Deep Breath

Taken about a month ago I think this adequately represents how the dogs are feeling about me today. Sorry boys, Mama's gotta get stuff done.

Last night I recieved some awful news from my wonderful person of a boss. Her brother-in-law was flying a small plane that crashed near a small local airport, he and another passenger perished in the crash. My boss and her family were very close to him and his family and they are all devestated and understandably in shock. She is taking a week off of work to deal with the family. Though obviously it is going to take much more than a week to come to terms with what such a tragic and sudden loss.

Since this morning I have not been taking care of work stuff (except for this blog post obviously) nearly non-stop. Within a couple of minutes after I rolled out of bed I have had a steady stream of emails, texts, and calls all in regards to studio needs. Because of this I've had to cancel going to Louie's usual dog training class to take care of stuff. I seriously think he's a bit cranky, but, good Lord I haven't even had a shower yet! Whee!

I have always wondered what all my boss deals with in a day and this is definitely giving me some perspective. Doesn't matter though, biting down on the bullet, taking a good deep breath, and doing everything I can to ensure the studio is fuctioning. I can't wait for dance class tonight to help clear my head. It's going to be quite a busy week if today is any indicator.

Current State of Things

Currently oh so sleepy and tired. Had friends over last night, got to bed later than normal, and then slept like crap. Today my back and some of my ribs hurt which I think happened when I had a severe bout or two, well okay it was three, of the hiccups. The picture above reflects what I'm doing right now, sitting on the couch, occasionally closing my eyes, and being an utterly useless lump.

Wow that makes me seem rather boring.

Despite the urge to stare blankly at the tv and become somewhat devoid of all feeling,I finally decided to blog, convincing myself you all were dying to see how Leo is growing and what he's doing. 'Cause you are right? As you can tell, he's quite the adorable mutant. His weight is steadily climbing towards the forty pound mark (he's almost 14 weeks btw). I feed him Eukanuba, the reccommended portions, and just grows and grows. At least he still has that precious puppy face. He really is a sweetie, quite the cuddle bug too. He's rather smart and able to do things, except for when I take him to our one-on-one dog training lessons at Therapetics. Ha! All bets are off when we're there and he acts absolutely wretched. Friday he was actually barking in my face despite every mean voice I could conjure up and two 'time-outs' (yes, I put my dog in time out and the little toot still threw fits!).

Did you know dogs could throw hissy fits? I haven't really experienced this before so I was quite beffudled. Naturally he hasn't done anything remotely close to a fit since, so I dunno. I think I just need to work on training a bit longer at home and not get so intimidated when I'm in front of people. I don't want to sound too mean you know? Afraid that may come across wrong- I bet he can sense that. You think? I mean I know children can be quite capable of smelling weakness and thus test every boundary possible. Perhaps puppies do the same too?

Either way I'm probably the one to blame. Greeaaattt.... feeling really confident about this puppy raising thing lol. Let's not even begin on starting a family, I don't wanna. And as long as I put my fingers in my ears and scream, 'Lalalalalalala!!!' I don't have to think, talk, nor hear about it.

Yeah I know. I'm real mature huh?

The not so little cutie, looking extra cute, while probably plotting his next fit to show what a horrible 'mom' I am.

Despite what feels like a stepback or two, the one-on-one sessions have been a success. I've learned more to address how Leo needs to learn in just a day than three sessions with the before mentioned trainer, dubbed, "Drill Seargant Jane". It's a major relief and the director wants me to write what I went through down and send it in an email for documentation. After going through some guilt (because I really do like trying to get along with people!) I really don't have an issue with this as I realized the last thing this amazing organization needs is volunteers being so frustrated with the training they quit. I will play my small part in helping this organization grow even if it means calling someone out on their teaching methods. Not what I expected, but, hey life sometimes asks you to do the unexpected right?

In other news, work is going well, and I've been loving Irish dance class and am trying to get to more classes in the week. It's just too much fun, a great way to forget what's going on in the day and just workout and focus on dance, and not to mention I have some of the nicest classmates in the freakin' world! One of them is actually allowing me to hitch a ride to a feis in Dallas and share the hotel room so I can go see what this whold dance competition thing is about without having to spend a whole lot. Another classmate has lent me an older pair of ghillies (softshoes) so I can get used to them and not dance on the tile floor barefoot and so on and so forth.

Hmmm... guess I'm lucky huh? Despite the drama, the ups and downs of daily life, I can't help but look over this entry and think how lucky I am to have all of this going on in my world. Weird huh? Now, if I can get my taxes in order and somehow get to travel abroad this year things will be golden. Alright, so I can't help but wish for a little more. Keeps one motived right?

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

If you are not one of my friends on Facebook (which hurts me btw ;-)) you missed this gem. I was babysitting two kids before teaching more kids today. At one point this afternoon, I joked the eight year old that I was going to bust him for sitting on my phone. His response? Strike a ninja/boxer pose and say, "Bring it old woman!"

I nearly fell over. I don't know what I felt more, shock or humor.

Upon reflection.... Humor. Definitely, humor.

And I think that bodes well for me as the big 3-0 gets closer and closer.

Oh boy....

It's Olympic Season again. Like I need another distraction!! So much to watch and so little time to get through it all! Yet I can't get enough. It's a vicious cycle I tell ya.

Are you into the Olympics at all?

Photo Reflection

Learning to smile and enjoy a moment despite the flurry of activity around me. Happy mid-week everyone! Hope it's treating you well.

Getting Involved

Now that I'm a puppy raiser I can get involved in various volunteer opportunities. Saturday morning I went to one of the malls in Tulsa to sit at a table for Therapetics during the Stride 'n Ride Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. We were there to represent Therapetics and talk to people about the dogs, what they are learning, will do, etc. etc. Despite being up early and without coffee for the first hour I was there I am so glad I went. It's amazing how people respond to dogs, in particular the children. I couldn't get enough pictures of the puppie interacting with them!

Look at Leo! That is Patty, she offered to handle Leo while I went to get my caffiene fix. I saw her with this young boy and Leo was great! A little lively, but, he was really well behaved overall.

However, I think Leo was okay with the attention.

Windy (the Golden Retriever) and Felicity had to come over to say hi. I think this boy was in puppy love heaven. His face was priceless. When I look at these pictures and I am reminded
why I do this.

All the action wore Windy out. She had to take a much deserved break.

Leo did too. While everyone walked around the mall he sacked out. It looks like he's saying to me, 'Come on please leave me alone... I need sleep.'

Murphy, one the older dogs, was up for more love and attention though. Isn't this picture classic? Man, talk about AWWWW!!

Oh my gosh then there was this baby. Leo was still dozing when he got on the ground and wiggled up to an unsuspecting Leo.

I am glad I am getting involved in an organization cause that gives me such a satisfying feeling and memories that will only cause me to be a better person. Volunteering is about helping other out and that is the primary reason I'm a puppy raiser. Oddly enough, I think though I may get just as much out of this experience as the person who will be lucky enough to get Leo's help and love. Funny how that works huh?

More Snow On The Way

More snow is on the way tomorrow. Probably means lessons canceled, people panicking, probably some hassel if I have to drive around, etc. etc.

But for the puppies..

Something tells me they'll be having plenty of fun in the snow. Just a gut feeling.