Moving

Yep, I have found a small, one bedroom house that is perfect for the puppies and me. It is even so close to work that I can walk. All I have to do is climb Mt. Crumpit.

It has a small yard so Millie can go out and bark to her hearts content. This place is less expensive than the apartment. So life is getting better.

More details later.

Long days and pleasant nights

Let's do the timewarp

Have you ever been surprised by Memories? Last night I was going thru pictures and stuff to find something for a new project. While digging in an undocumented stash of pictures, I came upon a cluster of papers from my freshman year at TU.

What a timewarp. There was a letter that had been handed out to us along with the flight itenerary, hotel info and rehearsal schedule for the Washington trip. Right on top of that was the review from the Dallas newspaper that compared me (Tammie Smith) to a young Bernadette Peters. Oh my, has it really been 22ish years since that happened? On the back of this copied article was a letter that I had written to a friend. It talks about a date I had the previous weekend with someone intelligent and a Stephen King fan. He was an English major. I'll be damned if I can remember who that was. Obviously not much has changed about me... still huge King fan and well, I guess since the letter is in my stuff, it was never mailed - again not much of a change for me. lol

It was fun. I found myself laughing and I guess I had that corny smile a person always gets when the past surprises them.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights...

Bestest Aunt Tammie Ever

I had a pretty exciting weekend.

It began with what was supposed to be an uneventful and boring cleaning of the inside of my car. I placed the puppies on their harnesses and took them with me. I thought they would like being outside with Mommie. It was all fun until another resident decided to walk her rather large canine within the view of my puppies. Millie and Toby raised hell barking. I realized the sound of the barking was greatly reduced, looked and Toby had magically broken free of his harness. He tore out ready to eat the canine that was at least 800 times his size. Once he reached this horrible creature, the barking seized instantly and he looked at me totally confused. He had caught it, now what?... was the look on his face. Needless to say, they were both taken inside the apt for the duration of the cleaning.

Then we went to Petco to have their toes trimmed. Toby pooped in the lobby, Millie tried to bite one of the dachshund manicurists. Then when that didn't work, she peed on her. Needless to say, Petco was happy to see us leave.

In the midst of this drama...I was named "The Bestest Aunt Tammie EVER!" I also received 4 unrequested hugs. Not just hugs, great, big, bear hugs. All I had to do was take her a basket that turned into a cage for her animals, a princess doll, one blinking princess crown, one pair of high-heeled princess shoes and one princess wand.

The Barber Cut Off was yesterday. T came up and helped us. We had a blast. We laughed heartily at the woman that dropped food all over Cindy and actually accused Cindy of being rude because she didn't give her an autograph before cleaning up the food and carrying it to a chair for her. Anywho, we had fun and everyone actually thought T was nice and fun. I think she drugged them...

Last night I decided to place two quilts under the sheet on the transformer bed. It is getting rather hard on my back. It was fun making the bed with a puppy playing chase under the sheet. You should try it sometime. Seriously, I have a puppy you can borrow for the chase.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Week in Review

What an interesting week. Out of the blue I'm going to get to see WILLIE. OMG For a better description of how that feels just mosie on over to the Dancehall - JoJo's Dancehall, that is. I'm not as jazzed about the Pat Green part as she is. I mean he's an awesome entertainer and all, but the part I'm dying for is to actually be front-row-center for WILLIE. The Red Headed Stranger, one of the Highway Men, the Willie of Waylon, Willie and the Boys... the OMG I get to be so close to Willie I will actually be able to feel the sweat fly off his face... excitement that I can't explain if you don't know Willie. Also did I mention that I get to make my first trip to the Armpit and get to stay at Aunty Kathy's B&B? That's exciting too.

