Allison's Brain

Go Ace Monkey!

JennChantal's dog Acey is so freaking cute while running this obstacle course. Berkeley is wayyyy too lazy for these youngun tricks!

The Schnitzen Turns 12!!!

Happy birthday to Berkeley
Happy birthday to Schnitzen
Happy birthday to Berkenschtoken Schnitzengruben Fahrfugnugen
Happy birthday to you!

Twelve years ago today, the world was blessed with the cutest, fluffiest, aggressive little ankle biter you've ever met. She is my best friend, my bed buddy, my electric blanket, my human kleenex, and my constant breakfast, lunch, and dinner companion.

Dog is my copilot.

Reliving Our First Date

Ken and I celebrated 2 years together on April 30. Who knew that a little old dating website could make such a good match? Not only do we have hours of fun together, but our dogs have even become besties. If they could shop online, they would order "best friends" pendants... I just know it. Some people renew their vows on an anniversary, but since we haven't tied the knot we came up with our own version: reliving our first date!!!! <blood curdling scream>

No, it wasn't the most mind-blowing first date I've ever been on. But it was fun. More importantly, we made it through several near misses that could have ended things before they got rolling. Let's remind ourselves what almost went wrong:

1. I was PMSing, which means that I was on the verge of tears all afternoon. I just knew that if I said something stupid, tears were sure to pour down my face. And how would I explain that to a mostly-stranger?
2. Ken arrived 15 minutes early.
3. My hair was the size of Texas. Ken can verify this. The weather was particularly humid in Santa Monica that day, and my dry hair soaked up the moisture like a cactus in the desert. Good god, the blow-dryer really amped up the energy in my tresses. So I was left with two choices: 1) proceed with confidence despite my pageant-queen 'do, or 2) pull it up into some sort of bun-type thing. Afraid of a librarian perception, I went with #1. Ken almost took off at the first sight of me.
4. I made an off-handed comment about his car that was sort of insulting. Amazingly, he quickly replied with something charming and witty. Bonus points!
5. The entire drive to the restaurant I became increasingly insecure about every word coming out of my mouth and swallowed back tears at least twice.

Luckily, we arrived at the restaurant without incident and quickly realized that we had several things in common:

1. We both love beer and tofu and football.
2. We are both fans of the 70s TV show "Emergency."
3. Two of his favorite restaurants are in Texas, where I'm from.
4. I'm a Scorpio and he's a Pisces. Excellent astrological potential.
5. I love dimples and he has them.
6. Our dogs are our best friends.

In summary, it was meant to be. I'm crazy. He's sane. Together, we're one well-balanced rock of love. Smooch!