Messyism

I have never used or even heard of this term before but an awesome friend of mine coined it today. (not awesome because of coining messyism - he was already awesome...) We were discussing texting/emailing while driving and he chastised me for even considering it. He then met me with one of my "messyisms" - safety first!

That got me thinking about other "messyisms" I use... such as I love it and I couldn't agree more. Or, more importantly, you won't believe what I paid for this ________ (insert dress, shirt, etc.). Or of course I have a need for 5 inch platform peeptoe pumps!

Do you think I could create my own messyism drinking game? Every time I say a messyism, I have to take a shot? Or wait, maybe you should take the shot. Heck, the more the merrier, let's all take shots!

Summer Days

Today is the first day of summer, and what better way to celebrate than by breaking out some fabulous navy and white striped strappy sandals? I must admit that I have not been my usual chipper self lately but it is impossible to be in a bad mood wearing these! Actually, I heard one of the phrases I like the most many times today... "I love your shoes!"

I think we should all celebrate the first day of summer by sporting our sassiest footwear! And by buying another pair for the second day of summer.

The More the Merrier?

When Paul called me last week and asked if we could babysit Finnegan, an almost 10 week old Pug puppy, of course I said yes. I felt that pang of motherhood you feel when you think of holding a new pup and missed those days with Stella. (Sophie came to us at 6 months so was never really tiny). Of course, I didn't stop to think about the fact that Sophie prey's on vulnerable dogs at dog parks and pups need to be walked every 2 seconds.

Regardless, Kathleen and Steve brought us Finnegan on Thursday evening and it was love at first sight. He's such a sweet little guy. He slept on my lap the entire ride home and was perfectly potty trained... for 36 hours. Now to his credit, he only had accidents on the hardwood or tile, thus saving our carpeting so I can't complain.

Sophie spent much of our first evening together in the crate. We didn't think delivering the news that Finnegan had been eaten would go over well so felt best to isolate my "loving" pumpkin. Stella totally embraced having a new playmate. They ran around like crazy!

Friday, I worked from home so used an alternate crating method during the day. Finn out, Sophie and Stella in and vice versa. When Paul got home that night, Sophie started to understand that she can growl but not attack. And growl she did. Every time Finn came near her, the furniture, her toys, me, a magazine... you get the picture.

Fast forward to our last night together, Sunday. Stella was over playtime and clearly wanted her house back. Sophie followed Finnegan everywhere he went. I think she started to think of him as her baby. Finally, they fell asleep on the couch - all 3 cuddled up together.

So what did we learn? With a lot of attention, Sophie can rise above the urge to eat unsuspecting dogs. Stella loves playtime but only up to a certain point. Finnegan is a good boy and all puppy... and he can come back anytime. Of course, I'll need to send Stella & Sophie somewhere for a few days :)

OUCH!!!

So walking home from a baby shower next door Sunday, I twisted my ankle. It was the combination of the hill and these fabulous Via Spiga sandals. Then, while watching the Tony's, I slammed my toe into the coffee table. I was shoeless at the time. Needless to say, I'm happy yoga can be done barefoot because I can't wear a real shoe today. I also can really only stand on one foot so it will have to be one-sided yoga. Does this girl have issues, or what?

"Swimming" with Stella

Stella was diagnosed with hip dysplasia a few years back. Thankfully, the daily joint supplement seems to keep her on the straight and narrow (so to speak). Eight weeks ago, Sophie was diagnosed with a luxating patella. The vet prescribed rest and weight loss. HUH? If you could lose weight while resting I would be thinner than Kate Moss. Apparently the only way for Sophie to lose weight is through aquatic therapy. Immediately, visions of Sophie in a bathing cap and tutu performing synchronized swimming with her sister danced in my head. How wrong was I?

Sophie took to it like a fish to water once she got comfortable. Sophie will basically do anything to please us. That is why she is my little love bug. Stella, however, is a different story. She is stubborn and rarely does anything to please anyone but herself. She is my little apathetic cuddler and I adore that she marches to her own beat. (I don't know where she gets that from.)

So Stella took to the pool like a cat to a bath. Panicky, stoic and refusing to move. It was as if she had turned to stone. Once she was moved off the steps, (not of her own free will) she was like a frog in the pool and she had one goal and one goal only. No, it was not to please her proud parents who were saying supportive and loving things. It was to get back to the step and get the heck out of this oversized bathtub.

After surviving such trauma, Paul bought a series of 10 visits. For Sophie AND Stella. Without a professional's help. He thought it would go a lot better if we were in the pool with them next time. No, there will not be video of that. And yes, I will be swimming with Sophie. Stella can be "daddy's girl" that day.

Better Late Than Never

When I was little, I loved to dance. My mom often jokes that I was dancing as soon as I was walking. She started me with tap and ballet when I was 4 and I continued to dance over the next 11 years. My line competed all over the mid-Atlantic region and I was in 10+ routines during our ridiculous 5 show recitals at the end of the year. How did my mother ever sit through all that? (and yes, there are videos, and no, you can't see them.)

As I mentioned before, my dad loves to golf. When I was little I thought I would like to golf with him. So one year, after my Linda Natoli Dance Recital, when all of the other dads showed up with flowers, my dad showed up with something I had been coveting. A pink and grey golf bag. He bought it for his dancing daughter who wasn't yet ready to commit to golf. But he bought it as a hope, a wish, a support and a dream.

Fast forward to yesterday, 20+ years later. My dad and I had the best day. I hadn't picked up a club in 2 years, but I did OK. And today, he gave me a gift like he had all of those years ago, he emailed to tell me he was researching golf instructors and would treat me to two lessons.

Why after all of this complaining do I still want to golf? Three reasons. One, I think I could be pretty good if I practiced. Two, I like the challenge the game poses for me. Three, it means lots of time I can spend with my dad doing what he loves. That is the ultimate reason golf is on my bucket list - I can share it with my dad. It is the gift he has given me - even if it has taken 20+ years to realize it.

Why are Golf Shoes so Ugly?

So I don't golf. I own clubs. I own a hat. Until recently, I owned a pair of shoes. But I don't golf. It frustrates the heck out of me and the only 2 people who could ever keep me calm on a golf course were my brother and my father. For some reason, their patience and reassurance always put me at ease.

My dad is a good golfer. Steady, consistent, loves the sport. I think he is probably happiest on the golf course. So once a year, I dust off the clubs and play with my dad. I moan, groan and complain but secretly I love every second of it. It's awesome father/daughter time.

To be honest, I dream of golfing regularly. The stupid sport just intimidates me so much. I have no upper body strength (circuit training will soon fix that!) and feel like for every time my dad swings a club, I swing twice.

So you can imagine what a huge leap it is for me to agree to pay in a tournament with colleagues. I texted my dad and asked him what I had to do to be ready in 3 weeks. His response? "Visit the driving range twice, play 9 holes with me and practice drinking beer." I've got 1 of those 3 tasks covered!

So today I went to buy new golf shoes because I lost one of mine in the move. I was really upset - I loved those shoes and, in case you don't know, golf shoes are hideous. Why can't Giuseppe Zanotti or Christian Laboutin design them? Michael Kors or BCBG? I'd even settle for Steve Madden! Unfortunately they don't, so I am stuck. Plain, white, pink-trimmed Footjoy in a size 8 for me. They are comfy but I am convinced they make my feet look humongous. I don't know that for sure because there weren't any mirrors to look at when trying them on. Dick's Sporting Goods should take a lesson from DSW!

Tomorrow I'm going to the driving range and to play 9 with my dad... in my ugly shoes. Wish me luck!