Dear Diary - Today I've been working really hard on my napping skills. I've practiced my technique in a lot of places. Like 1) On the bed; 2) on the back of Mom's comfy chair; 3) on the stairway; 4) on the landing; 5) by the window (which is the most difficult due to constant distractions); 6) on Mom's desk, and 7) on the couch. I have to admit that I'm getting the whole process down rather well. A few more practice runs and I'll be able to nap on a professional level.
This is me on June 9, 2007, when I just starting fine-tuning my "craft".
I've come a long way, baby!!
Mom and I watched the movie "Marley & Me" this morning. I tell YOUUUUU! If I did HALF the stuff that dog did, I'd be in deep DOO. Yup. Fortunately, I know the difference between "testing the waters" as opposed to "pushing the envelope". The ending made Mom cry, though.
Speaking of "doo", Mom was doing her usual playing around on the computer and she found a rather catchy song that was recorded by some girls she went to high school with who were a half-year ahead of her. I wonder what would happen if Britney, Christina and Lady GaGa tried making music like that today. You want to see what the Class of '61 was like? Hmmmmmmm??
Mom graduated in Winter '62. She says that even though those were the "good old days", she'd never want to go back, and that every day of her life now is the best day ever. It's hard to find your way when you don't even know who you are yet (is how she explains it). I guess that would be scary. It's so much less complicated when you're a pup.
Here's the link to "Sparkle and Shine" if you want to listen. It charted at #6 the same week that Del Shannon's "Runaway" hit #1 (April 21-28, 1961). I think people call this "Doo Wop", but don't ask me why. All I know about is "doo=wop", like "have accident in house = get wopped"! Just kidding. I never get "wopped". I just have guilt trips laid on me! A "Wopping" would be over quicker.
Hi, Grandpapa!!
Love ya,
Your GrandPuppy....
Mary-Margaret
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
But I don't WANNA go home!
I TOLD her and TOLD her. I do NOT want to go home. I'm having a really fun day meeting and greeting people. We had a bunch of folks come in for a notary while Mom was at Starbuck's getting coffee because the Edison company had to work on the power in our neighborhood and instead of starting at 8:30AM when they were supposed to, they shut the power off at 5:00AM while we were still sleeping and a "certain somebody" hadn't had any coffee yet, but I digress. She was gone for maybe a half hour and I have to admit that I did a very good job of entertaining them, with Shannon's help, of course.
So her day was pretty "sucky". Mine was pretty good, actually. Here's me in my car seat and Mom's telling me to "Get OUT of there, Mary-Margaret!!", and I'm saying "Nope...no way, Jose!". I dig my fingerettes into the netting and it's making her mad because she can't lift me out. (heheheheheheheh!!)
Eventually, I give in. But not until she mentions that I'm having turkey for supper. Yup. That'll do it every time.
Love,
Mary-Margaret "The Stinker" O'Brien
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Mary-Margaret, the Explorer
Absolutely I do NOT like a leash. There are way too many exciting things to explore...sniff....roll in....! I went with Mom to serve a paper today and the people we needed to talk to were all busy. The receptionist was on a "conference call". We wait. After about 10-15 minutes, I get a bit heavy (so I'm told), so I get put on a chair and told to "stay". Oh, that goes over real well, you know?
I'm good for maybe 5 minutes of this and then, when no one is looking, I hop off my chair and go through the open door. I hear people. That means possible "belly rubs" or treats. Oops! I'm busted before I get half-way down the hall. Mom comes through the door after me and just as I'm getting to know "Bob", she gets all flustered and apologizes for my lack of manners.
"Excuse me?", I say. "But YOU are the one interrupting here!" Bob introduces himself to her and she back to him. "Hello? Hello?", I ask. "Do you not see a puppy who needs some personal attention?", but I get scooped up instead and Mom goes back down the hall glaring at ME! Like I did something wrong? I have found all kinds of yummy things to eat in break rooms and kitchens, you know.
Pretty soon, another lady comes out and she and Mom and the receptionist start yakking about how they think they know each other. Turns out they played in a Bunko group about fifteen years ago and have an old friend in common (blah blah blah). Mom tells the lady she's got some legal docs for their company, the lady goes and gets a man who isn't thrilled about being served, and the ladies still keep yakking. I'm getting fed up with this and would REALLY like to go find "Bob" again. He was everly so nice to me and I'm sure we would have become great friends. I am being literally held against my will.
Time to say "Good Bye", though. And everybody (except me) leaves on a happy note. I overheard Mom talking to my Grandpapa tonight, and I think I'm going to be back on a short leash for the next week or so. So NOT fair!! It doesn't even reach to the crawl space under our office building where the squirrels hide. That leaves only the lizards to socialize with. Unbelievably not fair.
Mary-Margaret
I'm good for maybe 5 minutes of this and then, when no one is looking, I hop off my chair and go through the open door. I hear people. That means possible "belly rubs" or treats. Oops! I'm busted before I get half-way down the hall. Mom comes through the door after me and just as I'm getting to know "Bob", she gets all flustered and apologizes for my lack of manners.
"Excuse me?", I say. "But YOU are the one interrupting here!" Bob introduces himself to her and she back to him. "Hello? Hello?", I ask. "Do you not see a puppy who needs some personal attention?", but I get scooped up instead and Mom goes back down the hall glaring at ME! Like I did something wrong? I have found all kinds of yummy things to eat in break rooms and kitchens, you know.
