I got an invitation to train at an indoor, heated facility on Sunday. There was no way I was passing that up so I went. Imagine my surprise when 2 of my friends that I haven't seen for awhile showed up. One of them was just as surprised to see me, I think. I see Rosanne more than I see Jen because I am taking an agility class this Winter and she is the instructor. But I haven't seen Jen for 3 months and I have not seen her work her young dog, Fever, much at all.
Fever has had a lot of issues, mostly fear related. She would charge random people and dogs and get stressed out in new situations. Jen wasn't sure she would ever be able to do agility with Fever and many others wondered if Fever would work out as an agility dog too. Jen has done a great job helping Fever learn to cope with her issues. I got to see a very fast enthusiastic little Border Collie work yesterday. I was very pleased for Jen - she has worked so very hard to help this dog so it was nice to see the results starting to show up away from home.
Gusto was very controlled for not having worked much away from the small quarters of my unheated building. I was very happy with him and look forward to our upcoming trial season that starts in a month or two.
This was Robbie's first time working away from his normal locations. I wasn't sure how focused he would be or how well he would work. He is 14.5 months old and still has a puppy brain much of the time when I work him but he is super smart and willing to please. Initially, he was acting strangely - apparently he had to really go - as in explosive diarrhea! After he emptied his system which seems to be from the car ride, he worked really well. He came off his dogwalk and teeter incorrectly from excitement so I had to work him through that but otherwise, I was very pleased with him.
Not sure how fast he will be in agility - I'm so used to the fast-twitch, high speed crazy Gusto. Robbie just feels slower to me. But his stride is impressive so I hope that will make up for his more methodical approach to life.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
What a Day!
Today was a lot fun. Started out by doing my work out; although I had to keep it short due to basketball. My Parents came down to watch - my Parents are now elderly so it is great that they are able to drive and come watch him. Also, a friend of mine that we haven't seen in years came. Devin was so excited to have his fans on the sideline.
Devin's team won - 37 - 30. It was a close game; both teams having some good athletes. Devin had his best game ever. Not sure if it was because he had all his fans there or because the high school JV team came to support the boys and ref the game. Maybe a little bit of both, he was on fire.
He made 11 points, one being another 3-point shot in the last 2 seconds of the game. It was very exciting and his team went nuts and so did many of the parents. He is turning out to be quite a decent player especially his ball handling. They mainly use him as Point Guard; he doesn't need to be the star and is very happy to pass the ball and set up good shot opportunities. It's a lot of fun to see all of the kids abilities improve while they have so much fun. Greg is really enjoying being the coach; the kids really like him and the parents are pretty impressed with his gentle but firm nature with their children.
I thoroughly enjoy watching and cheering; especially with my Parents and friend sitting with me.
Devin's team won - 37 - 30. It was a close game; both teams having some good athletes. Devin had his best game ever. Not sure if it was because he had all his fans there or because the high school JV team came to support the boys and ref the game. Maybe a little bit of both, he was on fire.
He made 11 points, one being another 3-point shot in the last 2 seconds of the game. It was very exciting and his team went nuts and so did many of the parents. He is turning out to be quite a decent player especially his ball handling. They mainly use him as Point Guard; he doesn't need to be the star and is very happy to pass the ball and set up good shot opportunities. It's a lot of fun to see all of the kids abilities improve while they have so much fun. Greg is really enjoying being the coach; the kids really like him and the parents are pretty impressed with his gentle but firm nature with their children.
I thoroughly enjoy watching and cheering; especially with my Parents and friend sitting with me.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A Note I Wrote on Facebooks Re President Obama's Speech
I went to CNN to read his speech and digest the scale of it. I was looking for a key phrase or idea that stood out and "spoke" to me but I found the whole speech did. One phrase jumped out at me and I clapped - he said, "We will restore Science to it's rightful place".
The other section that made me happy was this, "Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."
