Dog Humor

We received a complaint this morning about the switch from fresh green beans to frozen.  And, apparently, dogs can read.  Duke felt the pillow made his message all the more powerful.  Well played little man, well played.

This weekend was a Releash event at an OysterFest downtown.  Rain all day, but $4000 raised for our dogs - worth every moment.

Our Ellie making the plea for $$!

Win prizes, buy shirts, donate!!

This week is all about the dogs.  Tons of Releash stuff on the agenda and lots of stuff to do to get all three dogs ready for our week away.

Then I need to work on ME!  It's a week away, but time will fly.  Packing and preparing for a beach/water trip with golf takes so much more effort.  Even though we are staying in a timeshare, there is no washer in the unit.  Ugh.  Also, no kitchen (just refrigerator and sink).  It's like staying in an extra expensive hotel, but without housekeeping.  That's Hawaii for you (in the Marriott time-share world at least).  It's fine, but it takes more to be ready for the trip.  The grounds are beautiful and the area is a lot of local vibe - we like that a lot.  Should be fun and relaxing!

Running with Duke is going well, but my knee is beginning to give me grief.  I need to reevaluate soon.  I'm absolutely missing out on my lifting workouts - I need to do better on that one.

Today, Duke and I are meeting another foster and her dog to walk together.  Getting him "exposure" to learn to behave around other dogs.  Then he has a vet appointment for vaccinations, etc.

This combination of fosters is wiping me out.  Peeing, pooping (both outside AND inside), runs, walks, up during the night.  Vacation will feel good!!

Take a guess at what time it is ... yep, dogs need to go out.  I WILL take a foster break after adoption. We all need it!  Later gators!

Polite vs Right

I had a moment at GNI last night.  I don't even know what descriptor to give it.  Mad, disappointed, shocked, sad, sickened.

A neighbor and a friend told a story last night.  Out of the blue, she punctuated the story of someone not doing his job well by rubbing her arm and saying "you know, he was tan -- they hire those kind."

WTF.

She's still my neighbor.  The friend part is over.

I didn't say anything other than by my body language.  It was at a table full of people.  Should I have spoken up?  This person has always been nice, kind, polite.  She went out of the way to welcome me to the neighborhood (maybe because I'm not 'tan'??).  The last few months she's had some hard times losing parents, husband with a heart problem, sister-in-law passed away.

Hard times don't excuse her comment.

I didn't want to upset her.  I'm part of the problem.

I wish I had spoken up.  The comment was quick and the story moved right over it.  I know if I had said something, she would have back-peddled and probably apologized (for upsetting me, not the comment).  She's a nice, considerate person who also happens to be a bigot and a racist.  I didn't want to make a big, upsetting moment over the comment, especially knowing I'll never change her mind.  I probably couldn't even make her understand why it was offensive.  She used the word "tan" because she knows she shouldn't say it, but she wants to say it anyway.  You know what I mean?

I'm sad this exists today.  I'm sad it's exists in a well educated, privileged person.  I'm sad I didn't have the balls to speak up.

In some circumstances, I would and I have.  But I considered her a friend so I said nothing.  Ugh.  Wish I could have a do-over.

In my defense justification, the comment came so far out of nowhere, that I took a breath to even understand what she meant - lord, I never thought she'd say something like that.  By the time I "got it," the story had moved on.  It felt like a wrong moment to say something - I missed the opportunity to politely counter the comment.  Maybe polite is just as wrong.

I hope I do better the next time something like this happens.  I'm sorry I lost a friend, but I'm more sorry I didn't tell her why.  And I won't  -- I'll just back away, politely.

Weather Woes

What a crazy winter - too hot, too cold, too rainy.

I'm IMPOSSIBLE to please LOL.

