Kongrats Kristi

My mom and I had a great shower for Kristi this weekend. I can't wait for her and Andy's big day in August!

June 5, 2007

Look how little she was!

Work's not out for summer

Mi madre and I just had an mmm mmm good sushi lunch at Hiro. A mom and her two kids were there as well - maybe 15 & 13. When they got up, I realized the boy had swim trunks on and the girl definitely had swim suit straps peeking out from under her tank top. You know their next stop was the pool. It made me uber-jealous. It's always this time of year when I wonder 1. why am I not still in school and 2. why am I not a teacher?

Five years

at Barkley. Today. It's kind of crazy. The time has flown by. The last time I was in one place for for this long was kindergarten through fourth grade at Masters elementary school.

Congrats, self :-)

Memorial Day in D.C.

We had a great long weekend in D.C. with Kalin. It was quite exhausting! We hit up the Leesburg outlet mall, the batting cages (Kalin hit 90 mph baseballs), the Newseum - very cool BTW - some great bars (the boys had seven car bombs in 24 hours), a Nationals game - the new park is AWESOME - and we did a TON of walking. We also met up with Lizzie and Mike which was fun. I guess I'll just let the photos tell all about it!

Checking out 1600 PennsylvaniaHanging with Lizzie and Mike
Nationals game
Brother and sister
Lunch in Reston
Dominating MegaTouch at Glory Daze Atop the Newseum
Front pages from 9/11 @ the Newseum
The Washington Monument

GULP

The endorphins are gone. I just set my out of office email and realized I'm out until June 2.


That's right - June.
The sixth month of the year.


WHERE did 2008 go? It's giving me a slight panic attack.

It feels really good

They say when you cross stuff off a to-do list, endorphins are released. Well, I crossed a lot of shit off my to-do list this week and I think there are a shit-ton of endorphins floating around inside me.

You know those projects that move from your to-do list week to week? You have the best of intentions to get them done but then this comes up and that comes up and then - crap. Another freaking week has gone by and it is still not done. Yeah, well I had two of those going on. And now. Well, now they are done. Finished. Finito. Okay - I lied. They need to be proofed and edited and approved and revisions will need to be made and they probably won't be wrapped for a week or so but they are in good places. I don't think you know how consumed you are with those looming projects, how much you think about those looming projects and how much they subliminally affect you, until you are finished with them and no longer have to think/worry about them.

So, this weekend I can think about nothing but which bar we're going to and how much shopping I should do at the mall. (We're heading to D.C. to see Kalin.) And when we get back I leave the next day for Chicago (third time in two weeks) to attend the Cause Marketing Forum. All of Barkley Public Relations is attending, which is awesome, and then, well then it's the debut of Sex and the City on the big screen. And then I will have been out of the office for four whole days and that's when the to-do list will build back up, the consumption of projects will reappear and endorphins go bye bye. Better enjoy it now. Happy three-day weekend!

Economic Stimulus

We got our hidden fence installed this morning. I think it will be great for Macy - she can play outside all she wants without a leash. But the training is going to kill me. I felt the shock she will receive. It's startling. It won't hurt her; it will scare her. (She does receive an audio warning before the shock when she gets to close to the boundary.) But until she gets used to it, she's going to hate it. I didn't train with her at all today - the fence guy did - but I was inside and heard her yelp the one time she got shocked. I HATED it. But I know these fences are okay otherwise they'd be cruel and the ASPCA would be all over them and hidden fences wouldn't be installed in hundreds of homes every day. No more training for her today otherwise she would learn to hate going outside. So for now she's moseying around the house with her tail between her legs. Actually, that has ceased, but she did do that for a little while.

Anyway, I had to video the training to show Trevor how she did. This one is funny. I love at the end how she just sits and says, "I'm not going anywhere near that white flag, dumbass."

Save it

Might I suggest something? Everyone (in Nebraska) program this number into your cell phone: 402.444-7800. That is the Nebraska Humane Society. How handy will it be to have that number at your fingertips in the instance you're driving around and see a stray, lost or endangered animal. Then, if you do see an animal in need of help, there's no reason not to call.