As you see here, I'm now the "Manager of the Year." Actually the envelope said "Employee of the Month" but signs in the parking lot don't lie, right? I have proof! Anywho, the best part of that day was the free ice cream. The ice cream truck makes an appearance on occasion. This occasion, according to the GM, was my being named "Manager of the Year!" or maybe he said it was a big thank you for the excellent team coverage of the PGA. My eyes were hurting, so it was a bit fuzzy. Those of you who are Reagan fans can understand "fuzzy". Did I mention that I have my very own parking place, with my name on it? This also makes me eligible for Employee of the Year. That's a popularity vote, so don't count on me getting it. However, it is a great excuse to get Daddy into a suit and take him to the Country Club for our company Christmas party. I do need a date...

Tonight I accidently watched a biography about Elvis. This was an interesting one that I haven't seen before. It was actually home movies very well blended with family members talking about memories. They also played the exact perfect Elvis song at the exact perfect time. I actually cried at the end. Those of you who grew up in a household with a mother like mine will understand. We can tell you almost anything you ever didn't want to know about that man. I do love his music. I am sad that the fans (in my opinion) led him to his unintentional overdose. The worse part is that since Elvis has been gone 30 years now, that means it is getting close to that anniversary for John Lennon. Lennon is my Elvis. But not to distract from this anniversay... the world lost one of the greatest artists ever Aug 16, 1977.

A couple other things to note: Hayden has completed his first full week of school. He didn't want to go to school the first day. In fact, his momma had to carry him in. Since then though, school isn't so bad. Evidently you get to color and play. He has also been promoting Frank. I guess now I work for Frank, at least that's what Hayden says. He also refused to allow everyone to begin eating Monday night because he decided that Aunt Tammie was driving to Calester to eat with the family. (this is where we all say AAAAHHHHH)

Zeke came to visit Sunday. He was so cute playing with Millie.

Nicole is hard at working checking students back in for another semester at OU.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Stitchless!

Wow, it's already been 10 days since I had my eyes treated for Basset Hound syndrome. Today the doctor gave me the all clear to continue with the ice packs and being extra careful in the shower. =)
He said I look absolutely fabulous (you really must sing that last word) and the last of the bruising and swelling will be gone before I know it. He took away the stitches that were still there. I was also instructed to begin using vitamin E oil as often as I think about it.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye.

Catching Up...

Maybe I'm not as tough as I once thought. Nor do I bounce back as well as Nannie. This is me a full 7 days after the Basset Hound Eye removal. Perhaps it was not such a good idea to head back to work Tuesday and Wednesday. Anywho, this morning I gave in and decided to stay at home the rest of the week. Sorry Clint.

In other news...

Nicole does not have ulcers! Hooray. This is her minutes before she went under the uhm tube for the upper and lower GI testing. Bless her heart, the medicine that was intended to clean out her bowels - cleaned out that plus her tummy. By the time she was taken back for an IV she was so dehydrated that it took a couple of sticks to find a good vein. She is now on a high fiber diet. Resident Advisors reported to work this week. Sorority girls moved in today. Nicole is working very hard to make sure things run smoothly. That includes the mopping. She also reports that thanks to that new Toyota Rav4 - the move from her summer residence to her fall residence was about 100 times easier.

Other things that have happened in the last week...

Look who's FOUR! Hayden had a swim party. Of course Aunt Tammie bought all the required accessories to begin his Tee Ball training. I'm certain he will be the star player next spring.

The family came to Patty and Jimmy's after the party. Millie was so good with Zeke. He just cackled when she walked by. She kept trying to get him to play with her like Hayden and Sinclaire. Unfortunately, he can't crawl as fast as they run. But they did get along very well. The funniest part of the afternoon was when Zeke climbed up on Papa's lap and painted his face with a chocolate donut. For some reason he didn't was that jar of baby food Mooma tried to feed him after the donut.

Ok, back to the ice pack... Long days and pleasant nights to ye.

Why Did God Make Big Sisters?