We are in a really warm, humid weather pattern.  That makes for excellent early morning runs, but less than good mid-morning runs.  Duke and I need to go out after he digests breakfast -- super important for stomach bloat in dogs.  It would be fine to run in a tank and shorts BUT I'm in no shape to RUN in a tank and shorts.  Plus, I'm always a little self-conscious running in the light of day.  Add a dog, poop bag, etc -- no way.

I have ankle length yoga pants, short-sleeved shirt and my nylon jacket with a big kangaroo pocket in the front.  I keep tissues, extra poop bags, dog treats, etc.  I love the pouch but the jacket has NO breath-ability and lordy it gets uncomfortable.

Why can't the universe give me everything I want!!! *stomping feet*  And I want cool, overcast mornings!

Okay, weather rant over.

The rest of the day is pretty basic.  Pay bills, do Releash Atlanta stuff and then GNI tonight (2 houses away - yea!!).  Tonight's GNI is a light dinner (she owns and restaurant and it a health nut - double yea) and says bring nothing.  Nice and easy.  I'll bring a bottle of wine and call it a night.  THIS is what GNI should be when you aren't hosting.  It's been a few months since I've seen some of the girls - should be fun catching up.

I started a new HBO series last night -- Here and Now.  It's interesting.  Definitely adult material, but I'm curious to see where it goes.  The acting is good, characters seem complicated (dark and crazy) - all good potential for a winning show.  Only two episodes have aired.  I watched the first last night.

I'm reading a book recommended by the dog trainer.  Fiction about the first dog in evolution.  He says it gives good insight to dog instinct and behavior.  The Dog Master (W. Bruce Cameron).  So far, so good.

Dogs need to potty (this is my life right now!)  Later gators.

Some Updates

The visit from my girlfriend and her daughter was great!  Always feels good to catch up with your BFF.  Friends, food, fun!

Cooked up the Blue Apron meals.  Biggest surprise?  Big portions!  I ate 2 meals from the chili and still froze a portion.  The shrimp was good for 2 big meals.  Two more weeks - I have to give it a thumbs up so far.

Working on the dog training has been good for Ellie especially - who knew?!?  She's finally getting the hang of sleeping more!!  We don't get up on HER time; we get up on MY time (when it's food related - if she has to potty, well, that's another story).  It all involves me growling at her.  Funny, but effective.  I think after a few more days, sleep might be possible again!

My aunt was in town yesterday and I got to see her for a girls' lunch.  Yummy and fun.  Lots of company this last week.

I've been lazy with pictures.  I should have taken some this weekend.  Still working that sleep deprivation and it does havoc with me mentally.

Okay folks, just a quick hello and off to start the day.

Hello WEEKEND!

My awesome hubby let me "sleep in" this morning until 7 o'clock (he's golfing today).  Lordy, it felt good.  I was bone tired - up 3 times with Ellie last night.  Monthly friend should be on the way today or tomorrow and it adds an extra ZAP to my already depleted stores.

Speaking of friends ... my BFF and her 10 year old daughter arrive today.  They are staying with us until tomorrow.  It's her daughter's b-day celebration with a special event on Sunday at the ATL aquarium.

On the agenda:
Korean BBQ
Hour foot massages (best value in town!)
Shopping
Movie night (at home - best kind)

I'm looking forward to the fun and the visit.

Yesterday was a needed break from most things.  It was a little hectic in the afternoon, but I got some R&R here and there.

It's already almost 70 degrees out today!  Wow!  I need to get my run going before it's too warm.  I run with a jacket so I can carry all my dog stuff.  I really enjoy running outside again - thanks Duke!!  I hope my knee holds up.  I need to get some lift time in too - that's been lacking.  Since Duke MUST be exercised, I tend to drop my lift days.

Blue Apron arrived yesterday.  TO MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE!!  Ugh.  Thankfully, she noticed it.  She is out of town a lot.  That would have been interesting.  It looks good - small, but good.  I'll cook it up this weekend and give my review.  Keeping a little suspense going LOL.

Rain is back for the next 3 days tomorrow.  Boy, no drought here.  Have a good weekend :-)  Later gators.

