grrlDog design

2010-06-07T18:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know, it's been a while. I hope that the fact that I've been busy is enough to excuse me for not writing in so long.

At any rate, I've been busy getting the word out about grrlDog design. I'll find time to sit down and write a "proper" post soon!! Until then, check out our latest press here:

http://www.popcitymedia.com/features/detroit051810.aspx
http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/June-2010/Best-Bets-of-June/

2009-11-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Fashion Shows and Shoots, New Retailers and Pups - Oh MY!!

Whew - Finally, a few minutes to breathe and recouperate!! grrlDog had a crazy good time last month with our good friend, designer Adriana Pavon, at Fashion in Detroit. Adriana was the winner of the Local Designer competition at FID and was granted full access to the show - and quite graciously brought grrlDog along!!

FID VIP Preview Party

That cop was loving his job!!

We attended the VIP party on Thursday night, meeting Joe Farris and Kevin Chirstiana (both of "Project Runway" fame), and lots of other Detroit area fashionistas! Friday we dodged the downpour to hit the tent for the final shows. Then it was off to the studio to grab jewelry for the evening wardrobe change and off to the party! What a fun time!!

The beginning of November brought a big order from our newest retailer - the Detroit Institute of Art! Be sure to stop in for the Avedon show, then stop in at the Gift Gallery for grrlDog jewelry. Remember, the holidays are coming!

And last weekend, grrlDog hosted the first of a series of photo shoots in the studio. I've assembled a strong group of fashion designers, professional models, hair and makeup artists, jewelry and accessory designers and photographers to all donate their time and services for photo shoots. I've seen the early proofs of the photos and they're AMAZING!! Our photographer, Kevan Bowers really knows his stuff!! He made grrlDog jewelry and Femilia Couture's clothing look fantastic and oh so glamourous!! And everyone couldn't stop ooh'ing and ahh'ing over Lucy, a temporary grrlDog studio dog.

Lucy, a short-term grrlDog studio dog

What? Yep, stray dogs always seem to find their way to us, and this amazing pitbull was no exception. Lucy, the silly redhead, now has a safe new home where she sleeps cuddled in bed with her new family!! We'll miss you Lucy, but are SO happy that you have a loving new home.

2009-09-28T11:16:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all who came out to hang with grrlDog at the Ferndale DIY Street Fair over the weekend!! It was a great time, and sales went incredibly well!

For those of you not in the know, grrlDog design shared a booth at the fair with our buddy, Detroit GT - who just so happens to have the coolest Detroit T-shirts in town!!

And, as a warning, things are "in the works" and, if you still haven't gotten a piece of your own grrlDog flair, you'd better hurry up!!

2009-08-25T10:38:00.023-04:00

Steve and Libby's Wedding

We had the pleasure of enjoying a beautiful day with Steve and Libby to celebrate their marriage to one another on August 15th. Their ceremony was, without a doubt, one of the most fun - and entertaining - ones I have every attended! There was lots singing and dancing - yes, DURING the ceremony! After a delicious dinner (even our vegan dishes were AMAZING) the dance party REALLY let loose. Belle Isle was definitely rocking that night!!

The weather cooperated and we were dazzled by a fantastic sunset over the Detroit River. The perfect end to a beautiful day!

grrlDog design was honored to create Libby's bridal jewelry, as well as the earrings for all of the bridesmaids. When Steve and Libby were originally engaged, grrlDog design was to create the wedding rings as well, but a beautiful gesture from Libby grandfather altered our plans - in a most beautiful and sentimental way. Unfortunately, Libby's ailing grandfather passed away shortly after her engagement. As Libby helped her family clean out her grandfather's house, she came across an envelope that said "For Libby." It contained her grandparents' wedding rings and her grandmother's pearl engagement ring. This engagement ring became the basis for the balance of Libby's bridal jewelry.

Steve and Libby, you are a beautiful couple with HUGE hearts for each other and your community. Congratulations on your marriage!!

2009-08-04T09:19:00.006-04:00

"Bringing up a Bumper Crop, Bumper Crop!"

I'm SOOO excited about our gardens!! As usual, we got off to a late start. I always think about planting seeds early so that they'll be ready by May/June for planting out, and sometimes, I even buy the seeds. Just doesn't usually work out that I actually PLANT the seeds and get things going.

Well, even though we were off to a late start, things are going pretty well this year! We've already had a few yummy harvests!

We built new planters for the front porch, that also act as storage, a dog house/puppy shade area and as a privacy fence (so we can actually use the porch and not feel like we're on stage). The front porch gets LOTS of sun, so the variety of peppers are LOVING it out there.

We have herbs (cilantro, a few types of basil, parsley, rosemary, 2 kinds of oregano, stevia, lavender, and mint), LOTS of tomatoes (my heirlooms reseeded themselves - missed a couple at the back of the bush last year - so we've lots of "mystery heirlooms" this year), collards, broccoli, brussel sprouts, okra, zucchini, cucumbers and peppers.

In addition to the front planter boxes/fence, we built a few raised beds in the back, and A. built a movable planter out of an old bookcase. He added casters to the bottom we can scoot it around to follow the sun. He's pretty good like that! Oh - and to add to the whole eco thing (yes, we're mad recyclers!) the porch planters/storage/dog hole/fence thing, they're made out of old shipping pallets. Oh yeah!!! Not only eco, but friendly on the budget too!!

Bring on the harvest!!!

2009-04-07T14:03:00.000-04:00

Pit Bulls, Procupines and Goats - OH MY!

I'm hard at work, figuring out layouts for the web-page to come, layout/design for the blog and getting product ready for it's local retail release at the end of the week. But, I took a break for a phone call from my sweetie, who is "up north" at his Dad's farm, getting it in shape for his father's memorial this weekend. I guess you could say the call didn't go as I expected.

We have three dogs, Ruby (my pit bull), Sara (Aaron's beautiful mix) and our pit mix puppy, Lola (actually, she's 18 months now, so she's technically not a puppy any more). Sara and Lola are up with Aaron, and I kept Ruby (and our cat) here with me for company. Apparently, Miss Lola's puppy curiosity got the best of her and she had a run-in with a porcupine.

