The 2 a.m. Friend

[Ed. Note: After hazily publishing this late into the evening, I woke up the next day shameful of my teenybopper-esque dalliances, and I deleted my post the next morning. After some more than compassionate encouragement from a friend, I've reconsidered and decided to repost in efforts to keep this blog more personable and meaningful. Thank you, to the few who read; and many thanks to those that care.]

~~~

After a fun night of shopping, dinner and cocktails with a friend, I walked home in the silent solitude of the rain. I normally relish this quiet alone time, and find the rain unequivocally forgiving and cleansing. But today, I had a lot on my mind, and my thoughts were heavy with grief.

I thought of the past few years and all the things that have come with them. The life of an aunt, lost to cancer, whom I never expected to leave our family. She was hard-headed and a progressive thinker, and an unquestionably caring mother and adoptive mother; someone who I sometimes likened my own life and self to. I regret so much naively saying to her, "you will be fine. You're too stubborn to lose to this thing," only to lose her the following day. I'm so sorry and regret I'll never be able to share that with her. Losing my aunt, when she had so much life left to live, and the final words I shared with her make me hate my own naive, optimist thinking.

In my short 25 years on this earth, I regret that I've already made so many enemies. Regardless of why we've parted ways, and even regardless of my stubborn nonrecognition of my own wrong-doings, I regret that I've lost the people I've shared integral life moments with, and while I don't see or hope for a reconciliation in any near future, I honestly and wholeheartedly wish these people joy and happiness in their future endeavors.

Much of my recent grief is in the lack of self-discipline I have, constantly putting myself in perilous relationships detrimental to my emotional well-being. I've become exhausted in fighting to even be considered a contender for a partner's "top 5" list, and now believe that I can't expect to find joy from just one other person. Relationships have never been, and will most likely never be my forte.  

While I'm immensely grateful for dear friends and family who have helped me to barely grasp onto my own barely-there sanity, and to discover my own self-worth, I regret my inadequacy of being the 2 a.m. friend. The friend you can trust that when you call at 2 a.m., that will be both alert for the conversation and with an understanding ear. I realize my inadequacy in this role, as I came home late today with a heavy heart, and no one to share it with. In the coming years, and hopefully the decades to follow, I resolute to be the friend worthy of the 2 a.m. call, a simple commitment to becoming a better friend to those who have already given so much to me.

That is all.

What if...

I daydream a lot. But not of what could be, or of fantastical adventure. (I usually reserve this for dreams--I keep having the same dream where I'm in a murder mystery scenario, but that's for another day.)
I dream, of parallel worlds.

via

I'm sure this isn't unique, and that many others do the same. In my daydreams I think that every time I had faced a major life decision, my Minna's diverged. One continues life living one path, and the one continues living the other. I start by thinking of one particular life-changing moment (e.g., choosing to stay in Chicago rather than moving to Boston, breaking up with an ex or even something minimal like choosing to skip my nasty morning protein shake), then my mind starts to whir. More often than not, I'm thankful and glad for the decisions I had eventually made, but I like to think of the "other" Minna. Is she happy in her decisions? What happened to her?

Maybe I just need to accept my decisions and my fate as it is, or possibly I need to make peace with my choices? Or I just need to realize; it is what it is.

via

One thing is certain... I need to stop watching so much Doctor Who.

A Girl's Perilious Life

After lecturing +1 about how difficult it is to be a girl in today's today, I can't even begin to explain how much I can relate to this. GIRLS, slated for April 2012, is another welcome addition by Judd Apatow (because, cmon, who didn't love Bridesmaids?!) about a 20-something year old writer (sound familiar?). I know I'm excited to watch!

Countdown to the Holidays!

via Minna An, Glut with Guts

Things are starting to get festive around here! As a perpetual apartment dweller, I've never been much for decorating, other than a bunch of flowers every rare once in a while. Living with Sharx, she loves decorating, and we got together with friends for a holiday baking party. I must say, these ladies are pretty talented.

via Minna An, Glut with Guts

I'm addicted to clementines in the winter, they're like candy to me! Anyways, thanks PINTEREST, for the awesome instructions on making these clementine candles! You just peel the skin evenly, pour in a smidgen of olive oil, and it burns like a candle!

I've never been much for baking (I much prefer cooking), but it was so fun and festive to make these beautiful (and not so beautiful) treats!

