My dog needs a coat for this weather

I am a proud dog parent. I say "parent" because I've been told I treat my dog like a child. Don't get me wrong, I do my best to teach her manners that dogs should know, but she is definitely a member of the family.

Last winter, she loved going outdoors for walks. I lived close to the Eastern Michigan University campus, and we often walked the sidewalks of the campus.

This year, she isn't too keen on the outside walking. I think she is cold. I think she needs coat. Perhaps a cute pink one, since she is a girl.

My husband does not.

Now, my dog isn't one of those little purse pooches names Princess who has a sparkle-encrusted collar and weighs less than my cat.

She is a Plott Hound-Greyhound mix and weighs about 50 pounds. But she is so short haired and practically bald on her belly. I think if she got a coat, she would enjoy being outside more and perhaps seem less depressed in the winter.

Even right now, she is sleeping next to me on the coach. She was sleeping in her crate when I got home from work and immediately came out to sleep on the couch.

I think it's a bit too dangerous to head out in this weather with the sole intention of getting my dog a jacket, but I think it will become a necessary evil.

FutureStars 2011 blew me away...seriously

I had the pleasure of attending Saturday's FutureStars 2011. I am not new to Ann Arbor but I had never heard of this event before. As someone who went to a variety of small high schools, I was involved in band and theater, so I appreciate live performances.

Students sang, danced, rapped and played instruments in performances that would make professionals jealous.

Case in point was this performance of an Alicia Keys song that I found so amazing, I've watched the video about 10 times:



Since this was only the preliminaries, there is still a chance to see these performances at the finale on Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Pioneer High School. I highly recommend it.

Happy New Year Ann Arbor

I know I'm a few days late, but I just want to wish all readers a Happy New Year! I hope everyone celebrated safely and had a great time.

I stayed home this year, and opted to watch a music countdown on Fuse TV. My husband and I became so interested in the countdown, we almost missed the ball drop, tuning in when it was already at 7 on the countdown. But at least we got to see it.

Now one of the big issues surrounding the turning of the year is the idea that one needs to make resolutions. I have never really agreed with this.

That's not to say that I've never made resolutions. I am human. But I know how easily they can fall by the wayside.

Real change comes with time, and it can come at any time of the year. But I do think that setting goals for myself for the new year by looking back at previous accomplishments is a good idea.

I had a pretty big 2010, and I look forward to everything 2011 will bring.

Whatever that may be.