Pretty soon, another lady comes out and she and Mom and the receptionist start yakking about how they think they know each other. Turns out they played in a Bunko group about fifteen years ago and have an old friend in common (blah blah blah). Mom tells the lady she's got some legal docs for their company, the lady goes and gets a man who isn't thrilled about being served, and the ladies still keep yakking. I'm getting fed up with this and would REALLY like to go find "Bob" again. He was everly so nice to me and I'm sure we would have become great friends. I am being literally held against my will.
Time to say "Good Bye", though. And everybody (except me) leaves on a happy note. I overheard Mom talking to my Grandpapa tonight, and I think I'm going to be back on a short leash for the next week or so. So NOT fair!! It doesn't even reach to the crawl space under our office building where the squirrels hide. That leaves only the lizards to socialize with. Unbelievably not fair.
Mary-Margaret
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Cats do NOT lip-read!
The nerve! I tell YOUUUUUUU! Here I am, standing at MY window, warning off all cats and other possible intruders, when my MOTHER sneaks up on me and whacks my rear. "EEEYIPE!!" (I said) and glared at her. She glares back and says "WHEN I SAY 'STOP', I MEAN 'STOP'!".
"Oh? You mean the FIRST TIME??", I mutter quietly, not wanting to get into an argument. She still believes SHE is the alpha dog around here.
Unbelievable. And then she says I've got way to much "attitude" lately. Who? Me? (I ask) OK...maybe I do take longer to do what she says than I used to. Maybe I do think "You're not the boss of me!" in my head, but I don't SAY it. Maybe she can hear me think? Probably, knowing her!
Anyway....Fooey Pooey, Louie! So I just look out my little window and say absolutely NOTHING! Nope. Well, maybe a really quiet little "wurf" now and then when I can't see her, but that's it. How am I supposed to scare any cats or other things away now? Cats do NOT lip-read!
Silently yours,
(shhhhhh!)
Me
"Oh? You mean the FIRST TIME??", I mutter quietly, not wanting to get into an argument. She still believes SHE is the alpha dog around here.
Unbelievable. And then she says I've got way to much "attitude" lately. Who? Me? (I ask) OK...maybe I do take longer to do what she says than I used to. Maybe I do think "You're not the boss of me!" in my head, but I don't SAY it. Maybe she can hear me think? Probably, knowing her!
Anyway....Fooey Pooey, Louie! So I just look out my little window and say absolutely NOTHING! Nope. Well, maybe a really quiet little "wurf" now and then when I can't see her, but that's it. How am I supposed to scare any cats or other things away now? Cats do NOT lip-read!
Silently yours,
(shhhhhh!)
Me
Monday, May 18, 2009
In Somnia
Where ever Somnia is, we're in it. We are pretty wired. Watched the finale of "Dancing with the Stars". I like Shawn Johnson. She and I have a lot in common. We're both short and square. She's amazing and I hope she wins.
Then there's Melissa Rycroft. She's really amazing, too. I bet if that Jason Mesnick knew how good she could dance and what a kewl person she is, he would have kept her. HAH! His loss. She's got a great future ahead.
And then there's that Gilles Marini. Oh Dog..he's truly incredible. I hope he wins, too. Wouldn't it be great if there was a three-way tie?
And yes, FYI, I DO watch that show. Purina is one of their sponsors, and anything with "doggies" is all right by me.
I fooled around with the elevator some more today. I have to get my nose just a tad past the place where the door closes and, like magic, it opens again. Today I waited until the door was almost closed before I stuck my nose out. Mom about had a heart attack. Me? Oh, I was totally stoked. I thought I'd get all kinds of praise for my magical powers but I just got yelled at. Like "Mary-Margaret..you STOP that! We HAVE to GET to WORK!". Fooey (I said). No fun for me.
Oh yeah. Shannon picked me up today and said, rather rudely, to me, "You STINK!!". I am not all that bad, I don't think. I have my appointment with my stylist on Friday. She'll just have to tough it out. I might get a bath tomorrow, though. Mom actually agreed with her. Well, darn. I sort of like my new-found scent. Apparently my boyfriends do, too. Zeus, the weimaraner, was really giving me the eye earlier. There's stuff in the planters downstairs that are everly so much fun to roll in. I don't know what it is but, to a small pup who likes to make an impression, I'm only too happy to roll in it.
Mom should spend more time in Somnia. She takes pretty good dictation with her eyes half shut. Don't you think so?
Love and good night...
Mary-Margaret
PS - Do you think I should get a tattoo? Shannon has some really nifty ones. Very artistic. I was thinking maybe something small...feminine...on my belly down by my hip? Something discrete? Suggestions welcomed.
Then there's Melissa Rycroft. She's really amazing, too. I bet if that Jason Mesnick knew how good she could dance and what a kewl person she is, he would have kept her. HAH! His loss. She's got a great future ahead.
And then there's that Gilles Marini. Oh Dog..he's truly incredible. I hope he wins, too. Wouldn't it be great if there was a three-way tie?
And yes, FYI, I DO watch that show. Purina is one of their sponsors, and anything with "doggies" is all right by me.
I fooled around with the elevator some more today. I have to get my nose just a tad past the place where the door closes and, like magic, it opens again. Today I waited until the door was almost closed before I stuck my nose out. Mom about had a heart attack. Me? Oh, I was totally stoked. I thought I'd get all kinds of praise for my magical powers but I just got yelled at. Like "Mary-Margaret..you STOP that! We HAVE to GET to WORK!". Fooey (I said). No fun for me.