A Rice Crispy Treat Snowman! via Glut with Guts

Creme Brulee via Glut with Guts

via Glut with Guts

The "winner" cupcakes, via Glut with Guts

via Glut with Guts

via Glut with Guts

The "reject" cupcakes, via Glut with Guts

How are you getting ready for the holidays? Any festive plans in mind?

Holiday Season w/Dose

Recently, Monica and I have visited many many many shopping events, but the best so far this holiday season has been the HoliDose Market! Held monthly at the River East Arts Center, this is one of the largest indoor markets, with food and products one would ACTUALLY want (no offense, but granny knit scarves and ornate ornaments are not my thing). Below are some photos from the December holiday themed market. Read more about it at the Chicagoist.

via Minna An--Chicagoist, aka Me

via Minna An--Chicagoist

via Minna An

via Minna An

via Minna An

via Minna An

I'm so excited for my indulgent purchases! I bought Bourbon glazed churro flavored marshmallows (to torch with my new creme brulee torch!), bourbon aged maple syrup (starting to notice a love for bourbon here..), ROSE PINK CAVIAR, toasted macroons and a new Zagat wine opener, the one I'll plan on carrying in all my purses, you just never know!

I'm a hater

... always and forever.

via Monica S.

The Love of a Father

Typimg errors that ensue are due to hte fact I'm still tearing after watching this:

BRAVE a movie

I love animated films. I consider Robots one my favorite movies, and have unabashedly cried at animated films (but if you didn't shed a tear at Wall-E, I guess you're not human). Being an old-ass 25 year old may warrant some being made fun of for my love of animated films, but I just. don't. care.

Animated film? ✰
A girl power move? ✰
Foreign Accents? ✰

This movie has already earned three stars in my book, and isn't even out yet. 

The Season of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving (minus the whole historical actualities) is such a great season. A time to reflect on the friend and family you hold dear, and to give thanks for experiences from the past, present and future. Here is an homage to the present, or rather, an update as I've successfully neglected Glut with Guts for nearly a month.

via Glut with Guts

I hosted a small dinner party for close friends to celebrate a new quarter century. [Gasp] I think this is the first actual public acceptance of the fact that I am indeed, [gulp] now 25 years old.

via Glut with Guts

After a quick dinner at Ghramwich, +1 and I hurried to the Art Institute for a night concert of music from the Jesuit missions of Chiquitos in Bolivia, including scores recovered and restored by Chicago composer Gustavo Leone. Most of these pieces hadn't been heard in more than 300 years. Not to mention how cool it was to see a harpsichord actually being played!

via Glut with Guts

Sharx and I are fortunate to live in a neighborhood that appreciates the arts. We're just a mere blocks from the infamous Old Town School of Music, and from this quaint little used book store. We both thoroughly enjoyed perusing through the alley ways of books after books, layers upon layers. MY favorite find was a 1969 book titled, "Everything you wanted to know about sex: but were too afraid to ask." Sharx, however, was not too amused when I started reading the book aloud. I mean, the public's got a right to know, right?

(I'll spare some of the better questions in the book, topics ranging from sexual organs to orgasms and abortion, for a later post. It'll be a good one: I promise.)

via Glut with Guts

Oh Friends-giving, how I love you so. I'm so blessed to know such an entertaining and stylishly cute group of ladies! We shared in some good food and wine (pomegranate wine, anyone?), and soaked in each others companies. It was a kind of night to remember for a while.

.............

So to all of you out there, reading my rinky, dinky blog, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'm as thankful for you as well as anyone, and wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday filled with thanks and love.

99%

via My Milk Tooth

via artist Inhae Renee Lee over at My Milk Tooth.

Big Balls

haha I know, I've got a pervie mind.

Last night I was craving something hearty, but nothing to keep me busy as my roommate and I were expecting lots of trick or treaters... only NO ONE CAME. Oh well, more chocolates pour moi!

Anyways, this is the easiest, tastiest meatball recipe I've ever tried. Oh wait, it's the only one I've ever tried. Trust me though, it's pretty darn good (although, I'm sure a dollop (or two) of siracha would also make this awesome...er).

via Glut with Guts iPhone Gallery, Fancy I know.

1 lb. of Ground Beef (I usually buy a higher grade meat at the counter, then ask the butcher to ground it up)
5 - 6 cloves of garlic, minced (Gotta keep those nasty vamps away!)
