Happy Halloween!!!

I must admit I've never been a huge fan of Halloween. As a kid I got rather nervous going trick-o-treating. I was much more into going to spend time with my grandpa at his pie social that he hosted for his residents every Halloween. When I think of Halloween memories eating yummy pie with grandpa out ways any door to door trick-o-treat moment.

This Halloween our plan was to have a scary movie night. However, the World Series is on opposite of Sunday Night football...so movie plans are a little up in the air at this present moment. We'll see! But how often are the Rangers in the World Series? I won't be disappointed if movie night is a no-go.

I'm curious to see if any kids come to the door. We have candy just in case! As an adult I admit I look forward to seeing little ones in their costumes. Always curious to see what kids choose or what is chosen for them to wear.

Simon the Intimidator!

If you were to ask Simon if he was a pug or a rottweiler he may possibly be confused as to how to respond. Perhaps there's a little rottweiler trapped in his pug body. Now before I continue any further let me reiterate that one of my pet peeves is people that refuse to leash their dogs.

While walking the boys today we were nearly home, about to walk up the stairs to our door when a large dog came running at us from the nearby parking lot. The dog seemed friendly enough at first. Cody and the unleashed dog were investigating each other perhaps exchanging pleasantries. Then the dog seemed a little too nosey. Simon wasn't liking the attitude the dog had suddenly adopted. Never fear Simon sprang into action to let this dog know he disapproved. It was a bit tense for a few moments as the dogs circled each other and facial expressions started to change. I could pull both of my dogs back but the other dog just kept coming at us. The owner of the dog soon appeared and assisted in separating the dogs. An entire situation that could have been avoided had the dog been leashed!

I know Simon must get a bit of a reputation from time to time to be unfriendly. Which isn't accurate he's friendly but in a different way than Cody. Simon is territorial. When he is at his place of residence(and just outside his place of residence) he is protective. This is his territory to guard. He's the type of dog that has to have time to realize that a new person/new animal doesn't mean any harm. When he's taken to another place that isn't his home his guard is down, he's not an intimidator at all. A little crazy with excitement to investigate a new place but he isn't intimidating! Simon the puggie-rott!

Seasons!

The weather has been calm the last few days. It's about time to dress warmer for good for awhile. I asked Cody this morning if he was ready for the colder weather. He didn't answer. I can hardly wait until acorn season is over. I'm tired of trying to keep Simon from eating them. Which I fail at miserably. Once the leaves start falling the acorns get covered up. And I celebrate!

Did anyone think the Cowboys season would go so far off track? I didn't. I thought there would be some bumps along the way since they have such a tough schedule. Not in my wildest dreams did I picture the Cowboys going 1 and 5 to start the season and the Cardinals being at a respectable 3 and 3....especially considering the QB issues for AZ. I kind of thought those records would be opposite. Just when things couldn't get much worse for Dallas, Romo goes down with a broken collarbone. He's out 6 to 8 weeks. That's basically the rest of the season. Maybe he'll make it back for that amazing match up the Cowboys have on Christmas day. Hmm, I wonder who they play that week?......all I have to say is YIKES! Not looking forward to that game. LOL!

Mavericks start their season tonight. And the World Series starts too. Safe to say there will be some channel flipping tonight!

Wild Weather Day!

The Dallas area had some wild weather that caught us a little off guard yesterday. Rain was expected but we had no clue a downpour with tornadoes was on the horizon. It appeared to be a beautiful day. I was a little unsure if I had dressed warm enough or not as we left to go to the mall. As we walked into the mall it seemed I had made the okay choice. After a few hours spent shopping/browsing and having lunch. We rounded the corner to head towards the exit. I looked out to see the downpour. It was now dark, thundering, pouring rain, windy, and cold!

We went back to my boyfriend's place to wait out the storm. As we were watching the ASU game on TV the game was interrupted by an emergency weather alert warning us of tornadoes in the area. The downpour continued. As late afternoon approached it seemed the worst was over. We were up for braving the conditions to go do some more browsing that we had planned before the downpour began. Next up for us was to find a motorcycle store in a nearby city. When we arrived at the store it didn't appear to be open at first. We soon learned the staff was preparing to close since a tornado had touched down less than a mile away. As a result only part of their electricity was operating. By the time early evening came heavy rain had subsided for good.