Oh yeah. Shannon picked me up today and said, rather rudely, to me, "You STINK!!". I am not all that bad, I don't think. I have my appointment with my stylist on Friday. She'll just have to tough it out. I might get a bath tomorrow, though. Mom actually agreed with her. Well, darn. I sort of like my new-found scent. Apparently my boyfriends do, too. Zeus, the weimaraner, was really giving me the eye earlier. There's stuff in the planters downstairs that are everly so much fun to roll in. I don't know what it is but, to a small pup who likes to make an impression, I'm only too happy to roll in it.
Mom should spend more time in Somnia. She takes pretty good dictation with her eyes half shut. Don't you think so?
Love and good night...
Mary-Margaret
PS - Do you think I should get a tattoo? Shannon has some really nifty ones. Very artistic. I was thinking maybe something small...feminine...on my belly down by my hip? Something discrete? Suggestions welcomed.
Monday, May 11, 2009
FLIP - Female Legal Investigative Professionals
I'm the one in the pink shirt....in the close up? Yup. That's me. And the rest of my team. The show first aired last August on the WE Channel, and has been repeated several times. In case you missed it, here's a clip:
Starring me, Mary-Margaret O'Brien, and Vicki Siedow, Michele Dawn (my mom), Tina Elkins, Anne LaJeunesse and Lori Wilkins. Produced by Donna Kanter.
(Mom says I have a "cameo" role and that is everly more better than being a star. Sure sure sure...if she says so. Hmmmph!)
Hope you enjoy it.
Love,
Mary-Margaret
Starring me, Mary-Margaret O'Brien, and Vicki Siedow, Michele Dawn (my mom), Tina Elkins, Anne LaJeunesse and Lori Wilkins. Produced by Donna Kanter.
(Mom says I have a "cameo" role and that is everly more better than being a star. Sure sure sure...if she says so. Hmmmph!)
Hope you enjoy it.
Love,
Mary-Margaret
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Naked, with fur!
The trouble with fur is that I stick to things, or things stick to me. Like spider webs, which I don't mind but it sure makes my mom run for the paper towels. (hee hee) And twigs, grass and other stuff. I can't go ANYWHERE without Mom doing the "CSI" thing on me. She doesn't even ASK where I've been any more. She just knows.
It's really nice out tonight. Not too cool...not too warm. Nifty little breezes blowing all kinds of spiffy smells my way. A very good place to sit is on the hill, right in the middle of the gazanias. Too bad there's other stuff in the gazanias, like burrs. Little round things about the size of a pill covered with velcro.
When I came in the house tonight for the last time, I hopped up on Mom's lap thinking that might be a very comfy place to be. "YOW!!", she says, and she starts feeling my legs, arms, feet, tail, and ...well, absolutly everywhere. She doesn't even try to be polite. She just starts untangling these burrs from me.
"YOW!!" (I say), and "OW OW OW OW!, and this goes on for a while. She separates, pulls, plucks and drops them into a dish. One after the other. Tomorrow she'll count them if I really want her to, but I don't.
I don't ever want to meet up with another burr as long as I live. I think I'll steer clear of the hill until after burr season, which seems to coincide with dandelion season. Puffs of soft white cotton are a disguise for weapons of mass discomfort.
Love,
Mary-Margaret
PS to Grandpapa: I had half the left-over steak mixed with duck kibble, and Mom had the other half with potatoes and brussels sprouts. And I had my Sentinel pill two days late, but what the heck. Better late than never, huh?
It's really nice out tonight. Not too cool...not too warm. Nifty little breezes blowing all kinds of spiffy smells my way. A very good place to sit is on the hill, right in the middle of the gazanias. Too bad there's other stuff in the gazanias, like burrs. Little round things about the size of a pill covered with velcro.
When I came in the house tonight for the last time, I hopped up on Mom's lap thinking that might be a very comfy place to be. "YOW!!", she says, and she starts feeling my legs, arms, feet, tail, and ...well, absolutly everywhere. She doesn't even try to be polite. She just starts untangling these burrs from me.
"YOW!!" (I say), and "OW OW OW OW!, and this goes on for a while. She separates, pulls, plucks and drops them into a dish. One after the other. Tomorrow she'll count them if I really want her to, but I don't.
I don't ever want to meet up with another burr as long as I live. I think I'll steer clear of the hill until after burr season, which seems to coincide with dandelion season. Puffs of soft white cotton are a disguise for weapons of mass discomfort.
Love,
Mary-Margaret
PS to Grandpapa: I had half the left-over steak mixed with duck kibble, and Mom had the other half with potatoes and brussels sprouts. And I had my Sentinel pill two days late, but what the heck. Better late than never, huh?
Friday, May 08, 2009
Elevators - Schmelevators
Every morning on my way the the office from the parking lot, I take my time and read my "P-mail". I have lots of messages from friends and strangers. It just takes a while to sniff it all in, and then to issue my replies. I answer all of my fans by giving them a whiff of my Parfum de EmEm to remember me by.
My mom gets a little impatient. OK! A LOT impatient. (NOTE: I was trying to be nice).
"Come ON, Mary-Margaret! We don't have all day!".
I roll my eyes and move to the next bush.
"NOW! TODAYYYYYYY!!", she adds, with emphasis. I get the drift. "Uh huh...Uh huh!!" (I think) And I move to the next plant.
"ELL-E-VAY-TORRRR!". OK OK...I hear her, and I know this is really serious. I wind up my correspondence and move into the little hallway. I wait while the Elevator does it's stuff and opens the door. I can't wait to get inside.