Truly an inspirational speech with tones saying we must work hard to change the tides that hold us back as a Nation. He wants to leave this world a better place than he found it, with help from all of us, the people - not big business or corporate interests but the individuals who are change-oriented, open-minded and willing to make the hard choices without thought to personal gains.
So now he gets down to the real chore of implementing these ideals and I will be watching closely to see if he can truly make a difference in the old political machine with the internal workings focused on self-interest, lacking cooperation, lacking integrity and forgetting the values that make this Country special.
Good luck, Mr. President - stay grounded, stick to the values that make you an inspiration to this generation, a generation that has lost trust in our government and feels our voices have fallen on deaf ears. We have finally spoken and have been heard.
The other section that made me happy was this, "Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."
Truly an inspirational speech with tones saying we must work hard to change the tides that hold us back as a Nation. He wants to leave this world a better place than he found it, with help from all of us, the people - not big business or corporate interests but the individuals who are change-oriented, open-minded and willing to make the hard choices without thought to personal gains.
So now he gets down to the real chore of implementing these ideals and I will be watching closely to see if he can truly make a difference in the old political machine with the internal workings focused on self-interest, lacking cooperation, lacking integrity and forgetting the values that make this Country special.
Good luck, Mr. President - stay grounded, stick to the values that make you an inspiration to this generation, a generation that has lost trust in our government and feels our voices have fallen on deaf ears. We have finally spoken and have been heard.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Living History
What a day! The inauguration of our 44th President is basically over - at least, the ceremony. It was an impressive display of hope and humanity gathering to be part of a moment of living history. All walks of life from all over the world came to participate in this momentous occasion.
I was glued to the TV all morning (classes were cancelled due to the extreme cold temps and an unheated building). I anxiously awaited his speech - the main reason I was glued to the TV today. What would he say? How would he address the concerns of the people? What would the general feeling of his speech be? Would he inspire as he has throughout his entire campaign.
I was in for a partial surprise. His speech was much more sober, much stronger in feeling and showed a different side or a more intense and get down to business side. I was impressed with his strong words and call to action and a theme of take responsibility - as a nation, as a political machine, as an individual. We will not back down to terrorism but we will be fair in our international role, we will extend a hand to an unclenched fist. We need cooperation, not separation.
I wish both him and his administration good luck in attempting to turn the tides of the past 8 years and restore trust in the American people. I'm fairly certain that this is what was felt so many years ago when JFK took office. I remember my Parents talking about it when I was younger but didn't understand it until this very day.
I was glued to the TV all morning (classes were cancelled due to the extreme cold temps and an unheated building). I anxiously awaited his speech - the main reason I was glued to the TV today. What would he say? How would he address the concerns of the people? What would the general feeling of his speech be? Would he inspire as he has throughout his entire campaign.
I was in for a partial surprise. His speech was much more sober, much stronger in feeling and showed a different side or a more intense and get down to business side. I was impressed with his strong words and call to action and a theme of take responsibility - as a nation, as a political machine, as an individual. We will not back down to terrorism but we will be fair in our international role, we will extend a hand to an unclenched fist. We need cooperation, not separation.
I wish both him and his administration good luck in attempting to turn the tides of the past 8 years and restore trust in the American people. I'm fairly certain that this is what was felt so many years ago when JFK took office. I remember my Parents talking about it when I was younger but didn't understand it until this very day.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Here We Go Steelers!
They did it - they made it to the Super Bowl. I honestly didn't think they would pull it out. Eagles didn't beat the Cardinals so there will be no PA Super Bowl. The Carndinals are a better team so it should be a good game but if the Steelers don't play well, my husband will not be easy to live with.
He was a riot last night watching the game. I could have been choking to death and he would not have had a clue. He was very intensely watching the game.
The game changing play was when Troy Polamalu, number 43, made an interception and ran it in for a TD!!! Troy is my favorite player so that was awesome to watch. I can't even imagine being in the stands to see it live. I would love to see a game while Troy is still playing for them.
