Will my pants ever fall down again?

A couple of years ago I flew to Buffalo for a visit with my peeps.
The flight was smooth and uneventful.... that is, until it came time to deplane.

I sat in business class (gotta love Airtran's 40 dollar upgrade), thus was situated at the front of the plane, and while the crew prepared the cabin for deplaning, a line of anxious passengers grew.

As we all waited, an older gentleman put forth the kind effort to collect my bag from the overhead compartment. (the story picks up here, I promise) When I reached above my head to grab the bag from the nice man... my pants plummeted.... all the way down to my ankles.

*I now have a clear understanding why mothers implore their children to wear good, clean undies "in case of an accident."*

So there I was... arms above head, pants at ankles, ratty pink undies in full view. What did I do? I took hold of my bag, thanked the man, bent down and pulled my pants up, grasped what little dignity I had left, turned toward the plane's door and continued on my journey.

I am guessing most people would be mortified if this happened to them. Not this chickie. In fact, I am certain I could be heard accross the country - cheering in elation all the way to baggage claim - because my pants were so big on me... they fell down!

Perhaps my question should now be "When will my pants fall down again?" I have to believe they will and don't worry mom - I'll start wearing my good undies.

It's Official - - - Donkey is CRAZY!

For those of you who don't know, Donkey is not an actual donkey, he is a neurotic, obsessed-with-Rachel, 8 year old Weimaraner.

Now when the infamous Donks came to live at the house, it was temporary, until my roommate and I could find him a home.

That was 2 1/2 years ago, and one "returned-from-rehome" later.

I have never known a dog like Donkey. He is crazy, sweet, clumsy. He entertains daily with improvised routines. You just cant help but love the big oaf, or Donkey The Dinosaur, as I like to call him.

Well Donks had to go to the vet yesterday because he appeared to be in discomfort, as he lumbered around in a very non-Donkey manner.

Upon physical examination, the vet determined, "Donkey has symptoms pointing to his neurologic system."

Oh really? I dragged the 75 pound silver ball of panting nerves to the vet for THAT diagnosis?! HA! I chuckled thinking - I could have saved myself a hundred bucks - I already know Donkey is crazy!

But then the vet went on to say Donkey's symtoms are consistant with degenerative disc/spinal disease and he could eventually lose control of his backend. She feels his symptoms are mild right now, and I am hoping it remains that way for years to come, because carting his lame jackass around in a wheel barrel is going to take some serious working out on my part. I'll gladly do it though... for me and my Donkey!

What time is it? What day is it?

These are the questions I ask myself daily while working the overnight shift at CNN. I am currently in the middle of a nine month rotation where my shift begins at 10pm and ends at 8am.

It amazes me how I don't know the date... days pass, and sometimes months.

I began the shift in the middle of February and one day wondered what day of the week the 29th would fall, after all leap year only comes once every 4 years and anticipation was high! Too bad when I inquired, it was March 22nd.

Let me start by saying... Welcome!

For those who don't know me.... my name is Rachel. I was born and raised in one of the greatest cities - Buffalo, N.Y. If you've never been, I strongly encourage a visit to B-Town - the people, food, scenery, culture, arts, Lake Erie, Niagara Falls - you just cant beat em'! And if get thirsty for a vodka loganberry(try it, you will love it!), the bars stay open till 4am.

I currently live in the heart of the south, Atlanta, GA - where I've worked in the news biz for the past 13 years. In a nutshell, I am a "news ho" and information junkie with a love for writing.

As for sleeping with dogs - I live in a house my roommate Erin owns, on separate floors and with a menagerie of pups between us...

Mine:

Blu, 10-year-old hound mix

Ellie, 4-year-old doberman/pit mix

Donkey, 8-year-old weimaraner

Roommate's:

Coco, 10-year-old chihuahua

Olive, 3-year old chihuahua

Pickle, 3-year old chihuahua

Ginger 8'ish-year-old yellow lab

So now, I officially welcome y'all to sleeps with dogs! I am new to blogging but look forward to randomly rambling to the masses.

With my crazy dogs... crazy family... crazy life - there is never a dull moment!

Let the blogging begin, or as I like to say.... write on!