"Me me..ME FIRST!" (I say) and as soon as I'm settled, I just take all the smells in. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! This is what life is all about. God knew what he was doing when he made Elevators.
There's something of particular interest.....right....THERE! Yup! Right where the door closes.
"Hang on!", (I say). "Let me check this intriguing odor out for a second".
I poke my nose where the door is closing and Mom shrieks like I'm going to be made into MUSH. The door quickly opens and I'm very surprised, but also very happy that I'm not squished. This gives me time to check things out.
After sniffing a bit, I step back and the door starts to close and I catch wind of the aroma again. I start to sniff and, before Mom can say another word, the door opens again. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. I like this feeling of power!! Yessssssssssssss! Nose out - door opens. Nose in - door closes. I am SUPER DOG!!! This is fun. Who needs buttons, huh?
Nose out...nose in. Door opens...door closes. AMAZING!!! I can't wait until Monday to do this all over again. I AM DOG...HEAR ME BARK!! Woo hooo!! Mom just rolls her eyes and leans up against the wall until I am finished with my illustration of Canine Supremacy!
She sighs something like "IN FOR RED CENTS OR" under her breath. "OR" what? (I wonder). I have no idea what she's talking about, but I'm sure it's her way of praising me for my new-found ability. I wonder what else I can do?
Happy Weekend!
Love,
Mary-Margaret "SUPER DOG" O'Brien
My mom gets a little impatient. OK! A LOT impatient. (NOTE: I was trying to be nice).
"Come ON, Mary-Margaret! We don't have all day!".
I roll my eyes and move to the next bush.
"NOW! TODAYYYYYYY!!", she adds, with emphasis. I get the drift. "Uh huh...Uh huh!!" (I think) And I move to the next plant.
"ELL-E-VAY-TORRRR!". OK OK...I hear her, and I know this is really serious. I wind up my correspondence and move into the little hallway. I wait while the Elevator does it's stuff and opens the door. I can't wait to get inside.
"Me me..ME FIRST!" (I say) and as soon as I'm settled, I just take all the smells in. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! This is what life is all about. God knew what he was doing when he made Elevators.
There's something of particular interest.....right....THERE! Yup! Right where the door closes.
"Hang on!", (I say). "Let me check this intriguing odor out for a second".
I poke my nose where the door is closing and Mom shrieks like I'm going to be made into MUSH. The door quickly opens and I'm very surprised, but also very happy that I'm not squished. This gives me time to check things out.
After sniffing a bit, I step back and the door starts to close and I catch wind of the aroma again. I start to sniff and, before Mom can say another word, the door opens again. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. I like this feeling of power!! Yessssssssssssss! Nose out - door opens. Nose in - door closes. I am SUPER DOG!!! This is fun. Who needs buttons, huh?
Nose out...nose in. Door opens...door closes. AMAZING!!! I can't wait until Monday to do this all over again. I AM DOG...HEAR ME BARK!! Woo hooo!! Mom just rolls her eyes and leans up against the wall until I am finished with my illustration of Canine Supremacy!
She sighs something like "IN FOR RED CENTS OR" under her breath. "OR" what? (I wonder). I have no idea what she's talking about, but I'm sure it's her way of praising me for my new-found ability. I wonder what else I can do?
Happy Weekend!
Love,
Mary-Margaret "SUPER DOG" O'Brien
Thursday, April 30, 2009
New Yawk New Yawk!!
My very good friend, Auntie Elaine, went to New Yawk last weekend and saw a show, "Chicago". AND SHE SENT MEEEEEEE A POST CARD. Oh, I was so happy! I danced...I hopped...I skipped. I sniffed it and I licked it and then I grabbed it and started to REALLY enjoy it when my mom snatched it away and said, "No! No!, Mary-Margaret! We'll put it with your collection". So there it sits on the shelf, way up high where I can't taste it any more. I can just LOOK at it. (sigh) But I am everly so grateful to her for even THINKING about me. Truly I am. How many pups have their own postcard collection, I ask you? Hmmmmmmm????
Here's my good friend, Jami, and her daughter, little Seka. They go with my Uncle Fidel to keep him company while he works. They come visit me about three times a week, usually for lunch. I don't mind sharing, and they really like my Eagle Pack Holistic Duck Kibble. Who wouldn't? Anyway, here they are all cuddled up together, sound asleep, while Uncle Fidel is driving about to his next assignment.
Don't you just LOVE having friends?
Mary-Margaret
Here's my good friend, Jami, and her daughter, little Seka. They go with my Uncle Fidel to keep him company while he works. They come visit me about three times a week, usually for lunch. I don't mind sharing, and they really like my Eagle Pack Holistic Duck Kibble. Who wouldn't? Anyway, here they are all cuddled up together, sound asleep, while Uncle Fidel is driving about to his next assignment.
Don't you just LOVE having friends?
Mary-Margaret
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Our very favorite from Adam Lambert
You gotta click on the link. I guess we get in trouble if we post the whole video. Not that WE did, but some other pups did. So how come there's an "embed" code for the video on YouTube if they don't want us to "embed" it? Hmmmmmmmm???
Oh...back to (swoooooon!) Adam Lambert. Mom says he affects me like Elvis used to get her. Well, I can't help it. My heart just goes pitty-pat pitty-pat every time I hear his voice. Ok...here it is: "If I Can't Have You". It's so nice to hear all the music and feeling in his voice without hearing him .....um....scream? Yeah! That's it. He's got so much talent and we (me and Mom) like the music!