Tomato, Tamato

Rachel told me she was eating burnt popcorn for lunch and how she likes burnt popcorn. This got me thinking of something I've thought about for a while: how foods taste different depending on their state. I am not talking about a Russet vs. french fries. (What doesn't taste better fried?) Here's what I mean:

Cold shredded cheese = barfo
Melted shredded cheese (think nachos) = YUM!

Bread = okay
Toast = much better

Water = could drink gallons
Ice = don't care for it

Raw carrots = delish
Steamed carrots = a little mushy for my liking

Popcorn = crunch-a-rifficly good
Burnt popcorn = Nasty (but what is good burnt?)

Cookie dough = absolutely delicious
The same cookie dough baked = delicious, but not as delicious as the cookie dough

Scrambled eggs = tasty
Sunnyside up eggs = narsty

Am I the only person who thinks of this stuff?

Back to the Windy City

May 20
Southwest Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time

May 20
Southwest Airlines
Depart Midway On-Time

Who's in???

Come on. We'll crimp our hair, wear side ponytails and two layers of colored socks, tight roll our jeans and have our moms drop us off. It'll be so fun!


New Kids on the Block have reunited and will launch a North American concert tour that includes a show in Omaha.

One of the original boy bands, New Kids will perform Nov. 12 at the Qwest Center Omaha.

Before disbanding in 1994, the group had two No. 1 albums: 1988's "Hangin' Tough" and 1990's "Step by Step." Their hit singles include "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" and "Step By Step," among others.

Band members, now approaching their 40s, are Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre, Jordan Knight and Jonathan Knight.

Ticket prices and other information will be announced later.

10,950+ days of marital bliss

With 1,825 days of dating before that. Congrats mom and dad!

Trevor & Wendy in the Windy City

I love Chicago. I've been going there for years but this weekend was a different kind of trip as we stayed with and were guided around by Trevor's sister, Alissa. We visited the local bars, took the L and walked our asses off. We hit up a Cubbies game (I'm newly obsessed with the Cubs because Wrigleyville is the coolest!) and Michigan Avenue (Trevor opted to drink at ESPN Zone instead). Even the trip home was fun because we flew out of the best airport in the country. Why you ask? Well Midway lets you buy beers at the airport bar and walk around with them! Plus, they have security lines for expert travelers, casual travelers and traveling families. We started in the expert line but apparently the TSA could tell Trevor wasn't an "expert" and they made him move to the casual line while I whizzed through the expert line. It was freaking hilarious.

As Frank said, "Chicago is my kind of town!"



May 15
Southwest Airlines
Depart Omaha on-time

May 17
Southwest Airlines
Depart Chicago Midway 25 minutes delayed

Still winners in my eyes

And there's more cheese where that came from.

Earlier this week I was in NYC with 9 of my colleagues to attend the SABRE Awards. The SABRE Awards acknowledge Superior Achievement in Branding and Reputation and are presented annually by an influential communications industry publication, The Holmes Report.

The Lee National Denim Day team was onsight to accept a Bronze Sabre and the 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day public relations team was in attendance for their nomination of a Silver Sabre. While the Breast Cancer 3-Day team didn't come home with a new trophy, I have to be very, very pleased we were recognized and considered for this honor. We were in a room at Cipriani with a thousand men and women from well-known public relations agencies, non-profits and corporations across the country. It truly was an honor to have made it that far. (Though not going to lie - it would have felt REALLY nice to hear us announced as the winner :-).) The Breast Cancer 3-Day PR team works extremely hard - not only five days a week, 52 weeks a year, but also numerous weekends in the fall for on-site media relations. (I should point out this is also the group that was one of three up for Best of Show at the Kansas City PRSA Chapter's annual PRISM awards last fall.) Congrats ladies (and now one gentleman) - our hard work is definitely paying off and I think we'll have a shiny new trophy on our shelves very, very soon.