Just as Aaron was telling me it too over 2 hours to remove the quills, some of which went straight through her cheek into her gums (she'll be home tomorrow and I'll shoot photos), he shouted "THERE he is!!!" to his brother, "I'll call you back. I have to catch a goat!" "Uhhh... What?!!"

2009-04-06T19:01:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's been a VERY long time. (You should have seen how long it took me to figure out what my old login and password were!)

But anyway, now with the new design company getting on its feet, it's time to resurrect the old blog and dress it up to keep everyone updated on what's happening in the studio, the Etsy boutique and new retail outlets. Check back soon (I promise) for news!! You can also follow grrlDog on Facebook, Twitter and Etsy (www.grrldog.etsy.com).

O-

2004-08-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

2003-11-13T08:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, go ahead - call me a slacker. You wouldn't be the first. Anyway, I'm back from SF after an AMAZINGLY fun trip and am working on that new site with our pal, Dave. There are a few more finishing touches and then it's time for the unveiling! It'll be a lovely photo blog, along with pretty regularly posted rants on life. I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath...

2003-10-10T12:58:00.000-04:00

My guess is, that if you're here, it's because you've either searched for bumpy cake (one blog about a weird cake name and you get hits for months...) or because of my friend, Davezilla. Well, I can actually blame the great Davezilla for this site as he's supposed to be helping me upgrade and get the new site off the ground. So, check back shortly for the new address.

The new and improved site will not only look incredibly cool and be incredibly entertaining, but it'll also have photos from my exploits, and a calendar listing for cool stuff going on around DeeTROIT. I promise - I'll be soon! No more bull!!

2003-09-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

Wow, has it already been a month since I said the new page is "coming soon?" Well, no lie, it is. I'm working on it, and getting the domain name and all that good stuff. The new site will have The Social Calendar rolled into it, photo galleries and there will be probably be an "Opening Party" too. Sorry for the technical delays, but it's coming soon. And by soon, I mean before my trip to San Fran. really!

2003-09-02T05:32:00.000-04:00

Due to annoying popular demand, and the fact that I'm riding a great creative wave lately, I'm planning to return to the whole blog scene. Not only that, but you Detroit area readers will remember the e-mail newsletter The Social Calendar, I mailed out weekly, detailing all the cool things to do in the Detroit metro area. Well, I've been harassed (downright nagged!) lately to get back on the horse and get that newsletter out again. Apparently, it was pretty damned helpful to a lot of Detroiters in getting their party on. So, in doing my part for the social scene of Detroit, The Social Calendar will be rolled into the new grrldog.com. Soon. I promise, sooon....

2003-02-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

WWJE?

What'samatter, Pookie? New diet not working? Well, maybe you should try this one. It's the What Would Jesus Eat Diet.

2003-01-16T14:54:00.000-05:00

WHEW!!!

It's been a crazy few weeks!! I went home (Philly) to visit my family for a couple of weeks and have been shooting for Car Design News at the Auto Show. My office moved while I was on vacation and I had to play catch up all last week. But, they also gave me a big raise in the interim, so I guess I can't complain!!

So, speaking of the Detroit Auto Show, I was there A LOT last week. The exhibits are all set up to attract your attention and dazzle your senses – and that’s EXACTLY what happened to a guy walking next to me. The floor levels switched and he wiped out. I know it’s not nice, but I couldn't help but laugh! I felt SO mean, but I just couldn’t stop as I helped him up from the floor. The more I tried not too, the funnier it got. I explained that the only reason I was laughing was because I’m usually the one who trips and falls, and had it not been for the keen eye of one of my colleagues earlier in the day, he’d be laughing at me right then!

He seemed to buy my story (which was true, by the way), but I still felt guilty for laughing. Why is it wrong to laugh at a person if they’re not hurt, but okay when it is labeled “slapstick” comedy?

2002-12-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

Birthday Hangover...

Yeah, I know you think that I'm dead or something; too much fun on my birthday just wiped me out. WRONG! Well, not completely! I'm still here, but I did get a bit caught up in all the parties and then the holidays, housewarming parties and family visits. But, I'm BACK! (well, kinda)

I'm working on a few new blogs, but here's a little something to tide you over until I get back: hee hee!!

Vroom VROOM!!!!

2002-11-18T13:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday

uhhh... to me! Yep, today is yet another birthday. Just wanted to publicly say thanks to all who sent birthday wishes and the flowers! That was very nice of you! I hope you can all make it to the party too! Watch your e-mail boxes!!

2002-10-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

Rest In Peace

Run DMC's Jam Master Jay
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/nation/4409441.htm

2002-10-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

That’s Gotta Suck!

From News of the Weird: A 55-year-old condemned murderer-drug dealer, who suffered a heart attack just as the hangman's noose was placed on his neck, was revived, hospitalized and rescheduled for execution (Khomeini Shahr, Iran).

2002-10-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

Take Off - eh!

Canadians... they're a hoot!

2002-10-24T14:39:00.000-04:00

Bumpy Cake Brown

Recently, I had dinner with JSL (see Archive: 09/09/02). After our meal, our friendly waitress cleared our plates and asked if we were interested in dessert and then proceeded to list the dessert specials for the evening. I stopped her when she got to Bumpy Cake.

“Bumpy? Did you say BUMPY cake?”
“Yup! It’s fantastic!”
“Okay, (turning to JSL), I’ll bite. WHAT is bumpy cake?”
“You know, Bumpy Cake – like the song!”
“Oh, yeah, like the song…”

Needless to say, I had no clue what she was talking about. I didn’t feel too bad though because JSL didn’t know what bumpy cake was either. I thought it sounded like something I definitely would NOT be interested in eating! Bumpy cake sounds like a cake with a weird, itchy rash or something! JSL thought it sounded like a blues singer – Bumpy Cake Brown. I couldn’t stop laughing after that!! “Bumpy cake. I wrote a song about it. Wanna hear? Go a lil’ somthin like this…. Wah nah nah nah NUH!”

