Puppy Love

When I was about 6 or so, I locked myself in the bathroom for about 5 hours and said I wasn't coming out until I got a puppy.  I brought a note pad and pen into the bathroom with me along with an open gallon of orange juice.  I remember my dad getting down on this stomach and talking to me through the crack under the door and saying "honey, if I give you a puppy now, when you're 16 you're going to lock yourself into the bathroom again until I give you a Rolls Royce."  I didn't know what I Rolls Royce was but I remember promising I'd never ask for one (A promise I've lived up to so far!)  Somehow this logic was suppose to explain to me why I couldn't have a puppy.  No puppy because I can't have a Rolls Royce either.  Mind you, he did explain to me about taking care of it, walking it, feeding it, etc and how he didn't think we could take care of a puppy.  I just ignored that part because I was convinced that I could and would take care of the little pup!

I used the notepad and pencil to write a letter to my mom about why I would do a great job taking care of a dog.  I don't recall what my justification was, but I do remember sliding it under the door and having her say no just like dad.  I also drank the rest of the gallon of orange juice and started to feel really sick.

Needless to say, I didn't get a dog that day.  I did get a pretty bad stomach ache and a glimpse into the logic of adults.  

Fast forward 21 years or so and I still wanted a dog.  I never stopped wanting one, I simply grew to understand why my parents said no for forever.  I acknowledged that my lifestyle really wasn't conducive to a pet.  I travel a lot.  I work strange, long hours sometimes.  I lived in apartments with pet restrictions or additional costs.  A lot of good reasons why a dog didn't make sense.

Well, a few weeks ago I said "Screw it!" to logical reasons for why a dog was not a good idea in my life.  I went to the Humane Society and adopted Bailey.  A beautiful 8 month old Boxer mutt.  She is perfect.

Picking Bailey up from the vet after her spading surgery.

I adopted her on Saturday but I couldn't pick her up until Wednesday after her surgery.  I had to wait 4 full days until I got to take my new best friend home.  It was a tough wait, but it gave me time to get all her stuff together so she felt at home when I picked her up.  First order of business was the crate of course, then toys, treats, collar, etc.  I also opted for a seat belt for her!

Safety FIRST!!!  Doesn't she look cute in cute in her seat belt harness??

It didn't take long for her to capture my heart and keep me laughing.  She reminds me everyday that the simplest pleasures in life are important.  Finding a stick in the yard, for example, can bring the most joy.  

Or just having a great bone to chew on.

We go for a lot of walks and we run around the local park a ton.  Sometimes we try to chase bunnies and squirrels.  Sometimes we jump up on people and Mommy has to get upset.  And sometimes we go down the slide at the playground!

 In my opinion, she is pretty perfect.  I'm glad I took the plunge and got her.  Sure, it might not make sense to everyone with my lifestyle and schedule, but she has done wonders for me and my happiness.  Bailey Boo, Bai, Girlfriend, Sweet Pea.  She's my baby and I didn't have to lock myself up to get her!

Not Everyone Has to Like You

I've had a pretty uncomfortable dentist experience recently.  The dentist I go to usually decided to leave the practice and join a different team so I've been seeing the other dentist as a result.  Well, I had met this dentist prior in a very unfortunate experience where his bedside manner and overall interest in me as a person was nonexistent.  If it was possible for me to be nothing other than a mouth full of teeth, I really think he would have preferred that.  In fact I believe he is conflicted on how to feel about the fact that mouths and teeth are also used for conversation and expression, because he isn't really a fan of either.  Regardless, I decided from that first encounter that I will not be seeing him again and made the proper arraingments to always have the other dentist.  Fast forward to last week, my dentist has left and I need to see this pretty rude man for my Invisalign appointment.  I already am not a fan (this is encounter number 3, encounter number 2 was not awful but I certainly didn't decide to be his best friend) so I didn't exactly have any expectations other than to be treated like a mouth full of teeth.  I was not disappointed.

I arrived to my 6:30 appointment at about 6:28 where I was checked in and swiftly taken to the patient room by one of my favorite hygienists and had delightful banter about her birthday (because I've seen this hygienists for years now and yes, I knew it was her birthday.)  I've learned that dentist appointments never start on time, so it wasn't a big deal for me to be waiting about 10-15 minutes.  45 minutes later Dr. Why-can't-you-be-a-mouthful-of-teeth walks in apologizing in his most unapologetic tone.  I was frustrated and downright disrespected by his lack of respect for my time.  The hygienists have heard me complain about this problem before, usually with the tone of "geeze, late again.... " because I just worked 12 hours and I don't want to sit in a dentist chair for another hour to stare at a wall painted some color of non-threating off white. Culminate the past experiences with this Dr. with my 45 minute wait, my past knowledge of why the dentist I usually see left, conversations I've had with the hygienists over the last few years, and an overall dislike for this man, I was done.  I had my speech rehearsed (45 min of prep time) and said to him:
"About this wait.  I've been here for 45 minutes.  What this tells me is that you do not respect my time nor do you value me as a patient.  I'd like to know what I need to do to transfer my case to another dentist."  BAM!  Awesome feedback right? Amazing, here is the situation, here is how I feel about it, and here is what I want to do to avoid being in this situation again.  Well he got defensive, I got defensive, I stayed calm but was firm about my dissatisfaction with him "The first time I met you Dr. you didn't even use my name when you examined me.  You didn't use my name."  (Is that too much to ask??)