A Day Off

I'm taking the day off (almost).  I have a few house chores, a couple of Releash phone calls and contractor coming this afternoon.  After my run with Duke and 2 dog walks ... That. Is. It.  Feet up.  Sofa bound.  Book in hand.

Self care.

This weekend is busy (fun, but busy).  Sunday hubby leaves for out-of-town for a few days.  I need a break from life stuff today.

Low sleep and PMS make for bad bed fellows.  My tanks are low, my patience is non-existant and I crave some peace.  No talking, no news, no drama, no negativity.  Bam.  Filling up my tanks (hopefully!!).

Coffee with my brother was good yesterday.  Calm, respectful.  I miss that relationship.  Maybe this is a start back to something better.

I got "promoted" at Releash Atlanta - to head the application team - add some organization and structure.  Oh boy.  We're getting a team in place so things should move more smoothly going forward.  It's easy to move-up when you volunteer.  Criteria - breathing human and say 'yes.'

My Whole30 Blue Apron comes today.  I hope it keeps until Sunday.  I thought it would arrive earlier, but the email says by 9 pm.  It was my planned food for today - oops.  According to the website, the ingredients are made to last several to 5 days after delivery.  It's only the 2 meals and only for 3 weeks (then they stop the Whole30 options).  I'm curious to try it.  Stay tuned ...

Later gators!

Valentine's Day

Happy 💗💘💙💜💝💞 Day!!

My days-of-the-week are really mixed up.  Hubby home yesterday (after being out of town) felt like a Saturday.  He's back to work today - seems like a Monday.

Valentine's Day is a big fat ZERO this year.  We avoid eating out like the plague (learned that lesson more than once).  No sweet treats as we're both on a "diet" - so glad it's both of us!  Kids are not around.  That leaves nothing but a long walk, sofa chilling and an early night to bed.  Kind of sounds PERFECT, doesn't it?!?

I have a coffee date with an unlikely person today - my brother.  He's in our little town for business and we're meeting at Starbucks for a quick hello.  It's been a long time since I've seen him without family extras who carry a lot of baggage and pollute the water.  It will be interesting to see the dynamic.  And Starbucks - um, yes please!

I have a semi-break from Releash duties as the rest of the week is full (company this week - more on that later).  I "requested off" Wednesday - Saturday.  I still have my current in-process applications, but I need a break.  Some self-care is absolutely necessary for my sanity this week.

Duke did some training yesterday.  The short version is I learned some things to help him.  I think that's enough said.  "Trainers" and I don't always see eye-to-eye.

I feel really strongly that I need a break from negativity today too.  Couldn't read the news page - all nasty stuff.  We had a child hit by a car in the neighborhood yesterday and it's really upsetting on so many levels.  The kids needs surgery, but should make a full recovery.  Anger, judgement - everywhere I look.  Can't stomach it right now.  Blocking it all today.

So on a MUCH HAPPIER note ... I'm seeing some good stuff from doing Whole30 in a real way ... i.e. 3 meals, lots of vegetables, lots of variety.  I put on jeans yesterday and they were comfortable!!  These are my "big" jeans so not a victory lap yet ... but PROGRESS.  I actually kept them on all day. OMG!  I got a taste of that comfort and it's fueling me forward.  Thank goodness as this is PMS week, Valentine's Day, weekend company ... I need REASONS to keep pushing forward. Visualizing my jeans fitting, visualizing Hawaii ... it feels like a long time coming (too long).

Sending all my good wishes, happy vibes and love into the air on this Valentine's Day.  Feel free to take what you need XOXO.  Later gators.

Cooking

I managed to get the grocery store yesterday.  Yea ME!
I made a couple of simple things:

Mayo (delicious - used it on tuna)  Side note - left it on the counter by accident - goodbye mayo UGH.
Roasted sweet potato "ribbons" from Trader Joe's.  Low and slow.  Nothing on them.  They dehydrate and are a good crunch on food (like tunafish!!)

