Book Review: Circle Dogs

Yesterday, Nathan took the day off and we had a middle of the week date to Omaha. (More on that tomorrow!) We started at the Joslyn Art Museum, which had an exhibit on illustrations by Dan Yaccarino. These were really neat and it was my favorite exhibit--thankfully the guide pointed it out or we would have missed it!

Of course, since the museum gift shop had some of the books for sale,  I had to get some because I love cool kids books. The first one we picked out to take home was Circle Dogs, by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Shockingly, based not only on the title but also our obsession with Shelby, it's about two dogs.

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This is a great children's book because it's simple, it has lots of shapes in it, and it's hilarious. I personally love it because it basically describes Shelby's day, from waking up (stretching and good morning kisses) to her naps (with the twitching) to waking up (because of the mailman, which she did today) to eating and sleeping again.

The other book we got was Dan Yaccarino's Mother Goose, which is his interpretations of Mother Goose rhymes, and the illustrations are pretty great.

I also considered All The Way To America and Doug Unplugged, but those will have to wait for another trip, I suppose.

Check out all of his books here.

Apps That Make Me H-Appy

I am so not an app person. When I got my iPhone I put the Facebook app and the weather app on it. Then I addded some that I thought I might use since they were related to TV (hello, HGTV). And that was about it. Over the course of having my phone, I added some others randomly: some app I've never used that I thought would help me sleep better; iTriage, because my BFF from high school worked on it; Southwest, since we always seem to be changing our tickets; and Find iPhone, after using it to find my mom's phone.

But this past month, thanks to recommendations I've recieved from friends and, people I follow on Twitter, and, well, commercials, I feel like my collection of apps has not only grown but improved significantly in that I actually use them. So, in case you, too, are looking to add some apps to your collection, here are my three recent favorites.

1. My ultimate, favorite-app ever: Pepperplate. This app lets me add recipes and then make meal plans. After that, it will make a grocery list for me. This sounds like something that simple enough for me to do on my own without an app, but I kind of love it, since I often cook with my iPhone or nook now. Since I've always intended on making a month or so's worth of meal plans and then recycling them, I think this is a great, easy way for me to do so.

2. P5, for everyone who needs to obsess about their dog. I have often wondered if we are giving Shelby enough exercise, though trust me, if she hasn't gotten out enough, you'll know it. So I was very excited to find P5, from Purina, so that I can track (when I remember) what the little doodlebug has done during the week. I like that the app breaks it out into different levels of activity, as well. Obviously running and walking are two different levels of activeness, but it helps to know what kind of activity she is getting and also encouraging to try to get her to meet a weekly goal.

3. Just can't get enough of Songza. My friend Brittany told me about this app, which serves as a music concierge to help you pick the right music based on what you might be doing at different times of day. You can also explore playlists based on moods and activities, or other factors, such as culture and decades. What I like about Songza that is different than Pandora is that the playlists seem to go better together in my head. (As I write this I'm listening to "A Cappella Covers." Other favorites are basically anything from the 90s and the Glee and Dawson's Creek playlists.)

Now--what apps can you not live without? Ever since I've opened my mind to downloading more of them, I'm taking suggestions.

Book Review: A Dog's Purpose

It's no secret that I love my dog. (Check out all of the posts tagged with "Shelby Love. There are a lot of them.) And as such I have started to love reading any kind of book about dogs. (See here. And here.) So on my most recent trip to the library, I checked out an audio book with a dog on the cover: A Dog's Journey, by W. Bruce Cameron. (Of course that drew me in.) I excitedly put it in my CD player only to find out that it was a sequel to another book. Disappointing. Fast forward to the next week, and my friend Kaitlyn gave me this book for my birthday: A Dog's Purpose, which as luck would have it was the book I needed to read before I could listen to my audio book. And read it I did.

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I love many things about this book. For starters, it's told from a dog's perspective, and many of the things that the dog says over the course of its many lives are all things I have thought Shelby must have said at some point. I think that considering he is a person, W. Bruce Cameron does a fantastic job of articuluating what I think dogs think. This book also shows real life over the course of time through the perspective of a dog, making observations about the people the dog interacts with that seem so simple yet so accurate.