Fast forward to Friday afternoon.  I go to my mail hoping to have a new Netflix DVD waiting for me.  No such luck, but I do have a letter from Dr. Mouth-full-of-teeth.  I think, that's weird, maybe it is some legal thing about my case being transfered.  Nope, it was a pretty mean letter about how I made the hygienist who was in the office cry (not the same hygienist who I was talking to before) and they discussed my case during their morning meeting where it was said that I'm typically disrespectful (ummm what?!) and my actions that day were "unacceptable" and "unprofessional."  After that morning meeting he agrees that it is best that I leave his practice and he will by Missouri State law provide me with 30 days of emergency care if needed.  

So.... that's a great way to end a week right?  As I go through the emotions of shocked, hurt, disbelief, anger, humor, to confused I think I figured it out.  Dr. Mouth-of-teeth didn't like not being in control.  I told him how I was leaving and that I was unhappy with the quality of service I am receiving from him (not his staff, I specifically said his staff is great.)  He didn't like that.  He wanted my leaving to be on his terms.  So he believes now that by sending a very rude letter that my finding another Dr. is actually a benefit for him and his team was somehow a mutually agreed upon result.  I might be wrong, but I'm really not sure of any other explanation.  Sending the letter served no purpose really.  What was he hoping to get out of it?  I think closure.  I think he was so surprised that a confident young woman was willing to stand up to him that he needed to regain control of the situation. 

Now, did I really make a hygienist cry?  I doubt it, I never said a word to her during the conversation and when I left I said to the front desk and the hygienist who walked me up front "I apologize for being dramatic about this." (I was not dramatic, I was firm)  Both of them smiled and said "it's fine." So, did she cry?  maybe after Dr. Mouth grilled her about the encounter, but I have no way of knowing that.  Did the hygienists really say that I was typically disrespectful?  That is interesting feedback for me, because no I don't believe I ever was.  Did I express my dissatisfaction when I had to wait for 30-45 minutes for care on previous appointments?  Yes, but it was never a "darn you hygienist why are you all so terrible?" type comment, simply a "maybe I should book my appointments for 7, then I wouldn't have to wait." Perhaps some comments could be construed as passive aggressive, but never towards them.  Regardless, feedback is a gift and I'll be more conscientious about my comments in the future. 

As I tucked myself in that night after thinking through the contents of the letter, I came to a calm space of "not everyone has to like you Allison." That is true.  If Dr. Mouth doesn't like me, that's okay.  I don't particularly care for him either and with most things in life, it's better that it is mutual.

Birthday

To those who remembered - Thank you so much!!
To those who forgot - I totally understand, I'm terrible too.

Here's to at least 27 more years of:

• learning incessantly
• laughing shamelessly
• loving without abandon
• accepting those things that cannot be changed
• sharing more memories
• creating more memories
• making fewer mistakes
• taking bigger risks
• letting go when needed and holding on when right
• heck, learning the difference between the two

To 27 more years of simply trying to do better.

Cheers!!
 *imaginary clink of glasses, and delightful sip of a choice beverage*

Springtime means eating outside!

I have a beautiful backyard and deck. When I bought the house, it was starting to get cool so I didn't spend a lot of time in my yard at all. Now that spring has started to come and temperatures are climbing, I've been itching to be outside. Specifically, sit on my deck and have a meal or read or whatever. Well, I finally was able to do just that! I bought and assembled a beautiful bistro patio set from lowes and had my first outdoor meal on my deck. Seems like a small thing, but isn't that what we are told to always appreciate? I think the set looks great and the brunch I munched was also delicious! It's all green in celebration of spring!

Sometimes

I wandered the British museum yesterday and came across a very interesting exhibit about life and death. It had a lot of small segments about different cultures take on death and some of the ways they protect and celebrate life. It was quite interesting. I stumbled on this quote along one of the plaques. It was a much needed reminder that sometimes everything actually does work out exactly as you planned.