I had a dream last night that we were in Pittsburgh - that we were living there again. We lived there back in 1995 when the Steelers had another great year but we had no money to see a game in Three Rivers Stadium. Times are better now so maybe we can get tickets and take Devin.
He was a riot last night watching the game. I could have been choking to death and he would not have had a clue. He was very intensely watching the game.
The game changing play was when Troy Polamalu, number 43, made an interception and ran it in for a TD!!! Troy is my favorite player so that was awesome to watch. I can't even imagine being in the stands to see it live. I would love to see a game while Troy is still playing for them.
I had a dream last night that we were in Pittsburgh - that we were living there again. We lived there back in 1995 when the Steelers had another great year but we had no money to see a game in Three Rivers Stadium. Times are better now so maybe we can get tickets and take Devin.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Finally Something to Write About
I've been sick for over a week and have not been up to doing anything. I finally got my antibiotics for a sinus infection. So basically I've been a slug. But last night I went to my son's basketball game. The team was 2-0 and playing another team that was also 2-0.
Everyone knew it would be tough game - both teams wanting to defend their winning streak. The kids played great on both sides but Devin's team lost. I think the score was 28 to 19. The coolest play was when Devin made a 3 point shot. His team went nuts and so did I.
Greg enjoyed coaching the boys and was very pleased with their efforts. It's fun to watch each player improve and build their teamwork.
Hopefully, I'll be back to my exercise routine soon and will be back to normal.
Everyone knew it would be tough game - both teams wanting to defend their winning streak. The kids played great on both sides but Devin's team lost. I think the score was 28 to 19. The coolest play was when Devin made a 3 point shot. His team went nuts and so did I.
Greg enjoyed coaching the boys and was very pleased with their efforts. It's fun to watch each player improve and build their teamwork.
Hopefully, I'll be back to my exercise routine soon and will be back to normal.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Ice Skating Up My Driveway
Last night, I cancelled my agility class due to the temps and freezing rain. But my husband did not cancel basketball practice, so I went along and drove the Expedition. All was good on the way to the rec center. We were there for about an hour and a half.
Getting home was no real distress either. However, upon arriving at the house, we discovered that our driveway was an ice rink! I put the Exped in 4x4 and tried to get the behemoth up our steep drive. It was having none of that and spun 360 degrees and slid back down the rink. I somehow managed to NOT take out our other car or our mailbox but scared the beejesus out of our son.
I've spun in cars a multitude of times (my parent's Dodge tank of a car, my first Z24, my WRX) on ice and slippery conditions but I have never spun in a 5200 lb army tank. Holy Crap - you know you have some steel behind you when you spin a sucker of that size.
I eventually had to baja up the grass and onto the level part of our driveway. But the score was:
Driveway 2
Expedition 1
If you count the other nasty sideways slide several weeks ago, the actual score is:
Driveway 3
Expedition 1
Stay safe and warm today!
Getting home was no real distress either. However, upon arriving at the house, we discovered that our driveway was an ice rink! I put the Exped in 4x4 and tried to get the behemoth up our steep drive. It was having none of that and spun 360 degrees and slid back down the rink. I somehow managed to NOT take out our other car or our mailbox but scared the beejesus out of our son.
I've spun in cars a multitude of times (my parent's Dodge tank of a car, my first Z24, my WRX) on ice and slippery conditions but I have never spun in a 5200 lb army tank. Holy Crap - you know you have some steel behind you when you spin a sucker of that size.
I eventually had to baja up the grass and onto the level part of our driveway. But the score was:
Driveway 2
Expedition 1
If you count the other nasty sideways slide several weeks ago, the actual score is:
Driveway 3
Expedition 1
Stay safe and warm today!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I'm on the Mend
I can't believe it but I have cycled 2 days in a row, ran (walk/jog but more jogging) twice this week and NO IT BAND pain!!!! I am wondering if my leg strength is improving and starting to compensate for the weakness in my hip flexor muscles??? Whatever, I am very encouraged.
