Stupid storm...stupid fence...stupid dog

This morning started so well.

I actually got up when my alarm clock went off, feeling rested. As I got ready for work, I had a sense of peace. I got some of my Christmas shopping done yesterday, so I was feeling slightly less rushed about that. I found an outfit on my first try (which is an accomplishment for me lately, since very few of my clothes fit anymore… I’m sorry, did you say something about the treadmill sitting in my living room. Ah, yes. There is that.)

Anyway, my hair was actually agreeable for a change. It stayed straight, yet maintained a little body, not looking too stringy. Things were looking up.

Then I went outside to get Toby.

We’ve been having bad storms for the past few days, and apparently the wind blew down part of my privacy fence this morning, making a convenient escape for my little bundle of joy. When I realized he was gone, I couldn’t even be mad – I was too busy panicking. Toby has a bad habit of chewing off his collars, so he was roaming the streets somewhere, looking like an orphan with no identification. We have a strict leash law in town, so I was freaking out, thinking about him either getting hit by a car, or hauled off to the pound.

After several minutes of searching on foot in the cool, misty morning (in wedge shoes, dress pants and a CREAM colored sweater) I got in my car and started driving up and down the streets looking for him.

About the time I was on the phone, on the verge of tears with my boss, explaining why I wasn’t at work yet – I saw him. I hung up the phone, put the car in park and took off after him. Did I mention I left my car in the middle of the street, RUNNING, with the door wide open? Thank God it didn’t get hit — or stolen.

As he got ever closer to the main highway, running at light speed, I started screaming. I guess I was loud enough to stop traffic, because about that time, an older gentleman stopped his car and started trying to help. After much, MUCH chasing and yelling and crying (mostly out of frustration by this point), we finally managed to get him.

Luckily, I had a towel. I had taken it with me when I initially went to get him out of the yard because I knew his paws would be muddy. So I wrapped him up in the towel, feeling pretty smart, and carried him home.

So, my hair that was looking so good this morning, now looks wind-blown and frizzy, and my cream sweater? Somehow still managed to get a muddy paw print on the right side, right under my ribs. And of course, I didn’t notice it until I got to work.

But let’s look at the positive side: 1) I got my exercise for the day; 2) Toby keeps my life VERY interesting, to say the least; 3) it was only misting, not full out raining; 4) it was only about 49 degrees outside – it could have been much colder; 5) …

Okay, this starting to sound pathetic! My morning sucked.

End of story.

Snide comments, sarcastic remarks...how can you NOT love him?

In case you're wondering, I'm talking about Dr. Gregory House, from my favorite TV show. Yes my friends, tonight is the season premiere of House at its all new, easy viewing time. Can you tell I'm excited?
Sure he's cranky, mean and sometimes unethical, but he makes me laugh. :)

In other news, the way-too-expensive treadmill I bought a few weeks ago DOESN'T work. I got the daggum thing lugged in the house, unpacked, put together (all while cursing at it for being so heavy), then when I plugged it in - NOTHING HAPPENED. So naturally I tested the outlet, found that it worked with other things, and got even more frustrated. I have literally tried everything. I took the cover off the place where the motor is housed and found that the little indicator light inside comes on, but nothing else does. So now, I get to REPACK the blasted thing, call the freight company to come pick it up and then start all over!! Good grief. I think I'm going to get a refund and just go to a sports store and buy one. Next time though, I'm hiring someone to do the heavy lifting and assembly. Putting it together is not supposed to be the only workout you get from the thing!

On a happier note, Grandma is coming to stay with me Friday night (which means the disaster that is my house needs some work). Bright and early Saturday we're headed to the B'ham area to visit Cousin Jen and family! (my first experience with Baby DEAN!) I can't wait to see everyone. I'm sure there are fun times to be had for all. :)