Love,
Mary-Margaret
PS - Off topic, but I gotta tell you. Mom bought me "Bolt" and we watched it this afternoon. That is ONE KEWL MOVIE. Yup. I loved it. OK, so I watched the last half while I was "resting my eyes", but I heard it all. It's way up there. Go watch it if you haven't already.
Oh...back to (swoooooon!) Adam Lambert. Mom says he affects me like Elvis used to get her. Well, I can't help it. My heart just goes pitty-pat pitty-pat every time I hear his voice. Ok...here it is: "If I Can't Have You". It's so nice to hear all the music and feeling in his voice without hearing him .....um....scream? Yeah! That's it. He's got so much talent and we (me and Mom) like the music!
Love,
Mary-Margaret
PS - Off topic, but I gotta tell you. Mom bought me "Bolt" and we watched it this afternoon. That is ONE KEWL MOVIE. Yup. I loved it. OK, so I watched the last half while I was "resting my eyes", but I heard it all. It's way up there. Go watch it if you haven't already.
Chicken Watching
My mom and my Auntie Allie (from Hawaii) were watching Vasalini's Chicken Cam last night. It was pretty hard to see because it was 1:30AM on Martha's Vineyard and all the chickens were asleep. Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! All of a sudden they spotted a raccoon trying to get into the coop. Both Mom and Auntie Allie wrote to the chicken guy, all worried about the chickens. They thought they saw a raccoon with an EGG in his mouth, too. Sneaky little devils.
The chicken guy wrote back that there was an electronic gate on the coop and that (if it was working) the raccoon couldn't get in. He also mentioned that "Mr. Raccoon may be taking a vacation soon". What do you suppose that means? Hmmmmmmmm??
If you want to check on the chickens, click the link above, and wait for the "Gumby" picture to go away and then for the live video feed to load. Nothing like watching a bunch of chickens wander about, or listening to a rooster crow, or watching a sneaky raccoon trying to steal eggs in the middle of the night.
Love,
Mary-Margaret "The Cluckster Pupster" O'Brien
The chicken guy wrote back that there was an electronic gate on the coop and that (if it was working) the raccoon couldn't get in. He also mentioned that "Mr. Raccoon may be taking a vacation soon". What do you suppose that means? Hmmmmmmmm??
If you want to check on the chickens, click the link above, and wait for the "Gumby" picture to go away and then for the live video feed to load. Nothing like watching a bunch of chickens wander about, or listening to a rooster crow, or watching a sneaky raccoon trying to steal eggs in the middle of the night.
Love,
Mary-Margaret "The Cluckster Pupster" O'Brien
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hi Ho! Hi Ho!
It's off to work we go. Let's see. First off, we put my car seat in the back and Mom and Shannon drive out to Chihuahua Valley to serve a paper. I was pretty excited until I found out that there are NO chihuahuas there. Rotten trick, huh? But Shannon got so car sick from all the twisty turns that I thought things were gonna get pretty exciting. I kept waiting and waiting for something to happen, but Mom said she should go home and be sick. I was very disappointed.
We went to El Pollo Loco drive through before we got back to the office. I got a chicken leg off the dollar menu; Mom got a chicken breast, wilted salad and tortillas. Shannon just turned greener.
Tonight, I played "Hiding in Plain Sight" again. Boy, that was fun. I'd forgotten my mom doesn't see all that well in the dark. I just sat in the dirt planter on the side of the house watching the whole thing. Mom in her nightgown going "Mary-Margaret? Where ARE you?", and then slamming doors. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH (I said), and stayed really quiet.
She comes back out and checks the other side of the house where I am. I just sat there, blending in with stuff and she gets close and says, "I SEE YOU GET INTO THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW!" I don't move a muscle. She says "YOU GET..." and I raced as fast as I could, lickety-split, with her hot on my tail. She was laughing, too, so I knew everything was ok.
Now I'm giving her dictation. I'm curled up on my soft yellow towel that she folded up and put on her glass desk for me. She's sitting there typing away. Life is good.
Love,
Mary-Margaret
We went to El Pollo Loco drive through before we got back to the office. I got a chicken leg off the dollar menu; Mom got a chicken breast, wilted salad and tortillas. Shannon just turned greener.
Tonight, I played "Hiding in Plain Sight" again. Boy, that was fun. I'd forgotten my mom doesn't see all that well in the dark. I just sat in the dirt planter on the side of the house watching the whole thing. Mom in her nightgown going "Mary-Margaret? Where ARE you?", and then slamming doors. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH (I said), and stayed really quiet.
She comes back out and checks the other side of the house where I am. I just sat there, blending in with stuff and she gets close and says, "I SEE YOU GET INTO THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW!" I don't move a muscle. She says "YOU GET..." and I raced as fast as I could, lickety-split, with her hot on my tail. She was laughing, too, so I knew everything was ok.
Now I'm giving her dictation. I'm curled up on my soft yellow towel that she folded up and put on her glass desk for me. She's sitting there typing away. Life is good.
Love,
Mary-Margaret
Monday, April 20, 2009
The REALLY Important Stuff!!!
Ah, yes. The thrill of the hunt. I can hear them lurking on the other side of the fence, plotting their strategy and planning their next move. I mentioned that the little grey kitty is back, right?
A message from the command post comes through. I am requested to return immediately. I pretend I don't hear it, though. Static, maybe? It's a tough choice to make....Dinner? Or kitty? Kitty? Or dinner?
A decision is made. I go where I must go.
I shall report again from the field when contact with the Feline Patrol has been made.