I bought a pair of Nike+ sneakers to go with my new Ipod sensor and Nano and tried it yesterday. IT IS SO COOOOOL! I love it. The voice tells me how I am doing during my workouts. If I set a calorie burning goal, it tells me how I am doing along the way. If I pass my goal, it continues to track my progress. I am not focused on distance and speed right now, I am trying to build endurance and burn calories.
I trained my dogs today which requires quick burst of speeds and I felt great. But since that used my leg muscles similar to running, I will probably spin today. Feels so good to be back on the bike - even if it is indoors and even if I am going slow and steady. There is just something therapeutic about spinning.
I bought a pair of Nike+ sneakers to go with my new Ipod sensor and Nano and tried it yesterday. IT IS SO COOOOOL! I love it. The voice tells me how I am doing during my workouts. If I set a calorie burning goal, it tells me how I am doing along the way. If I pass my goal, it continues to track my progress. I am not focused on distance and speed right now, I am trying to build endurance and burn calories.
I trained my dogs today which requires quick burst of speeds and I felt great. But since that used my leg muscles similar to running, I will probably spin today. Feels so good to be back on the bike - even if it is indoors and even if I am going slow and steady. There is just something therapeutic about spinning.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
I'll Keep Trying
We left early for the basketball game today. I took my running gear with me and ran on the high school track. Nice surface - it's that newer cushiony stuff - I can't think of what it is called but it felt great. The wind was blowing, temps were pretty cold. I ended up running a little over a mile and it felt good. I am going to keep conditioning myself indoors on the treadmill by mostly walking coupled with a little bit of jogging, swimming and cycling.
The IT Band pain is never going to be gone unless I turn into a slug. Been there in an attempt to get the problem resolved. It returned as soon as I started walking and jogging. The bike was not the culprit this time. It is only mild and ice and pain meds definitely keep it under control. I refuse to sit around and wait for it to get better because it doesn't appear that is going to happen. I'm too active. I keep it stretched too - so I have done all the things that should prevent and help but it never really goes away completely unless I do nothing and become a big fat slug.
I'm still trying to get back in shape after the year long issue with the DARN It Band trouble. I refuse to quit. I'll never do anything considered long distance or even remotely competitive but as long as I stay healthy and keep my mind from wigging out, then I will be functional.
Enough about me and my darn leg. Today was the first basketball game of the season for the 3rd - 4th graders. I really enjoyed watching Greg coach the boys today. Devin is a scrappy player, our best defensive player. He reminds me of Tyler Hansbrough - all physical, not afraid to get in there and mix it up. He made some shots too and aided in a lot of plays. Then his exercise-induced asthma acted up and he had to sit and recover. He needs to use his inhaler and he refuses. SO STUBBORN! Anyway, his team won today with a score of 25 - 15.
The IT Band pain is never going to be gone unless I turn into a slug. Been there in an attempt to get the problem resolved. It returned as soon as I started walking and jogging. The bike was not the culprit this time. It is only mild and ice and pain meds definitely keep it under control. I refuse to sit around and wait for it to get better because it doesn't appear that is going to happen. I'm too active. I keep it stretched too - so I have done all the things that should prevent and help but it never really goes away completely unless I do nothing and become a big fat slug.
I'm still trying to get back in shape after the year long issue with the DARN It Band trouble. I refuse to quit. I'll never do anything considered long distance or even remotely competitive but as long as I stay healthy and keep my mind from wigging out, then I will be functional.
Enough about me and my darn leg. Today was the first basketball game of the season for the 3rd - 4th graders. I really enjoyed watching Greg coach the boys today. Devin is a scrappy player, our best defensive player. He reminds me of Tyler Hansbrough - all physical, not afraid to get in there and mix it up. He made some shots too and aided in a lot of plays. Then his exercise-induced asthma acted up and he had to sit and recover. He needs to use his inhaler and he refuses. SO STUBBORN! Anyway, his team won today with a score of 25 - 15.
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