Last week, we had brunch at a little cafe near JSL’s house in Birmingham. The cafe has its own bakery. While waiting for our seats, I looked over at the bakery’s list of offerings. Guess what was listed prominently at the top of their list as one of their specialties – that’s right, Bumpy Cake. At least NOW we know what bumpy cake is!

2002-10-23T09:43:00.000-04:00

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Busy...

I apologize for not blogging in such a long time. With all that's been going on I haven't even had time to secure an Internet connection at home yet! Things have been EXTREMELY crazy in my home life with moving into the new house; redoing the wood floors; getting unpacked; classes and a "revved up" social calendar. And if that isn't enough, things have been even more amped at work! I'm not complaining though; I LOVE this stuff!!

I promise to dig up some great stuff and write shortly. Thanks to all who have continued to visit daily anyway! You ROCK!

2002-10-10T11:02:00.000-04:00

Engrish Music

This one is pretty funny. It arrived as an e-mail from Modern Humorist.

Popular Songs Translated Into Japanese and Then Translated Back into English Using AltaVista's "Babelfish" Translator by Sharon Dynek

Eminem, “Without Me”: “There Is No I”
P. Diddy, “I Need A Girl (Part Two)”: “As For Me The Girl Who Is Needed (As For Section Two)”
The Calling, “Wherever You Will Go”: “As For The Place Where You Go Being Wherever”
George Strait, “Living And Living Well”: “To Live Well, Existence”
Pink, “Don’t Let Me Get Me”: “Me The Fact That I Am Obtained Does Not Have To Be Permitted”
Ludacris, “Move Bitch”: “Portable Female Dog”
Darryl Worley, “I Miss My Friend”: “I Let Escape My Friend”
The Hives, “Hate To Say I Told You So”: “I So Called To Hatred You Who Are Said”
The Strokes, “Hard To Explain”: “In Order To Explain Eagerly”
Bruce Springsteen, “Born To Run”: “It Can Withstand The Fact That It Moves”

2002-10-03T11:16:00.000-04:00

Superhero Luva
I saw this the other day and was curious about what your responses would be…

Which superhero would make the best lover?
(a) Superman. More powerful than a locomotive, and ready for action in two seconds!
(b) Spiderman. Dark, brooding, sensitive - and agile to boot.
(c) The Incredible Hulk. Just look at those muscles.
(d) Batman. Imagine getting down in the Batmobile.

2002-09-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

UGH!

The move is almost complete. All of the major stuff was transported on Saturday. I have a few small loads left for this week.

Thanks to all who helped!! If you took part in the move, you know who you are because you were at the sushi thank you dinner Saturday night! Again, thanks! I really appreciate it!!

Moving is SUCH a pain! However, I don't hate everything about moving, just the actual packing and transporting part. The unpacking/setting up shop part is fun!!

2002-09-26T08:40:00.000-04:00

I Seee You...

Thanks to greengrl for digging this one up! Microsoft TerraServer provides aerial and topographical images of pretty much anywhere in the US. At first, I thought it was pretty cool, but after playing around in it for a while, I'm not so sure.

And hey, stop looking at me!!

2002-09-24T08:13:00.000-04:00

Virgin Sharks

The Belle Isle Aquarium here in Detroit has witnessed what could be considered an immaculate conception of sorts. It will take a while for the genetic test results to confirm whether or not the three newly hatched bamboo sharks are the result of parthenogenetic reproduction, or if there is some other explanation as to how two female sharks produced three baby sharks (two hatched in July; and one last week). I'm sure there are a lot of people hoping to get to use the parthenogenetic excuse, which is common in snails and other common species, but not seen in "higher" species, to explain their own unexpected situation!

2002-09-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

Apologies All Around

I know, I've been rather remiss in blogging daily. I apologize to all of you, especially those of you who have checked back every day to see if I've updated. I've got a million excuses (super busy at work, moving, I HAVE A LIFE!) and all that, but I promise that I will write again soon!

And yes, I finally found a house!! I signed on a little bungalow two days ago that's perfect for the hound and I. Now on to remodeling! First thing is to pull out the carpeting and refinish the beautiful oak floors underneath! (Why they put carpet over them is beyond me!) Any of my local readers looking for a fun demolition time (and a few free beverages and good food!) are welcome to stop by and lend a hand. Refinish work starts tomorrow and goes through the week. If you prefer to lend a hand with the move, show up at the old place a week from tomorrow. Any assistance gets you a VIP pass to the party in November!

For all readers, near and far, I promise to post something in the near future!! Until then, check out some of the Other Barkers' blogs listed on the left side of the page.

2002-09-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

OH NO!

It appears that some lil’ Punk Kittens have taken up my theme song as their own! Thanks Jason for ruining my day! Now every time I hear that song, I’ll see those kittens!

...well, they are pretty cute...

2002-09-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

In Memoriam

“Every time I see the images of the plane crashing into the building, I am forced to watch my mother’s murder again…”
-Daughter of a woman killed in the 9-11 attacks

I wasn’t going to write about 9-11. I thought it was just a little too much as everybody else would be writing about it. Some of us just want to move past it. Yes, it was horrible; and no, we haven't forgotten it. How could we? For the last week, we’ve been constantly bombarded by information from everywhere about 9-11, whether we wanted to think about it or not.

However, after this morning, I thought otherwise. I woke up VERY sluggishly, to a dead cell phone. I got out of bed, turned on the radio and headed for the shower. WDET (the local NPR college station here) was apparently mid-way through a replay of their radio broadcast from last year because all I heard when I turned on the radio was, “Detroit Metro Airport is closed. All Detroit schools are closed…” I thought, “Oh no! Not again!” Last year, I was awakened by reports of the attacks and, when I tried to contact my family in Philadelphia, I was met with a dead cell phone network.