The LNDD team with their Bronze SABRE

The Breast Cancer 3-Day team: if we can't hold a trophy, might as well hold drinks

I also have a give a huge thanks to Mike, Jeff and Kelly at Barkley for allowing the 10 of us to go to NYC. They had no obligation to send us (or for the champagne they sent to the hotel before the awards :-).) It truly was a privilege to be able to attend, and we are very grateful. Thank you!

May 13
Midwest Airlines
Depart Kansas City International On-Time

May 14
Midwest Airlines
Depart LaGuardia On-Time

The reunion

was great. And I only answered the questions "what do you do now?", "any kids?", and "where do you live?" 647 times.

Just like old times

4G Soon to be 5G Trevor had so much fun "Eric, get in this photo. We'll just pretend you are Sarah."

Love those Denver kids Josh and Shannon brought the ultimate high school drink to the Saturday night BBQ

Going to the chapel and they are so totally going to get married

Happy Birthday Kalin

Hope your birthday was as rockin' as this one was 23 years ago...

"A"as in

(my) Algebra Grade.

Woo hoo!

In 1998

Shakespeare in Love was voted best picture.
Google, Inc. was founded.
Gas was $1.10 a gallon.
Dawson's Creek premiered on The WB.

We looked like this

In 2008

I still haven’t seen Shakespeare in Love.
I Google everything.
The price of gas has increased 120%.
Katie Holmes was much cooler as Joey than Mrs. Cruise.

I'm thankful my face isn't quite as round.

Ten years is a long time. Long enough for people to get degrees, maybe even multiple degrees. Long enough for people to fall in love and get hitched. (Long enough for some people to fall out of love and get unhitched, too.) Long enough for people to start careers and change careers.

At my 10-year high school reunion this weekend, I’m excited to see what the 400+ people I graduated with have accomplished (or have not accomplished) in the last 3,650 days. For a while I wasn’t too excited for the reunion, but now I am. I don’t know what caused the change in heart; I think it’s the idea of reminiscing about our time at MNHS with my good friends from back in the day. Like:

Catching frogs and Ed’s house and letting them loose in school (mom you might want to stop reading now)
Emilie’s car by the school’s front doors

Stealing Bill Jetter’s dog
Radio routes - especially with Jon Bon Jovi
Piercing our own ears
Blame it on the Rain: when Kristi left the top of her convertible down and it, well, rained
Abe and Chucky from the state fair

Dressing up for the pizza man

Mr. Smiley - Kristi's sneak knife that was going to save me from potential robbers
Mr. Yakus. Oh Mr. Yakus.
Jewel ‘97
Baaaaaarn Party
4G
Teva tans
Pulled over by a cop on a horse (some things never changed – borrowed Ron & Mary’s suburban that night too)
AM breakfasts at Village Inn
Taking Mexican Maria home from school and making Emilie go with me
Sweaty Eddie
Graduation parties with no power; drinking peach schnapps under the pool table (mom, I warned you)
Getting hypnotized and barking like a dog
“Is there a Lors-back in here?”
Front row Garth Brooks tickets (and getting slapped in the face for it by a boy)
Sleeping in cars with my pager as an alarm clock (the best part is I had a PAGER)
Duh Girls
Medicine Man pharmacy (Emilie - HOW did you end up with that job?)

GNOs
Tp-ing
Lake trips with one caramel apple shot for four of us (my mom is such a rebel)
Smoking stoogies once Michelle was legal
Leaving school early to get our hair done (very cool of you mom, BTW)
Gum mirrors

Working for Ronnie and Wendy tripping over boxes and all Emilie seeing are feet in the air

Good lunches at Em’s

And so many more.

This weekend will be a blast from the past. I'm sure I'll be posting all about it next week. TGIF!

Back from Vegas $20 and a Coach workbag ahead

I was in Vegas Sunday and Monday for FMI, one of the largest, if not the largest, food tradeshows. As we were busy with appointments with trade editors, we didn't buy passes to walk the floor this year. It's probably a good thing - normally we end up full and fat after FMI from sampling the latest and greatest food products. One thing I wanted to try was the new Kraft Bagel-fuls. My co-worker Tracy did sample them and said they were delish - I guess I'll have to pick some up next time I'm at the store.

