golden birthday golden lesson

Yesterday was my thirtieth birthday. It was all a bit intense for me, as it felt like I was turning the page from my youth and fully entering adulthood. In reality, it's obviously just another day, but I lost sight of that. I had a moment today, however, when I took Nick to the backyard to do his business. It felt like any other bitter cold Michigan winter's day, taking care of my guy just like I have been for over three years. Leave it to Nick to teach me a valuable lesson.

lifted

I kept telling myself I needed to get back to my favorite Lebanese restaurant in Detroit, Harmonie Way--on Grand River near Broadway, and today I finally went via the People Mover. This was my first time using the Broadway station, and the view from the platform was sort of breathtaking, thanks to the sunshine and my lifted spirits. I snapped this picture while waiting for my train. It might not look majestic, but trust: it was.

beginning of hope

Today's been an emotional day. There's the whole Obama thing which is pretty much everywhere, then there was a lot of hassle at work, new procedures and expectations as a result of the layoffs announced Friday. So I've been all over the place today. Coming home to enthusiastic dachshund kisses was the best, most grounding part of the day. Megan said I only blog about Nick and the weather. It was sunny today, too. :)

memix

On the January 8, 2009 episode of The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert had the author of a book called Remix on his show to discuss the de-criminalization of people modifying others' intellectual property. Colbert took the author's book and modified it by drawing a dog on the inside cover. When he showed his drawing to the camera, I couldn't believe it: he stole my dog drawing! About a year ago, I drew a picture of Nicky's head and have been stamping it all over everything: shirts, cards, buttons, mugs, etc. Sort of like my low-end contribution to the art world, littering my gifts to friends with this image. And then Colbert took his fancy high-brow show and used it as a vehicle to co-opt my art project. Shame on you, Colbert! Oh, it's on.

rescue dog

It's easy to get discouraged during a Michigan snowstorm, unless you live with a dachshund named Nick. His enthusiasm melts the ice and warms the chill. Cliches aside, he makes the snow fun. It's an adventure.

call of the mild

Nicky thinks he's a fire engine. Whenever he hears a siren, he sings along. I love these moments because it reminds me that even though he's an angel, my little guy's also a hound. And that's cute. :)

happy new year!

Nicky and I have been laying low in 2009. We've been watching a lot of TCM and going for walks. It's the life.