a bulldog lover on your list or just love the breed yourself you may be interested in Zelda Wisdom Bulldog figurines. They are little statues of bulldogs dressed in various outfits with a clever or cute saying on the bottom. I've started collecting them although they are hard to find in stores. Here is a link if anyone would like to see them.
http://www.zeldawisdom.com/store/figurines.shtml
I also enjoy the Danbury Mint and want the see no evil bulldogs.....hint, hint in case anyone should ask.
Well, happy shopping!

Bruiser, his first snow storm, and a hope to help out

Yesterday we woke up to the fist snow of the season. Bruiser, who is really a little boy at heart, woould have nothing of this snow thing. When I took him to the back door to let him out to do his business, he took one look at the falling snow and would have nothing of this. It took my son pulling him with the leash and me pushing him from behind to finally get him outside. Once he was out there, he placed him self under the deck to do his business, then ran up the deck stairs as fast as those stubby little legs could carry him. It was like and Olympic event! He is such a clown.
On a different note, someone I love very much has sent me a link that I would like to pass on. This will only take you a second and best of all it will cost you nothing but do a great deal for animals in need. During this season of the "I wants and gimme, gimme" won't you please help out those that have no voice? Thank you in advance for your help. Here is the link: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com.

Ok, I've been tagged!

So I have been tagged by preppymama the one who got me into blogging. http://preppymama.blogspot.com I've just linked to her site. I'll post the 7 weird or random facts about me too. But, although a lot of people have read my blog they don't have blogs to link to. Sad but true. Here are my facts:

1. I absolutely hate lima beans. They remind me of swollen ticks on a dog. Yuk!!!

2. I have been known to eat chocolate frosting right out of the can. What? You never been hungry?

3. When I first got married, I did NOT know how to boil water. Seriously.

4. I was once the tallest girl in my class.

5. I had my first serious "french kiss" at 13 in the girls locker room, at a dance, by my date's best friend. I wonder what ever happened to him. Hmmm....

6. I once owned a cat for half a day until my mother made me give it back.

7. I smoked one cigarette in my whole life. Right in the living room, in front of my mother. I hated it and never touched another.

I LOVE my job!!!!!! NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, today I would like to pose a question. Why is it that when kids are going to be sick, and they know they are going to be sick, they manage to projectile vomit over every corner of the room? Why, as adults, do we quietly get up, lock ourselves in the bathroom, and vomit into a bowl? Today was like a scene from the Exorcist! I know more will be on the way from the rest of the class. Can't wait for work tomorrow! This was after I spent a chilling 30 minutes outside watching older kids trying to go off in little corners to play stop it, I like it. Sometimes I think it will be a miracle if a fifth grader isn't pregnant before they make it to middle school. What has happened in this world. Today, the kids each have cups on their desks where they earn "tokens" for good behavior, listening to the teacher, etc. How about you listen because those are the rules? Not to offend anyone but I think psychology has crossed the line. Parents are afraid of their own children. Can you dial 911 quicker than your child? My answer always was, "You better dial 911 because you're gonna need a cop if you pull a stunt like that again." Pardon my vernacular but WTF!!!??? I spoon feed little ones knowledge I hope they will use one day and I have to wonder why I do it sometimes. Their parents don't care to teach them.
Oh well, that's today's vent.

Tired, Tired, Tired

Today, for some reason, I'm more tired than even I thought is possible. I try to do as much housework as possible before I even leave for work in the morning and I try to do a little more when I come home for lunch. Of course, once I'm home, I finish the laundry, start dinner, pick up the house. The dogs are a top priority and Bruiser prefers that I be the one to take him out and play with him. I guess, although it is still November, I'm caught up in the Christmas rush. I decided today that the outside needed more lights. I can't stop. Anyway, I'm tired tonight so this is it. Happy sleeping all.
Special note to preppymama and CJ: I'm sorry for you, I was blessed all 3 times and my kids slept through the night unless they were ill. My one suggestion (old-fashioned as it is) don't let him know its an issue. Laugh everything off. In the daytime, keep him outside as much as possible. This crisp air may just tire him out to the bone. Just a suggestion. Remember little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems.

Holiday Spirit and Suggestions

The holidays will be here before we all know it. Of course, this means that everyone will be thinking about shopping. I don't know if any of you are aware but there is a rescue organization for bulldogs known as heaven sent. This organization rescues bulldogs from NY, NJ, and the PA area. Some of these beauties are special need, some have been neglected or abused. but all are lovable. I had the offer to help out a special needs bulldog with spina bifida, but as I am working full-time, I didn't hink I could handle her problem. I will regret not having taken her for my whole life. Some bulldogs may be special needs but each bulldog will make you feel special. At any rate, Heaven Sent belongs to this fine organization known as IGive, which together with participating stores, doantes to Heaven Sent when you shop through their site. It costs nothing to join but your shopping experience can mean a big difference to any of these bulldogs. Please follow this link if you would like to help out.
http://www.igive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=35438&m=472221
I and all the bulldogs in need appreciate your help! Thank you

Decorating

Hello everyone,

I spent the last two days decorating my home for the holidays and I'm still not finished. Truly, I see all the holiday lights as the real Nightmare Before Christmas. Bruiser is quite confused over my massive collection of snowmen, especially by my life-sized singing one! He has tripped over himself more times this weekend than you can imagine. He is such a little toddler. I swear I say him peaking into one of the boxes and when I caught him, he backed away like a guilty little boy. He has my heart completely. I'm posting a picture of the new Hallmark ornament for anyone who is a devoted bulldog lover. I can't wait to hang this on my tree.