Lt. Chaplain and Field Commander, Mary-Margaret O'Brien
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Mom's Soapbox - Service of Process
(The following is written by my mom who is a professional process manager and private investigator specializing in "due process")
Perjury is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment or both. Falsifying or forging proofs "under penalty of perjury" or "under oath" is actually a widespread practice which we've come to find out via many of our process servers as they tell stories about other companies they work for. The following relates primarily to California services:
1) Servers sign blank pieces of paper that a proof is overlaid upon, and that's what's filed with the court. The idea is that it's an original signature, and the hope is that the typist doesn't make an error in the proof.
2) The server is called to testify in court, usually in Unlawful Detainer actions, and the server is unable to attend, so the "agency" sends someone else to pretend they're the actual server. According to one man, this happened recently at last three times that he knows of, since he was the one who served the papers but no one told him of the court appearance until after the fact, presumably because the agency hadn't paid him for a while.
3) Servers are asked to sign an "authorization" or so-called "power of attorney" that allows the agency to sign their names to the completed proof. Another large agency recently asked us and our servers to sign such a document so that they wouldn't have to bother us with signing originals. We told them that there was no way that we (or any of our servers) would do such a thing. We still get their work and send them a report, but we've yet to see a proof come back for signature.
4) Just last week we were told that another agency had one person in their office that signed ALL the proofs with the "signature" of the server in order to expedite the process of getting the proofs filed at court.
5) Servers are being told that the proofs won't be questioned because, as registered process servers, their word is as good as the sheriff, and it's up to the servee to prove they weren't served. A twist on the truth to the detriment of the meaning of "due process", in our opinion.
6) Servers will "share" registration numbers because, we're told, "no one ever really checks" to see if the number is current or actually belongs to the person signing the proof.
At RASCAL we don't agree with or participate in the above deceptions. Some other servers tend to scoff at our attention to fact and detail; others will sneer at our prices saying they can get the service done for less. If one cuts out the need for accurate proofs requiring actual signatures on them, we can see where the costs might be less, but the possible repercussions would have the plaintiff's toes curl.
Our investigative branch, RASCAL's Research & Location, specializes in Service of Process, as in locating defendants and witnesses for service AND in dissecting and aiding in correcting judgments based on erroneous or falsely signed declarations of service. We work for both judgment creditors and debtors. One of the FIRST things we check is that the registration number belongs to the person who signed the proof and that it was valid AT THE TIME of service.
Most recently we were hired by a Judgment Creditor (JC) who had obtained a default judgment based on what we found to be a bad service. He had also recorded a defective abstract against an individual that was not a party to the action and the JC was in the extremely precarious position of being successfully sued for damages by both the debtor (not served) and the wrongly named individual. The court, on it's own motion, has amended the abstract and arranged for it to replace the incorrect one with the county clerk; the defendant/judgment debtor is being served with an Order to Appear for Examination and he will either appear or have the opportunity to contest the original judgment.
The Constitutional concept of "Due Process of Law" is taking a beating lately, especially due to the astronomical jump in foreclosure and collection actions. A lot of unemployed individuals are becoming "process servers" in California because it's so darn easy: $50.00 for a bond, $135 (give or take) to register and record the bond, and maybe another $25 for fingerprints. If the applicant has no felony convictions, he's a "Registered Process Server". It's getting really hard to tell the difference between a professional, knowledgeable process server and a freshly sprouted one who's biding his time until he can find "a real job".
Thank you.
And thank you, Mary-Margaret, for allowing me to write a page in your diary that, hopefully, will provide some thought-provoking facts about some questionable practices in our industry.
Michele Dawn
Riverside County Registered Process Server #117
California Licensed Investigator #24790
PS - My mom is a very good lady who really tries to help people, so I don't mind sharing my diary with her once in a while. (ahem?...."Once in a while"??? Get it, Mom??) Love, MMOB
Perjury is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment or both. Falsifying or forging proofs "under penalty of perjury" or "under oath" is actually a widespread practice which we've come to find out via many of our process servers as they tell stories about other companies they work for. The following relates primarily to California services:
1) Servers sign blank pieces of paper that a proof is overlaid upon, and that's what's filed with the court. The idea is that it's an original signature, and the hope is that the typist doesn't make an error in the proof.
2) The server is called to testify in court, usually in Unlawful Detainer actions, and the server is unable to attend, so the "agency" sends someone else to pretend they're the actual server. According to one man, this happened recently at last three times that he knows of, since he was the one who served the papers but no one told him of the court appearance until after the fact, presumably because the agency hadn't paid him for a while.
3) Servers are asked to sign an "authorization" or so-called "power of attorney" that allows the agency to sign their names to the completed proof. Another large agency recently asked us and our servers to sign such a document so that they wouldn't have to bother us with signing originals. We told them that there was no way that we (or any of our servers) would do such a thing. We still get their work and send them a report, but we've yet to see a proof come back for signature.
4) Just last week we were told that another agency had one person in their office that signed ALL the proofs with the "signature" of the server in order to expedite the process of getting the proofs filed at court.
5) Servers are being told that the proofs won't be questioned because, as registered process servers, their word is as good as the sheriff, and it's up to the servee to prove they weren't served. A twist on the truth to the detriment of the meaning of "due process", in our opinion.
6) Servers will "share" registration numbers because, we're told, "no one ever really checks" to see if the number is current or actually belongs to the person signing the proof.