And throughout the dogs different lives, we see the different purposes dogs have and the lives they live. Some lives show the good, such as life as a rescue dog and a life loving and protecting a child. Others show the not-so-good, such as the dog being left in a hot car, the dog's first life at what seems to be some kind of puppy mill, and people trying to hurt the dog for whatever reason. But most importantly we see this dog's purpose, and the efforts he makes to find "his boy," overall showing the unconditional love and loyalty only a pet can provide.

I have loved several dogs over the course of my life, and this book made me think of all of them and how a dog can live on even after it has left us.


Not Quite A Puppy

Two years ago, we headed out to the farm with Leah to pick out a puppy, and came home with a puppy who had picked us (or at least that's what we tell ourselves). That means two years and a day ago, I was not a crazy dog lady, but what can I say, Shelby's pretty much the best. Here's the post from the day after we got her, and two years later, we love her kind of a lot.

Cornfields

Yesterday we went down to Elmwood to see Nathan's parents and let Shelby explore the cornfields. After his Grandma and Uncle came by, we decided to take a family outing to search for missed ears that could be fed to the squirrels. Shelby loved it, and being the grown up puppy she is, veered off from the rest of the crowd. I started following her, and she made up her own obstacle courses, jumping and running and ending by jumping up on my back, then starting over. She eventually decided to book it up the hill, so I followed and we weaved in and out of the rows. I started thinking about how much fun I was having, and how it is a uniquely midwest thing to experience. I thought about how peaceful it was, with the wind blowing and the husks rustling, and started writing about it in my head. Of course, then there was an unexpected turn.

Shelby had grown tired of exploring on her own, so we headed back to the house, with her close by my side. Then she saw Nathan, and wanted to play again. Unfortunately, her idea of playing was jumping the barbed wire fence. Nathan and I stood there, in disbelief she had done that, and then we looked over and couldn't see her. So we split up and eventually saw her running toward the house, which happened to also be toward the highway. I hoped that, like the last time she ran out, she would just run to the front door, and luckily she did. She had a really fun time, that's for sure (we think she was chasing an animal of some kind), but it was a little more scary for us. And definitely ended my peaceful moment picking up corn and listening to the wind.

Thanks Meagan, for posting about the changes in your life. We'll have to get together so I can drop off your bag, and I even have one for Mr. K as well.

A Birthday Dog

The little Shelberton turned two this weekend. Obviously we got her a present, which she did not like so much, and she got to go over the Gram's and hang out for a little bit. Last year, I made her a cake using this recipe but this year we're taking her to the doggie buffet at our favorite restaurant, which they have every Tuesday. Obviously she is like her mother and wants to have a week-long birthday celebration, though let's be honest: She's pretty spoiled every day.

Shelby's Worst Enemy

This weekend, Nathan and I went to a vintage market, and came home with the ultimate treasure. Everyone, meet our new dog, Sheldon, aka Shelby's worst enemy.

Sheldon is a ceramic sheltie who holds money, and Shelby spends most of her time barking at him or ignoring him. He is the quiet guard dog who sits by the front door.

Sheldon is not the only change that's been happening. We've made lots of changes lately that you all haven't been udpated on, so tune in this week for the scoop.

Until then, Sheldon will sit and wait. Patiently.

Friday Fancies

There is something about cupcakes for me--I can see commercials for any other kind of food or drink, but if I see a picture of a cupcake (or watch 2 Broke Girls) I have. to. have. one. Basically, I totally want one of these in my house.

A good site if you are like me and obsessively read everything a good author has written.

In my opinion, this was one of the best articles my friends posted on facebook about Maurice Sendak after his death this week. (Yes, Facebook is the source of most of the articles I read.)

I am totally loving this for our front door instead of a wreath.

Yesterday I tried to make dry dog shampoo for the super smelly dog that showed up (aka, Shelby, but normally she is so obsessed with being clean). It didn't work, but I did mix a little soap with some water and sprayed it on her, whch seemed to help.

Running With Shelby

Yesterday, I went and watched my awesome friend Leah run the Lincoln half-marathon. I have never watched a marathon (or half) before and couldn't believe how many spectators were out and how many people were running (this year, 10,000). I also couldn't believe how entertaining and inspiring it was.