All in all, it was a good business trip - even managed to sneak to the Coach outlet Sunday afternoon. We had dinner at Emeril's Sunday night and it was delish. Gambled a skosh at New York New York but wasn't nearly as lucky as last time I was in Vegas. However, I did come home with $20 more in my wallet than I left with, so I can't complain about that. (Though, as Amy pointed out, I'm really up $15 since I was charged $4.99 to use the ATM.)

The show and our meetings were at Mandalay Bay. Mandalay Bay is a gorgeous casino. Though - I do have to give it to them for really annoying people with the Mandalay Bay hotel and THE HOTEL at Mandalay Bay. That proved confusing more than once. However, I'd probably stay at either vs. the narsty rooms we had at the Luxor. Though, if you're down with polyester bed spreads in a hieroglyphic print, the Luxor is for you.

And, in keeping with my promise (though I think I might have forgotten a few trips recently):

Sunday, May 4
Southwest Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time

Cinco de Mayo
Southwest Airlines
Depart Sin City 1.5 hours late (and therefore arrive Omaha at 2 a.m.)

Who needs alarm clocks when you've got houses being broken into?

5:04 am
Trevor in the shower; Macy and lazy Wendy still in bed. Bedroom window open, Macy and Wendy hear a loud boom. Wendy thinks new baker's rack on back porch blew over and thinks to self, "please don't let that have fallen on the grill or the patio furniture." Macy barks a lot and very loudly.

5:15 am ish
Trevor out of shower, going to take Macy outside. Wendy tells him about the loud boom while he was in the shower. Wendy's says, "maybe the baker's rack blew over. Will you please go look?" Trevor says, "it better not have landed on the grill."

5:20 am ish
Trevor come inside and says to Wendy, "okay, you need to get up. The police want to talk to you." Wendy flies out of bed not totally certain as to what's going on. Wendy strolls outside with bed head and breath, wearing boxers and a t-shirt and Trevor's too-big-for-her tennis shoes.

5:20:45 am ish
Sure enough, two Douglas County Sheriff deputies in Trevor and Wendy's backyard. Officer says two bricks were thrown through neighbors' back door. "Your husband said you heard something." Can you tell us about that." Wendy tells po-po about the boom. "What time did that happen?" says Officer No. 1. "I don't even know what time it is right now," says Wendy. Officer No. 1 looks at watch and says, "it's about 5:20." Wendy slightly recalls looking at the clock around the time of the boom and throws out, "uh, maybe 5:04?" Officers tell Wendy and Trevor to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. Officers also say they patrol that neighborhood a lot and Wendy doesn't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Wendy says, "well this kind of freaks me out because I take the dog out in the middle of the night. In fact I took her out at 12:38 last night but I didn't see anything." Officers say to make sure to turn the porch light on when taking the dog out. Officers also say to keep doors and windows locked, thank Wendy and Trevor for their time, and continue shining their flashlights into the grass to look for footprints.

5:34 am ish
Wendy almost in tears in the house. Begs Trevor not to go to work. Trevor says he has to. Wendy makes Trevor go in basement to get her blackberry because she's too scared. Wendy says she is "thankful they have a guard dog." Trevor calls Macy "hardly a watch dog" and says she'd "lick someone to death." Wendy begs to differ.

5:40 am ish
Wendy calls her dad and tells him to turn on his police scanner. Wendy says she thought he'd be awake since they leave for vacation that morning. He says, "it's 5:30." He asks what is going on. Wendy recalls incident. Wendy says, "well, turn on your police scanner and go back to sleep." Wendy's dad replies with, "will go back to sleep, will not turn on scanner."

6:15 am ish
Wendy continues to ponder crime. Wendy determines she is Shaggy and Macy is Scooby as it was perhaps Macy's bark that scared away the brick-throwers. Wendy wonders if she and Scooby will have to go to court. Wendy wonders why they chose the house they did and if THEIR house could have been a target.