I've wondered my whole life just why God placed me in a family that already had one daughter. I mean I am so damn special, yet she thought it necessary to give me to a family that, well, was already a family. Should I also mention how bossy that big sister has always been at this point or later?

Anyway, over the last 11 years especially I've grown to understand just what the Supreme Being was doing. Let me digress...

My mom has always told me that I have angels working overtime - literally 24/7 to keep me safe. It isn't easy. I've always been curious. I'm not sure when the bi-polar really began, Cherie swears it was waaaayyyyy before college. In a nutshell I think I'm fun - others are pretty certain I'm nuts.

Only in the last few years have I discovered the watchful angel that is actually human. That angel is indeed my big sister, Patty.

She is always putting things aside when I call and ask for a favor. Trust me, that happens often. For example, I don't remember the last time I totally packed all of my stuff or even half of my stuff to move. Patty is always there. She seems to even be there when I don't ask.

Do sisters have telepathy power? I think so, primarily because the three of us somehow always know when one is needing a shoulder or Pepsi/Diet Coke.

Last week Patty kept Toby and Millie for me. I had a minor procedure done on my eyes. (Too gruesome to go into here) The procedure took place on Friday. She spent the night with me the night before. Oh and I'll insert here that while on our way from her house to my apt. Renie called for help. She had an ingrown toenail removed an hour or so earlier and couldn't drive. Did Patty say "No. Tammie and I are in Muskogee at least an hour from you, figure it out"? No, she said, pull over and we'll be there as quickly as possible. See - Angel.

Anyway, Friday morning she gave me cereal and oddly went out to buy coffee, instructing me not to make any. (She later revealed that she tricked me into drinking decaf) Then I took the valium and well the next 2 days are quite blurry.

This is basically what I looked like Friday afternoon until Sunday around noon. Patty made sure I was fed and the ice stayed cold and the medications properly applied. Jimmy was thrilled to have me there, Patty cooked every meal. =)

One more thing, she has now had Toby and Millie almost two weeks. She didn't want me to go up and down the stairs more than necessary yet. And here's the kicker - she is allergic to dogs. Angel...

So, I'll end this 'Ode de Patty' with a huge THANKS BIG SISTER!
I'll never be the big sister Patty is.

Don't argue, who did Renie call for help? =)
Long days and pleasant nights to ye ... And never forget the face of your father - if you are as lucky as Renie and me, your big sis won't let you.

PS: Jo, I did have to edit the first paragraph, somehow Gan appeared...

Cole Has New Wheels

This is a 2006 Toyota Rav4. I took this pic from a Toyota site. Nicole's has a little over 22k miles and is midnight blue. Very nice and pretty. It was odd to see little Nicole driving a vehicle larger than her little two door Nissan. But it is hers and she is very very happy to have it.

She has earned this vehicle. She is holding down an A average at OU, not to mention her job as Resident Assistant. Her mom is responsible for getting OHLAP which pays her tuition. The RA position pays room and board. Her good grades ensures that she keeps all her scholarships. So, when she placed all that on the table, well, her dad really couldn't say no to her request. =)

79

Who knew that I could pass Algebra? Better question, who knew I would end up with a 79?!

Well, I'm happy to announce that the toughest class I've had thus far in my life is finally over and I indeed have a 79 average! Woo hoo!

Other than that, life is pretty good. I have a two week vacation until the next semester begins.

Long days and pleasant nights to ya.

Hayden's Visit

Hayden has been asking if he can stay with me and swim in my (his) swimming pool. So last weekend I went to Patty and Jimmy's to pick him up.

The weekend began rather badly. Toby was up all night vomiting. When he wasn't vomiting Millie tried attacking the family bird. Needless to say when Nannie arrived at 7:30am I wasn't able to move. So Patty took her to Tulsa for a day of crafting with Aunt B and Nichole.

It was a good thing that I stayed behind. Alecia called around noon and asked if I could go ahead and pick up Hayden. I, of course, had no objections. After a couple of episodes of Sponge Bob at Aunt Patty's house, we were off to Tulsa.

