365: Gentle Giant

 

See the scary looking dog up there? Total ruse. Duke's really a weenie. Ever met a dog who was terrified of a fly? Yes, I mean the little annoying flying bug. Yep, big tough guy is petrified of flies. If one is in the house he runs and hides. He's also scared of vacuum cleaners, grills, fire in general, any loud noises...and the list goes on.

In an effort to bolster Duke's self-esteem from being such a wimp sometimes we like to play "Police Dog." Nevermind that he'd actually be a terrible police dog, he really likes this game.

Here's how you play:

1. Wait until he's feeling feisty. If he's feel little and lovey he doesn't like to play police dog.
2. Yell "POLICE DOG! RAWR!!!"
3. Push your forearm into his mouth and wiggle it like you are struggling with him. It's helpful if you wear long sleeves as his mouth is very slobbery and he doesn't really like to use his teeth.
4. Repeat 3-4 times. After that he gets tired of the game and just wants to get to the part where you pat his big head and tell him what a big scary dog he is.

Before anyone tells me that I'm teaching him bad skills, don't worry. First, we've been playing this game for about 7 years and he's never bitten me or anyone else in this period of time. Secondly, he barely even grazes me with his teeth. He mostly mouths me with his lips and tongue. Finally, only Ange and I are allowed to play this game with him, and she only recently started. So no worries, he isn't going to chomp you if you come visit. He'll just want pats on the head. And for you to protect him from flies.

365: Officially Official

We went to our PO Box today and lookie what arrived! I'm officially an official Ph.D.! Wahoo! Of course I believe in balance in life so wouldn't you know that the same day I got my fancy diploma would be the same day I stood on the elevator for 30 seconds repeatedly pressing 6 and wondering why the doors kept popping open and I wasn't going anywhere. Turns out I was already on the 6th floor and I should have been hitting G (for Ground Floor). Just call me Dr. Ditzy.

365: Pepsi Campus

I noticed a startling trend my first few times on campus. I could only find Pepsi products. And not even good Pepsi products. The only diet options are Diet Pepsi (which might as well be dog pee) and Diet Crush. I confirmed this evening that Chico State maintains a contract with Pepsi only. Ugh. Pepsi products are always inferior to nearly all other products (see: Mug root beer) so Crush is not my favorite, but given that I have no other choices I will have to make do. Good thing I got a fridge for my office. That's where I'll stash the good drinks.