Merry go rounds

Sometimes the smallest, simplest thing can make you smile so big. I am traveling for work at the moment and came across this delightful merry-go-round and I couldn't stop smiling. Not sure if it just reminded me of happy childhood memories or if there is something magical about a merry-go-round, but it sure made my evening stroll in Italy a bit more memorable.

A Few Final Photos & a Few Final Thoughts

India has had an incredibly special place in my heart ever since 2007 when I studied abroad for 6 months while in college.  This entire blog started as a result of that decision to visit the other side of the world and I must say, my world has done nothing but grow in size and depth ever since.  It is strange to think (well, maybe not that strange) that this was my 3rd visit to the subcontinent in 5 years.  In many ways, it felt like I never left and in many more it felt like I as visiting as a new person with a strange case of deja vu.  The wonderful friends that I was able to spend time with are what make India so special to me.  Finally sharing India with Katie was fantastic.  Seeing Sushmita and Jeannie again was heartwarming.  Visiting the same places for a second time opened up more magic than I remember each place having.  

As with the 2 previous trips, this 3rd only made my love for this country grow deeper.  I've said before that when people speak ill of India, my only response is they clearly missed the magic.  All I ever see in India is the magic.  The colors, the smiles, the sights, the smells (good and bad), the sounds, are all so magical.  I don't understand how someone can be blind to all that makes India splendid.  I'll be back.  Not sure when.  Not sure how.  But I'll be back.  

Until then - thank you to everyone who joined me on this 3rd adventure.  Thank you for all the hospitality, all the memories, all the laughter, and for keeping the magic alive. 

 

Rajastani woman walking into town from her village, looking stunning in brilliant reds, orange, and blue.

Jain temple in Ranakpur (small town between Jodhpur and Udiapur).  This was a small, side temple to the much larger and more grand temple.  The carving work in the marble is stunning.

Can't go to India without seeing the monkeys.  These little guys were all around our guest house in Ranakpur. 

So true - in a restaurant we ate at in Udiapur.

Katie and I waiting for the sunset at our guest house in Ranakpur - very beautiful lake view!

Gardens in Udaipur.  I thought this cluster of trees/bush looked like a baby elephant.  Can you see it??

Nothing like a camel just hanging out on the side of the road.  Udiapur was awesome.

Three aspiring chefs!!  Cooking class in Udaipur.  We learned how to make 3 different curries, vegetable appetizer, and Katie's favorite desert, Gulab Jamon (aka: pancake balls)

Sidd in shadow at the Monsoon Palace of Udaipur waiting for the sun to set.

That's Udaipur behind us!  Katie and I posing at the Monsoon Palace.

We couldn't get enough of these marble screens!  They were everywhere and they were stunning!

*sigh*  I cannot get enough of this building.  I remember falling in love with the Taj the first time I visited.  This time was the same, just... wow.

For a bit of scaling/perspective.  I'm standing inside ne of the small side alcoves of the main mausoleum.  It is huge, and beautiful, and magical, and just worth seeing.

Taj mahal

No words needed.

Rajastahn Photos!

Ok - we've got internet for a bit, so here are some more pictures!  We are having such fun!  Meeting fun people, eating AMAZING food, laughing a lot and being thoroughly impressed with just about every aspect of India.  I feel like I'm falling in love all over again.

Sidd and I in the jeep on the way to the family village in Jodhpur.

Katie and I in our village hut with the BEAUTIFUL scarf that Sidd's mother gifted to me.
Also, the red tikas on our foreheads were put on by the family upon our arrival.  It was placed along with a yarn bracelet in a blessing. 



We took a walk to a hill to watch the sunset and came across a goat herder and his goats. 



Sidd makes friends with his own kind everywhere he goes... yes I mean 12 year old boys.
P.S. He's the tall one.

We made our way to the Red Fort in Jodipur proper and Katie got to go on her first auto-rickshaw ride.

Katie and I got the audio tour at Red Fort so we could learn as much as possible.  And for the sexy affect the headphones gave all our photos!

The view of Jodipur (known as the blue city) from Red Fort over the mouth of one of the cannons.  You can see the walls of the old part of the city are painted with indigo giving them a blue hue.  The indigo is supposed to also serve as a bug repellent.

Wedding Photo Download

As promised - here are some photos from the wedding.  More pictures of Rajastan and our mini post wedding adventure as time allowes.


India Gate in Delhi - we tried to see some sites while on the wedding whirlwind!



Katie and I in front of the Ba'hai Lotus temple.  The site is closed on Mondays (when we were there) but the structure is amazingly beautiful!



Jeanie, Katie, and I took to exploring Old Delhi and had our first ride in a bicycle rickshaw - yes, the three of us were being pulled by a man on a bicycle....



