Misty the Therapy Dog

Misty at your service!

I bet you didn't know that Misty is a therapy dog. She's part of the St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Misty gets to go to all sorts of places: hospitals, schools, old folks homes, etc. to make someones day a little bit brighter.

About a year ago, both Andrew's grandparents were in the hospital. On occasion, Andrew would bring Misty to hospital with him to visit them. Not only did his grandparents appreciate this but other patients did too. Even the staff were thrilled to see Misty. The satisfaction of brightening someones day made Andrew (and Misty!) feel really good. That's when he decided to sign her up for the Therapy Dog Program.

I was a little worried that Misty wouldn't pass the tests they put her through. She can get a little possessive when she gets a toy and she's not afraid to bark at someone if they make her uncomfortable. Fortunately though, Misty passed her tests with flying colours and became an official therapy dog!

Just this week, Misty has been to a high school, to help raise awareness of the program and give kids an excuse to leave class the opportunity to play with her (in return for a small donation that goes towards the program). Yesterday, she went to Humber College to raise awareness there. She's a really busy dog!

Although she doesn't really get a say in it, I'm very proud of her. She's kind of my hero, my best friend, oh, and my pillow.

Misty Was a Bad Puppy

Misty is the sweetest dog ever. I know, I know. Every dog owner says this about their dog. Despite how bias that statement is, it's true.

But, she wasn't always sweet.

In fact, when she was a puppy, she was a little hellhound.

That's right, that adorable little puppy that was once so tiny she fit on my desk, next to my laptop, was a huge rebel.

You see that red harness that she's wearing? We bought her the harness because she would bite her leashes off. She bit her way out of that harness too. And all other harnesses she was given.

She would harass other dogs.

She insisted on laying down on her pee pads... after she already peed on them (hey, at least she used them!).

She inflicted wounds on me because she thought it was hilarious.

She would steal dish towels from the kitchen because she enjoyed interrupting me while I was studying.

She would proceed to go after me and eat my pants when I'd ask her to sit.

But, eventually she learned to respond to all my commands. Even though she would forget sometimes and more training was needed, she turned into a really awesome, well behaved dog. Well, except when another dog gets a stick. That's her stick! Wait, no it isn't. Okay, so she has to work on sharing. Other than that, she's perfect.

Oh Hey Weekend, Where'd You Go?

"You got my heart, don’t know how you did it;
And I don’t care who sees it babe,
I don’t wanna hide the way I feel when you're next to me."
- Ariana Grande; The Way

Another weekend just flew by! So let's get to the recap!

Saturday. Finally got a haircut and chopped off more split ends. I was a blonde a couple years ago and my hair is still feeling the repercussions from it. It's finally starting to get healthy though!

Andrew and I spent the rest of Saturday together. We grabbed a bite to eat a pub downtown, then we went to see a 'Race'; a play by David Mamet.

If you can appreciate law, this is a play you'd enjoy. As a graduate from the Law & Society program, Andrew said he loved it!

Delicious cupcake!

We got a couple of drinks before the show and noticed this bad boy. It looked delicious so we asked what kind of cupcake it was. I can't remember what they said was on the inside, I just know it was alcohol. And the icing? Bailey's. So good!

I'm sure there's some rule about not being allowed to take pictures in the theater.
Meh.

As we waited for the show to start, we did what any normal couple would do. We took pictures.

Misty's favourite park!

Sunday. We picked up the furball and spent the day with her. We also got an awesome bookshelf that Andrew found off Kijiji (which I should have taken a picture of) and then spent the night at our house with some friends.

Waiting for daddy; who is getting said bookshelf.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Weekend Review: Puppies & Parks

This was a pretty uneventful weekend; spent with the furball.

Spoiler alert: this post consists mainly of pictures of Misty.

"Why do you walk so slow? Hurry up!"

Saturday. Spent most of the day at the park with Misty, exploring the trails.

"This looks delicious!"

We made time to stop and smell (and throw) some sticks while enjoying a (very) crisp breeze (seriously, why is it still cold out? It's spring!).

Yum!

That night, Andrew and I ordered in and finally watched Les Miserables. I absolutely loved it!