I thought the worst part of the entire thing was the cold temps. I love cold weather but I was completely unprepared for the temps to drop as much as they did yesterday. Cody and I nearly froze as I took the boys out for a very short walk yesterday evening. I spent most of the night last night trying to get warm.

All I have to say is that's Texas for ya! The weather here has the ability to catch you completely off guard. My boyfriend did all the driving yesterday so I still have yet to test out my new tires. I'm glad he did all the driving the weather was insane. I want some rain to drive in but not a downpour. It's hard to explain the rain here to anyone that lives in Phx. You have to see it to truly get it. Phx has these simply rather small rain gutters to drain any rain from a roof. TX has massive drains that both pugs could fit through. Plus they have drains in the middle of large lawns. Soon after I moved here I was walking along one day and discovered a drain in the middle of a large lawn. That was the moment I clued into the fact that Dallas receives significant rain. The last time I saw drains in the middle of a lawn was back in Seattle.

Side note 1: Why is it that every time ASU is on TV here they lose badly? Irritating!

Side note 2: As I'm preparing to finish this post another weather alert has just interrupted the NFL game I'm watching with news of a new severe thunderstorm heading our way.

Hello World Series!!!!

AWESOME! Texas is going to the World Series!!!!!!!!!!

Just moments ago Texas defeated the Yankees and for the first time in franchise history will be heading to the World Series. We have been watching each game. What a ride it's been! I wasn't sure they had much of a chance against Tampa Bay. They took care of business in that series. Then moved on to beat the defending champs to advance to the team's first World Series!

Pop open some bubbly, the World Series is coming to Texas!!!!

Kitchen Notes!

On Tuesday night I wanted to make a meal that my grandma took great pleasure in showing me how to make back when I was about 9 years old. I still remember very vividly the first time her and I made that meal. I don't have the actual recipe but I could recall most of the ingredients and the process. Just to seek further help I decided to look up other recipes that are similar to get an idea concerning measurements and all that. Honestly why did I bother to look through other recipes? Sometimes I cook with a recipe. But even when I do have a recipe I rarely follow it completely. And in this case I printed off a recipe started to organize my ingredients in the kitchen to begin the meal then asked myself what I was doing? Who needs a recipe? Just attempt it from memory as best as you can. The meal turned out rather well. It will be better next time I choose to make it since I made notes on measurements this time.

Another kitchen note, our new place has a smoke detector on the ceiling at the entrance to the kitchen. Not brilliant placement if you ask me. Last night I set the smoke detector off for the 2nd or 3rd time. Not sure how I did it since nothing burned while I was cooking dinner. Here's the best part when you set off one smoke detector all the smoke detectors in the apartment go off in unison. Obviously they are wired together. Just imagine the sound of more than one smoke detector blaring at one time. Yikes! Simon sticks around but tends to give me fearful glances when the smoke detectors are blaring. Cody is no where in sight. I think he runs to my room and gets under the bed. I just know he disappears until the ear piercing noise has ended. Last night as I was running around doing all I could to help the situation I couldn't help but notice little Simon sitting there looking at me appearing as a shrinking violet. Once the awful noise concluded Simon still sat there so I couldn't help but take a pic. Notice how he's sitting, both legs to one side. Cute!

New Tires!

I've needed new tires for awhile now. Back in May when I had the state inspection done on my SUV I was worried about my tires then. Worried they would cause me to fail the inspection. They got a passing grade so I suppose I relaxed for the summer months about the need for new tires.

However, it was finally time to get new ones. I didn't want to get into a situation where I had a major issue so this past Saturday afternoon was spent getting tires. I replaced them with the exact same kind that was taken off the SUV. Needless to say this past weekend was a bit pricey!

I am now hoping for rain! I can hardly wait to go at full speed through some major rain puddles. The old tires had gotten to the point where I had to seriously be careful in the rain because they slipped too much. Well, I am ready to test out the new tires! Come on rain!!!!

A Day In The Life Of Cody!