I soon learned that the rebroadcast was part of WDET’s memorial report on the attacks of 9-11. Soon, my thoughts were, like so many others', filled with what happened a year ago today. It was a national tragedy that gave birth to as many personal stories as there are people in the world, leaving everyone wanting to tell his or her story.

I thought about this site and the new people I have “met” because of it. And, while I believe I am getting to know a number of you somewhat well, I don’t feel as though I KNOW you. I’m a fan of face-to face interaction, but that’s not always possible, so... Anyway, now I’m rambling….

Today, as my own sort of memoriam, I’d like to kick off a sort of “getting to know you/me/us” line. It’s all sort of up in the air at the moment, and any suggestions are more than welcome. Sooner or later I’ll get a “real” host and somewhere to upload pictures so we can see what we look like. I’m in the process of drafting a list of questions so we can get to know one another better. Let me know what you want to know about me and the other readers (all six of you! *smile*) It may sound kind of sappy, but I guess that’s happens sometimes, huh?

2002-09-09T13:48:00.000-04:00

Why Didn’t You Call ME?!

Yesterday, I attended the Battle of the Brits Car Show and almost purchased a 1964 Triumph Spitfire (which possibility is still not fully ruled out!) Anyway, we met up with some friends and then went to a local favorite brewery to hang. We, unfortunately, ended up at a table under the air conditioner which seemed to have a problem with it’s fan and was making a weird whirring sound - sort of like the core reactor on Star Trek or something! Of course, this made it difficult to converse. Instead of switching to another table like normal people would have, we decided to stay and laugh at our completely misheard and misinterpreted conversations. “Do you see in black and white?” “WHAT?” “Do I see in black and white?! Well…” “What?! No, where did you get that one from?” "I SAID...."

Conversations continued on like this until we got on to one of my favorite grrl topics (this is when I turn all grrlie and lose all tomboy credibility) – SHOES (I’ll admit that I bought 6 pairs last month!). The cool grrl next to me was wearing a t-shirt from the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Who knew?! A whole museum devoted to SHOES!! This conversation took on incredibly hilarious proportions when it turned to a boy who was dissed by the Shoe Playa at Kenneth Cole.

My friend, the Jilted Shoe Luva, and I were shopping the week before when he informed me of a pair of shoes he saw and wanted to get from the Kenneth Cole store. Apparently, they didn’t have them in his size on a prior visit the week before and the salesman, T-Money, was going to order them and give my friend a call when they came in. I swear he sounded like a jilted lover when we went into the store and he asked the saleswoman if T-Money was in. She told JSL that T-Money was not in and asked if there was anything she could do for him. He said “Well, he was going to order a pair of shoes in my size and then call me when they came in. He never called me! Do you know if they came in?!” I had to walk away from the counter at that point to keep from laughing!

We had a good laugh at the brewery when we tried to create further scenarios. My friend, JSL, would find out T-Money’s home address and start to drive by, honking his horn and waving his fist: “Where are my shoes?!! And WHY DIDN’T YOU CALL ME?!”

Or, he’d have the guys from the Sopranos go to the store and show T-Money photos of the riverbanks, littered with empty cement bags and say “You know, we had to give the last shoe playa a new pair of shoes when HE never called…”

Ahhhh, lazy Sundays and goofy friends… ya gotta luv ‘em!

2002-09-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

*Judo Chop to the Neck!*

Tyrone Germaine Hogan had to be thinking, “This is just NOT my day” when he met resistance in his attempt to carjack a minivan full of tourists. Resistance, kids, is also know as getting your ass kicked by a college varsity judo team in town for a competition. ouch!

2002-09-04T13:01:00.000-04:00

Grrl Cars Are Better Than Boy Cars Anyway, SO THERE!

Following Jason’s link to the Car Talk site on The Worst Car of the Millenium, I found a pretty cool article on what people across the country are saying on the topic of Guy Cars vs. Chick Cars.

I had this same discussion a couple of years ago with a group of good friends. I was informed that my VW GTI was DEFINITELY a chick car. The guys insisted that my car was not “manly” enough to be a guy car. “Really, it’s sooo…. cute! What guy would drive a little thing like THAT!?”

”A cool one.”

2002-09-03T12:19:00.000-04:00

Carnival Time!

In honor of my carnival like life this weekend (my housemate's wedding/my mother almost died and is back in the hospital/broke my toe and twisted my back), I give you a story from NPR about old time carnival fairs. I love the end of the story when they play the clip about the burlesque show!

2002-08-30T13:28:00.000-04:00

Open For Dream Interpretation

I didn’t sleep well last night; I was constantly tossing and turning. I had a strange dream that went a bit like this: I was talking to Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, when he suddenly starts serenading me with the song Black. The last line of that song always makes me very sad. The alarm clock went off just as Eddie finished. I woke up sad, tired and achy.

2002-08-28T08:54:00.000-04:00

In Celebration of Meat!

On my way to work this morning, I passed an interesting sign. The sign announced an upcoming festival at the church: ST. ANNE’S SAUSAGE FEST.

Hmmm…

2002-08-27T09:54:00.000-04:00

You Drive Like A Moron!!

Sometimes, I honestly believe that it would be handy to have a printer in my car! That way, I could print out one of these and slap it on the forehead of some idiot that cut me off on the highway!!

2002-08-27T09:13:00.000-04:00

Bored?

My schedule is crazy today! Here's a little something to stave off boredom until I get back!

2002-08-23T12:47:00.000-04:00

Headin' Home!

Okay gang, I’m off to Philly to visit me mum, and take funny photos of her when she’s passed out on pain killers. Nice, huh? Relax, I won't post them, so it's okay. I'm KIDDING! Anyway, here’s a little something to keep you entertained in my absence. Have a great wekeend and - Peace Out!

The Car Boys Rock!

My favorite radio show (Car Talk) probably is so because they address a number of my automotive/driving pet peeves. One of those pet peeves is SUVs. I’m probably going to annoy some of you with my comments, but hey, that’s my job, right?!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I like the styling and the general idea of SUVs – tough, rugged look; getting off road and way out in the woods…. However, the majority of owners never even take their SUVs off road. To top it off, they drive the behemoths like they’re cars. THEY’RE NOT!! There are many downsides to driving an SUV. Anyway, I’ll step down from my soapbox and get on with the fun stuff!