I am not a runner--in fact, I've always hated running. The sports I played in high school, volleyball and tennis, required little running for that very reason. But currently, I am doing couch to 5k to get ready for the Purple Stride in June. Here is the team page if you want more info.

This morning, I got up to run and was equipped the inspiration I got yesterday watching the marathoners. Today was the day I had to run more than walk, too. However, I've found that the secret to not hating running is to have a dog with you. Normally, Shelby runs either way ahead of me (at the beginning of the run) or way behind me (when she is tired). Today, though, she ran next to me pretty much the whole time.

The other best part of running with Shelby is I can motivate myself by reminding her that we only have a minute left and to keep on going. Hello, of course she doesn't need to know that but I do, and having her with me means I don't look like a crazy person.

Overall the run went pretty good, until I got home and had to lie on the kitchen floor because I felt faint. There will be no half-marathoning for me, I think.

Oh, and there is a new trend in Lincoln I am not too happy about. The past few times we've gone, Shelby has had a random, leashless dog run up to her and scare her. Today's was fine, because it was smaller than she was, but last week, some black lab came running up to her and the owner didn't make much of an effort to come get him. Then on our way back, we ran into them again, and the lady barely held onto him, while laughing with her friend about how "her dog had scared that little dog earlier." I'm sorry, but I don't think it's funny that your giant lab came running after my dog, who is already extremely cautious of other dogs.

End my "leashless dogs" rant, but I have to say this bothers me as much as the high schoolers who leave chocolate out all over the sidewalks.

And yes, I suppose I am a crazy dog person.

Loving Lately

*SPRING! Today is the official first day of spring, but we've been lucky to have some nice weather already. Shelby has totally become an outside dog and just sits out there in the grass with her eyes half-closed, sniffing the air. That is, when she's not getting in trouble in the mud like she did today. Nathan has worked on building her some agility equipment, a tunnel and two jumps, so she's been practicing for class. Nathan also put down the grass seed, and lucky for me, the rain has been watering it this week. Our landscaping is coming back, too, and I'm hoping my lilac blooms this year. The magnolia bush already started!

*SMASH. I am probably weird and fast forward through most of the singing, but I love the premise, I love the characters, and I love Marilyn. One of my favorite new shows. (Oh, and GCB, but I love Leslie Bibb.)

*RedBox. Saturday I finally got to see "Young Adult," and it was definitely something that did not live up to my expectations because I had set them so high. But I did love "My Week With Marilyn." Also different than I thought it would be, but in a good way.

*The library. I have an unbelievable (and maybe unreadable in three weeks) number of books checked out. Come back tomorrow to see what I've been reading lately.

*Cucumber water. Never thought I'd like such a thing, but had it this weekend and now want to make it everyday. It will be a perfet summer drink.

*Pinterest cleaning tips. My particular favorites are using a grapefruit and salt to scrub the tub and putting a cup of vinegar in a bowl in the dishwasher to clean it. 

*Road Trips. OK, I don't love the actual driving part, but I loved seeing my family two weekends ago. It was a super fun weekend and I came home with lots of treasures from my childhood.

Loving Lately

*United States Of Tara: Just came available on Netflix, and I love the concept. It's fun to watch, kind of quirky, and makes you think all at the same time.

*Saving Grace: Just finished this on Neflix and I was maybe addicted. The ending=wow.

*The Library: Made two different trips and have loved everything I've read so far. Expect some reviews, coming soon.

*New snowboots: I got new snowboots for Christmas and haven't had an excuse to wear them, what, with the 50+ degree weather we've been having. While Shelby was the only one who loved yesterday's surprise snowstorm, I'm thankful for the excuse to wear them finally!

*Shelby's agility class: Too fun--last night she learned how to go under a chair. It amazes me how smart she is, because she is just a dog.

*My new planner: Finally found one to stick with: the Arc notebook from staples. It's big and bulky, but it's everything I need and more.

*Travel sites: Currently planning our trips for the year and it amazes me the discounts out there. Now, where to book?

Toastmasters Speech: Learning Body Language

Since it is Toastmasters day today, I thought I'd share the speech I gave a couple of weeks ago. At the time it was five days before Shelby's adopt-iversary, and since the speech focus was "your body speaks," I decided to improvise some of Shelby's movements. So, whenver you see me describing a look, or see the word this, imagine me pretending to be Shelby.

