I am naughty, originally uploaded by trixieskips

I took Matilda to the vet on Friday for her parvo/dystemper shot and the vet thought she had worms, so gave her an extra shot for that. Eew.

Later that day, she pooped in the house (naughty dog!) and OH MY GOD THERE WAS A HUGE DEAD WORM IN IT! I ran over and made Tim show it to me, then wondered later if I should have taken a picture of it to record its grossness.

I don't get much instance to see this, but I really get fascinated by super grody things. Infected boils, cysts packed with bloody gauze, tumors with teeth, pus-filled anything: I don't have a weak stomach at all and sit there watching with horrified, awesome fascination. Our bodies and nature have some seriously nasty tricks!

Beyond gross stuff, I love biology in general. I didn't discover my absolute love of it until my junior year of college when I took a class and adored it. I do have moments of wondering what it would be like to be a physician's assistant or a nurse-midwife.

Or maybe I should just stick to watching gross bot-fly videos and leave it at that.

Willow Ware plate, originally uploaded by trixieskips

At my first apartment, I decided to get Willow Ware plates and bowls. It's a pattern that can grow with you--cheap versions are $3 a plate; fine china is out there, too, and antiques can be hundreds of dollars.

I have long liked the look of it and I knew that the plate told a story in its design, first heard a thousand years ago. I just now looked it up and it tells of star-crossed lovers, a chase, a hide out, arson, murder, and eternal happiness (read more about it here).

I never knew there was such drama on my dinnerware!

1. Bolsa
2. Beckley Brewhouse
3. Metro Diner
4. Kalachandji's
5. Goldrush Cafe
6. All Good Cafe
7. Queen of Sheba
8. Spiral Diner
9. Manny's Uptown
10. Corner Market
11. Buzzbrews
12. Kathleen's Sky Diner

13. Papou's
14. Scalini's
15. Vietnam
16. Garden Cafe
17. Tom Tom Noodle House
18. Susui on McKinney
19. Alo
20. El Ranchito
21. Oceanaire
22. Trulucks
23. The Porch
24. Tei Tei
25. York Street
26. Al Biernat's

The saddest dog in the world, originally uploaded by trixieskips

Somebody got her first at-home bath and was not particularly pleased by the experience. I, however, was overjoyed by the ease when compared to bathing a cat. No claws aimed at my face! No fangs sunk in my flesh! No crying after it was over!

Matilda got a lot happier after the blow drying when she got to sit on a heating pad on my lap. Sweet little girl.

Danish and Swedish policies are designed to help people stay at home as long as possible through a variety of home-care services and regular house calls by doctors. In Denmark, regular monitoring of an elderly person's needs begin with a visit by a nurse when an individual turns 75. "That visit has a huge impact," MacAdam observes. "It reassures the individual and also educates the individual."

I am struck by the attitude of proud independence I encounter in many of the seniors I meet in the two countries, how they persist in doing the chores they are able to do. The system supports them where needed, but doesn't take over – not even in nursing homes, where they have kitchenettes so they can make their own toast and tea. "The philosophy is that, no matter how frail, you have a right to be in charge of your life," MacAdam says.

Dating, romance, jealous ex; breakups, crushes, hot sex: Dating expert Leah Shafer covers it all every week with sass, insight and humor in her Girl Talk column and podcast. As creator of Girl Talk, Leah offers her audience of more than 300,000 people an informed and often funny breakdown of the dating scene from all angles: straight, gay, black, white, cynic and romantic.

Both products debuted on Valentine's Day, 2007, in Quick, an alternative paper that is a weekly product of the Dallas Morning News. Check them out at quickdfw.com/girltalk where there's also a full archive and an array of embarrassing photos.

Forever 21, you suck, originally uploaded by trixieskips

Forever 21 sent me an e-mail today to proclaim, "Keeping Warm Never Looked This Good!" This was the accompanying photo.

For the love of man, WHAT IS SHE WEARING? It appears to be a thin tweed jacket with cropped arms, footless pantyhose, Smurf-colored opera gloves, and tap-dance shoes. Oh, and a lovely green beret on her head.

I don't know about you, but I would not choose to walk in a snowstorm dressed like an extra from A Chorus Line, would you?

About to bloom!, originally uploaded by trixieskips

When I lived on Oram Street, one of my neighbors worked in a nursery. I often complimented the gazillion plants she brought home, particularly the orchids. One afternoon, she surprised me with three that were dumpster-bound and I eagerly took them in; in the last three months, one of them has thrived and she is getting fat buds that are ready to bloom. I can hardly wait!

The other two were a little further gone when I got them--the one in the photo above that is sitting on the tub has several dead leaves, but is getting some chutes. I have hope. The other one is too pathetic and sad; I have moved it upstairs to an east-facing window in hopes it will revive over the coming months.

I LOVE ORCHIDS!

girl and her baby goat, originally uploaded by phitar.

Gorgeous child. Lovely set of photos by phitar. Check it.

Leapin' for Obama, originally uploaded by Delta Niner

This entire night wound me up so much that I am just now getting sleepy; I am so excited and hopeful for the changes to come in America, both with Obama as President and the Democratic majority in both Houses.

While I was listening to his acceptance speech, my heart got all tender and ouchy in that "I care so much" kind of way. I think Obama has such class and dignity and radiates intelligence, warmth, and sincerity.

I particularly loved his message to the people whose vote he did not earn yesterday. "As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

Viva El Presidente! Viva Los Estados Unidos! Y hasta luego.

Fly, ladybug, fly!, originally uploaded by trixieskips

It's funny how cats don't enjoy costumes the same way dogs do, huh?

Going in for the nom, originally uploaded by trixieskips

How did I miss this site?! It's called Yes, We Can (Hold Babies). And all the photos are of Obama and wee ones or wee ones cheering him on. Very cute.

1. Mind your manners. Say please, thank you and excuse me.
2. Smile when you see your family. Turn your frown upside down.
3. Pick up after yourself.
4. Notice when others do kind things for you, show gratitude by action or words.
5. Say I love you before going to bed.
6. Give hugs daily.
7. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Focus on what you are happy about today.
8. Create gratitude journals to keep track of daily blessings.
9. Show thankfulness for even the little things others do for you.
10. Leave love notes in unexpected places like lunch boxes and under pillows.
11. Encourage someone with a compliment.
12. Verbalize what you are grateful for when you feel like complaining about life.
13. Keep a basket of small slips of paper on the table. Write notes of thankfulness during the week and read them to each other during a family meal.
14. Remember to thank God for blessings each day.
15. Surprise your family (or friends) with little gifts or treats to show you thought of them.
16. No grumbling about minor annoyances around the house.
17. Do special things to cherish time with your family. You never know what tomorrow will bring.
18. Reflect on happy memories regularly. Make inspiration boards of special times.
19. Help someone out without them having to ask you. Watch for someone in need.
20. When you are doing household chores, be grateful you have a home to clean.