At RASCAL we don't agree with or participate in the above deceptions. Some other servers tend to scoff at our attention to fact and detail; others will sneer at our prices saying they can get the service done for less. If one cuts out the need for accurate proofs requiring actual signatures on them, we can see where the costs might be less, but the possible repercussions would have the plaintiff's toes curl.
Our investigative branch, RASCAL's Research & Location, specializes in Service of Process, as in locating defendants and witnesses for service AND in dissecting and aiding in correcting judgments based on erroneous or falsely signed declarations of service. We work for both judgment creditors and debtors. One of the FIRST things we check is that the registration number belongs to the person who signed the proof and that it was valid AT THE TIME of service.
Most recently we were hired by a Judgment Creditor (JC) who had obtained a default judgment based on what we found to be a bad service. He had also recorded a defective abstract against an individual that was not a party to the action and the JC was in the extremely precarious position of being successfully sued for damages by both the debtor (not served) and the wrongly named individual. The court, on it's own motion, has amended the abstract and arranged for it to replace the incorrect one with the county clerk; the defendant/judgment debtor is being served with an Order to Appear for Examination and he will either appear or have the opportunity to contest the original judgment.
The Constitutional concept of "Due Process of Law" is taking a beating lately, especially due to the astronomical jump in foreclosure and collection actions. A lot of unemployed individuals are becoming "process servers" in California because it's so darn easy: $50.00 for a bond, $135 (give or take) to register and record the bond, and maybe another $25 for fingerprints. If the applicant has no felony convictions, he's a "Registered Process Server". It's getting really hard to tell the difference between a professional, knowledgeable process server and a freshly sprouted one who's biding his time until he can find "a real job".
Thank you.
And thank you, Mary-Margaret, for allowing me to write a page in your diary that, hopefully, will provide some thought-provoking facts about some questionable practices in our industry.
Michele Dawn
Riverside County Registered Process Server #117
California Licensed Investigator #24790
PS - My mom is a very good lady who really tries to help people, so I don't mind sharing my diary with her once in a while. (ahem?...."Once in a while"??? Get it, Mom??) Love, MMOB
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hi, GrandPa!
This is how I relax after a hard day's work. I just sorta stretch out on the nice cool lawn and daydream. Yup! I just hang out and think about stuff. Mom thinks it's REEEEEAAAAL funny to say "Where's the Kitty" to me. Like I don't have her figured out, huh? But I humor her. It seems to make her happy to see me run around for nothing. Then she tells me what a good girl I am. Honestly. I find this VERY demeaning.
This morning, there really WAS a cat in my yard, though. I was on the hillside looking everywhere but into MY yard. It was just prancing around like it owned the place. I hate to admit it, but if Mom hadn't done her "There's a Kitty!" thing, it might still be there. I chased it out and then we played "peek-a-boo" over the back fence for a while. It's the little gray kitty from last year, only it's a lot bigger now.
Cats are everly SOOOO rude, in general!! The little gray kitty and me are sort of pals, as much as a pup can be pals with a cat, anyway.
Love,
Mary-Margaret "The Cat Catcher" O'Brien
Sunday, April 12, 2009
"The Prayer"
Adam Lambert and Noa Dori singing "The Prayer" by Steven Foster at a Memorial Service for Yitzhak Rabin at the University for Judaism on November 29, 2005.
And here is Adam, Noa Dori and Maya Haddi singing "Shir lashalom" (Song for Peace) in Hebrew:
As Lieutenant Chaplain of the Yorkie Brigade, my prayer is that Adam Lambert wins and then goes on to inspire the whole world to be tolerant of one another regardless of their religion, beliefs, abilities, looks, or species. Yup. God made us all.
Amen
Happy Easter and/or Chag Sameach to everyone!!
Mary-Margaret "The Chaplain" O'Brien
And here is Adam, Noa Dori and Maya Haddi singing "Shir lashalom" (Song for Peace) in Hebrew:
As Lieutenant Chaplain of the Yorkie Brigade, my prayer is that Adam Lambert wins and then goes on to inspire the whole world to be tolerant of one another regardless of their religion, beliefs, abilities, looks, or species. Yup. God made us all.
Amen
Happy Easter and/or Chag Sameach to everyone!!
Mary-Margaret "The Chaplain" O'Brien
Seka Visits!
I just LOVE babies, don't you? I won't have any of my own, though. It's enough for me to take good care of my mom, you know. But I am "Auntie" to lots of babies. This is Jami's little daughter, Seka. She sure is a handful, and she's only THREE months old. Her dad is Louie. He's on my blog maybe a year ago. If you want to see him just enter "Louie" in the search bar.
I'm very patient and kind. I think it's important to teach by example, and to reward good behavior. That's how I was raised, and personally, I think I turned out pretty good! Yup!
Mary-Margaret "The Mentor" O'Brien
Saturday, April 11, 2009
A Temecula Attorney Service
If you are looking for a professional process server or private investigator in the Temecula, California area, try RASCAL, which is where I work. Yup. That's me over there. I'm the receptionist, and I'm very good at my job, too. I'm also in charge of Public Relations. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE my clients.
When someone comes to our door, I get up and go greet them. I sniff them, and if I'm not otherwise busy, I might hop into their lap and see if I can get my shoulders or ears rubbed, or maybe even a belly rub (if I'm lucky). Sometimes they even bring me presents or treats.
Lots of people think Process Servers are like delivery people, but there's a lot more to it. The biggest difference is knowing what laws govern the type of process that's being served and what manner of service has to be made. For example, a Claim of Plaintiff and Order (California's version of the Small Claims), has to be personally served no less than fifteen days before the hearing, or sub-served AND mailed no less than twenty-five days before the hearing IF the hearing is in the same county as the defendant lives. If the hearing is in a different county, but still in California, then it's personal no less than twenty days, and sub and mail no less than thirty days before the hearing.