I have never considered myself to be a dog person. I mean, sure, I like dogs and I loved our family dogs, but I never understood the people who are crazy over their dogs. You know, the people who talk about dogs like they’re children, the people who let their dogs sleep in the bed, the people who take their dogs everywhere they possibly can. And then we got Shelby.

Shelby the sheltie joined our family almost a year ago. We got her from a friend of a friend—they had two puppies left in a litter that had been born in June, meaning Shelby was four months old when we got her. And we were perhaps irresponsible dog owners, in that we did basically no research on the breed before we got her.

Here’s how I decided I wanted I wanted a sheltie. I found some at a local rescue and decided they were cute. I sent the link to my friend Leah, who said, Trent and Jess have sheltie puppies, let’s go look at them this weekend. So off she, Nathan, and I went to “look at the puppies.” We watched the two puppies play together and played with them, and then, when she got tired, Shelby climbed right into Nathan’s lap. Obviously, we were heading to PetCo to get supplies for our new puppy within the hour. And so started our journey with Shelby.

As we later found out, Shelties are known for being loving, loyal, affectionate, and willing to please and obey. They are also very vocal and expressive dogs.  And Shelby is no exception. She is our little shadow, We have learned a lot about Shelby over the course of the year, and she really is like a furry little person, with her own personality and expressions. That’s right—my dog has expressions. And tonight, I’m going to demonstrate some of them for you, as they are really the best way to get to know Shelby.

The first, most essential Shelby look is “the potty look,” which looks like this. When we brought Shelby home, Trent and Jess had already been working on potty-training her, so she was familiar with the concept. And during the first week, Nathan figured out that this meant I need to go outside. So really, potty-training Shelby was pretty easy. However, she soon figured out that if she wanted to go outside, all she had to do was tilt her head and we would stop whatever we were doing to take her out, even if she didn’t really need to go and all she wanted to do was play fetch. While we tried to break her of this habit, it was often met with the I’m so cute so give me what I want look. She also used this look to get us to let her start sitting on the furniture and sleeping on the bed. What can I say, it’s hard to say no to this.

This next look is not to be confused with the potty look. It is instead the look Shelby uses to communicate with us (demonstrate). When we talk to her or ask her questions, she’ll respond with head tilts. Now, I’m pretty sure she can’t actually understand what we’re saying most of the time, but, there have been some instances where I think she can. For example, we were talking about what flavor of food we should get for her next: chicken, beef, deer, rabbit, or duck. She’s She sat there listening tilting her head, and when we said duck, she went like this. So we bought her the duck and since then, she’s eating like a normal dog rather than picking at it like she was before. Maybe she understands us after all.

The best Shelby look is what we like to call big toothy grin, which looks like this. She did this a lot when she was a puppy and was very happy with whatever she was doing—playing fetch, doing her obstacle course, chewing up shoes—that kind of thing. She doesn’t do big toothy grin very often anymore though, and instead just smiles.

Other expressions in Shelby’s repertoire include the glare, the stoic look, the wink, and the I’m watching you look. And if you’re not watching her when she wants you to be watching her, she will paw at your hand like this until you start paying attention to her.

As you can see, Shelby is very good at expressing herself in ways that we understand. Or maybe after a year, we’ve just come to an understanding. And maybe, after a year, I’m one of those crazy dog people after all.
I thought the speech went really well, but I was surprised by the feedback, most particuarly the comment that I was using the word "and" too often. I am not sure if it is a "speech" thing, but I am curious about the hatred for conjunctions--there have been other times people comment on using and, but, or, etc. at the beginning of sentences and how this is "bad grammar." I personally love using these words at the start of my sentences (and I'm sure if you go back and read this, you could have a rather fun drinking game with my use of conjunctions), so it might just be something I have to accept that I will be called out on.

Summer Recap: First Birthday

When I let Shelby out one morning last week, I was able to see my breath. It was about 5:45 in the morning, so that might have something to do with it, but I also think it means fall is coming. Plus, new TV starts for us tomorrow and I can't wait!

Because my poor blog was neglected so much this summer, I thought it would be good to recap the summer and what kept us so busy. Today, we'll start with Shelby's birthday, which was June 10.