The Car Talk site offers a quiz that poses the question “Do You Need an SUV?”

My quiz results suggested that I don’t necessarily need an SUV (duh!) and suggested other vehicles for me. Top two of the list: Audi A4 wagon, followed by the Audi Allroad. Do those guys know me or what?!!

2002-08-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

Hee hee! :-D (And no Todd, I'm not tipsy, just giddy!)

2002-08-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

Help Me With Your Name….

Through work, I am enrolled in a self-development class. It’s to help with presentation skills, memory tags, etc. In last night’s class, we worked on memory skills; remembering names through visual association.

We were asked to pair off into groups of two. When in these groups, we were to come up with a mental picture for the other person’s name. Okay, no problem; I’m a visual person!!

I stood up, turned to my partner, looked at his name-tag and FROZE. His name is DICK. I’ll admit that it took me a second to recover. “Okay, so let’s start with your last name!”

2002-08-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

It's Really, Really Stuck!"

Am I the only one, or do any of you have that annoying little kitten song stuck in your head too? As I left for work this morning, I said "I love you" to my dog. I had to laugh when I caught myself following it up with, "I really, really do..." UGH!

I just noticed I was humming it a few minutes ago....

2002-08-19T11:59:00.000-04:00

My How We've Grown...

Our membership for the Detroit area has swelled from five members to 17 for the International Blog Meetup Day. I look forward to meeting you guys on Wednesday!

2002-08-18T04:53:00.000-04:00

Saturday Night

Hee hee! :-D

2002-08-16T16:43:00.000-04:00

What Tha'!?"
Okay, so you may have noticed there's something weird going on here. My "Date With Satan" post "disappeared," and the comments from that post were switched to my "Cat" post. I have no clue as to what has happened or why. At any rate, just so you're not lost, here's the "Date" post again!

“My Date with Satan”

While at the bookstore the other day, not only did I find that the book I went in for was on sale, I also found another book, a collection of short stories titled “My Date With Satan” by Stacey Richter. I’ve only read the first two stories so far, but those were absolutely hilarious! When I got to the counter, the cashier laughed and said, “Wow, I think I could write this book!! No doubt I’ve been on dates with him too!”

Well, I have another date tonight. Hopefully, he won’t be Satan, and won’t even claim to see dead people walking around. Yes, that’s happened and, no don’t even ask because I’m not going into it!!

2002-08-15T15:46:00.000-04:00

me-OW!

Here’s a Purr-sonality Test to find out which breed of cat you most resemble. Apparently, grrlDog is likened to the misunderstood Sphynx. Think “Mr. Bigglesworth” from the Austin Powers movies. (Why am I talking about myself in the third person?)

2002-08-15T15:33:00.000-04:00

Pace Yourself...

Things have been CRAZY with me lately! I’ve had two incredible days at work on a project I’m not really at liberty to discuss, but let’s just say that I LOVE this job!!! Anyway, since I’ll only be posting occasionally for the next few days, I thought I’d give you guys a few things to entertain yourselves with until I get back.

I'm house hunting and went to check out what seemed like a really cool place. I know. I know... if it sounds too good to be true... Anyway, I was greeted by a rather petite woman who made me think of Snow White or Minnie Mouse - in a pretty scary, “Baby Jane” sort of way. I continued to inspect her as I followed her around the house. "Oh yes, this is the kitchen.”

She was somewhere in her mid 50s; about 4’10” to 5'; dyed black hair - complete with bangs and two ponytails; no eyebrows (other than the penciled in ones that were melting away in this ungodly heat); and bright red lipstick (also melting). I continued to mentally dress her as Snow White, Minnie Mouse or some other cartoon character and with that high-pitched voice, she REALLY could be one of them… “Fill out an application? Sure, that sounds wonderful!" I responded, as she grabbed my attention back to her life story. “And my father never approved of me being a singer. Ya know, I’ve been a singer all my life…”

About 30 d-r-a-w-n o-u-t minutes later, I found out where she’d spent her life as a singer – in DISNEY WORLD!

2002-08-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

“I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other.”

That’s right, time to bask in the glow of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Tonight (Monday) between 6 and 9PM the Earth will pass through the densest part of the Perseid stream. You can check here for more information on the Perseid meteor shower.

2002-08-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

Calling All Bad Grrls!

Okay all you bad grrls (and boys too, I guess...), here’s a quiz to find out just how naughty you are. I scored a 25.
“16-25: You Go, (Bad) Girl!
You sound like the best kind of Bad Girl (*DUH!*): You think for yourself, but you're willing to listen to what others have to say. You're more likely to start the next big thing than to follow it. After all, you're way too busy following your dreams to keep up with the latest trends. You might have been in a little bit of trouble during your lifetime; but you know trouble is not only the best teacher, it's also sometimes the most fun.”

2002-08-08T16:12:00.000-04:00

”What Kind of Guy Do You Want? I Can Get You Anything!”

I have nightmares about my friends “fixing me up” for dates. It’s the stuff that bad comedies are made of. My friend, we’ll call him D (husband of my good friend C) is head of a division of design for one of the big three auto makers. It's kinda weird because I've known D for about three years, well before I started working in the auto industry. Anyway, he's a big shot at the studio (my company’s client). Yesterday, he sneaks into a meeting I'm involved in and, during a presentation, whispers an update on this guy, a car designer, he thinks would be great for me.

D: "So, did you see him? Is he your type?"
Me: "What?!! Oh, hey! Yeah, I saw him."
D: "Okay, here's the thing. I was wrong. He's ‘Occupied’."
Me: "’Occupied?’ Like a Port-a-Pottie? What do you mean 'occupied?'"
D: "Well, I you know - he's got a girlfriend now or something. But there are tons of guys for me to hook you up with."
Me: "BE QUIET before you get me in trouble! Wait, “tons of guys”?! Who are you now, Chuck Woolery?!"