Our first objective after leaving the dogs at the apartment was going to the grocery store. Can you believe that there wasn't one box of cereal that Hayden or I liked? We ended up with eggs, bacon and biscuits. Yummy! For dinner we had lasagna and garlic bread with peach cobbler for dessert. Double Yummy!! Oh, and we also bought choco milk. A house isn't properly equipped without it.

We also boght Spiderman bubble bath and a pirate ship. He had to take a bath before dinner was ready. Then we walked Toby and Millie. Or should I say, Spiderman and I walked Toby and Millie. He insisted on bringing his Spiderman costume and wore it when we went out.

After dinner we transformed the transformer couch into a bed. Hayden watched Nemo and then we put in Madagascar. Next thing we knew it was morning.

First thing after breakfast we went to check out the pool. We were there about an hour then went to the park. We played there for a couple of hours then had a hotdog and ice cream.

Mooma showed up and the real fun began. We were in the pool around 3 hours before Poppie and Grannie arrived. Boy were we tired.

Things I learned from the visit: Yellow Power Rangers are girls, so when Hayden is a Power Ranger he is White; Yellow is ok when he is a Transformer; He is Pink when he is playing Sponge Bob because Patrick is Pink; Tom and Jerry is an OK cartoon if news is your other option; choco milk goes with any food group; He is moving to Tulsa so he can work with Frank.

It was a very fun weekend. I was worn out but will take him anytime.

Long nights and pleasant days to ya.

Rocklahoma Rocked

When you age, you tend to forget what it was that made you smile before. For me that is what Rocklahoma was all about.

I had forgotten how wonderful CC and all those others that rocked with him in the 80's were on the guitar. I love the fun rock-n-roll from when I was in my late teens and early twenties. The memories last weekend brought are so wonderful and also not so wonderful.

There were the parties during our senior year where we really rocked out to Joan Jett, Def Leppard and that sort. Not to mention the punk movement at the time. No, none of us actually dyed our hair pink, but we did think about it at some point.

There were the MTV and radio wars with my baby sister. She was all Quiet Riot and Twisted Sister. I leaned more toward Duran Duran, Def Leppard, Journey, Motley Crue... you get the picture. Don't get me wrong Quiet Riot was not off my play list, so to speak. We did both emphatically agree on Prince. The original Prince - if you ask me, and I am, Purple Rain was one of the top ten non Beatles albums ever made.

Then what about the fact that Nicole could sing Poison and Bon Jovi songs before she could put a sentence together. Her absolute favorite song was "....skinny bop bop bop bop skinny..." Makes me smile. When Brett sang that I was horrified to find that my phone battery was dead. This is mainly due to beer calls. So I couldn't call her. Or what about when he sang "Every Rose has it's thorn"? Talk about summing up my life since 1986! Give me something to believe in took me right back to watching that video standing in my living room in Tulsa, holding baby Nicole, balling my eyes out.

I would at this point like to leave memory lane, simply because I'm beginning to miss my first set of friends. The ones that saw me thru high school and my early twenties. For more pics go to http://picasaweb.google.com/tammiek1966/Rocklahoma2007

Now on to more technical Rocklahoma. I remember the day that Mark Nuessle and gang walked into our office. Barbara was trying to talk about country while covertly having me ask Jo questions to verify the "realness" of who these people were. Those first few years were chaotic to say the least. But as someone who has really worked one of their festivals, I don't mean for just a few hours, they have really matured. I didn't see one fight. Although the cute guard that let me take a couple of pics, told me he had to break up a couple. I hope I looked genuinely concerned...

The crowd seemed to really enjoy themselves. What a wonderful time we all had.

Oh, should I mention that it was in the 1980's that I also fell in love with SK?

Long Days and Pleasant Nights to ye...