The Red Fort in Delhi - also closed on Mondays :(





Eating street food with Madhvi!  I love Indian Chatt (street food) and was so happy that Madhvi knew of a good, clean place to chow down.  I don't think I've been that full in a long while.  Best part:  still healthy!



In preparation for the wedding, Katie and I got some simple henna done - nothing as elaborate as the bride, but still beautiful!





Looking STUNNING in our saris!!  Katie wore is so well, I was very proud of her!



Jeanie, Katie, Dr. Bhalla, Madvi (Aunti Ji), and I all decked out and wedding ready!



Sushmita the Bride!!!  Isn't she STUNNING?!

Rajasthan adventures

First off, apologies for the lack of posting. India does no have excessive Internet availability and honestly, we've not had time to find Internet hotspots or cafes. As such I/we are way behind on photos but I'll try to get some up quick.

After the great wedding celebrations (of which I will post more photos later when Internet connection is more readily available) Katie and I met Sidd and we headed off to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is a fairly major city in central Rajasthan that is famous for the blue color of many of its homes as well as a very impressive fort.
This was one city I really was excited about having missed it on my last Rajasthani visit.

When we arrived, we were picked up at the airport by our hotel and taken to a nearby village. The hotel had more of a homestay feeling as there was only 1 other guest and we ate our meals in the family kitchen. The food was great and from what I could tell very traditional. Each meal had some type of bread made with a different flour, a curry, and a vegetable. Every meal we've had so far has been vegetarian and I love it. Katie, who is also cutting back in her meat intake as of late has been really enjoying the food. She's struggled some with the spicy dishes; but she is a trooper and hasn't complained at all.

On our first night with the family we took a walk to a local hill top to watch the sunset. A group of young boys were out and about as well. They came to hang out and practice their English. My guess is they were around 11-14 years old and all very excited to climb around and talk to the foreigners. Sidd, as always, did a marvelous job if translating when my 3 words of Hindi and their 10 words of English were not sufficient. The sunset was overcasted with clouds but the climb and trekking about was delightful.

The next day we (Katie, Sidd, Jules the English woman staying with us, and I) went on a village safari. The hotel took us around to some local places to see a traditional way of life and look for wildlife. We saw an opium ceremony (which I'll be honest, I didn't understand), a shepherd's home, and a potter's home. No trip would be complete without a stop at a textile factory where looking is always free. Looking always turns to buying it seems.

After the safari we headed back into Jodhpur city to another guest house. We spent the afternoon exploring the famous mehrangarh fort. Katie and I being foreigners received the audio tour as part of our entrance fee which proved to be pretty interesting and well done. The fort which belonged to many moguls was never taken by force. However, she showed many signs of the failed attempts.

It was a pretty long day, so we settled for some Rajasthani thali for dinner (by settled, I mean very eagerly dug right into) and headed back to the guest house.

A hot shower and a page or two of reading and we all were out like lights.

Now it is off to Ranakpur to scope out a Jain temple and make our way towards Udaipur. As always, no trip with Katie or Allison is complete without public transportation.

Adventures in India - Wedding Season!

One of my great friends from IIT Bombay is getting married tomorrow!!  Sushmita was one of the wonderful people that I met in my hostel in IIT and who took myself, Jeanie, May, and Pao under her wing.  She was (and still is) a happy, smiling, inclusive, person who always made time for us international, lost souls.  If there was anyone in India that I would make the trip back for their wedding, it would be Sushmita.  Well that day has come and so have I!  Best part of the trip is that other great friend Katie joined me!

The plan for the 11 or so days we are here is a whirlwind trip, but if you fly for 24hrs, you want to make the most of it.  The first few days have been spent in Delhi with some of Sushmita's family in pre-celebration activities for the wedding.  Katie and I are then meeting one of my other great, great friends from IIT, Sidd, to travel for about 1 week in Rajastan.  We are going to attempt to see as much as we can while eating all the food we are capable!!

Here are some pictures of our first few days - Wedding season is here!!

Jeanie and I at the "youngsters" party.  This is a pre-party for just the young people in the family.  Basically it is booze and dancing as Sushmita explained it.  Great fun!!

Katie and I having fun!

Me, Jeanie, and the beautiful bride to be - SUSHMITA!

Some of the family danging for the bride and groom.  It is traditional that the family members dance for the couple to be.  Some of the performances were very impressive!

  

Morning after the "youngsters" party!  We found an old time American Diner themed place for breakfast.  

Katie looking at fabric for her sari.... got to be traditional when in India!

Looking at fabric for the sari!

Katie and I in our traditional dress for the pre ceremony celebration!

More pictures to come!!!!  Actual wedding ceremony is tonight!!  Cannot wait to wear the saris :)