At this point, everyone (including my program manager and integration manager) is turning around to see who is being so rude as to whisper loudly and not pay attention during the presentation. They see it's D, and well, it’s not like they can yell at him or anything, so all is forgiven. Then the quizzical looks fly in my direction. Isn't that the new girl?!

Me: "D, shut up before you get us in trouble!"
D: "Whatever. So, is he YOUR TYPE?! Is that what I should be going for, or do you want something else. I can get you whatever type you want. There are lots of guys here. Take your pick. I can make things happen."
Me: “’Take my pick? You can make things happen? (snicker, snicker!) "What are you, a Designer Pimp or something?!! Would you cut it out?! People are starting to look."
D: "So, what's your type?"
Me: "SHUT UP and pay attention you dorky yenta! (smile)"

I look back to the presentation, catching everyone's eyes on D and I , trying to make out our conversation and the looks of frustration. "Why does the new girl get to talk to D? What's going on there? Must be that secret society of design conscious people....
I turned back to say something to D, but noticed he had escaped to the hallway and was laughing at me – stuck in this meeting.

My boss told me the manager reported to him that I'm doing a great job; networking well and picking up on my duties quickly. Well, I'll either end up getting a date, a promotion or both out of this!

2002-08-06T22:35:00.000-04:00

"The only exercise I get is on the stage. If I didn't get that, I'd get a little round around the tummy, as much as I eat."

No, I'm not moonlighting as a stripper! This, along with other fine quotes such as, "I wouldn't call girls a hobby. It's a pastime," can be found in an upcoming article in Esquire magazine about Elvis, the King. Seems like they're trying to dig up something that hasn't already been said about Elvis to honor the 25th anniversary of his death.

This article is compliments of, and in honor of my grandmother, the biggest Elvis fan I know!

2002-08-04T11:19:00.000-04:00

Who Let This Clown Play?!!

Obviously, the photographer and his/her editor weren't thinking when they let this image, of Canada's Petra Cada, get by their radar.

2002-07-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

Home Sweet Home
We've all heard the saying, "Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it." Well, I've been rather homesick for Philly lately and have given a lot of thought to a quick weekend trip home, just for the heck of it. Well, it looks like I will be going home. However, it won't be a "pleasure" trip; it's because my mother is scheduled for surgery.

My posting will probably be a bit erratic in the near future. I apologize in advance.

Fate has a weird way of reminding you of your and your loved ones' age and mortality. Hmmm...

2002-07-27T12:25:00.000-04:00

2002-07-27T00:35:00.000-04:00

Friday

This is pathetic. Here I am, sitting around on a Friday night, checking out everybody's blog while watching QVC. I'm almost convinced that I should buy an Affinity sterling and diamond ring. Hmmm....

Okay, well, here's a highlight. I went to see "Austin Powers in Goldmember" tonight. It was pretty funny! I liked it better than the last one!

hmmm...That ring really is pretty cool looking.... DAMN! Caller, Michelle, just got the last one! I'm going to bed!

P.S. - Wait!! Ba-donka-donk is about to come on Crank Yankers!

2002-07-26T08:26:00.000-04:00

Cooking Monkey Homestyle!

What the hell is with the spam mail I'm getting lately?!! Minnie mentioned something about weird spam the other day. Since then I've been keeping tabs on the Subject lines of my Junk Mail folder. Here's a sampling of what I've found:

1. "Boys and Dogs, Dogs with Girls, Farm Orgy & more!" yee haw.
2. "Wanna See How Wild Monkeys Have Fun Eith Young Girls?!" no.
3. "Hot Rape Videos" gee, I can't wait to see that one.
4. "Mad Donkey Rapes Young Girl." and this is entertainment?
5. "Fresh Free Porn!!" and what, someone would pay for stale, rotten porn? wait. don't answer that.

2002-07-25T12:38:00.000-04:00

That’s My Kind of Shopping!!

According to one of my odd-ball news sites, “Melodie Morsicato, 45, was arrested in New Britain, Conn., in March after she crashed through the front door of a Target store at 4 a.m. in her Nissan Stanza and, once inside, continued to drive around the store.” DAMN! That was MY idea! Wouldn’t that be cool?! Drive-in shopping.... hmmm.... I can see it now: “Pull over, I wanna check out that thong!”

2002-07-24T21:25:00.000-04:00

Advance Notice

I won’t be able to post tomorrow (Thursday). Oh, I think I forgot to tell you guys: I got a new job! Anyway, I have my first presentation tomorrow. For an hour and a half, I have to stand in front of a room full of guys and detail the superior design qualities of my favorite car company. This job ROCKS!!

I’m a little nervous about the whole public speaking thing, but I’ll make it through! Wish me luck - and keep your fingers crossed that I don't trip over wires and knock over the laptops and projector! That image just keeps popping up in my mind! ugh!

2002-07-24T15:26:00.000-04:00

You Go Little Philly Grrl!

Apparently they're still growin' em pretty tough in Philly. This 7-year old girl escaped her kidnappers "by chewing through the duct tape that bound her, smashing through a door and breaking a window to yell for help." That's my kinda grrl!!

2002-07-24T09:34:00.000-04:00

Bubblin'

I was in the bookstore with a friend last night, checking out books on beta fish (a/k/a Siamese Fighting Fish). I tried to explain that my fish, Notorious B.E.T., has been hard at work building a bubble nest. Apparently, male betas do this when they’re, “in the mood….”

Unfortunately, there seems to be a drought on female betas at the local pet stores. I turned to my friend for help. “He’s been bubbling like crazy. If I don’t find a girl for him soon, he’s going to explode.” Wonder who was listening in the next aisle…

2002-07-23T07:08:00.000-04:00

Which Obscure Band Are You?

Ever hear song lyrics and think “That’s SOO me?!” Take the a test and find out if it really is:

I was The International Noise Conspiracy. (They're obscure? I heard they were on MTV). Anyway, which band are you?