1/4 bunch of parsley (I used Italian)
1 egg, lightly beaten
Salt and Pepper
Cubed cheese (I used pepper jack and cheddar)

Sorry about the estimations, but this is how I cook. Throw the meat, garlic, parsley, egg, salt and pepper into a bowl. Get your hands in there and mash it up, mash it real good. (Ok sorry, that was way too cheesy.)

Oh yea, heat that oven up to 350 degrees!

Roll the meat mixture into 1.5 inch balls, and stick a cubed cheese in the middle, make sure it is nicely wrapped to minimize cheese oozing (although from my experience, this is un-preventable).

Place these little dudes on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Then serve atop some pasta and sauce!

Inspiring Notes

As an always advocate for the arts, hearing Jose Antonio Abreu's speech after having been awarded the distinguished TED prize was heart-warming and inspiring.

Jose Antonio Abreu founded El Sistema ("the system") in 1975 to help poor Venezuelan kids learn to play a musical instrument and be part of an orchestra. 30 years on, El Sistema has seeded 102 youth orchestras -- and many happy lives.

Watch the video, be inspired.

A Single Lady's Solo-ness

Anyone who knows me, or most of my friends for that matter, I have what I believe to be a progressive stance on feminism and the female role in society. I [am] aspire[ing] to become the have-it-all woman on her own: a career of my own, a home of my own and if ever the day comes, adopt [a puppy]; again, on my own.

I'm not adverse to marriage, and commend my friends who choose this path, and give them the obligatory "oh-em-gee, girl I'm so jealous!" bemoaning where appropriate. I often wonder what it is I want from a relationship, but it's other things in my life that take priority... things I want to achieve before I turn that golden age of 30: a master's degree, a successful, burgeoning career, my first home, a marathon under the belt and culinary skills that my friends deem "above average". Amidst these ambitious plans, it's difficult to see where a relationship would fit in, and most importantly, who would fit in it.

Commitment scares me. I'm not just talking about relationships, I'm talking all things. I get intense buyer's remorse, and debate purchases in my head until it's too late and stolen from me, and often return things to the store. I'm the one asking, "what do YOU think we should dine?" instead of saying "let's go here!" And of course, this same sentiment rolls into my relationships: I called my first boyfriend a 'fling' for as long as possible before admitting we had something more, and I still struggle to call my current relationship-er my [ahem] 'boyfriend' (wow, that was even hard to type). So when it comes to thinking of long-term, future relationships it's hard for me to even wonder: am I a freak for not wanting to make that lifetime contract to be married?

"All the Single Ladies" via Artist Kate Wilson

Apparently, I'm not alone out there:

"..as women have climbed ever higher, men have been falling behind. We’ve arrived at the top of the staircase, finally ready to start our lives, only to discover a cavernous room at the tail end of a party, most of the men gone already, some having never shown up—and those who remain are leering by the cheese table, or are, you know, the ones you don’t want to go out with."

The Atlanic's Kate Bolick published, "All the Sinlge Ladies," (a highly recommended read!) leaving me wondering: without the political and economic obligations from these social contracts, is marriage really necessary?

Ed. Note: I'm a total hypocrite, because as I type this I'm listening to "My Life Would Suck Without You". Thanks alot, Kelly Clarkson! [pft.]

I need nothing.

I Need Nothing - a nearly useless odyssey from Cãoceito on Vimeo.

Get Closer

A powerful and heartwarming message.

To My Lucky Future Man-friend

This is also partially an apology. I'm a master of buttery brunch cooking and baking, and can almost guarantee you, future hubby, that you and I will never be super model-esque skinny bitches despite whatever genetic disposition you are or aren't blessed with.

And now, I'm adding to my repertoire of recipes, stews and casseroles to boot. I made the leap this weekend, and bought my very first, ruby red, cast iron dutch oven.

via Glut with Guts

It's pretty heavy, so maybe if I lift and heave this thing around enough, I'll at least have nice arms for you to look at? Although since my list of things I want to make start at boeuf bourguignon and spiral off from there, I doubt this as well.

It's only Tuesday, and I'm already excitedly counting down to the hours I'll  spend stewing and steaming!

It's on.

I finally bought a cast iron dutch oven this past weekend. (And at a steal, too!) Autumnal/winter cooking,
it's on.