7:30 am ish
Wendy doing pretty okay about the crime until taking her parents to the airport when her mom says she wonders if they were trying to break in. The entire time Wendy thought it was just an act of vandalism; robbery never crossed her mind. Wendy gets phone number of dad's electrician friend to install a flood light on back porch to light up whole GD backyard.

So, that's the story. Anyone still want to move in next to us?

I'm such an Athleta

Got a catalog Wednesday night for "Athleta." Not sure how or why I got it (some mailing list I am sure), but I am very glad I did. It looks like they have GREAT swimsuits and some other cute sports wear. There was a shirt I really liked and thought would be great for golf and I just learned it's called the Wiff Wrap shirt. I think it's a sign to get it as Trevor calls me wif. Anyway, check it out. I think it's worth it.

Until I get my test back in class tonight, this may be the best day ever

Our weirdo neighbors' house is for sale (albeit, again. The first time was FSBO, though.)! I just went to get the mail and the shiny CBS Home sign caught my eye like a Coach purse on a clearance rack. If you know anyone in the market (Hites? Neals? JK :-), encourage them to check it out! I am not just saying that because our neighbors are TOTALLY WEIRD. It'd be nice to have fun people next to us.

No information on the house online yet, but I will keep you posted. I'm going to do this realtor's job for her!

Yahoo!

I'm thrilled about this. Now if we could get a Nordies, PaperSource, Crate & Barrel and H&M I'd be the happiest Omahan around.

Published Tuesday April 29, 2008
Anthropologie is coming to Regency
BY JOHN KEENANWORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Alicia Reisinger loves the pants.

And the cafe au lait bowls.

And the textiles. And the fabrics.

And she's pleased to hear she won't have to travel to Chicago or Kansas City to visit Anthropologie, which announced Tuesday that it would open a store in Omaha's Regency Court shopping center in October.

"Yay!" said Reisinger, who moved to Lincoln from Chicago about 18 months ago.

Reisinger is one of many area fans of the popular retailer, which features women's clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry and home décor items.

"I really enjoy the eclectic nature of the clothing," she said. "It's kind of a business casual with a little bit of creativity spiced up in it."

Fans such as Reisinger helped lure Anthropologie to Omaha, which is a smaller market for the chain, said Lorraine Adney of the McDevitt Co. The company oversees site selection and leasing for Anthropologie.

In four or five trips to Omaha, almost every woman she spoke to told her they went out of the area, usually to Kansas City or Chicago, to shop at Anthropologie.

"We certainly know that we have Omaha shoppers based on Anthropologie's Internet and catalog sales," she said.

The new store is a coup for Regency Court, which adds it to a lineup that includes fashion stores White House/Black Market, Ann Taylor Loft, Tilly, Parsow's, Pura Vida Blue and the recently opened Solstice Sunglass Boutique, not to mention jeweler Borsheims.

"We have been working on this deal for two years," said John Lund, chief executive officer of the Lund Co., owner of Regency Court along with partner RED Development LLC.

The 10,500-square-foot store will be at the southwest corner of the center, with a very visible exterior storefront, Lund said.

The lineup of stores already at the shopping center played into the chain's decision to come to Omaha, Lund said.

"Retailers look to go to centers that have others that are successful," he said.

Anthropologie's fall opening will increase foot traffic and awareness of Regency Court, Lund said.

"And we'll be going into the fall season, which everyone knows is the season of sales for retailers," he said. "They're coming in at a phenomenal time."

It will also save Reisinger some long-distance shopping. She's been to Anthropologie, either in Chicago or in her native Kansas City, about six times since moving to Lincoln, and she'd just been to the Chicago store about three weeks ago to look for summer clothes and work pants.She said it was the store's mixture of the whimsical and the sophisticated that appealed to her.

"Anthropologie is one of the most requested retailers in the market because of its unique sense of style," Lund said in a press release.

Anthropologie was founded in 1992. The nearest current outlets include Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver.

"Regency Court is so well located in the very heart of Omaha, and the intimate size of the center was very attractive to Anthropologie," said Adney.

"Regency has a unique super-regional draw with Borsheims as its anchor," she said. "We know that Omaha shoppers are sophisticated and they seek out Anthropologie in other cities, so we are delighted to finally bring the Anthropologie shopping experience home to them.

