It's a fact, dogs will hold a grudge

At the vet last night

Being in the same habits every single day, it’s hard to learn something new on a regular basis. Last night, however, I got my dose of knowledge.

I learned last night that like humans, dogs will hold a grudge/ignore you when they are pissed. I had to take Gatsby to the vet last night for his annual check-up, something I knew he wouldn’t be looking forward to just as much as his mommy wasn’t looking forward to paying the bill.

So we saddled up with his harness on, went outside and he was BEYOND excited to go in the car because that usually means a walk or park time. Sorry bud, not tonight.

So off to the vet we went. Harleysville Vet was PACKED with pups last night. Gatsby got to smell several butts and waved his little tail harder than ever. Before we knew it our name was called. Ohhhh no, I know what this place is was the look on Gatsby’s face as last time we were there a thermometer was shoved up his ass.

The Vet checked him out and says he looks great (that’s my boy!!) and had to give him a shot of fluid up his nose, a shot in his back leg, then she had to draw blood from his front arm (not going to lie, it’s pretty hilarious to see a little tourniquet wrapped around Gatsby’s mini  leg and to see a little vein pop out.) 

Gatsby’s a smart dog and understands that when he sees a needle, he knows he’s going to get pricked. However, he is a lush for food (just like his mother) and I told the vet about the easy cheese trick the vet used last time where he sprayed it all over the exam table and Gats licked away as the doc stuck him with a few needles and he had no idea. Sucker for food, he’s DEFINITELY my boy.

Over $100 later, we headed back home where the fun really started.  He spent the remainder of the night staying as far away as possible from me. He did not look me in the eyes AT ALL and when I said his name he would look at me and cold shoulder me. What I was most sad about was that he refused to sleep in my bed with me (yes, we share the bed) like his usual snuggle bunny self and I know he was feeling a little off because every time he gets shots he gets the shakes and doesn’t feel to well. I just wanted to hug and love him because he was off.

So this morning I wake up – he slept downstairs on the couch the whole night. He wouldn’t look at me, wouldn’t let me pet him. It was getting old at this point and I was really starting to feel bad. Luckily he gave in this morning after me chasing him for 20 minutes to put on his leash and go out. (I'm sure as he watched me running around he's saying payback bitch!!) I knew he had to pee or he was going to burst. 

So that is my story about learning how animals can hold grudges just as bad as some of my friends/people I know. #momprobs

Another view -- a marathon volunteer

I really don't want to have two blog posts in a row about running, but I can't help it. While January 8 marked my one year anniversary since my first Walt Disney World Marathon, today was actually this year's race day (and a special one at that marking the 20th anniversary of the race itself). As I can see by all the posts and pictures, it WAS A HOT DAY with heat advisories in the area!! Ouch! Temps were about average for us last year, really heating up towards the tail end because it was nearly noon when I finished.

As I was looking at Run Disney's Facebook page, I sit here crying my eyes out -- mainly out of joy for all of the runners who finished the half and full marathon this weekend, but also feeling great pain for all of those who did NOT finish (either because of injury or not making the time cut.) While runners and family members posted on the wall about their great achievements, I have also read a lot of posts from volunteers and how the runners have inspired them. I have yet to volunteer at a race and I really hope to do so some day (maybe Broad Street or the Philly Half/Full Marathon.) From personal experience I know how much these individuals keep your spirits up and encourage you by yelling your name when all you can think about is quitting. It is absolutely a goal I hope to complete sometime during my life.

Here are some Facebook posts from Disney volunteers this weekend:

Elizabeth DeKam

Congratulations to all of you athletes, regardless of whether or not you got swept! It was such a privilege to see you all run past me as I volunteered at mile 19. You guys were all amazing and I can't wait to some day be able to say that I did the same! Even if you got swept, just remember, you ran more than any of the volunteers did! Lol.

Kelly Simms

I volunteered at the half marathon yesterday handing out water after the finish line and must say it was a great experience! The gratitude of all the participants was overwhelming! Truly a magical day!

Mike Mills

Volunteered to work the marathon today for my first time. So much fun with a great group of people. Actually might put myself into training and do one of these marathons. — withJodie Piotrowski-Smith and Jen Mills.

Kimmie Ha

I'm a cast member at wide world of sports and this weekend has been so inspiring to me. Men and women of all shapes and sizes going out there giving it their all and accomplishing their dreams and goals. It has inspired me to start training and my goal is to do the wine and dine even though I am overweight. Thank YOU for all that you did and it made me proud to cheer you all on! You should all be extremely proud.

Lois Williams

I echo the sentiment expressed by others. This was a tough day with the sun, temp and humidity. I want to thank the calm people at the medical tent who explained the reason my fingers were swollen. I also want to thank the volunteer that offered her chap stick when I asked if any was available. Another awesome Disney experience...hats off to the Race Director...Well Done!

Tim Beadles

Thank again for a wonderful experience Disney!! The marathon course was one of the best I have ever run! Crowd support was great and most of all the course support was perfect on a warmer humid day.....you have some of the best volunteers out there!

The night I got a 90 year old drunk

Let me first start off this post by saying this song is still a classic to me, but it also holds a special part in my heart because I use to pump it in college my senior year (if I wasn’t my roommates were to mock me) because I was dating a bartender at that time. This little shoutout goes to you, Scott - my Shmuffin. Haha

But anywho, last night I got to check an item off the bucket list – be a bartender.

Just the other night my mom asked me if I wanted to make some extra cash and I clearly couldn’t deny that offer. Her work was hosting an open house at her accounting office to meet new clients after recently buying another firm. It was a group of men and women who sure did like the free open bar and free food. Wine bottles and beer bottles were flowing throughout the night, but what also happened throughout the night was me being able to overhear people’s conversations. Here are two quick stories from this adorable, little nearly 90-year-old man name Howard who got hammered off of one Blue Moon and one Yuengling Lager (both of which he downed in two gulps. He told me he was cutting himself off because he was ‘already feeling drunk.’)

STORY NUMBER 1: So this little old guy was talking about reading the new “Kennedy book” that is out… I’m assuming he was referencing JFK. He is talking to two men saying that JFK was the best president because “he was Catholic.” He continued to say that “he was the best one in office since I’ve been alive… better than all them Jews and whoever else has been in there.” May I include here that majority of the group on Thursday evening WAS Jewish… including Howard. I don’t know why he doesn’t like his religion, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he converts after reading this book.

STORY NUMBER 2: I would say Howards conversations surprised me, but people speak the truth when they are drunk (Drunk mind speaks a sober mans thoughts – however a certain guy I hung out with recently has me not believing that much anymore.) Anyway – all of the staff dressed nicely in suits and ties for their guests. Howard was speaking to one of the younger employees saying how nice he looks in his suit and noting his tie. Then he proceeds to say as a LARGE group of men were around him, “Yeah you look real good. That guy right there, he looks like a damn slob!!! That guy right there, looks worse than that slob.” Dan and I were nearly crying as Howard was saying this allowed. Who would have guessed that Howard was a fashionista!!

Cheers to you Howard, the cutest/drunkest/hilarious old guy I was able to take advantage of.

P.S.  Not sure who was driving home – him or his wife – but both were pretty beat up. Oppsies!