"Why do herbs, suddenly appear

every thyme you are near?

Just like me, they long to be,

close to stew~~~"

MUST WATCH

Take the few minutes to watch this eye-opening look at the misrepresentation of women in the media.

Miss Representation 8 min. Trailer 8/23/11 from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

Visit MissRepresentation.org for more information.

Foodie Funnies

I recently discovered that you can listen to stand-up comedy on pandora! And I'm not necessarily a fan of stand-up comedy, and particularly.. the bacon craze. Yes it's delicious, yes it makes a good base for pastas but man, does it make me feel guilty.

When I heard Jim Gaffigan's bit on bacon, I knew I'd have to share it here:

Aziz Ansari--Sheets

I'm not normally a fan of stand-up, but love this piece on sheets. I can totally relate and couldn't stop laughing.

Garlic & Good Fortune

Yup, a continuation of my love for alliterations, as applicable to my life.

First of all, this awesome video on how to peel garlic in a flash! Just "shake the dickens out of 'em" apparently! I will have to try this one, as I'm mildly OCD and tend to peel of each layer individually, partially to cleanly peel the garlic skin, and partially because I find this process super cathartic.

How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less Than 10 Seconds from SAVEUR.com on Vimeo.

I love garlic, I put it in everything. One time +1 gifted me a garlic press to simplify the process, seeing how I go through a bulb a week. Yes, I may be stinky, but I'm well fed and full of those healthy natural antibiotics garlic gives.

Now for the good fortune.

So my little sister (who we'll reference here as T.B., aka the teen brat) is my complete opposite. She doesn't get excited, she could care less about getting her license and her answer to everything is, "chill out. whatever." I, on the other hand, have been told I'm a drama queen who excessively uses the words "OMG" and "[insert large dramatic gasp]" more than enough.

So Wednesday morning, I woke up and found that T.B. had texted me at 12:01 saying, "I'm going to homecoming Saturday. FYI." WOOOO!!! My little no-frills, no-giddiness sister is going to homecoming! I'm so excited for her. Now she's apparently banned me from the taking photos portion, but I'm planning on going anyways and thoroughly embarrassing her with photos of a day she won't want to forget.

Because c'mon if you're big sister doesn't do this for you, who will?

Music Monday

Missing having a piano. Maybe it's time to invest in a proper keyboard?

Today's Music Monday is the lovely song by Ron Pope.

MJ Back in Town

Last night, JP and I headed to the opening night at MJ's new Chicago restaurant:

via Glut with Guts

The whole night felt like a throwback to all that was awesome in the 90s, MJ era of Chicago sports, stiff drinks, before all the frills, and 90s hits like this one, singing over the crowds:

Not to mention, I got to meet one of my favorite new persons!

via Glut with Guts

What a (Chicago) star-studded night! I geeked out over getting to meet Valerie Warner, not only is she a great news personality, but she was genuinely sweet in person, even when I awkwardly asked her if she'd take this photo with me.

Fun story: we spent most of our night just 3 feet from MJ and Scottie, only a security guard standing between us. Everyone else was gong ga-ga over MJ and Scottie, but not our JP. Being a fan of the "Real Housewives" of all urban areas, he alone was shouting "Larsa!! Such a fan! You're beautiful!", which garnered a glance and a smile from Larsa!

I love these kind of Chicago night, and even more the fun I have with my +1s of the evening!

Chicago: Love-Hate

It's hard to hate Chicago when it's gorgeously autumnal outside, with leaves changing color, painting the city of concrete a whole different array of hues.

via Glut with Guts, with Neighbor J

But I know that soon, the dreaded winter is coming. When hibernation becomes a life-necessity, and being social during the weekday (at least for me) is a bottle of wine and movies on the telly. It's dreadful, really.

I hope that once that feeling sets in, I take a look at this video, and remember the great things this city has offered me, and the incomparable memories I've been blessed with here.

My favorite memories of  Chicago? They're so varied and blurred, but below are a few of my favorite ups and downs.

• My first clear Chicago memory is when my friend Miko and I traveled into the city to visit SAIC and DePaul. We were so lost and confused, and had a great adventure from being lost and confused.
• My first day of college, when my parents just dropped off my stuff on the curb and waved me goodbye (typical middle child treatment). It was the first time I've ever had to handle everything on my own, including schlepping my own stuff.