2002-07-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

Roadkill Surprise

No, I’m not talking about what I made for dinner last night. I’m talking about what I saw on the side of the road last night when I drove to get my pup a new bag o’ grub.

A dead squirrel on the side of the road; not an uncommon sight, right? I bet that’s what the crows thought when they sidled up and started to peck at it. Well, imagine their surprise (and mine!) when the not-dead-yet squirrel jumped up and took a swing at the nearest crow! “Who the HELL do you think you’re peckin’ at?!! Damn! I try to get some rest and look at what happens! C’mon! You want summa dis?!”

I swear I almost hit another car because I was laughing so hard and paying more attention to this scene than the traffic in front of me!

2002-07-21T21:11:00.000-04:00

Humidity Makes Me Cranky

It’s almost 9PM and the thermometer on the clock in my living room says 80 degrees. What’s worse is that the hygrometer says the humidity is at 82% which, as stated on the hygrometer is “Very Humid.” no shit. Like I need technology to tell me that?

2002-07-21T17:10:00.000-04:00

Make Up?

My weekend started with me aggravating my wrists’ carpal tunnel. I made numerous changes to my site. You probably don’t see them, but I do! I think I’ve learned more about coding and stuff this weekend than in the past couple of years! It all started when I tried to move something further down on the page and ended up deleting stuff and throwing everything off. If you checked here late Friday or early Saturday, you’ll know what I mean. I REALLY screwed it up. Numerous attempts to figure it out Friday night didn’t work, so I gave up for the evening.

Saturday morning, I leapt from my bed (tripping over my dog on the way - nice new bruise!), poured a cup of coffee (all over the counter! I hate that coffee pot!) and checked here, just in case it was a Blogger thing and my site had magically corrected itself. Well, it didn’t and I spent a few more hours correcting the problem! FINALLY, it worked! Then it was off to do something TOTALLY not me; I got a makeover. (wha?!! Yep, you read that right.)

Now, I'm not a “girlie” kinda grrl, and I'm not really into the big makeup deal. So, I was rather surprised by how easily my friend Cara talked me into going for a free makeover by the "Sex and the City" makeup artist. I figured, "What the heck! It's free!"

I expected to run out of there, swiping at my makeup mask with a bath towel snagged from the housewares department. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised when the makeup artist actually listened when I said, “I don’t want a bunch of goop on my face. Just something natural looking, maybe a little drama for going out at night.” When I was done, the very cute, but very gay makeup director turned around and said, “Damn! She’s HOT!!” I took his advice and made plans to go out for the evening.

After shopping with my grrls, I donned a new outfit and my “Martini Dame” undies (complements of my buddies at the soon to appear Slaw Art) and headed out to wow the boys of Detroit. I met some nice people, but quite honestly, I’m getting rather bored with the boys here. Maybe it's me and not the guys here. Naaaa! No really, they were nice; I'm just bored. If I didn’t like my new job so much, I’d move back home to Philly or out to San Francisco! Is it appropriate to say here that I miss the boy? I wonder if it’s mutual. Should I call him or just give up completely? Any thoughts?

2002-07-20T18:56:00.000-04:00

Which PowerPuff Girl Is Your Blog?

Okay, anyone who knows me (or can read – duh, look to the down and to the left) knows I like the PowerPuff Girls. So, imagine my delightful surprise when I ran across this quiz which asks “Which PowerPuff Girl Is Your Blog.” I guess it was no surprise to find out that grrldog is a ButterCup! Which is yours?

2002-07-17T21:29:00.000-04:00

Not in My Country!

Apparently, kids don't need to learn about AIDS in this country. According to a BBC report, an HIV positive muppet will be added to the charater line-up on Sesame Street shown South Africa, but not in the US. "Republican politicians in the US Congress were outraged over the possible introduction of the character...." Hmmm....

2002-07-16T20:26:00.000-04:00

A Meeting of the Blogs

This month's International Blog Meetup Day for the Detroit area is scheduled for Thursday at 7PM. Being one of five bloggers listed in the area, I'm not sure whether I should even go.

2002-07-16T20:15:00.000-04:00

So, I don't have the VW GTI any more (may BabyG rest in peace). However, I am in the market for a new set of wheels, another mountain bike, that is! Suggestions?

2002-07-12T07:59:00.000-04:00

Etch-A-Sketch

Okay, so maybe it doesn't work exactly like the old skool Etch-A-Sketch used to, but then it woudln't, now would it? That's why it's called the Web Etch-A-Sketch. Entertaining, for about a... MINUTE! That should give me time to dig up something else.

2002-07-12T07:41:00.000-04:00

Social Calendar

Yes, it's true. The Social Calendar is on it's way back. However, since I now have this handy, dandy little blog site, I'm considering posting it here instead of sending out a weekly newsletter. Check back; I'll have an update soon!

2002-07-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

Battle of the Beaters

I drove my beater car, BeeBee (short for Beautiful Beater, the stylin' 88 Sentra), to work today and encountered another grrl in a beater; a Sentra a couple of years newer than mine. I laughed when I saw the modified exhaust and huge, soup can tail pipe. She caught my laugh and smiled back. We eyed each other up and took our places on the starting line. (Okay, so it was a stop light, but let's not get technical here).

Anyway, the flag dropped (light turned green and traffic moved out of the way) and we were off. I floored it and pulled out to the lead of the pack, totally losing Newer Beater Sentra (NBS) in traffic. Apparently, I "greatly underestimated the level of sneakiness," because a couple of miles later, NBS was along side me, having deftly moved her way through heavy traffic. No way she was going to beat me!!

A few narrow lane changes, a grab to secure the very full cup of coffee, precariously secured in the "pre-cup holder" cup holder (i.e., between the seat and emergency brake handle) and I was out ahead of all traffic, including NBS and then, - DAMN - the light turns red. NBS pulled along side me, smiled, gave a "good race" nod and waved. The light changed and she turned off a few short blocks later. Aaaahhhh, great way to wake up and start the day. No where's what's left of my coffee?

