It’s me, Truffle, your favorite super labradoodle. I’m sorry it’s been two long weeks since I last hijacked this blog, but I’ve been extremely busy growing. Just think, I’m 14 weeks old now, which is essentially the equivalent of two years in human time (for those of you who struggle with math, that’s 14 weeks x 7, or 98 weeks). That makes me a toddler. Need I say more?
Guest Columnist: Chloe the Film Critic
Watching movies with Chloe is fast becoming one of my favorite pastimes, especially now that I’m no longer limited to viewing saccharine-sweet children’s films with her. We have embarked on an epic quest: making our way through the American Film Institute’s “100 Years 100 Movies” list. We also have a lot of Oscar contenders to see in the theater before the end of the year. And we have plenty of schlock to watch on Netflix. Our viewing tastes run the gamut.
Chloe, unsurprisingly to those who know her, has very strong opinions about the movies she watches. And as a gift to all of you, she kindly agreed to critique some of the movies she’s seen over the past few weeks. Here you go, straight from the horse’s mouth:
Balance Restored
Truffle the monster puppy has been with us for almost five weeks now. And I’m finally starting to feel like equilibrium is returning to our household. He’s a bit calmer, a bit smarter and a much better listener than he was even two weeks ago.
I’m Super Truffle. Hear Me Roar.
I’m sure all of you have missed me very much since my last communiqué, wondering whether I’m still with the crazy human family. Well, here I am, healthy and happy and just over 12 weeks old. In fact, I will heretofore be known as Super Truffle. I am a canine superhero in my own mind. Kind of like Underdog (remember him?), but even better.
Trick or Treat or Bust
Our first Halloween celebrated on All Hallows’ Eve since 2010. Thank you, snow storms and hurricanes for making a mess of the last two years. But this year, we were determined not to be defeated, despite skies threatening a downpour.
School Projects Turn Me Into a Monster
I have a confession to make. I hate school projects. I have no patience for them. They suck all the air out of me.
Fortunately, Chloe no longer requires much assistance with them. Sophie, on the other hand, will continue to bring home these assignments for the next few years. Her current project is not particularly complicated, which makes me feel even worse because, despite its relative ease, I still couldn’t manage to rein in my bad passive/aggressive parenting instincts.
Andes Mints, Lucite and My Grandmother
I ate an Andes mint today for the first time in about 20 years. As the candy melted in my mouth while I was driving to the store, I took a sensory-filled trip back in time to my grandparents’ condominium in Lauderhill, Florida. For more than 30 years, this modest two-bedroom apartment was my grandparents’ castle, the place where their children came to visit and their grandchildren came to play.
Truffle in the House – One Week Older & Maybe a Little Wiser
Two weeks and counting. I am almost 11 weeks old. That’s right. Full-blown puppy toddler. And I’m having fun most of the time. And continuing to drive my new family crazy a lot of the time. But I think they love me at least some of the time. Progress all around.
Continue reading Truffle in the House – One Week Older & Maybe a Little Wiser
An Important Lesson for our Kids: How Not to Negotiate
Had an interesting conversation with Chloe the other day about the shenanigans in Congress – the government shutdown and the looming debt ceiling disaster. The best part about the discussion was observing her avid interest in learning about what was happening and understanding why it was happening. My husband and I explained the situation to her as best we could (and no, despite efforts to remain neutral, we failed miserably).
Continue reading An Important Lesson for our Kids: How Not to Negotiate
Truffle Here and I’m Feeling Groovy
It’s official. I have survived my first week with my new crazy family. And let me tell you, the jury was still out as to the extent of the craziness when I last hijacked this blog, but it isn’t anymore. The verdict is unanimous. They are certifiable.