What's Worse?

Accidentally finding yourself in the middle of the Houston Pride Parade or accidentally finding yourself in the middle of Ikea's annual 60 percent off sale?

(Here's a hint: It ain't the Pride Parade.)

Well, its been a long week for us here at Che' Pugge. Lots of travel, lots of sleepless nights in the hospital, lots of prayer. And lots of excitement! Baby Phoebe was born July 1 and on July 4 we found out that my sister (Diet Hussy) is pregnant! Its been one of the most taxing, yet exciting, vacations of my life.

The phone has been ringing off the hook with thoughts, prayers and well wishes and I would like to thank you all very much on behalf of Baby Phoebe's family for everything you've done. Phoebe's mom was released from the hospital today and finally was able to meet her baby, who's earned the nickname "Nails" (as in she's tough as nails.) Nails has a long road head of her, but she is a FIGHTER and I have no doubt that with everyone's thoughts and prayers on her side that she will be home soon. Lots of people have asked what they can do to help Nails and her family. If you want to send a card, food or anything email me and I'll get you touch with them.

Now, as for Diet Hussy (Sonny the Pug refers to me as Hussy and all my friends/family get a Hussy-nickname.) Well, Diet Hussy is doing great. The spawn, dubbed Darth Vader Cater, is due in February and we couldn't be more excited. Its the first grandchild for my side of the family. Life is full and we are so grateful.

As for Ikea? Yes, today the Aggie got on a cleaning spree and we de-dog-smelled our house. We did everything from scrubbing the baseboards to stripping and washing the couch cushions. One source of Puggy Stink turned out to the the throw rug in the living room. So we thought: Yes! Lets go spend our Ikea gift card! YEAH!

We were so naive that we were excited to see giant banners proclaiming: 60 PERCENT OFF TODAY!!! That was until we couldn't find a parking place. NOT A SINGLE PARKING PLACE. We're talking parking lot space equivalent to that of Disney World -- and we couldn't park. Housewives were ramming each other's Lexuses (Lexi?). Young hipster couples were fighting to the death for shopping carts. Old ladies were throwing elbows just to get through the front door. As much as I love cheap Euro-trash furniture that frustrates you to the point of homicide to assemble with Allan wrench, I just couldn't bring myself to fight with other would-be bargain hunters for the privilege of buying Swedish crap.

So we left empty-handed but with what's left of our sanity in tact.