2002-07-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

So, there was this conversation regarding whether the term "codpiece" had anything to do with "cod," the fish. Well, leave it to our trusty researcher of the weird, Davezilla, to come up with the answer.

2002-07-07T10:05:00.000-04:00

YAY!!! Finally, my changes have arrived!! (funny how they show up the evening after I blast Blogger....) Anyway, on to the celebration!!!

Martha Stewart has kindly donated Green Jello Shot Recipies for the party!!

2002-07-06T09:24:00.000-04:00

Okay, this is really starting to bug me!!! As I've told you, I've been working on a "real" site and been teaching myself a lot about web sites, developing, basic HTML, etc. Well, I did a lot of work to this site, just to test the water and see if I've been paying attention to my instruction manual, or goofing off (as usual) and just throwing stuff in there. Well, I posted the changes to my template, sat back to behold the beauty of my creation, and.... NOTHING!!! It's been three frickin’ weeks and NOTHING!!!!! Where the hell are my changes, Blogger?!!

Of course, I thought I screwed up. Maybe my occasionally stupid, independently-typing fingers made a mistake and put something in wrong. I checked it repeatedly and, when I was sure I'd done everything correctly, called in the troops! Davezilla reviewed everything and gave me the A-OK. And still, NOTHING!!!! I sent an e-mail to Blogger to ask what was going on and - NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And to further the whole thing, I hung out with Davezilla and Nikki this weekend while Tamity gave them tattoos. It was a blogger day! I came home all "re-inspired," checked my site and... MY BLOG SITE STILL SUCKS!!!!

C'mon! Three weeks should be plenty of time to change a template. If this is your way of trying to make me upgrade to Blogger Pro, it's not working. Maybe if the basic stuff worked, I'd change my mind. But when the basic stuff doesn't work on the non-pay site, where's the incentive?!!

2002-06-13T13:54:00.000-04:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know. I haven't written much lately. Who do I think I am ignoring this whole blog thing, right? Well, I've actually been out having a life and have been working on a "real" site (so to speak). Anyway, keep checking back. Within the next week or so, I should have an address for you to check out my new site! And don't worry, I've already got TONS of stuff banked to share with you!

2002-05-15T16:16:00.000-04:00

So, for Halloween a couple of years ago, I dressed as the Fashion Police. It was a fun costume and rewarding in that we were able to get guys to buy us drinks.

"Hey, YOU - in the polyester!!"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, you. Pull it over. THIS is a definite fashion violation! I'm going to have to write you up."
"But... but it's Halloween. It's part of my costume." (It's amazing how people get upset when you tell them you're going to "write them up." Where's the sense of humor?!! Huh?)
"I don't care what day it is, it's a violation all the same! Your fine is two beers. One for me and one for my friend."
"Oh. (smiling - oh, THERE's the sense of humor!) Well, okay. What do you guys want?"

As I drove home from work today, I saw yet another Hood Hook (a/k/a skanky lookin' hooker hanging in the hood) and thought that she could really benefit from a visit from the Fashion Police.

FP: "Oh yeah missy. Pull that on over. GIIRRRLLL! What the HELL were you thinkin' when you put that on?!"
HH: "I'm SEX- SAAY!"
FP: "Oh HELL naw! You're SKANK-KAAY."
HH: "Wha?"
FP: "Look, first off, lose the white panty hose. I don't know what you were trying ot do with that, but ya missed the mark. And honey, there is NO control going on with THOSE alleged control tops. All they're doing is creating a new roll over the top there."
HH: "But, they make me look slim."
FP: "uhhh... NO."
"Okay, next where in the HELL is your shirt?! Does your mother know you left the house like that?"
HH: "uhhh.... yes? It's my Wonderbra. I'm trying to be SEX-SAAAY!"
FP: "I wondering - WONDERING WHAT MADE YOU THINK THAT! It ain't working. Cover that shit up."
"Hey, I'm going to let you off with just a warning this time. Next time, I'm taking all your earnings for three days and going clothes shopping - for myself."
HH: "Damn! You more 'spensive than my pimp!"
FP: "DOH!"

2002-04-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

I've been hard at work trying to dig up some interesting stuff for you guys to check out!

Today's Topic: 80's TV Sitcoms

So, do you think you miss Gary Coleman and the gang on Diff'rent Strokes? Well, I bet it's as much as this chick does: http://members.tripod.com/~kiersten/coleman.html

Or, maybe you were an Emmanuel Lewis fan: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/webster.html See what our little pal Webster is up to now.

Ever wonder what happened to that cute, chubby-cheeked Natalie Greene from "The Facts of Life?" http://us.imdb.com/Name?Cohn,+Mindy http://www.sitcomsonline.com/thefactsoflife.html

Obviously, I'm not the only one who remembers the short-lived, "Hello Larry" http://www.sitcomsonline.com/hellolarry.html

2002-04-23T21:04:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know it's been a while, but I'm back and, after a year or so, I've figured out what I want to say!!! Just kidding!

However, due to a renewed interest in the whole blog thing, largely in part to my friend Dave (Check out his award winning site at: http://www.davezilla.com ) I'm back and ready to work on this page! So, I promise a much more exciting and informative page in the near future. Now... on to finding stuff to show you guys!

2000-11-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

I've figured it out. I know why I'm so hesitant about writing here. It's because I'm not sure that I want everybody to know whay I'm thinking. I don't mind being bold or blunt, but that's with stuff I want the world to know; not personal stuff. Hopefully this site will help me to open up a little more. I'll write later... when I'm ready....

2000-11-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

I think the most difficult part of this is figuring out where to start; just what you want to say... I'm very rarely at a loss for words, but now I am. This is probably a thrill for some people who know me, and wish I'd shut up! Let me ponder this a little and I'll come up with a good topic for discussion. I could always start with the whole dog discussion, on which I could converse for hours, but even I'm bored with that one. Suggestions are welcome....

2000-11-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

I'm Working On It!

Check back soon!!