Spring has sprung, and about half of the snow in my yard has melted. Hence, the arduous process of spring doggie doodle removal. I’m proud to say I’ve started the process and so far I have seven plastic grocery bags filled. I have the same thought this time of year. Why did you choose Dobermans and not hamsters?

There appears to be a pastry theme: Charlize Theron is wearing two rasberry danishes on her chest and Sarah Jessica Parker is wearing a half-dozen Cinnabonns on her head!

People, I have to tell you, I am just giddy about a cute Ann Taylor spring frock I found at a consignment store today. Only $22.00. I love you, Turnstyle! If you haven’t checked out their stores, do it. You can find some really tasty deals. Now, I have to wait until the snow melts before I can wear the darn thing. Oh snap.

Remember Up With People? They are coming to the Twin Cities for two benefit concerts. The concerts will raise money for the non-profit group “Feed my Starving Children.” Here is some info, and a link to purchase tickets:

Friday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.

Eden Prairie High School

17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Saturday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Osseo High School

317 2nd Avenue Northwest, Osseo, MN 55339

Tickets available at www.ticketswest.com or by calling 866-464-2626.

Isn’t it refresing to meet a teenager who thinks about others? I’m very proud of my friend Alison Golden, a student at Orono High School. She is helping the people of Haiti thru a project called “Orono Schools Against Hunger.” On Tuesday March 2nd, Orono students will transform their gym into a community center where they will pack meals to be sent to the people of Haiti. They are raising funds by selling T-shirts, and they are also seeking donations. Please see the link below for a pledge form. They are also seeking volunteers to help pack food. The pledge form can be sent to: Orono Schools Against Hunger, 795 North Old Crystal Bay Road, Long Lake, MN 55356. Here is the link for the pledge form: http://www.rschooltoday.com/school355/FC…

Way to go Alison, and all the kids at Orono High School!

I got a new pair of waterproof hiking shoes today. People, I have to tell you, they are FREAKY UGLY. Mud brown with mustard yellow laces. But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I may sleep in them. They are a brand called “Vasque.” OMG, so comfortable. I hemmed and hawed for an hour trying to decide whether to buy the comfie pair or the cute pair. I went for comfort. Good decision! Went for my first outdoor walk of 2010 today. Amazing what a little sunshine and outdoor air can do for a gal’s soul. Spring, come on and get her, sistahhhhh! I’m ready for ya!

We had so much fun with our 30 Second Cupid winners, Leah and Rich. Kevin and I made them dinner, thanks to Rainbow. Filet Mignon! Rainbow also provided beautiful flowers and chocolates. And Eve from My New Chiro gave Leah and Rich Massages while we cooked dinner for them. They have a lovely home, and it was a blast spending time with them. Thanks Rainbow and My New Chiro!

My big kick lately is renting a movie and attempting to walk on my treadmill for the duration. I prefer comedies. They make me laugh, and more importantly, they tend to be shorter than dramas, cutting down walking time. Everyone seems to love District 9, the alien movie with an apartheid theme. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. For me, it was just too sad. Felt like when I watched “Old Yeller” when I was ten years old. I’d rather stick a fork in my eyehole, thanks. Loved Ricky Gervais’ movie The Invention of Lying. In this movie, the human race is incapable of lying. The things that come out of people’s mouths will make you guffaw like a goof. And then I watched the Sandra Bullock movie All About Steve. She is a crossword puzzle writer who becomes obsessed with a TV cameraman. Normally, these type of wacky, goofball comedies make me cringe, but there was something I could relate to about her uber nerdy character. Hmmm, wonder why?

Wow, Avil Lavigne makes Simon Cowell look warm and fuzzy. She was the guest judge last night on American Idol.  A nice guy who is a Pastor sang, and did so beautifully. Avil quickly burst his bubble by talking about how “hard the music business is.” Oh please Avril, you’re a millionaire and you’re in your early twenties. I really don’t think you know squat about how hard life is! Shhhhheeeeez!

My dear friend Andy is spearheading an effort to purchase a new police dog for the Minneapolis Police Department. You may remember reading about the tragic death of their police dog last November. Chase was killed in the line of duty. I hope you will take the time to read Andy’s message, below, and make a small donation to the effort. Your kindness is appreciated! Here is Andy’s message:

The final push is on to replace Chase - the Minneapolis Police dog lost in the line of duty last November. We have a goal of $7,000 to raise by the end of January. Might you still be interested in contributing what you can? No one dog can replace the spirit that was Chase, but you can help the foundation in its’ efforts to bring a new dog on to the force.

As we all know, these dogs are true heroes. And who doesn’t need a hero these days?

If you are interested, please make your donation out to the Minneapolis Police Canine Unit Foundation. Every little bit helps. And if you know of anyone who would like to contribute, please send this email on to them.

Checks can be sent to my attention:

Andy Alstad
4238 Aldrich Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN. 55409

Many thanks for any and all that you can do!

Andy