I'm a Pats fan. Yes, I'm disappointed they lost the Super Bowl. I really wanted to see the first 19-0 team. However, the Pats have enjoyed tremendous success this decade and one cannot take away what they have done. That said, it seems that even that everyone is trying. Spygate, then accusations by the Boston Herald - the Pats HOME newspaper - further accusing them of cheating. When even the home paper disses you, it really shows how much the tide has turned. America's darling was now hated....

doctorwho

My father's birthday was last Sunday. He is 81 (further indicating my own mortality). While he suffers from early dementia (meaning his short-term memory is not strong), he is fully functional still, which is good. He never liked speaking on the phone, so my conversation with him was short.

I spoke to my mother afterward and learned that two of my relatives, both on my father's side (but related by marriage) had passed away. My aunt was just 69. Another uncle (not married to...

doctorwho

Despite making the most money I've ever made, I still find my finances to be tight. Admittedly, I have lots of old debt - student loans, a big credit card bill from years ago (generated during and shortly after grad. school) that never quite got paid down, etc. But it seems like things should be different.

Worse, despite being a great customer, one of my credit cards raised their rate. They said it had nothing to do with me - they just had to increase the rate. I had a low 4.99%...

doctorwho

This is long and if anyone actually reads it - thanks! I just thought I'd give some history when making this post.

When the Toyota Prius was first launched, I was intrigued. A car using battery power allowing it to drop emissions, obtain great gas mileage and yet, still have room of a car, seemed like a great idea!

At the time, though, I loved my SUV. Yes, I was probably the anti-hybrid. To my credit, I had a smaller SUV - the Ford Explorer Sport. It was 6-cyl,...

doctorwho

I own most major releases from U2. I'm sure there's some German release here or some Australian or Japanese release there that I don't have. But overall, I have tried to obtain most U2 items, including many items on vinyl or a U.K. version (if different from the U.S.). I have also purchased the U2 iTunes box set.

However, as I looked at both my CD's and the iTunes set, something was annoying me. And I think it's the fact that I can't really share this music as I like. This is...

doctorwho

I hail originally from Chicago. I was there when the famous '85 Bears won the Super Bowl. And while several Bears' teams since then have given us some hints of joy, none have made it this far since that Super Bowl winning year. So I'm very happy.

I moved to New England in '97. Boston and Chicago are similar cities in many ways. And while the people there are initially a bit colder, after they warm to you, they become dear friends. I moved to CA in Jan./Feb. of '06. Despite...

doctorwho

Yay! The pups are home!!

If you read any prior journal entry, you'll see that I sent my pups for 3 weeks of "doggie bootcamp" style training.

This was wicked expensive. Think thousands and thousands. Was it worth it? Well... Today, I went to a neighbor's house - he is also a coworker and he was recently in the hospital. I wanted to see how he is doing (he and his wife are older). In the past, the pups would jump and jump and it was difficult...

doctorwho

When my Alex passed, I realized many things. He was trained, but not obedient. He was a good dog, but could've been better. We were close, but we could've been closer. There was a bond of friendship, but was there respect?

Most people train their dogs. The dogs can sit, stay, come, etc. That's great. But a trick is not obedience. And I'm not talking about "breaking a dog's spirit". That's mean and cruel. I'm talking about true obedience training, where...

doctorwho

I decided to take today (Oct. 16th) off from work. The job is fine, but I was just feeling tired lately. I figured a nice long weekend is what I needed.

I did indeed relax - almost too much - this weekend. LOL! I'm almost feeling guilty. :-) I did clean some and then put up some decorations for Halloween.

I only decorate twice a year - Halloween and Christmas. Given that I spent the last 8 years of my life in New England, but that I'm now in California, I had...

doctorwho

For anyone that has read my past journal entries, you know that my beloved Alex had to be put down (after he suffered a stroke) on August 28th. Besides the stroke, which left him almost immobile, he had severe arthritis, was deaf, almost blind and had renal failure. He was just a few months shy of 14, so all of these are old age symptoms. Still, in early July, I felt positive he'd make it to his 14th birthday. But I guess God felt Alex had been with me long enough. I often feel that God allows...

doctorwho

Either the person known as U2SavesTheWorld is experiencing his own version of grief, or he's really seeking attention. I hope the former, because the latter is far more sad.


Edit: That poster had made about 25 one like entries into his journal stating the most bizarre things. But apparently, they have been removed. So ignore my comments above.

doctorwho

Earlier in this journal, I wrote that when Alex, my elderly Dalmatian, was alive but ailing, I had come to terms with it. And indeed I felt that way.

I clearly lied.

Alex was just put down on the 28th, so it's only been 1.5 days.

But in that time, I've talked to anyone and everyone. I've written on websites (obviously here, but others). I went to an animal shelter just to play with dogs. I looked on line for dogs. I have looked at Alex's pictures...

doctorwho

Goodbye my friend... I'll see you again some day. Until then, run wild, have all the treats you want, and chase all the animals you can.

doctorwho

Anyone reading my recent journal entries knows my poor dog is very ill. I thank those who offered comforting words in my prior posts. As with any terminal person or animal, there are good days and bad.

My last entry seemed sad, but I still had hope. And hope initially seemed to answer. I use a hamburger as my "barometer" or "measuring stick" - that is, if my dog won't even eat a hamburger, then I know he's VERY ill. On Aug. 21st, I obtained...

doctorwho

Per my last entry, my elderly Dalmatian isn't doing well. He's almost 14. His vision and hearing are impaired. He has arthritis and renal problems.

On Friday, the vet treated him with 500 mL of electrolytes. This was to basically flush his kidneys. It seemed to work. On Saturday, he was more lively and even hungry.

I awoke today, Sunday, and took him for a walk, which he seemed to enjoy. He drank some water. I wasn't sure how hungry he was, so I let him relax...

doctorwho