Ang's Journal

So last week we got rid of Oscar the bright green Mustang & replaced him with a new-to-us 2002 Saab 93 turbo named Saabastian. So as far as the Texas assimilation process goes, that's probably a step backwards.

But yesterday we got a puppy:





Here's the story: last Saturday hotpantsgalore & I went hiking in Austin's Greenbelt, & while talking about our upcoming schedules, we realized that we both have a lot of free time this summer. So why not get a dog?

When we got home that night, I got a text from my Hopedale co-worker Nick. While leaving the work site on Saturday night, he found seven puppies on the side of the road. He took them home to Alabama & posted photos of them on Facebook. HPG & I saw the photos & asked about one of the puppies. On Monday, I got another text from Nick: "The puppy is in Austin". Turns out his neighbor from back home was moving to Austin & wanted a puppy. Nick said: "Take two, & call Angela when you get to Austin." Puppy delivery!

So we have named her Shadeaux - the spelling is a nod to her Louisiana origins. She is VERY young - so young I'm not sure that she had even been properly weaned. We're taking her to the vet today to start her vaccinations & get her checked out. We are working on crate training & housebreaking, & looking around for puppy socialization/obedience classes.

SHE'S SO CUTE!!!

1. What's your favorite "weekend" roadtrip destination (someplace within about 400 miles of home)?

Ithaca, NY, the location of my alma mater, Cornell University. Ithaca is fun for me because 1) some of my college friends have settled there; 2) it's full of strong memories from college days; 3) it's splendidly beautiful; & 4) it's an interesting little town full of strange & wonderful people. I highly recommend it as a weekend trip, even if you don't know anyone there. Also it was once picked by Girlfriends magazine as the best small town in America for lesbians - makes me wish I'd been out during college ....


2. Who taught you how to drive?

Eek. My mother. We both barely survived the experience.


3. Do you have a "dream car"? If so, what is it?

My dream is a living situation where I don't need a car. But since I've fallen in love with a determined suburbanite, that may be improbable. So barring that, I'd love either a gas-electric hybrid like a Prius, or a Cooper Mini. I also really enjoy being a passenger on Stacy's Suzuki Bandit motorcycle.


4. Do you consider yourself a good driver?

Not particularly. I speed constantly, I eat while I drive, I play with the radio. I've caused two accidents (both minor, but still). I once hit a duck at 75 miles per hour. On the other hand, I've never driven while drunk, I don't talk on a cell phone while driving, & I can drive just about any vehicle short of a 18-wheeler.


5. What was your first car?

1981 Buick Regal two-door sedan, brown on brown paint job with a brown velour interior. The car was so ugly she was nicknamed Medusa.