Katherine, Thanks so much for the kind words! You've made my day. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Best, Emily

My email message of praise to the well-deserving author of an indie novel that I just finished reading last night:

Ms. Emily St. John Mandel, I want to tell you how amazed I was by the quality of your novel- especially that it was your first one published. Last Night in Montreal is nothing less than a page-turner, and the plot was fantastically unpredictable- nothing turned out as I thought it would! I wish you much luck in your inevitable years of success to come. I can't wait until I  have a spare moment to pick up a copy of The Singer's Gun! Sincerely, Katherine

Doggy Dental Care


While at the dentist this afternoon, I asked my dentist whether he ever brushes his dog's teeth. The answer, as anticipated, was "yes." 


My dentist told my mom, my brother and me that brushing your dog's teeth can actually save you hundreds of dollars in veterinarian procedures down the road!


The dentist sent his assistant, who clearly thought that canine cavity prevention was the silliest topic of conversation, back into the office to fetch (<-- that seemed like an appropriate word choice, considering the context) an extra toothbrush for my mom to take home for use on the canine.


When we got home, we let the dog out of his crate and let him lounge around for a bit while my mom prepared chicken broth (the dentist's recommendation for a tolerable toothpaste substitute).


When the broth was ready, we used it to coat the Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush, and lifted up the dog's upper (and award-deserving for slime content) lip, making small circles while the hound attempted to devour the meat-flavored toothbrush bristles.


All in all, our dog dentistry was successful, and Fritz showed signs of only the mildest of agitation at the end of our endeavor.

White Water Rafting --> Montana

This afternoon comprised of an exciting 2.5 hours of white water rafting! 

Our raft guide, Brad, encouraged us to jump off of the boat into the 45 degree Fahrenheit water. 

When I got back to the lodge, I could see his motive: to increase sweatshirt sales in the gift shop! 

I am unable to say that I was invincible as far as that ploy of his went. :D But hey, I still like my new tomboy-esque gray long-sleeve thermal! It will be great to wear under my jacket when skiing this winter!

Truly a keepsake for all seasons :P

While hiking today at Glacier National Park, I had the exciting opportunity to take a video of a deer from just a couple of yards away:

After an Amtrak ride that lasted 25 hours, I finally made it to Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Montana! :) The long train ride was well worth it. The mountain view and fresh pine smell are really unbeatable here!!

A vespa parked on The University of Iowa campus.

                      

Tuesday's Late Show Top Ten:

Top Ten Ways Barack Obama Can Win Over The Republican

10.Show up to next meeting in a Captain America uniform

9.Burn everyone a really cool mix CD

8.Bribe them with free tickets to a Larry the Cable Guy show

7.Raise the debt ceiling, but do it with a fun sound effect

6.Do something about the g**damn heat

5.Swap places with another guy named Barack Obama - hey, don't miss the new reality show "Same Name" Sundays at 9 PM on CBS!

4.Put Chuck Norris on the nickel

3.Like I'm the right guy to ask for advice on winning people over

2.Don't be such a poor sport when they call him a socialist, foreign-born, radical Muslim who's trying to destroy America

1.Kill Bin Laden again

A Sample of "Oh Crap. My parents joined Facebook" :

Somebody's mom and dad are learning the ins and outs of facebook:

A collection of photos of New Yorkers on bikes:

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/search/label/Bicycles