Goodbye Jesi

When I think of Jesi the first thing I see is her smile. She had the biggest most beautiful smile that lit her whole face.

Jesi was only 20 when fate took her away. She and Nicole grew up together. I've tried to remember when Jesi first came into our lives and it seems that she has always been there.

She was one of the eight valedictorians from PHS class of 2005. She and Nicole attended every band camp together. They were both honor students and best of friends. Jesi was full of life and seemed to love every minute of it. She played the trumpet, she was so tall you rarely had to search to see her.

Her friends are working on a memorial scholarship/grant for the PHS band program. That is where her heart was for most of her young life.

We will say our formal goodbye Friday afternoon. Please keep Jim, Becky, Jaime and Carolyn in your thoughts. Also say a small prayer for her friends who are learning how to grieve at an age when they should only be thinking of tomorrow.

Nothing much

It's been an interesting holiday week.

Monday Nannie turned 86. Patty picked her and Sis up and they met mom, dad, hayden and Zeke at Western Sizzlin in McAlester. This was Nannie's birthday lunch. Evidently when everyone was seated Hayden looked around the table and asked where Aunt Tammie was and when told that Aunt Tammie was in Tulsa, that wasn't acceptable. He has since told me that I need to move to Calester so he can see me whenever he wants. Let's all say "AWWWW"

Yesterday, I spent a couple hours poolside. Would've stayed longer but the battery on my MP3 player died. It at least waited until the song I was listening to finished. So I packed up my stuff and went off to Kohl's. I bought some new shorts for Rocklahoma and a new pair of capri's for the Block Party Weather. I'm planning to charge the shirt I bought to Frank's clothing allowance. Shhh, maybe he won't notice. lol After shopping I called Kenna and asked if she would like Roadhouse steak. She agreed that she would. We skipped the 25 minute wait and went straight to the bar. My steak was a little too well-done for me but other than that, the beer was good, conversation wonderful and well it was the roadhouse...

Today we had algebra. I might mention that we were the only class in that building that actually met today. Again I think I'm grasping the stuff but the test will be hard and I'll probably fail it. I currently have a 74 average. That is passing.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye.

Happy Birthday

Two of my favorite people turn over another calendar year today.

Happy Birthday Nannie!
July 2, 1921 Mildred Louise McKee was born to Clarence and Hattie McKee. She is now the Mother of 4, Grandmother of 10, Great Grandmother of 13 and Great-Great Grandmother of 2.

Happy Birthday Jo
Jo was also born on July 2. We will go no further with that except that two weeks in a row she could've taken 20-somethings home with her. I'm so jealous.

How was my weekend?

Well, it began with finding Jason Boland at my workplace when I arrived. You have no idea how that made my day.

Then after work, Jo and I met some of my co-workers at McNellies downtown. It was fun we had a drink and split a sandwich and fries. Then we made the short trek to the Cain's. We made our way to the stage. Unfortunately the people (I use that term loosely) that arrived before us were pretty stoned by the time we made it there. They seemed to believe that they owned the stage and no one else was allowed within 30 feet of them. The very intoxicate male that thought he was a tough guy by threatening to kick my ass never stopped talking about how tough he is. Then some blonde trash that was standing near me decided to begin using her very large backside to push me further back from the stage. When I suggested that she stop doing that she alluded that if she were indeed pushing me I would be on the floor. To that I laughed hartily. I also held my ground while looking around to see if Carolyn had purhaps been dropped from the ceiling to join this interesting party.

Once Grady and I made eye contact that I was confident had been meant for me, Jo and I went for another drink and the bathroom. We had a blast from that moment on. Even when the interesting boy bought us drinks that we really didn't need. I don't remember ever having to flee a dancehall because we were afraid of a boy. Hmmm

Anywho, Jo fixed a computer so that my SK stories would work on the MP3 player. I spent the rest of the weekend either listening to SK read to me or reading the book posthumously written by Richard Bachman and edited by Stephen King. It was a book that really held my attention and actually finished in one weekend. The best part - at then end we received a bool! In actuality is was just a station for a longer bool that we don't get until Spring of 2008.

