Taking Care of Business

Today was a very exciting day for Rosita's Ruff Cakes. We started off by finishing up a birthday cake and party treats for Berkley. Then we took a sample package of treats to a local coffee shop, hoping they'll agree to carry PB Bones as well as our planned treat of the week. After a bit of a drive to Manhattan to make the birthday delivery we took some samples to a doggie boutique. Excitedly, that was a very promising meeting!

On the way back into Topeka we took another treat sampling to Dog Day Afternoon. Stay tuned as we'll will be setting up a booth during puppy pick up at the end of the day; then maybe even do a tweet up. Which means I'll have to learn a new social media outlet.

After stopping by home to fill up on more treat deliveries, we find our logo car magnets arrived AND our logo banner too! So after slapping those on the car we headed to Holton to fill a repeat order at All Around Sweets. There we happend to meet the owner of Homestead Pet Resort, another great network opportunity!

Now that Mommy has the business name and contact info on the car does that mean we have to be more careful about our driving? She's a great driver :) but sometimes we lack patience for those who can't follow the speed limit or rules of the road. We'll see if get any "How's my driving" calls.

We finished up the afternoon in Topeka with another lead for a local vendor. Topeka is a great place to start the business. There are other young professionals offering their assistance and resources as well as a great market for our product. Next month we'll be taking the First Step Fast Trac program thru the Chamber of Commerce.

To finish the great day we had dinner with Dad for his birthday. Mom finally made some human treats: red velvet cake.

Fashionista. . .

Rosita has let Mommy take to the keyboard today, she's losing it:

We are kicking off wedding season, which means great parties, shopping for gifts and dressing in cute summer dresses. Those of you that know me am aware that I am fashion challenged. My college roommates would be impressed when I didn't wear jeans and a t-shirt to class, or a hat; a previous co-worker was proud when I didn't wear khakis or flats.

Now I am trying to be a grown-up, whatever that means, in my wardrobe or maybe I've seen too many episodes of "What not to Wear" and am cautiously awaiting the day Stacy and Clinton jump out of my office to reprimand me. Let's face it, I attempt to wear make-up on a daily basis, rarely go all out to do my hair and I wear more cardigans than my mother. . . recently I halted from a purchase because I realized it was the same one my mom had but a different color.

This or the fear of aging has become a wake-up call. The reality that I am not yet 30 and find myself shopping for pants with a slimming panel or a comfort waist (no I don't wear elastic mom jeans) became frightening. Also, for work I need to look the part, so I've started slowly trading in my flip flops for back breaking heels and busting out a few skirts and classic tops.

Today was a bit of a tipping point. As the first aforementioned wedding approaches I will be seen with ladies much more petite than myself which I'm very self-conscious of. Also I need to look extra put together at this wedding due to me needing a large redemption from my state at the bachelorette party.

As I was shopping today I realized I couldn't make a decision on my own. I found myself sending pictures to my co-workers asking for advice. . .is this too short? what color do I wear with this? and why do I feel like my @ss is hanging out if it's not too short? and do ladies these days not wear slips? this is too short and thin to fit one under. .scandalous.

When a 4ish year old sporting Dora shades pulled up a top for her mom to see and said: "this is fresh and fun," I was tempted to take her into the fitting room with me for desperate advice. Upon purchasing said dress I feel is too short, I headed to another store in search of shoes and almost fell over in shock of what was on the racks. As a third grader I vividly remember asking for tights with lace trim. Why the hell are these making a come-back? They were everywhere, along with neon colors. It was frightening during the 80's and this does not help to make me feel at ease regarding any of my purchases now.

Currently, I have shoes, dress, heels and accessories for this evenings rehearsal and tomorrows wedding. I have been assured via text and pics everything looks fine. . .but why am I still not sold? When my husband gets home I can ask him but his opinion can't be trusted. I'm the one who picks out and matches his wardrobe. Scary.

The evening could be entertaining and of course I'm not drinking which would make it a bit easier but: 1) I have to work tomorrow, 2) redemption is needed from drinking too much at the bachelorette party, 3) if I'm not constantly vigilant someone may see a show they didn't pay for.

Why do I give into peer pressure and is it worth it?

6-6-06

While June 6, 2006 was slated to be the end of the world for some, for our household it represents a very special day for one of the men in my life. He has dark eyes, blonde, loves long walks, sleeping in, cuddling and chasing squirrels. 6-6-06 was Chase's adoption day into our family.

He was dropped off at the humane society on March 10, 2010 and estimated to be about a year old; apparently he was roaming downtown Memphis. At the time we were so full Chase was in a top kennel that he was almost too big for, by best guess he is a yellow lab/terrier mix and weights in around 45 lbs.

At the shelter we had a book with a picture and a bio of each dog, then you could request to meet the dog. When I did adoption days I would pick dogs from the book and Chase was not very photogenic. I didn't think Chase was very cute so I overlooked him for a few events. Then we were going to a grand opening, radio remote for a business and I decided to give the guy a chance.

I was smitten from the beginning. He walked well on a leash, put some moves on to be loved and sat beside me all day. Plus, he was much more handsome in person. So I visited him the next week, took him for walks and decided to bring him home to see if he got along with Rosita. Notice I didn't ask my husband. Brett walked in looked over and said, "Who is that?"

Well Chase got along with Rosita and I started the paperwork, but was going to wait to bring him home as we were going home to Kansas for my sister's wedding. I went ahead and bought a kennel, leash and collar. Then Brett told me: "Jenny, we don't need another dog." I cried. I had already put his name on the kennel, picked out his leash, new toys and obviously went ahead with the adoption.

When we brought Chase home it was an adjustment as he was a bit timid around men and it took him a while to become a cuddler. We've learned he has a sensitive stomach, hence I started making dog treats, no blankets or pillows in the kennel with him. So far this year he hasn't jumped the back fence but he enjoys running and playing outside.

So today we celebrate Chase turning 5 and all the love he has brought to our family.

Rosita's Story Part II

Needless to say, Rosita made us a foster flunkie. Everyday she would go to work with me and sleep under my desk, and she was a perfect size and of course adorable to go be my shelter dog on educational visits. Rosita would woo them at schools, meetings and other speaking events.

As soon as this princess was up for adoption I filled out the paperwork and made it official. We had a little girl. Of course the news of our first child in our annual Christmas card was misleading and disappointing to those hoping for a human grandchild. Though she made our commute of 9 hours back to Kansas much more enjoyable. We would share a tootsie pop and some french fries.

Rosita attended obedience and received a diploma but it was mostly due to standard procedure. She follows her own rules; sitting only when there is a treat involved and loves to fetch. At the dog park she would to go up to the biggest dog and say hello while my husband was busy running the other way.

I saw a friend this weekend who had told me Rosita was such a cute puppy she would grow up to be an ugly dog. . . .I believe her prediction is wrong :)

Then when we look at adopting again the first requirement is they have to past the Rosita test. Once I brought home a beautiful peach husky puppy who had been dropped off at the shelter. The result was too many Alpha female diva's in the room. My second try was a much better fit, my Chase. His adoption anniversary is coming up so next we'll be sharing his story!