Sunday. Since my driving instructor thinks I'm perfect at everything I do, I'm clearly not learning much and still have no idea how to parallel park. After coming home from a frustrating driving lesson, Andrew and Jerome offered to teach me themselves. These boys need an award for that, since I was not making it easy on them. To make a long story short, I learned how to do it their way and I'm questioning why I'm paying for lessons (they also might hate me now. Opps).

Oh and we spent more time with this one:

"Seriously lady, you're slowing me down."

"My stick!"

What I left in my bed this morning.
Such cuties! <3

Linking up here as well.

All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

"All I want to do is have some fun.
I got a feeling that I'm not the only one."
- Pitbull, Have Some Fun

Growing up, I was a bit of a workaholic. At the age of 15, I got my first job. Since then, I've always been employed. Before I graduated, I almost always had at least two jobs and a full course load. I was fortunate enough to land a full-time, salary paid, job right out of University. It felt so rewarding to be able to put the part-time job(s) life behind me. But, more on that another day.

I strongly believe that it's important to go out and enjoy yourself. Life is too short to spend it working all the time (unless that's what makes you happier than anything else).

This weekend, we definitely went out and enjoyed ourselves!

Friday night, Andrew, Chris, Randy and I went to Dave and Busters (my favourite place ever). In my opinion, it's a Chuck E Cheese for adults. It's also 1000x better than Chuck E Cheese. It has tons of arcade games, games where you can win tickets (to redeem for prizes) and it even has skeeball and basketball. It is missing a ball pit though. Although, I'm not sure how much fun that would be as an adult. You've got to be pretty miserable to go to Dave and Busters and not have a good time (or just really hate games). It's a little slice of heaven for me.

Me, Randy and Andrew; intently focused on a game

Dave and Busters was followed by Chili's Grill & Bar, which once again, I was disappointed by. It tastes great in the States, but not so much in Ontario.

On Saturday, we had one last lunch together before Chris and Randy headed back to their hometowns. Andrew and I took them to our favourite little spot on Yonge Street, just north of Dundas: Made in China. It's an "Asian fusion" restaurant, which is attached to a Korean Grill House. Made in China has a Hot Pot option, which we haven't tried yet. We mainly go because they have weekly specials that start at $5.99. The specials come with unlimited tea and one soft drink. The portion sizes are big too! You seriously can't go wrong with that price.

Our last group picture together before the boys headed back home

Shortly after lunch, Andrew and I had to say farewell to our dear friends (who I'm sure we'll see in the summer). After we finished shedding our tears, we met up with Jerome and headed to Casino Rama.

Andrew and I don't gamble. At all. We went to Vegas in November and spent a maximum of $10 on gambling. But, we enjoy watching Jerome lose win lots of money.

This was in the foyer of Casino Rama, to celebrate Chinese New Year. I thought it was gorgeous!

Oddly, after being at Rama for two hours, when we moved to a new roulette table (the third of the night), the three of us were ID'd. The dealer made kind of a big deal about it and mumbled to a player at the table that we should take it as a compliment. I wasn't too impressed. We were ID'd at the door. Why are we getting ID'd again? Has anyone else ever been ID'd at a casino after getting in?

We left late enough that the only places that were still open for food were drive-thrus. We hit up an A&W on the way home (we had coupons for it, of course), which didn't sit too well with my stomach the next day. Still, Jerome and I hit up the gym on Sunday and got a good two and half hours in.

I went home and decided to make a big batch of chili. This weekend left my wallet on the lighter side, so I've vowed to not eat out at all this week. I love chili because it's easy to make and it's cheap! Not to mention healthy as well.

I added pieces of chicken thighs, tomatoes, salsa, corn, two cans of mixed beans, an onion (chopped) and chili powder to mine. I threw it all in the slow cooker (not in that order) and let it sit for four hours. Top with cheese and you have a yummy meal for days!

Misty came over for a quick visit. She definitely wanted in on the chili action. Sorry, Misty. It's not for dogs!

Andrew enjoying his chili (and teasing Misty with it;
gotta love how she's sticking her tongue out a little)