Now I must get some sleep. Algebra homework begins again tomorrow night.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights to Ya...

Chat with Boland...

What a wonderful day this has been. I was a bit lazy this morning. Weigh-in had to happen on the way to work. I am another 5 pounds lighter than in January!

I drove into the parking lot around 9am. There was a tour bus in the parking lot, no big deal this is a norm for a Friday morning. So I was curious and was looking at the trailer as I drove into the back parking lot. When the Hell Pony became visible I almost crashed into the building while doing the double-take.

I ran into the building - slowed down only for a moment by the fact that in my hast I left my key-card in my car. Then I met Jason Boland. What a wonderful person he is. We actually chatted for awhile in the breakroom. They actually performed two songs on-air. Alien Boland was not present. That was a good sign.

Anywho, I did invite them to McNellies for drinks at the party tonight before we go see them sing at the Cain's.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights to ya...

What a Week!

Ok, I did get to make the trek to OU Children's center to see J'son. He is doing better than I expected. Actually, I didn't know what to expect.

This isn't an up-to-date pic, this one was taken at the McKee family reunion in early May. J'son still has all his hair. I'm told that will change. He sleeps a lot right now. He has had more than one blood transfusion. He is receiving chemo and that will go on for years to come. Right now the spirits are pretty good. Nichole is still planning to begin Nursing school in August. Family and friends are rallying to help with babysitting and cash. Prayers of course are always welcome. One never knows what Ka has in store for them.

Nicole met us at the hospital. She and I went to a nice place called Coaches for lunch. It was more awesome than appears from the outside. When we were trying to find a place to eat I wasn't paying much attention to the ballpark. Then we were seated in Coaches and I could see almost the whole field from my table. I'm definately going back to watch a game from their patio. Then on our walk back to the car I noticed 5 busts of famous Oklahoma major league ball players. Nicole was a bit embarrassed when I took a second trip by them to confirm my first assessment and then outrage that Johnny Bench was not among them. Well you can't imagine my glee when I stumbled on a bigger-than-life statue of him at the damn entrance. How the smuck had I crossed the street and not seen this? Nicole ran for cover as I became a tourist in Oklahoma. She grew up in my house and still doesn't understand that the Big Red Machines #5 behind the plate is an actual living demi-god. No one has ever owned home plate like Johnny and no one ever will.

Let's pray to Gan that the coming week will be a lot calmer than the last. On that note... long days and pleasant nights to ya - and please stay clear of the thinny

God Loves the Children

What do you do when you find out that a child has a life threatening disease and you are helpless?
J'son, a bright, happy 2 year old has been all excited about his 3rd birthday party. The party is scheduled at a park in Enid. He called me to get my address so that they could mail Aunt Tammie an invitation.
He has the most vivid imagination I have ever seen. We were hunting dinosaurs at church one Sunday. He almost had me convinced that the dinosaurs had torn down a building at the church.
About 3 weeks ago, he began running a very high fever. It hasn't gone away. Nichole has taken him to numerous doctor's and even the ER. Finally yesterday a doctor came up with a diagnosis. She sent him immediately to Children's Hospital. Her diagnosis was leukemia.
All the tests since then have confirmed the diagnosis. He is now in for a very long and brutal treatment.
We are still having a birthday party Saturday. He will still be 3 and I'm sure will be his spunky self.
Please keep him and Nichole in your palavar's with Gan or the Man Jesus.

Beg Ya Pardon...

Tammieland fans, I beg ye pardon for my long absence. I have been a bit pre-occupied if ya kennit. Almost as if I've been todash.

First the weather has been something that even fish are getting tired of. Second, Algebra has been so demanding on my time, and last Millie thinks if I'm home, she has to be on my lap or chasing a toy that I have thrown, or wrestling or, you get the picture.