"Maybe not as delighted as Reisinger.

"This is great news," she said. "I'll live on this for a while today."

Test Schmest

What's way more fun than going to class to review for a test? How about going to class and HAVING a test. Cause that's sure what happened tonight. Whoops. I'm very annoyed with myself.

Viva Las Vegas

Last weekend a large group of gals headed to Vegas for Kristis's bachelorette party. In abiding by the famous "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" slogan, I can't reveal too many details. And honestly, the details are a little fuzzy anyway. What I can tell you is 12 of us crammed into an 1,100 square foot suite at the Venetian. The room and resort were beautiful! In fact, the only time we left the Venetian was when we ventured to the liquor store Friday night upon arrival in Vegas. We manged to get into the VIP line to Tao, which meant no line, no cover and and free drinks from 10-11. Can't complain about that! Sadly, we didn't see any celebs there. It's quite a celebrity hot spot you know. Saturday was spent by the pool and it was wonderful. The highlight definitely came Saturday night when Kristi and I put an $11 voucher in a dollar slot machine and hit a $722 jackpot. We were pretty pumped!

I'm heading back to Vegas May 4 for work and I have a feeling that trip will be a little different than this one :-).

Happy bachelorette party, Kristi!

I, Q, Take You, U

This might be one of the cutest stories I've read. It's the if-I-wasn't-in-PR-I'd-be-a-kindergarten-teacher in me.


Published Thursday April 24, 2008
Kids make perfect match with marriage of Q and U
BY QIANNA BRADLEY
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER


There was a wedding this week at Reeder Elementary School.

Four brides representing the letter U and four grooms representing Q from the school's four kindergarten classes joined together in word matrimony.

Emma Heidvogel and Jayden Payne take part in Reeder Elementary School's wedding of the letters Q and U this week.Their classmates were bridesmaids and groomsmen.

There are, of course, exceptions to the rule that U comes after Q, but teachers wanted to stick to the basics with the kindergartners.

Reading teacher Denise Parker officiated in the ceremony at the school, 19202 Chandler St.

"Ladies and gentleman, we are gathered here today to join Miss U and Mr. Q in word matrimony," Parker said.

"Mr. Q, will you stand by Miss U in words like quarter and quack?

"Miss U, will you stand by Mr. Q in words like square, squid and squash?"

Cake, mints and juice boxes followed the ceremony. Other schools in the Millard school district have held similar "weddings" to impress the rule of Q and U on their students.

This will be something they will remember, Parker said.

"The lesson we hope they learned is when they write a q, put a u."

Emily Hahn, 5, had fun being a bride and believes Q and U should be married.

"They always have to go together," she said.

Jacob Novacek didn't think he would get married at age 6½, but he understood the purpose of the ceremony. "They have to go together," Jacob said of the letters.

"They go together all the time," said Lindsey Nelson, 6, one of the bridesmaids.

Annie Henning has taught kindergarten at the school since it opened three years ago.

The students are used to learning letters in isolation, so it was good for them to start putting them together, she said.

Dan Green, who is retired from the Air Force, came to watch his 5-year-old son Mathew.

"It was a lot of fun for the kids," Green said.

March for Babies!

For the past year Barkley has had the pleasure of working with the March of Dimes on their rebranding effort. While I haven't personally worked on the account, I'm learning more and more about this wonderful organization and what they do everyday. March of Dimes is more important than I ever knew it was...and honestly, I think I realize it even more because of the sons and daughters many of my friends are welcoming into this world. They have all been born happy and healthy for which I am very, very grateful. Supporting the March of Dimes will help to make sure future babies start their lives the same way.

March of Dimes has an annual fundraising walk called March for Babies (formerly WalkAmerica). The Omaha March for Babies is taking place April 27 at Mahoney State Park. The Kansas City March for Babies is talking place May 4. Unfortunately, because of a prior commitment and business travel I won't be marching in either but I am raising money. And let's be honest - that's what really counts. Please consider donating to my March for Babies babies goal of $100. Proceeds benefit March of Dimes' mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Donations can be made safely online by clicking here.