Today is an Instant Pot Beef Stew (nomnompaleo recipe) and spicy shredded carrot salad (also good crunch factor).  Big batches of both.  I'll freeze some of the stew and the carrots last for days.

I managed a power walk for Duke (3 miles) and shorter walks for the others (1.5 miles total) plus a quick arm and back lift session.  Not bad, but my legs are still tired this morning.  Today is a RUN with Duke day - although as of now, it's still raining.

Ellie is getting me up during the night again.  Now it's to eat.  I added green beans to her meals yesterday hoping to give her a fuller belly.  She's gaining too much weight.  Dang these steroids!!

I need SLEEP!  I don't do well with broken sleep.  I'm back to zombie mode again.  Duke keeps sleeping ON my feet.  Then I get stuck and my legs/knees hurt.  I'm full of complaints - PMS week and crappy sleep.  Watch out world.  Best to leave me alone LOL!

After these fosters, I think I need a little break.  We have a long way to go before Ellie is up for adoption though.

That's all my brain can mange this morning.  Hubby comes home tonight (like midnight) but he's working from home tomorrow.  Relief forces on their way.  Later gators.

RAIN!!

We have been in a big old rain pattern lately.  All weekend - wash out!  I was able to get a run with Duke, walk with the others YESTERDAY before the downpours began.  We still got wet, but not soaked.

Today, not so lucky, but I sure need a rest for my legs.  Arm workout later this morning.  My legs burn with a walk up the stairs!!  Combination of extra running and starting Whole30 eating.  Even though I eat potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc (no low carb here), it still zaps my exercise energy at first.  I guess simple sugars zoom right through my veins in a different way.

Releash Atlanta had a company donate DNA tests and Ellie was one of the lucky winners.  Here's a picture of her.  She's 12 lbs, little, gentle -- all lady.  You will never guess her mix ... ready ... drumroll please ...

Chihuahua - 50%
Mini poodle - 25%
ROTTWEILER - 12.5%
other - 12.5%

Hilarious!!  She is an inner big bully breed.  Technically, she wouldn't qualify for apartment adoption!

Today is a rained-in day.  I bet I'll have dogs bouncing off the walls.  Guess what's in store for tomorrow - MORE RAIN.  Maybe it will be lighter and we can figure out some exercise for them all.

House chores and Releash stuff all ahead.  I'm on the fence about grocery shopping.  I need to cook some stuff this week and Monday seems like a logical day for my schedule ... but grocery shopping in downpours ... not fun.  I'll at least get a list going.

Happy SUNday - oh the irony.  Later gators!

Whole30 for the Win

I'm back on plan with Whole30.  It's what works for me for WEIGHT LOSS and for HEALTH.  I need to put my big girl panties on and do the WORK.  It helps a lot that hubby will be on Jenny Craig.  No junk food lingering.

I still had about a 1/2 freezer full of Whole30 meals.  That's coming in handy.  I made a zucchini-ginger soup and a tomato soup the last 2 days.  Both are pureed and an easy vegetable add-on.  I heat up the zucchini soup, but eat the tomato cold.

I'll have to plan a cook up day soon.  Get inspired by a new recipe and visit some of my favorites again. It's interesting to me that cooking a meal makes the meal so much more satisfying ... like the cooking time and effort count.  It doesn't taste better, just feels complete.  You know??

On that note, I'm trying Blue Apron for 3 weeks.  (They still have Whole30 options until end of February.)  Two meals per week, both portioned for 2 people.  Doing the high math - that's 4 meals for me.  Nothing major, but I'm curious if I like it.  I'm also very curious about portion size.  I struggle with that a lately.