• My first boyfriend, and getting to see the city through giddy puppy love eyes.
• My first heartbreak, and seeing the city through lovelorn eyes.
• Leaving to study abroad in Morocco (and later Budapest), hugging my parents goodbye, and walking bleary-eyed through the grand international terminal in O'Hare.
• Returning from abroad and seeing my parents at the airport. It filled my heart with so much love, every time.
• My first corner office, with the view of Navy Pier and the lake's clear blue water.
• Getting that diploma

via Glut with Guts

Sitting here appreciative of the opportunities I've had, and looking forward to the many more ahead.

Thanks, Chicago. Sorry for the love-hate.

So Logical

 

It's amazing none of us have had this logic before. This is going to be my main method from now on.

Music Monday

Happy Monday, all!

Tune Tuesday

Because I didn't have Music Monday!

If I could choose one song to be the theme song for my life, it would definitely be the song below. A little bit of zen and melancholy, with some off-beat mishaps along the way. Enjoy!

Re-Learning to Co-habitate (part 1)

Last year, I lived alone. It was lovely. I learned a lot about myself and my living habits, and discovered a love for cooking, a love of silent moments in my closet (I know this sounds weird, but I had a really large walk-in that I'd like to spend time in) and an extreme appreciation of the radiator in my bathroom (I would stack towels atop the radiator box so my towels would be nice and toasty for when I stepped outside my shower).

I recently (and by recently, I mean four months ago) decided I wanted to live with a roommate again, partially for financial reasons and  mostly because I wanted to combat my reclusive, individualistic nature. Enter Sharx, my politically-minded roommate who has mad lust for interior design and an under-appreciated singing voice (she can belt out Adele like no one else I know).

via Glut with Guts--Sharx and I

Sharx and I met when we were en diák vagyok Budapesten (students in Budapest, Hungary). We become close friends through our time abroad together and now share a quaint little 2.5 bedroom apartment in the St.Bens/North Center/Lincoln Square area, a conglomeration of a neighborhood I've really come to love.


Things are great, we share similar quirks (we once spent an entire night "practicing" our Spanish and French, only to end up laughing the entire time) and a comfortable balance (e.g., our furniture meshed well together; I cook, she bakes). 

Only one thing: she's wrong.

via Current Configuration

Read more after the jump!

Labor Day Recap

 Sometimes, a girl just needs some fresh air for some fresh perspective. So for labor day, +1 and I packed up a car and headed south west to Starved Rock State Park. I haven't been here in ages, and it felt nice to be able to recognize the familiar camp grounds and trails, and to see new hiking paths I haven't been down before.

Note: Feel free to skip the boring photos above, as they're mostly of the rock canyons and such. My favorite photos after the jump!

Fall Farmers Market

via Glut with Guts

There's something amazing about having a farmers market amongst the concrete towers of the Loop. Especially when one strolls past and the brilliant hues of yellows and reds of summer's final flowers lure you into the market.

Read more and see more photos after the jump.

(Belated) Music Monday

Sorry in advance for the bad quality.

Autumn, where have you gone?

I thought Autumn had arrived...

via Glut with Guts--Budapest, Hungary

Read more after the jump!

Video L♥ovin'

The styles. The dance. The music. I love absolutely EVERYTHING about this video, and hope you do too. Enjoy!

Pinterest L♥ovin'

via Style for Style

Come find me on Pinterest!

Chicago

via Glut with Guts

The view from the Shedd aquarium as the sun sets over our city really is hard to rival. Living in this city has it's ups and downs, as it is living anywhere else I suppose. This is my homage to summer, as I brace myself for the fall and winter to come.

Fatty Friday!

Happy Friday for my fatty foods loving friends! (or am I the only one?)

Keep your eyes peeled on the Chicagoist for my post on Snappy's Shrimp House later today!

When I first headed here, I'll admit I was nervous. I'm very much not a food snob, but the combination of "seafood" in Chicago at such reasonable prices coupled with a kind of non-descript store front had me on the fence whether or not to check it out. I'm SO GLAD I DID. It's fried seafood heaven (although their shrimp cocktail is no laughing matter), which is why after my massive meal here, I should probably ward off of deep fried anything for a while.

via Glut with Guts (Please ask permission for use

Read more!