The day after

Thanksgiving is over the cooking is done,
Now its time for shopping, the real fun.
Stores are all crammed with people and sales,
Its definitely a day to shop without males.
Oh what shall I do, decorate or shop?
Now starts the madness that'll never stop.
Still I sit here upon my ample keister,
Wishing I could fast-forward to Easter.
I guess I'll sit for a while longer,
Psych myself up to feel stronger.
Pull out the 26 boxes of crap,
Yes, I've fallen into the Christmas trap.
That's it for today, nothing left to say,
I wish you all a happy shopping day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm a little too busy to post much of anything today and with the holiday tomorow, I don't know if I'll post at all. So in honor of Thanksgiving Bruiser and I would like to say Happy Turkey day! Enjoy.

bathtime fun and oh so tired

Hi everyone or no one,
Today I was supposed to take my cocker spaniel to be groomed but the place called and cancelled because of no hot water. I'm debating if I should just bathe her myself. There will be fun in the bathtub tomorrow night with Bruiser. He is such a big baby, splashing and letting me scrub him. Just one more reason to always have a bulldog.
Its the perfect season for bulldog walking. The cold weather, but not too cold, is here and thats perfect bulldog walking time. They get so easily overheated that summer days are poor walking conditions. Bruiser has a few outfits for the really cold days. There is nothing like a bulldog in a turtleneck sweater. Any bulldog owner knows just what I'm talking about.
Ok thats all for today. I'm a little run down from work and all the Thanksgiving prep.
Take care cyberspace!

Emergency Evacuation and Childhood Innocence

As everyone knows I'm a kindergarten aide. Today at work, we had an emergency evacuation drill. On the surface this sounds like a great idea. Everyone should be prepared. But in case you don't know, we had a little snow this morning. It was also pretty cold at nine in the morning. Have you ever tried to walk a group of 25 kindergarten kids up a street, across a field and into a stadium, all the time keeping them quiet? All of this while the snowflakes are falling? I was going to write this blog today as a heads up to parents, caretakers, anyone that is in charge of a child to always send them to school prepared with the proper coat, hat, mittens, scarf but then I began to think about the whole emergency evacuation thing. It grabbed at my heart to think that here are a group of children that were more worried about catching snowflakes on their tongues than in quietly walking in formation. What happened to the world where little children have to prepare to evacuate a building instead of jumping in a pile of leaves? Don't think for one minute we could just tell them we were taking a walk. Kindergarteners are born investigative reporters. I swear they invented who, what, when, where, why, and how. Its an endless progression of questions. This whole thought of walking to a stadium to be a sitting duck just turns my stomach.
Ah well, thats why I prefer to turn to my bulldog. He is smart enough not to let anything bother him. He won't lose one wink of sleep. Bruiser will always believe what I tell him, he will always light up when I come home from work. I wish all of you could meet him or get to know any bulldog. They are natural born clowns and just what this world can use.

Where is Thanksgiving?

Well here it is the Sunday before Thanksgiving and all I can think about is Christmas shopping. Oh I'm busy enough cooking for the big day but TV and newspaper ads have got me thinking that I'm already too late for Christmas. Yesterday I had to be talked out of starting to decorate the house with my massive snow man collection. Come on, can you blame me? Christmas carols have been blaring in the stores since before Halloween (my favorite holiday) and now they've started to pop up on the car radio. Stores are decorated for the season, even street poles. This leads me to ask the question, "Where the hell is Thanksgiving?" I remember the biggest thing about Christmas was waiting for Santa to arrive at the end of the Thanksgiving parade. Now, Thanksgiving is just a passage until the fury of the real holiday. I can't stand it! I'd love to know what anyone else is thinking about this. I can't believe I'm alone on this.
Well back to the giant pot of soup I have already started for the forgotten holiday or as I like to call it, Thank heavens its not Christmas.

Oh For the Love of a Bulldog!

Hi All,
Ok, I've taken the plunge. Anyone that knows me, knows I love to write and that I love my bulldog. I've waited over 30 years to own one since I had one when I was a little girl and he is the love of my life. Don't get me wrong, I have children and they are great, but nothing beats my Bruiser. So in honor of him I have named this very first posting. I'm up for any and all suggestions and of course, talk about bulldogs and life.
Happy blogging,
Bulldogmama