She looks a lot happier in this picture than she actually was wearing the birthday bow. But I thought the silver was a festive color that matched her coat well. Shelby got a new toy for her birthday, a squeaky rhino named Ricky. She also got her very own birthday cake, which had applesauce, peanut butter, and carrots in it--all of her favorite things. We lit the birthday candle for her and gave her her very own plate to eat off of.

Overall, she was very spoiled as she started her second year of life, but what else would you expect for a very, very spoiled dog

Book Review: The Art Of Racing In The Rain

I've had The Art Of Racing In The Rain, by Garth Stein, on my to-read list for a while. I really wanted to read it on the way to Denver, but since we were leaving Shelby behind, and the book is about a dog, I knew it was probably just going to make me sad and miss her. But I started it last night and then finished it, because it was that good.

I have to admit, I had to stop reading and go cuddle with Shelby for a little while. Enzo, the main character, is a dog telling the story of his life on the eve of his death. (Don't worry, you find that out really early on, so I didn't spoil anything.) The life he has led, with his people, Denny, Eve, and Zoe, seems like just any other normal life at first, but it then, everything changes. I'll let you figure it out on your own, but it's definitely engrossing.

He is adopted by Denny, after being born on a farm. I love reading from the perspective of the dog throughout the book, but the first chapters, where Enzo is describing his parents, dogs in general, and his education have some of the best voice. For example, this description of his father:

"I never knew my father. the people on the farm told Denny that he was a shepherd-poodle mix, but I don't believe it. I never saw a dog that looked like that on the farm, and while the lady was nice, the alpha male was a mean bastar who would look you in the eyes and lie even if telling the truth would serve him better. He expounded at length on the relative intelligence of dog breeds, and he firmly believed that shepherds and poodles were the smart ones, and therefore would be more desirable--and more valuable--when 'bred back to a lab for temperament.' All a bunch of junk."

As a dog, Enzo is unique. He was educated by watching TV. He loves old movies, the weather channel, science programs, and especially racing, as Denny is a racecar driver. The most important thing he learned on TV though, is that when he dies, he will come back a man, and then he plans on finding Denny and finally communicating with him the way he always has, only Denny will be able to hear him.

As a character, Enzo is even more unique. He makes keen observations about life, many that come from learning about racing from Denny and his female master's Eve battle with her health. There are several passages I marked as "favorites," but this is the one I'll share with you:

"Such a simple concept, yet so true: that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves."

This is where the title comes from--above is the art of racing in the rain. Rather than fearing the rain and driving like normal, you spin the car before it spins itself: that which we manifest is before us. And the book is full of similar observations, which is maybe why I liked it so much.

I'm sure I also liked it so much because we do have a dog, who we are crazy about. After reading the book, I like to think that Shelby is like Enzo--smart, incredibly loyal to us, and a keen observer of life. And it makes me appreciate the ti

Similar Book RecommendationsMarley and Me, John Grogan
The Dogs Of Babel, Carolyn Parkhurst

Our Easter Company

We had some special visitors this Easter weekend. My parents came to us, and their dog, Macie, came to see Shelby.

Macie is a newfoundland puppy who is not quite a year older than Shelby. They met previously at Macie's house in January, back when Shelby was not quite so fond of playing/seeing/being within 50 feet of another dog. But now, she was quite happy to have a playmate, even one that was much larger than she was. They played and played and played.

Shelby also loved giving Macie kisses. Though we couldn't tell if she was kissing Macie or using Macie as her personal water fountain.

It was a very quick trip, so we fit a lot of stuff in just a couple of days.  We went over to see my mom's great-uncle and her cousins when she got in Friday afternoon, leaving my dad with the dogs. We had pizza and watched "The Fighter," because so many people had told my mom how good it was. And the dogs played.

Saturday morning, we went over to the nursery and picked out Nathan's Easter/birthday/our anniversary present, which were three hydrangea bushes and two other bushes. While Nathan planted those, my mom and I went to JoAnn's to get supplies for the baby present we made for my friend Meagan, who is due in June. We worked on that, and the dogs did this.

A trip to Lincoln wouldn't be complete without a visit to campus, so we loaded the dogs in the car and drove down. My cousin Jeff came with us as we explored, and the dogs (scandalously) got to be off their leashes and wander around.