This should be a fun post, it involves one of my favorite topics of conversation: Cody-Man! Months ago I did a post talking about Simon's day to day moments now it's Cody's turn.

Cody has many bursts of energy during the course of each day. Many things excite him and he runs for the nearest toy when he's excited. As soon as the new day begins and the boys are released from their sleeping area he is a tornado of energy. Frantically looking for the nearest toy to rough up. Sometimes he's a little too extreme and the toy goes flying. He's so busy playing each morning that I have to call him into the kitchen to get fed.

Once breakfast is done for the pugs it's time to go on the walk. Cody likes being out getting fresh air. He's completely aware of everything around him during a walk. He notices the birds in the trees, squirrels moving from tree to tree, and people swinging golf clubs at the golf course across the street. He's funny to watch because he does notice so much around him.

After the walk Cody unwinds a bit while watching me roam around the apartment and moving himself to be near me. He may take time for a nap while I'm working out but as soon as I'm done he promptly appears at my side doing his best to earn a tummy rub. Cody's schedule is well balanced between napping, trailing me, and playing. His current fave toy is a Halloween bat that his grammie brought him from Phx. Soon enough it's time for the afternoon walk. Once again he simply enjoys being out. The boys are completely trained that they get a treat after the afternoon walk. Both boys hang out by the closet that houses their doggie items the moment we come back inside. Now if I walk passed the closet and don't give them anything Cody is perfectly content. I assume he thinks, 'oh well maybe next time I'll get a treat'. Leaving the closet area to go about his business. This is certainly not how his little brother reacts.

Right before dinner Cody has recently gotten into the habit of wanting to spend time out on the balcony. Following dinner it's his time to chill. He lays on the ottoman and watches things. Snack time and another walk round out the evening for the pugs. When we come back in from the late walk Cody stays up with me while Simon goes off to bed. Cody typically gets cozy in the living room until I decide it's time for him to go to bed.

Another thing that often comes up in Cody's day is barking. He is a security alarm! Cody will bring my attention to something much quicker and with more vigor than Sime.

One thing is for sure, Cody is a go with the flow type of dog. He's content and comfortable! I've always appreciated how he wants to be present in the day to day activities. He's not overthinking things by wondering what's coming up next he's just present in the moment and sharing it with me/us. I read in a Pug book before I even got Cody that the desire to simply share in day to day life with their owners is a pug trait. I believe Cody demonstrates this pug trait very well!

Day Trip and Busy Sports Weekend!

On Saturday we went out to my boyfriend's granny's house on the outskirts of the Dallas area. It was a nice day trip. An enjoyable afternoon eating, chatting, and playing Scrabble. His granny recently celebrated her bday so it was nice to be there and extend her celebration a bit.

Sports-wise it was busy here in big D. For those that are unaware, the Cowboys stadium and the Rangers stadium are next door neighbors. Both the Cowboys and Rangers had home games today. And the games were going at the same time. Can you say traffic jam? Worst of all was that both the Cowboys and the Rangers lost. Geesh! Home field advantages didn't exist.

Boy what a change I've gone through since coming to Dallas....I actually got annoyed during the Cowboys game when I heard members of the crowd cheering for the Titans. However, my boyfriend then reminded me that Vince Young did go to Texas. No wonder there were so many Texas Longhorn shirts in the audience. I still believe it was too much cheering for an opponent even if the opponent is a former Longhorn.

Side Note: I very happily with a smile on my face marked the Cardinals pick incorrect on my NFL pick sheet. My boyfriend was witness to my smiley moment! Yay Cards!!!!

Finally a New Post!

I know it's been awhile since my last post. I try to make at least 2 posts a week. That didn't happen last week. I guess the week got away from me. When I would think about making a post something else would distract me. I planned on making a short post on Friday but I got busy baking brownies.

Lets see what's been going on? Nothing terribly noteworthy. My boyfriend's cat cracked me up a few days ago when she decided to move a few chess pieces on his chess board. She picked one up in her mouth and set it down in another spot on the board. Making a very nice move!