If someone calls us to serve papers, we always ask when the hearing is. If we don't think we have enough time to properly serve the defendant, we ask our clients to please reset it so they don't have to pay twice if we can't get the defendant in time. They appreciate that. We are told that some process servers don't tell people about the time thing, and they just take their money and either serve it too late, or return it without serving it at all. That's everly so rude, don't you think?
We'll also file your proofs of service if your hearing is in a Riverside County court. Otherwise, we'll return an original and one copy of the proof to you with a note that you have to file it at least five days before the hearing. Another thing I bet you didn't know, huh? People don't like it when they get their papers served and they go to court and find out that the proof isn't on file. Then, the judge has to set a new date and he tells them to serve it again. Nope. That means they have to pay double, plus they lose a whole lot of time.
We keep working the papers until they're either served, out of time, or the address isn't any good. We call you when it's done or if there are any problems. We'll help you find a new address, too, if you want.
If you have any questions about any type of papers from any state at all, please call us at 951-693-0165 or email us at RASCAL email and we'll be happy to answer them for you.
I just can't WAIT to meet you.
Cheers...
Mary-Margaret "The Receptionist" O'Brien
When someone comes to our door, I get up and go greet them. I sniff them, and if I'm not otherwise busy, I might hop into their lap and see if I can get my shoulders or ears rubbed, or maybe even a belly rub (if I'm lucky). Sometimes they even bring me presents or treats.
Lots of people think Process Servers are like delivery people, but there's a lot more to it. The biggest difference is knowing what laws govern the type of process that's being served and what manner of service has to be made. For example, a Claim of Plaintiff and Order (California's version of the Small Claims), has to be personally served no less than fifteen days before the hearing, or sub-served AND mailed no less than twenty-five days before the hearing IF the hearing is in the same county as the defendant lives. If the hearing is in a different county, but still in California, then it's personal no less than twenty days, and sub and mail no less than thirty days before the hearing.
If someone calls us to serve papers, we always ask when the hearing is. If we don't think we have enough time to properly serve the defendant, we ask our clients to please reset it so they don't have to pay twice if we can't get the defendant in time. They appreciate that. We are told that some process servers don't tell people about the time thing, and they just take their money and either serve it too late, or return it without serving it at all. That's everly so rude, don't you think?
We'll also file your proofs of service if your hearing is in a Riverside County court. Otherwise, we'll return an original and one copy of the proof to you with a note that you have to file it at least five days before the hearing. Another thing I bet you didn't know, huh? People don't like it when they get their papers served and they go to court and find out that the proof isn't on file. Then, the judge has to set a new date and he tells them to serve it again. Nope. That means they have to pay double, plus they lose a whole lot of time.
We keep working the papers until they're either served, out of time, or the address isn't any good. We call you when it's done or if there are any problems. We'll help you find a new address, too, if you want.
If you have any questions about any type of papers from any state at all, please call us at 951-693-0165 or email us at RASCAL email and we'll be happy to answer them for you.
I just can't WAIT to meet you.
Cheers...
Mary-Margaret "The Receptionist" O'Brien
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Three Barks for ADAM LAMBERT!!!
Oh, my heart be still. I have NEVER in my whole three and one half years felt like this. Mom says it's just a "crush", but honestly! I think it's TRUE PUPPY LOVE. Yesssssssssssss!!! It's going to take a few days for me to figure out how to speed dial Mom's phone, but when I do, I'm voting for ADAM LAMBERT for the next "American Idol".
(sigh.....swoon.....!!)
Love and schlurpies....
Mary-Margaret "The Fan" O'Brien
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Ambushed at the Elevator
When we left the office last night to go to an appointment there was a photographer waiting just outside the elevator. He was very friendly to me so I let him take a few "pix". I even smiled a little for him. Then he started really snapping away. Wow! (I thought). So this is what a "super model" feels like. Woo hoo.
Just as I was starting to really enjoy my "photo shoot", Mom said "Come ON, Mary-Margaret. We're LATE!". Well, rats. Fine!! (I said)
As we started to get into the elevator, the "paparazzo" asked Mom for a business card so he could send her a copy of my picture. I'm still waiting. Sheesh! (and waiting, and waiting......!) If I ever get it, I'll post it up here for you all. I got to see one of them and it came out pretty good, if I do say so myself.
Maybe I'll see MEEEEE, "Miss Mary-Margaret O'Brien", waiting for an elevator on a billboard someday?
Blowing you all Hollywood air kisses...
MaMO*
*short for Mary-Margaret O'Brien like J-Lo is short for....um.....you know who!
Just as I was starting to really enjoy my "photo shoot", Mom said "Come ON, Mary-Margaret. We're LATE!". Well, rats. Fine!! (I said)
As we started to get into the elevator, the "paparazzo" asked Mom for a business card so he could send her a copy of my picture. I'm still waiting. Sheesh! (and waiting, and waiting......!) If I ever get it, I'll post it up here for you all. I got to see one of them and it came out pretty good, if I do say so myself.
Maybe I'll see MEEEEE, "Miss Mary-Margaret O'Brien", waiting for an elevator on a billboard someday?
Blowing you all Hollywood air kisses...
MaMO*
*short for Mary-Margaret O'Brien like J-Lo is short for....um.....you know who!
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