Then last Friday, I found out that my wonderful boss is leaving Oklahoma. I'm still trying to convince him to take me with. He is moving to St. Louis. This can be a good thing. I will have a free couch to sleep on when I finally save the money to see the Cards play live. Anywho, they have called him about 3 times and he finally said yes. This is the job of a lifetime for him and I'm very happy for him and the family. Yesterday was a weird day in the newsroom. We were all happy celebrating Carole's 25 years as an anchor at our humble station, yet no one was happy about losing our leader. We have him until July 5.

Nicole came to stay with me Thursday night. We had fun just chatting and catching up. (like we never talk on the phone...lol) Her big birthday present to Ryan was leaving town on his 21st birthday. That way she wouldn't get in the way of his celebrations. I added to his bliss with a nice little gift. He is a wonderful young man and Nicole is blessed to have him in her life.

Algebra. I actually turned down two wonderful offers so that I could study. I didn't get to help celebrate my new wonderful friend Missy's 33rd. So sorry, but we will get together again. I still haven't been to Aunt Kathy's paradise vacation resort. (hint) Then Saturday Credence Revisited were performing at Frontier City and I had a free ticket offered. But Patty kept me supplied with the music, calling when she recognized songs, unfortunately she only recognized one. I blame Jimmy for her lack of good education.

I did make it to lunch with Daddy on Sunday. We ate way too much at the Golden Corral. That damn red velvet cake actually called my name when I walked by.

My steadfastness to studies paid off. While I have lost the B average, I am still passing with a 76 average after the first chapter. Now I have learned that I need to keep working the homework sections until I get a 100% on each section. That really makes a difference.

One last thing, please keep my brother Steve in your prayers. His liver biopsy was yesterday. Everything went well, we will know in a couple of days what course will be taken for the treatment of his hep C.

Now, I need to make use of this time to work on Algebra.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights to ya...

Weekend Review

Wow what a weekend it has been. Nothing all that remarkable, yet is was productive. I bought a steam cleaner and cleaned the bedroom carpet. There are still a few spots but it doesn't smell.
We had a whopper of a storm that lasted all of 30 minutes. It produced hail and horrible wind. This is a tree that used to stand in front of my building.

Sunday morning I woke to more rain. I finished the cleaning of the apartment and then tackled my Algebra problems. So far on homework assignments I have 100, 80, 90.9. Not bad so far. My first test will be one week from tomorrow. Hopefully I can get at least an 80.

The funniest thing that happened this weekend was the trip to the Veterinarian. Millie loves Doc. He has even tried to dognap her before. So it was very surprising when we placed her on the table to have some blood drawn for a heartworm test and she totally freaked. I've had dachshunds my whole adult life and this is the first time I haven't been able to hold a dog on the exam table. Mindy, the vet assistant, picked up Millie's paw and placed an alcohol soaked cotton swab on her leg. You would've thought Mindy had just chopped it off. She howled and jumped and tried to climb over me to get free. We tried consoling and talking to her, nothing worked, everytime Mindy even thought of touching her again, Millie was totally freaked. Toby didn't help, he was tied to the bench and cried right along with her. When her level rose so did his.

So we put her back on the floor and did Toby's poop exam and waited for Doc.

When Doc walked in, Millie barked at him. He just looked at her.

Now Doc is a big man that I'm afraid to argue with. Millie, however, told him that she was not going to be touched with that alcohol soaked cotton again. When that didn't work, she tried the "I'm the sweet innocent puppy" face. She lost the battle. Mindy had to practically lay on Millie to get her still enough. Oddly enough the needles didn't bother her.

The whole time Millie was howling, Toby was on my lap trying to convince me that she was a goner and we should just go ahead and run for the door before they had a chance to get to us.

After the most traumatic experience on earth, we went home and they each received a peanunt butter treat.