I, along with moms, dads, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends and babies around the world, thank you in advance.


Click here to help me reach my goal!

Ellen in Chicago

Hey there - Ellen DeGeneres is going to be in Chicago and I just applied online for tickets. Everyone should do the same! Click here for the entry form and if you win you have to take me :-).

Meeting and Greeting Stella

Tonight we got to meet precious Stella! She is such a cute, sweet baby and she, Sam and Annie are all doing great. We roadtripped to Lincoln with the Shearers and the Hites and spent about an hour at St. Elizabeth's (where Mike was also born) doting over the Neals. Of course Stella was passed around the room and we all took turns holding the little thing. And of course we had to end the visit with dinner and a celebratory drink at Lazlo's (where we of course cheersed the Neals). I don't think I can say it enough - we're so thrilled for them!

PS: Denise, I just realized I didn't get a photo of you and Stella and I apologize greatly! Next time - I promise!

O!nline

This is not news to the Omahans that read this blog, but to the out-of-staters (and there are so many of you - not), Omaha has this great "O" sculpture thing going on. A few years ago artists designed their own "O"s and they, all very different, are located throughout Omaha.

Anyhoo, I just read an article on Omaha.com about a Web site that allows everyone to make their own virtual O. It's very fun and I encourage you to check it out!

Welcome Stella!

At 6:56 p.m. yesterday, Sam and Annie welcomed Stella Alexandra Neal into the world! Haven't seen photos yet but with blue eyes and brown hair she sounds absolutely darling! Most importantly mom and baby are both doing well! We're planning to head to Lincoln tomorrow night to congratulate the Neals in person and to meet little Stella. We are absolutely thrilled for Sam and Annie and can't wait to meet this little girl. Many blessings to the Neals!

Puppy Mills

Friday’s Oprah was all about puppy mills. This story came to fruition after Oprah, — and thousands of drivers — saw a billboard in Chicago that read, "Oprah: Do a show on puppy mills. The dogs need you." The story was absolutely heart-wrenching and not just because I love dogs. Anyone who has a heart or simply believes in humane treatment should be shocked by the horrors of puppy mills.

The man behind the billboard was Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue. Every year, Bill and several volunteers rescue hundreds of abused, unwanted or abandoned animals, rehabilitate them and adopt them out to families. Many of the animals Bill rescues come from puppy mills, which he describes as places where bad breeders care more about the profit they make from puppies than the health or welfare of the animals. On this episode of Oprah, Lisa Ling and Bill went on an undercover mission to puppy mills in Pennsylvania. Here are some of the shocking things they shared on Oprah:

- The mom dog in one cage was stepping over and on her puppies because the crate they were all crammed into was just so small.
- There were two dead animals lying on the property of one puppy mill they entered. The owner wouldn’t let Lisa and Bill into his building, so who knows of the horrifying conditions of that puppy mill.
- Many of the dogs had never stepped on grass. Ever.
- One dog had a huge wound on its neck with a chain collar on – rubbing through the raw wound. Some dogs had chains on, estimated to be on them for their entire lives. Many had the chains embedded into their skin because they had been worn for so long.
- Lisa and Bill picked up seven labs that at one puppy mill that were going to be shot because they can “no longer produce.”
- These dogs live in crates outside year round – even in the cold and snow.
- Most of the puppy mill dogs live 8-10 years in rabbit cages. Some of the dogs don’t even know how to walk.
- One adult lab was terrified to walk on ground. He had never stepped foot on solid ground – only the bottom of a wire crate.
- One female dog reproduced so many times it was estimated she gave birth to more than 140 puppies.

There was something else that really got me. Meet “Shrimp.” (Bill names the dogs as he says most of the dogs in puppy mills never get names and most will never know human affection EVER in their life.)