Spotted: North Center

Spotted in the North Center neighborhood, a small sign no bigger than a square inch.

via Glut with Guts

I wish I were....

...a trendy Parisian kid.

via Haute Design

Monday Music

Morning, everyone! Some perfect Monday morning music to get the bones moving again for a busy weekend. Enjoy!

I love....

via Glut with Guts--A Horribly Cheesy Photo from SF

♥ Using obscure percentages ("I'm 84.7% certain it's option A")
♥ Using same method for microwave times ("Package says microwave for 1:30... let's make it for 1:37")
♥ Making wishes at 11:11 and 5:55, other times aren't as lucky
♥ Mooning... haha but not publicly.
♥ My chronic bitchface scowl (usually because it's well deserved)
♥ My ridiculously short last name, making hiding in the inter-webs so much easier

And they called it, puppy loveeee~~~~

via Glut with Guts

... I'm becoming a dog person at a rate quicker than single girls become "cat ladies". Oh my.

Ed. Note: I told him to smile, and he actually did! Isn't this guy adorable?

Monday Musing

via Gizmodo

New Favorites

New favorite free iPhone app: Panorama

via Glut with Guts--Art Institute Garden, Chicago

New favorite lunchtime hobby: sitting in the Art Institute's garden, watching unsuspecting patrons at the garden entrance get a surprise shower from the sprinkler system with a far reach. [insert evil smile here]

The Bane of My Existence

I was born here in the United States, but I don't think English was my first language. In fact, I had to be "tested" until 5th grade for English comprehension. Despite my fluency in English since entering kindergarten, at the beginning of each academic year I mortifyingly received that "special" pass from the principal's office requesting I stop by the ESL classroom. No tests ever really took place, since I walked into the room chatting like there was no tomorrow, praying not to be singled out.

Still. It kind of haunts me.

via Glut with Guts Instagram

Especially now that I'm a writing professional/editing aficionado. (Minus this blog--sorry for all the spelling and grammar errors, editorial gods!) Less now than before, but I remember beginning college entering these writing classes and turning red in the face as I asked friends and classmates for explanations of phrases. Yes, those damn euphemisms Americans love so much.

Now days, I don't find myself embarrassed to ask others these questions about certain euphemisms. I think most people pick these up as they're young, hearing these "common" phrases from families and friends, hardly remembering when they learned these.

I'm starting to see now what a blessing it is I don't know many of these. Not only does this help me be an objective writer, but it creates some great memories. I remember learning what "powder my nose" actually means from a childhood friend's rather graceful mother as she excused herself, hearing an ex-boyfriend regaling stories of friends "three sheets to the wind" the night before, and an angry professor exclaiming to never "darken their door" again for their support of unfair practices. Had I already been indoctrinated to the meaning of these phrases, would these small memories within time still exist? Most likely not.

What about you, dear reader? Any interesting quirks you hated as a kid, but appreciate much more now?

Milk Ads: Sexism or Well-played Humor?

via AdWeek

Everyone was/is up in arms about this recent slew of "got milk" ads (not to mention the endless parodies that quickly followed suit). I'm all about equal rights across all planes of thought, and an always advocate for RESPECT for all women.... but I find these hilarious. haha

I sent the photos to +1 including my message:

"Too bad I'm lactose intolerant. Sucks to be you. OH WELL."

HAHAHAHHA on a side note, ALL men should learn to listen to what women MEAN... not what they say.

I'm seriously in love.

I go to sleep thinking about him, and I wake excited to see him. I come home from work and all I want to do is give him a big hug!

Too bad he belongs to another....

....

...

..

.

NO I'm not a man stealer! I'm in love with this guy:

via Glut with Guts--MAX

I've been dog sitting for a friend and having so much fun! I love that I have an excuse to take long and frequent walks, even in the rain. Plus it's flattering that this guy (Max) follows me around EVERYWHERE.

And he is just so easy to please. I can hand him a big old ice cube and his day is made. His tail starts wagging like crazy and he clutches the cube with his paws, trying to prevent it from sliding around my wooden floors.

[Ed. Note: Clearly I'm not good at action shots.]

I wonder what the penalty is for dog-napping......

The Wonders of Google Alerts

Thanks, Google Alerts! I'm learning something new about myself every day.

via Google Maps