I've been walking the boys a little extra this past week. Just feel like walking and getting them out since the weather is so nice. But I have noticed Simon is looking a bit skinny lately so it might be time to up his food intake. If Simon could read this he would be doing a celebration dance for that admission of mine. LOL!!!!

I noticed Arizona lost a close game yesterday. I hope ASU won. I have yet to see that score. Last night when I was doing my NFL picks I'm not sure why but the second I looked at the Cardinals on my pick sheet I circled them. I then looked at the match up. Well needless to say I erased my first split second selection of the Cardinals to win. I always wonder though about those split second decisions sometimes those are the ones that come back to bite you. Sometimes my subconscious is doing the better thinking. If the Cards do happen to pull off the upset I will be glad to mark it wrong though....my happiness for them winning will far outweigh my disappointment of the incorrect pick.

Red River Rivalry Weekend!

There might not be any Dallas Cowboys game this weekend but Dallas fans are still pumped up for a game. The Red River rivalry game is being played as I type this post. The annual game is between Oklahoma and Texas played on somewhat neutral ground right here in Dallas at the stadium adjacent to the State Fair grounds. I say somewhat neutral ground since Dallas is in Texas but it's not like they are playing at either teams home stadium.

I'm of course wearing orange! Go Longhorns! Although so far the score isn't looking so good for Texas fans. Hopefully they can turn things around in the second half. They sure do have a lot of rivalries here. Rivalries with other schools within the state along with this Red River rivalry with Oklahoma. It's pretty cool, adds a little extra excitement throughout the season.

My Birthday Cake!

Now as I have mentioned before I love cake. It's certainly something I look forward to very much when my birthday rolls around. I could have included this part within my last post but my birthday cake deserves it's own post.

My sweet boyfriend wouldn't tell me what kind of cake until it was time for cake and ice cream on the night of my birthday. I was pretty sure it would be a chocolate cake. Sure enough it turned out to be chocolate with chocolate frosting. Plenty of frosting I might add! The frosting is extremely important to me as well. I don't like cakes that skimp on the frosting. I've been known to add frosting to birthday cakes before. However, that isn't necessary this time.

Now this is not your average chocolate cake folks. This is a chocolate cake that has chocolate buttercream frosting(lots of it) and has chocolate fudge heavily dripped around the border. The chocolate fudge border is simply brilliant! Brilliant!!!!!!! That is what sets the cake apart from all other chocolate cakes, in my opinion. It's called a chocolate satin cake which to me helps describe the rich satiny look it has. I can't post a photo right now of the cake but I will soon. It definitely is much better than last year's cake. Scrumptious!

My Mom's Visit

My mom visited Dallas this past week. She arrived on Monday and left on Friday. It was a very nice visit. The pugs were truly happy to see her. They even got to bend the rules a little while she was here.

During her previous visits we've toured most of the sights of Dallas so this visit was really about relaxing and enjoying each others company. We shopped, we went to a movie, and we dined at restaurants she hadn't yet been introduced to. The shopping went very well. She bought so many pants she was wondering how they would all fit in her suitcase. Lol!

Funniest part of the visit was the snake encounter. We went to some riverside walking trails with the pugs. As the four of us walked along the trail, Simon of course was curious. He must sniff all he comes across. Well he sniffed the wrong thing. He sniffed what turned out to be a snake. I jumped back with Simon attached to the leash I was holding while yelling that there was a snake. My mom had Cody and was quickly moving him away from the snake that was slithering around. After Simon sniffed the snake he slithered over onto the sidewalk and quickly discovered he didn't want to be there so he moved back toward the dirt. Despite my mom's huge phobia for snakes she remained rather calm on the outside but admitted she was quite panicky on the inside. I was calm, I just wanted to get Simon out of the way along with alerting my mom so she could move Cody away. Here's the difference between Cody and Simon. Cody recognizes my panicked voice and responds well. Simon doesn't pay attention to the panicked voice and continues to pull toward the snake not understanding that the thing could be dangerous. Geesh!

I can't really narrow down one specific fave part of her visit. I think the 2 mall trips and the evenings were the best. Each evening was uniquely enjoyable. Spending time with her and my boyfriend while dining at restaurants that him and I enjoy were especially good experiences.