Well, 2 days on Whole30 ... sleeping sounder, getting up easier, skin is clearer (I was having a rosacea breakout on my cheeks).  Not bad for 2 days. WHY DON'T I DO THIS SOONER!!!  As usual, those dang witching hours between about 5 - 7 pm SUCK!!  I want wine.  I want sweets.  I want snacks.  I want and want and want.  Ugh.  I tell myself it's just a couple of hours and it will pass.

This morning, in this moment ... it feels possible again.  My promise feels REAL.  I hate feeling crappy about myself.  I hate "hiding" in sweat pants, etc.  It's time.  The beach is in a month and, good lord, if I don't get back into my closet, my bank account is in trouble!

Running is back on the table in a big way.  Duke needs to run and run we will!  I like having him as a running partner - our time together.  Never thought I'd run with a dog or a bag of poop (love the poop stations on the route - I only have the poop for 1/2 mile at most LOL).  I'll keep the weight lifting to 2 days/week.  Between the run and the lots of dog walks - I'm getting some mileage again.

Later gaters!

Healthy??

Hubby is going back for a Jenny Craig refresher starting next week.  We both lost our weight (initially) on Jenny Craig.  I'm grateful for this program.  I know it's packaged, processed, extra low calorie, etc.  BUT this worked for me (and us) when NOTHING else did - and I tried it all.  It fit our life at that moment and for a finite time, it's perfectly fine (in my opinion).  If you continue the program through maintenance, you actually STOP eating the packaged foods.  It was the best maintenance program I've used.

I contemplated going back on it with him.  Then I remembered GLUTEN.

It worked for me years ago when my life was crazy ... work, kids, etc and cooking for them and THEN for me, was not an option.  It was easy, mindless and allowed me control over what I ate - you eat the list for the day - period.

Anyway, I LOVE Whole30 and all the fresh, real food.  But, lordy, it's WORK!  I've been in a stretch for a few months where cooking is inconvenient.  Dogs, applications, weekend events to cook, hubby out of town.

I know these are EXCUSES.  I can find time.  I can MAKE time.  The problem is, I'm not.  So my "meals" are loosely meals and it's not having the same effects.  My portions are out of control.  I'm bored with my food choices.

Maybe I'll try the food delivery boxes for a few dinners???  It might be what I need to pull me out of this rut.  Whole30 is lots of shopping, lots of prep and lots of clean up.  It's just me at home most days lately (hubby has been traveling).  All that work, interrupted by dog needs, phone calls.  It's not working at this moment.

Help.  I need some help.  And I need it FAST.  Beach in T-30 days (or something like that).

I'll keep you posted.  Later gators.

Oh NO!!!

Duke's adoption fell through.  I got the call last night.  He's having tremendous anxiety and going rather crazy.  Ugh and double ugh.  I feel bad for this young couple and I feel bad for poor Duke AND I feel bad for ME!

Duke is a doll, but the opposite of the other 2 dogs which means a ton of work.  Separate walks, feeding issues (Ellie is on a super strict diet), wake-up times, bed real-estate.  To top it off, hubby leaves for a 6 day ski trip.  It's all ME and all DOGS for the next week.

Continuing my little rant -- we have 5 people on the application committee for the rescue and for some reason, no-one is working on it except me.  I sent a note saying - um, what's up?!?  Everyone has a reason - kind of legit in some cases, but come on people, I can't do this all myself.  The point in 5 people was everyone took some and it works like a well oiled machine.  Not so well oiled this last week.  It's more like ... there is always someone else who can do it.

I pick Duke up on Thursday from TN.

I need a turn-around with my attitude.  Since life is getting crunchy the next week, it's a good time to take it all the way and have a life detox so to speak.  Focus, head-down, do my stuff, push those healthy habits.

I'm trying to turn this around to a positive.

Plus, I have my tremendous running partner back.  (See -- positive -- LOL!!)

Booked the London portion of the trip yesterday.  I'm waiting on some confirmations, but stuff looks FUN!!  Paris today.

