To Pugsley: Our Dear Friend

When our phone rang last night at an unusual hour, my stomach sank. It was my parents. Larry seemed unusually bright and apologized for not being able to get the time difference straight. The conversation continued, and I was still curious, something was missing.

Finally, after about 10 minutes of "How's the weather" conversation, my Dad said those dreaded words, "I hate the be the bearer of bad news..." After an amazing, and hysterical 15 years, our Dear Sir Pugsley Henri Berg passed away in my Dad's arms eary Saturday morning.

He's been the best friend anyone could ever ask for and anyone who knew Pugsley, instantly recognized his unique, loving, caring and comical personality. We knew him as, "Pugger, Rugger, Pug, Rug-Rug-Rugger, Bastard Dog, Joe-Schmo, Buddys, Puggy; our Pugsley." Pugs was famous for learning how to sneeze and "squeal like a pig" on command. In his youth he'd chase us kids around the house like a mad man with his turbo-boosters. As he got older he slowed down but his heart and his fiesty nature never budged.

Our family will never forget when we were on a mission to adopt a dog, my Dad (after seeing the movie "Milo and Otis") said he would never get a dog who's ass hung out all the time. Well, my brother and I won that battle and Pugsley and my Dad became unseparable companions.
My Dad laid Rugger to rest in our backyard; this also his playground. He was buried with his "boo-scow" a.k.a. his bed, so he may forever sleep in peace.

I'm terribly sad you aren't with us, Pugsley, but you've given our family an abundance of happiness and wealth of laughter that will never be matched. You changed our lives the instant we found you, and you will live on forever in our hearts.

I love you Puggy. I miss you so much.

My new internet series: Life as an Army Wife

For shites and giggles. Episode 2 coming soon!

TEETH

Just a couple pictures from the last show I was in. It's a children's show in basic English written for young Korean's learning English! We will be remounting the show again at the end of April into May.

CW2 Buffham

Pearl, Garbage and a Military Ball

*Pearl*
I still haven't cleaned up the bathroom where Pearl's area was. I was secretly hoping Josh would do it but he's feeling just as lonesome for her as I am. It's amazing how just two weeks of nursing an innocent, stray puppy back to full health can be enough to get ya right in heart. We were really becoming fond of our little, poofy discovery. Determined to find her a loving home, we placed an ad on Craigslist and low and behold a nice lady with another dog at home thought she had found her new addition. She'd just committed to another year of teaching in Korea and said she'd only do it if she found another companion for her Cocker Spaniel. It was love at first sight and this lady gave me good vibes, she was definitely a dog person. The next day, however I got an e-mail that said her Cocker was extremely jealous. We set a time for her to return Pearl and took it as a sign that Pearl was meant to be ours. We got more and more excited as we picked up a tiny collar, some more puppy food and bite-sized treats. But when we got home, there was an e-mail message from our first prospective adoptor that she'd found a wonderful home for Pearl with one of her friends. Although I trust her judgement, Josh and I were ready for a new pupsters to romp around our home. We know Pearl is safe and we pray for her happiness. If you ever have the chance to befriend and foster a stray, do it. What a rewarding experience. "Hi Pearl. " =)
*Garbage*
Koreans (as far as we can tell) aren't in to recycling their goods, be it handing things down to family or donating to orphanages, etc. They're really quick to say "out with the old, in with the new." And by "out" I literally mean, garbage. Or "garba`ge." We live in a brand new high-rise which means we live with Koreans with money. Everytime we go through the gated entrance with our ghetto Kia from 1902, we're always second guessed. But they see Josh's military hair-cut and they get the drift. So one of my favorite things to do is to check out the garbage and recycling room. I'm not into digging for old Soju bottles, or styrofoam kimchi plates I'm into this: (these are actual things I've found) small laptop computer with accessories (I kept the computer case), old school 70's bowling ball with bag (Josh's discovery), big fleece blanket (Chloe's), simple English children's book (for my English classes), hangers tied together with a great silk scarf, and a fleece Columbia-style workout shirt. Some things I didn't pick up: lamps, wall clocks, home-made video game controllers, curtains and curtain rods, comforters, large room plants, etc., etc., etc. It's always an adventure when I take out the garbage. Can't wait to go today!
*Military Ball*
Just a quickie. This past Saturday, we had the Winter Military Ball. For those who are attached to the military in some way, may understand what I'm talking about: just before dinner, you honor the soldiers who eat alone, or who won't be eating ever again because they've given their lives for our freedom. This portion of the ceremony is always the most difficult but is always a reminder of how precious life is. Please, for everyday you wake up, for every laugh you hear, for every smile you see, for every breath you take; give thanks. Find someone to share these everyday miracles with, I cannot stress how amazing life is when you've got someone on your side.