The photo on the left is what Shrimp looked like when Bill rescued him from a breeder. You wouldn't know it by looking at that photo, but Shrimp is a malti-poo, and should look a lot like Macy. Bill adopted Shrimp himself, and a little over a year after his rescue, you can see what Shrimp looks like today (photo on the right):



Puppy mills are filthy, cruel businesses that see dogs as nothing but money-makers. Believe it or not there are dog auctions where puppy mill owners go to buy female dogs to reproduce. One puppy auctioneer actually sold a dog by saying “what other dog is going to get you $2,000 in puppies in one litter?”

Here are some tips for getting a dog and for putting a STOP to puppy mills:

1. Consider adoption.If you're looking to make a dog part of your family, check your local shelters first. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money is not going to support a puppy mill. There are many dogs waiting for homes in shelters all across the country—and an estimated one in four is a purebred! Your second option is breed rescue. If your heart is set on a specific breed you haven't been able to find in a shelter, you can do an Internet search for a breed-specific rescue organization in your area.

2. Do your homework before buying from a pet store.The puppy that charmed you through the pet shop window may have come from a large-scale, substandard commercial breeding facility, commonly known as a puppy mill. In these facilities, parent dogs are caged and bred as often as possible and give birth to puppies who could have costly medical problems you might not become aware of until after you bring your new pet home.

3. Internet buyers, beware.Buying a puppy from the Internet could be risky. If you buy a puppy based on a picture and a phone call, you have no way of seeing the puppy's breeding premises or meeting his parents. And those who sell animals on the Internet are not held to the Animal Welfare Act regulations—and so are not inspected by the USDA. If you fall in love with a puppy over the internet, make a visit to the breeder in person and follow the guidelines for how to recognize a responsible breeder.

4. Know how to recognize a responsible breeder.If you've exhausted your options for adopting and are choosing to buy from a breeder, remember that responsible breeders have their dogs' interests in mind. They are not simply interested in making a sale, but in placing their pups in good homes. A responsible breeder should screen you as thoroughly as you screen them.

5. See where your puppy was born and bred.One sign that you are speaking to an unscrupulous breeder is that they will not let you see the facility in which your puppy was born. Always ask to see the breeding premises and to meet both parents—or at least the mother—of the puppy you want to take home. Ask to see the area where the mother dog actually lives and breeds. You should also ask for an adoption contract that explains, in terms you understand, the breeder's responsibilities, health guarantee and return policy.

6. Get an animal locally.Local shelters, rescue groups and breeders should be your first resource when looking for a new pet. There's bound to be a loving animal in your area that needs a home.

7. Share your puppy mill story with the ASPCA.If you have—or think you have—purchased a puppy mill puppy, tell your story. Every bit of evidence gives advocates more power to get legislation passed that will ban puppy mills.

8. Speak out to your legislator.Inform your state and federal legislators that you are disturbed by the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills and would like to see legislation passed that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. You can keep up-to-date about current legislation to ban puppy mills by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Visit http://www.aspca.org/ for more information.

I admit we did not rescue Macy from a shelter; we purchased her from a breeder that we knew and was highly recommended. We were very wary of puppy mills and made sure we were not supporting such an awful business. I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Designed by Sabrina Blog

As many of you know, my friend Sabrina designs logos, invitations, announcements, cards, etc. In addition to her Web site, she just launched a blog showcasing some of her work. Check it out.

I can barely take it anymore!

Baby Girl Neal is due SUNDAY! And, while I want her born on Sunday (that's what I guessed in the poll :-)), I want her here now so we can meet her! For some reason I thought it was happening yesterday and every time my phone rang and it was a friend I thought maybe it was baby news :-).

Anyway, congratulations again, Sam and Annie! We're all so anxious to meet your new daughter!

I was kind of hoping for a reunion tour; I didn't get to see them back in the day.

New Kids on the Block reuniting

They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block.

New Kids on the Block sold millions of records in the late '80s and early '90s.

The boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early '90s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multiplatinum album, "Hangin' Tough."

"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.

Wahlberg said he was persuaded to get back together with his former bandmates -- Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood -- when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.

"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.

But he added: "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."

Producer Maurice Starr formed the group in Boston in the 1980s, hoping to recreate the success he had with another teen group from Boston, New Edition.

At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.

The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.