I was supposed to do some girlfriend fun this week, but flu exposure had us cancel.  No way I need flu in my life (but who does).  I hope they stay strong and healthy, but when a family member is sick - it's tough to isolate.

As "busy" as I've been lately, as much as I have to talk on the phone, I haven't had much face-to-face people contact.  I miss it!  And this next stretch of time is heading that way too.  Isolation and me don't play nice.  I need to figure out a plan.

Fingers crossed.  Later gators.

So where were we ...

Long time, no post.

My new volunteering with Releash Atlanta means hitting the computer first thing in the morning and going all day long.  Phone calls, emails, etc.  It's put a dent into my journalling and reflection time - too busy in the morning, too over computers by the end of the day.  I set a few boundaries this week.  I need time for MY STUFF too.  We have a bunch of dogs available and that means tons of applications to process.  I enjoy it a lot, but I need time that is off limits to the endless applications.

So here's what's going on ...

Duke is ADOPTED ... to the most mature, sweet, young couple in TN!  That crazy man didn't win and Duke got his PERFECT home after all.  He was such a fantastic running partner and a different time in my life would have been the perfect dog for our family.  But now he has his own running family, tons of love and the best little life ahead of him.

Today I'm taking a break from some of the Releash work and booking our fun stuff for London and Paris in May.  Problem-that-isn't-a-problem, but I don't enjoy doing it.  I love when it's done though and certainly worth every minute when the trip comes.  What days is this offered?  Is there space for 5 people?  Which food tour seems better?  Etc.  It's work.  It takes a lot of time and coordinating.  Even though I've done some of the leg work already, it will probably take me a few days to do it all (some bookings take 24-48 hours to get back to you).

So how's my healthy stuff going?  It was going well until it wasn't.  I had about a week of too much of everything again.  Folks, the struggle is SO HONEST TO GOD REAL.  But I'm continuing on ... vowing another clean up.  My jean STILL DON'T FIT!!!!   More on this later.

And can't go without mentioning ... holy cow, what a SuperBowl!!!  Fun game, fun night.  I stayed up for it all.  This Is Us was waiting for me the next day - OMG such a powerful show.  Best acting, writing, etc on network TV in a very, very long time.

This is our life now LOL.  It's gone to the dogs.

Whirlwind Week

It's been a long time since I've had this productive of a week.  As I mentioned - it feels good.  But I'm tired and the week is still pumping.

I'm glad I did some self-care last weekend and feel relatively caught up in that department.  When I let myself go, I let myself go - ya know?!?

I can admit this here -- 3 dogs is too much.  At least the combination of THESE 3 dogs.  The fosters are sleeping through the night (finally) but are the worst bed-hogs.  I'm up repositioning them regularly.  Dang you little Duke - I get the outside of the bed!!  I'm picky about my sleeping position and they just wiggle their way -- pushing a little bit at a time, until I'm in some ridiculous position trying to STAY sleeping.  And they battle each other for prime spots.  Growls all night long.  When Duke gets adopted, we're sticking with Ellie ONLY until I'm rested.

And separate walks/runs for the different needs.  Ugh - takes up too much of my time.  Can't wait for hubby to get back - extra hands is awesome.  He's really supportive, but I don't want to give him fuel for refusing future fosters.  I'm smiling, laughing and saying all is good (but I really want a night with the bed to myself!).

This week has (and is) contractor maintenance, etc.  Lots of waiting, people tracking through the house.  Not enjoyable.

Of course, Super Bowl food prep is underway.  I'm doing Mexican food this year.  Easy, yummy and I can freeze the extra meat.  I hit Costco already (learned my lesson more than once).  It was kind of creepy - practically empty.  I could drive my cart fast and straight down every aisle!  It was glorious!! LOL.

And anyone else notice the FULL MOON.  Lordy - everything is going crazy.  Electronics, people, dogs.  This is one powerful moon :-)  Good luck to us all!  Later gators. (on cue dogs are going crazy - time to take them out)