Tam’s Think Tank

I realized recently that I am a victim.  A victim of product placement and advertising.  I thought I was above it, smarter than all those dastardly ad-men and women out there scheming to get my business.  But, as I was standing brushing my teeth, using Crest Pro-Health, I realized, I’ve sucumbed, just like everyone else.  My proverbial bubble was burst.   There it was, right in front of me.  Crest Pro-Health.  And why did I buy that particular tube of the tooth cleaning paste you ask?  It’s obvious really, because it’s pro-health.  And I, aren’t I pro-health?  Why yes, yes I am.  Which is why I bought the damn tube of paste in the first place.  I’m pro-health.  I wasn’t lured into purchasing because the name made it sound like I’d be healthier buying it… NO I say! 

Then, suddenly, while I was still brushing, I realized… it doesn’t stop there.  I have purchased, either recently or in the past, other products with obvious names, making my recently revealed transgressions ever more upsetting to me.   I’ve paid money for Sure deodorant, Scope mouthwash, and All detergent.  This news was disappointing to me, and yet… I guess it’s somewhat comforting as well.  Yes, I’ve purchased these products, partially, I’m sure now, based on the names of some of the products and what they implied, based on a good ad concept, a good name, and great packaging, but… in doing so I was trying to be more healthy, more sure, giving my cleanliness more scope, and at the same time taking care of all of my cleaning needs.  What’s a girl to do?  My intentions were, and still are, pure. 

I guess, in the end, we’re all victims, whether we know it or not.  I’m almost positive I’m not the only one giving in.  Trust me…  just try brushing your teeth, and look around a bit… I bet it’ll start adding up for you as well.  I’m sure of it. 

Whew.  All I have to say is, what a great, wild, scary, hilarious, fun, relaxing weekend.  Yes, it was all those things and… so much more.

First, we went to see Pink Martini at the Oregon Zoo Friday night.  All I have to say about it and them is… amazing.  This group who, try as I may, is so hard to classify.  There are twelve members… strings, percussion, piano, guitars, and a vocalist.  They play music from Spain, Japan, France, Russia, and even something in Arabic.  Having said that, they aren’t stuffy, strange, or even out of date.  When listening you feel transported to far away places, in a far off past.   They are timeless, and hip.  You find yourself toe tapping, not understanding the lyrics, yet feeling like you do.  You picture yourself sitting in some smoky night club of the 50’s, slingin’ back a martini (pink, of course), watching people dance, and dance, and dance.  The moral… If you get a chance, go see them.  Even though I can’t really describe them, trust me, you’ll have an experience you won’t find anywhere or from anyone else. 

After a great night of music under the stars Friday evening we settled in Saturday to do a bit of shopping for our bicyles.  We, as some of you know, have switched to bicycles from motorcycles.  The reasons for this were explained in a previous post, so if you’re interested, you can read up on them there.  As for our new venture, we needed some supplies… helmets, lights, mirrors, and… are you ready?  We needed a dog trailer, so we will be able to take Weston with us when we ride.  Silly, some might say, but fun and a bit cool none-the-less.  We ended up at River City Bikes  on MLK.  Two things about our adventures there… one, the people were so great.  Very helpful to a couple of babes who don’t know much, but want to learn more, about cycling.  They also took a look at Karen’s bike and fixed a little something on it, for free.  Not only that, the girl who was helping us, primarily, was so patient and really helpful about the whole fitting us for helmets thing in the price range we were looking at.   The second thing… they had exactly what we were looking for to be able to carry Weston around with us… the Tail Wagon.  I kid you not, that’s the name of it.  And, it works great.  We tried it out yesterday on the East Bank Esplanade.  He was a bit freaked out at first, but came around in no time and actually enjoyed it a bit I think.   So, River City Bicyles… a great place to go for all your biking needs.  I know I sound like an advertisement, but hey, they even had a dog bowl inside the store and allowed us to bring Weston in to see if he fit in his new traveling home.  The topper… he not only fit, he also got a lot of lovin’ from the staff and other shoppers to boot.  A definite plus for our people lovin’ smallish buddy.

Sunday we did some grocery shopping, supported a fund raising event for Oregon Sustainable Business (a friend was involved and manning a booth so we grabbed a bite to eat at their stand in front of New Seasons  after we grocery shopped), and then watched our sword swalling dog throw up the 5-6 inch buffalo rib bone he somehow swallowed while we were away shopping.  Yes, Weston somehow managed to swallow a rib bone that was 5-6 inches long.  Given that he’s not a big guy, it was so scary.  We were very worried that he had somehow done some internal damage to himself, but after a few hours of sitting with him, and him getting back to normal, behavior wise, we pretty much thought he was in the clear.  We’re just amazed he even got it down, and wonder, how did he?  All we knew is that when we got home he had the most pitiful strange look on his face.  We knew something wasn’t right and when we couldn’t find his bone, we feared we knew the worst.  Then, about 15 minutes later, when he threw it, and another inch or so long piece of cartilidge that had been on the end of it, up, we knew we were correct.  The poor little guy had somehow gotten that down inside himself and then expelled that sucker not long after.  We think he swallowed it not long before we came home.  And still, we can’t even imagine how it happened.   It was eventful, and scary… for all three of us I imagine.

So, there you have it.  It was a full weekend, and as I said, fun and scary.  Our lives, definitely exciting… as they say, whoever they are, there’s never a dull moment…