Day 156

I'm back in Chicago. We got back last night and we are both very tired. Casey too. Overall the whole week in Arizona was great. I'd give it a good solid A grade. Wasn't as relaxing as most of our trips out there, but it turned out beautifully. A few more things went down before we left that weren't discussed in the last blog. I posted more wedding photos above. Most important of those things was Casey's latest ailment. Monday night we went to dinner with Justin's parents. When we came back, Casey didn't run to the door as she usually does. She came off the couch and was limping. We had no clue how this happened, but we just dismissed it and hoped the next morning she would be fine. The next morning, she actually slept pretty late, which for her isn't normal when out in Arizona. The limp was worse and Stacey and I noticed that her back left paw was very swollen and she kept trying to lick it. So we made her a vet appointment for that day. She was sluggish all day. The vet said that she had something that lodged in her paw and it became infected. The same thing happened last summer and the infection grew a cyst, which burst, and I spent six weeks going to the vet twice a day getting her paw re-wrapped. The good news about this one is that they said it wasn't so severe, we have to soak her paw in Epson's salt twice a day for 4 days and take anti-biotics twice a day for 10. Dog owners know, it is always something, but the love for your dog overshadows all. That being said, it is official, no more plane trips for Casey. She is getting to become too much work to travel with. When we go out west, she never sleeps well which causes us not to sleep well. So when C-Town soon becomes her permanent home, she will be staying there for the duration. She does though deserve props for her performance at the brunch Monday morning. Max and Stacey had it at their house and there were 80 plus people there. She was a star.

While it is good to be back home, reality always strikes hardcore the day you get back. We came back to bills gallore and the fact that this condo still hasn't had an offer on it yet. Our realtor had another open house and showings while we were gone, yet nothing has come of it. She has another showing scheduled for today at 1:30. I just want out already. Leah's last day at work is July 7th and our tentative move out date, assuming we get this sold beforehand, is July 17th. I know I sound like I am beating a dead horse, but we are ready to get going.

The Tribe is starting to play a little better, but if there was ever such a thing as a must win game in June, it is tonight. We could take 3 of 4 from the White Sox, build off of this win and gain momentum. If we lose, we are just another middle of the road team chasing 9 games from the Sox. For more information on my tribe thoughts, check out the website I am now writing for, www.theclevelandfan.com and my latest column defending Jim Thome is on the main page. If you click on my name, you can get an archives of my columns below my bio. No - that picture isn't me, it is Artie Lange from the Howard Stern show.

In other sports news, make sure you all are rooting for the Heat to beat the Pistons tomorrow night. Why you ask? We need this series to be over asap for MD's sake. He is exhausted and is making the trip this weekend to Indy to see his kids and doesn't need an additional conflict involving the Pistons. He would have been able to get to Arizona for the wedding on Saturday had the Cavs finished the Pistons off. These things happen though. I predict Miami in a blowout in game 6.

I was so tired last night, watched the big Tribe win and unpacked. So I missed the series premiere of "The Hills" on MTV - the Laguna Beach spinoff starring Laguna alumni LC. I am pretty much finished with MTV shows, but I am all over this one. Not to worry because it was Tivo'd. I'll be watching it at some point this weekend. Should be an interesting weekend as well. Tomorrow I am at Edward Don for Vendor Friday and tomorrow night we are having dinner with our friends Maxine and Scott. Saturday night is the Buatch's Chicago bachelor party. Basically it is the KU boys taking him to Hugo's and out for drinks, but whenever the Buatch is involved, something funny always ensues. Sunday we are in the burbs at 11 for young Samantha Graines' first birthday party.

Lastly, I have got to give some love and a happy belated birthday to my original brother in law Scott. Crazy to think that it was his 23rd birthday and I attended his bar mitzvah. Scott just cracks me up whenever we are together. Like me, he has been known to repeat himself and drive things into the ground (did you know he attended an Eagles concert and sat in the front row? just ask him, he will tell you). He is turning into a master chef and this summer is moving into a condo with his girlfriend Lauren, who is transferring to ASU. I am so proud to see the growth in him, especially in the last three years. He is my little brother. I love the kid death and we had a blast this past week hanging out. Scott - do me a favor - save a life.....hahahahaha.

Song of the Day: "Breathe and Stop" by Q-Tip