We went out to dinner that night at Dish, which is probably my new favorite restaurant in town. It was a great location, delicious food, and great company. I had the salmon, and we had creme brulee for dessert, wine and chocolate martinis, and scallops.

Sunday, we had to say goodbye. We had Easter breakfast at Burger King after packing up the car. We all miss them still.

P.S. Sorry for the bad pictures. I only used my phone to take them, so they aren't the best!

A Book-Themed Bridal Shower

So, our little Shelby kept us rather busy last night, so I didn't get to post about the shower I had for my friend Kelley this weekend. I imagine my blog "schedule" will be off for a while as we work into our routine with her. And focus on potty training. She is a pretty smart dog though—last night she mastered going down the stairs and today she was playing fetch. She really likes her fabric turtle and chewing on her bed, so I think we need to get her some other fabricy toys, like a rope. She also had her first treat, and she is really picky about them. She only likes the soft treats, it seems. We might make a visit to PetSmart today, depending on how tired she is later.

So, anyway: the book-themed bridal shower. Kelley and I were both journalism English majors (from Colorado at UNL), so it seemed fitting that we asked guests to bring her books for her bridal shower gift. I made up the invitations in yellow and wrote a poem for the occassion: "Cathy had Heathcliff, Elizabeth had Darcy, Kelley has Shawn, So let's have a party." Then I instructed people to bring a book: a cookbook, a favorite book, or just whatever they thought she'd like. I had planned on doing custom bookplates for Kelley to put in the books later, but I wasn't sure if she'd want to return them if she got an accidental repeat, so I didn't. But she didn't get repeats, which was exciting. Kelley also wanted to have recipes from people, so I included two library cards with each invite for people to write on.

We didn't really have a shower game, but had people explain why they brought her the books. It was very laidback and we just drank sangria and ate desserts. I made food that corresponded with her wedding colors, which were black, white, and yellow. I made devil's food cupcakes and lemon cupcakes, both with cream cheese frosting, and mini cheesecakes. I intended to make a jello mousse, but it did not turn out, so Nathan and I just ate it. It was stilly pretty good. Decorations were super simple—I just pulled a book vase out from our wedding and bought daisies to put in it. Then I had black and white plates and napkins. I'll try and post the recipes I used later tonight while watching Glee!

It was a really fun shower, and it was fun to get book recommendations, as well. I might try and make an adapted "book shower kit" to sell in my etsy store.

So We Got A Puppy . . .

We had a big weekend. Friday I threw a book themed shower for my friend Kelley, then we had her wedding on Saturday. And on Sunday we got a puppy! We had been thinking about getting one for a while, but we wanted to wait until after the wedding and our honeymoon. We had thought about waiting until after New Year's or next spring, but then started looking and got attached to the idea. I found some shelties at an animal shelter that I thought were cute, and showed them to my friend Leah. She told us that her boyfriend's brother's dog had just had sheltie puppies, so we made a date to go look at the girl puppy, Dakota.

When we got out to the farm, Dakota was very cute and really took to Nathan. She loved sitting in his lap and playing with him. So we took her home with us. She had never been on a leash before, and she did not like it. Jess also warned us that she might get car sick but should be OK. Not so much. She threw up all over Nathan's pant leg as we pulled into PetCo's parking lot. It was probably the funniest thing I've ever seen. We picked out lots of toys for her and got her a bed, a crate, some treats (that she doesn't like), a collar, and a leash. When we took her home, she was very confused and kept turning her head and looking at us. We put her bed out and she went over to sniff it, but wouldn't get in it. Eventually, she got in it and slept for the rest of the day. We're trying to get her into a routine and get her housebroken, but she seemed very overwhelmed yesterday, so we're trying to find a balance in "establishing dominance" and also giving her a break because she's still scared and homesick. She is also really good at sitting, but it's only when you want her to do something she doesn't want to (go potty, come outside, go for a walk on the leash). We don't want to tell her no so she'll never sit again, but we also need to get her to do what we are commanding.

She is very cute--I invite everyone over to meet her whenever because we need to socialize her while she's still little.

I'll be back later today with the details on the book-themed bridal shower!