Oh, Norman.

Hi Tuesday. I didn't manage to make painting time yesterday, but I DID EXERCISE though. Something about the 300lb woman chatting with me on the front walk asking me if I was pregnant while she patted my (significantly smaller than HERS) belly. OUCH. She's lucky that I'm a slow thinker because all I could come back with was "Nope, not pregnant - I'm just fat." Why would I say that? Why could I not think of something with more wit and zing? BUT, I DIGRESS. This little painting is from Sunday. It's for Dan. It's a little something that I'm working on that will reappear sometime over the summer months but is not what I would consider a finished piece. It's a quick sketch of Norman.
Norman is our 5 month old French Bulldog puppy. We're finally over our peeing-in-the-house issues and our peeing-in-the-kennel problems. We're even over our crying-all-night-long festivus, too. I'd have to say that he's settled in so nicely here that I can't believe we stressed out about this decision in the first place. He's just right. He's a comical little fart. He's wonderful with both of the girls. He's terrific with Crash. He's good with the neighbours, too. He's definitely a chilled out puppy and we are certifiably in love with him and his little BIG attitude. He fits in perfectly here. Just proves it: ihe right dog finds you.

Actually, make that the right DOGS find you.

Today: We are off to the kiddie pool with our friends to enjoy summer. We have all sorts of other things to do, but right at the very, very top of that list is getting everyone in the house exercised, fed and feeling 100%. Sounds simple enough. I have an appointment at 7pm to HAVE MY SORE TOOTH PULLED. I'm not even going to pretend that I'm not anxious about it. THEY ARE PULLING MY TOOTH OUT! BUT I am completely looking forward to HEALING and getting on with things.

I am going to enjoy some extra coffee. GO!

Comments

[elise]

NORMAN is just the cutest. Love that painting. Good luck with the tooth. Tell the dentist I said hello. I am pretty sure all dentists in North America know me.

[Ines]

Norman is cute as pie.
I have a sore tooth that I'm convinced needs a root canal and I've been following your tooth saga the last few weeks trying to get the courage to get it done. I think I'll have to keep looking haha! Good luck with the tooth pulling today, it'll be great to have that over with I'm sure.

[grungedandy]

good luck with the tooth pulling & healing will keep you in my thoughts.

love the cute norm sketch both crash & norm looks so very sweet together glade it's working out!
seeya hugya *G*

[Debbie Pearson]

Norman looks like he's rather enjoying his summer vacation too!

[T]

yeah for puppies, we have a 11 week bull mastiff that has just joined our family... how long did it take for Norman to stop peeing in the house... ours is good in the kennel but still has an accident or two inside... it has been awhile since i have trained a pup...

[Kal]

T: it took 2 weeks of training (and going mental by me) to get Norman house saavy. But, he was an older puppy (16 weeks) when we got him so I think it took a little bit longer than with a younger (smarter) dog. I don't know. All I know is that he is doing well now and I am GRATEFUL.

[Heidi P.]

Kal--your 'sketch' of Norman is a masterpiece! You captured his eyes perfectly....it's him! The color choice was beautiful, too. So, so cool!

**I think that puppies need to be about 16 weeks to be physically capable of 'holding it.' Love the the two dogs laying together.

[PamJ]

ooo coffee is good!
so norman is fine with peeing and sleeping at night, but what about the kiddos? the sleep easy book on your bulletin is what worked for us! just like training dogs, it take a bit of time to train the babies to learn to sleep too :)
btw i LOVE the norman painting!

[Tori]

Love the painting. I would not call it a sketch.
And that's great about Norman. He's a cute little dog.
Good luck with your teeth today!

[courtney]

um - wait. *just fat*?!

RIGHT. dude, i saw those photos you'd posted a few days ago and you, my dear, are certainly NOT fat. pfft. you've just made TWO PEOPLE, for goodness' sake!

at least you didn't all but abandon shredding like i did. (i promise i'ma start it up again. next week. i swear.)

[T]

Thanks, I think I am beyond mental with 4 kids (one potty training) expecting number 5 (am at 30 weeks) and trying to potty train a dog... we have had her for 6 days, I will keep on keeping on with her, and hope she "gets it" soon.

[Emma]

1) You're absolutely, positively not fat. Nope.
2) Ooooh I can't wait for your mouth to feel better. I know how miserable a sore mouth is. I hope it brings you quick relief. I had two teeth pulled a few years back and I called the dentist a liar when he said we were done. I thought he had just tightened the bracket around my tooth. Hope your experience is similar!
3) Norman is adorable, both in what you're calling a sketch (and what the rest of us would call a finished painting, hahah), and in the photos with Uncle Crash. Does he sleep right on top of Crash?

Enjoy the weather!

[Desiree]

you deserve every ounce of extra coffee today & everyday for dealing with that tooth of yours. Good luck - I hope the healing process is fast for you.

[chrissy]

Dude, she touched your belly? You're response was better than a punch to her face, I suppose. You handled it well and I hope she felt like an idiot afterwards.

Good luck with the tooth and your talk of Norman makes me want a dog. Almost.

:)

[Melissa Chehy]

Don't you worry one iota about that tooth. I had my first ever tooth pulled 4 months ago and I was so nervous the Doc had to ask me several times to relax. When it was done I told him he was more then welcome to pull out all of my teeth! All will go well, and it'll be so great to start healing! Good luck!

[Tiarra]

I'm so tempted to kidnap your dogs! Love the painting.

[scrapfreak1/sandra]

now Kal... the 300lb woman needs a reality check... what you should have said.. aahhh i was wondering the same thing about you? when are you due? turn those around.. what gives people the right to say such rude things.. remember.. TAN FAT IS BETTER THAN WHITE FAT... get out there in the sun on your fat..LOL.. just kidding.. adorable painting for dan. he will love it. Feel better tonight.. and remember tomorrow is another great day with your girl tribe.

[Vanessa]

thanks for sharing the new-found love of the Norman-pup. I have had miss Millie home for a bit more than a week and the night time waking and constant peeing on the floor is wearing thin....just remind me that "this too shall pass!" Keep on posting about having come out on the other side of messy new-puppyhood. A French Bulldog is on the list for our 'next' dog!

Oh, and next time, just smack the fat lady!

[robinw]

I have had so many people say that to me and my youngest is 6 and, I think I look pretty good! I'm much more direct now and tell people that that is an inappropriate question to ask anyone!!! Before I had kids I asked a couple of women when they were due and they weren't pregnant so part of me shudders but I think my karma should be paid off by now!

[Pixie]

Those doggies are a-dor-able! I'm glad they love each other and get along so well.

As for the "are you pregnant" thing...unfortunately, I've been on the giving end. I offered a lady my seat on the subway, at least I didn't VERBALIZE it, but she knew and was not happy. I felt terrible! lol..and to think I thought I was doing a good deed.

[Chandra]

It's a shame Norman didn't accidentally pee on the 300lb woman's foot.

[Taryn]

Oh my but don't I just love your Norman Study in Blue!

[Jane]

Awww what a cute painting of Norman! : )My Brother in-law has a French Bulldog and it's his baby.