You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone

I am not crazy.  Trust me.  I know that our pets are not kids.

But for me, Sasha is the closest I may get to having a child of my own (somewhat sad, I know).  When I got her a few years ago as a puppy, I made sure that I carved out time to spend bonding with her, training her and just making sure she was a great addition to my household.

One of the best things I feel like I ever did for her was to get her micro-chipped.  Yes, Marion County requires that you microchip your pets, but I did it for the peace of mind.  If she ever runs away or gets out, it may not keep her from getting injured, but if somebody is able to get a hold of her, it may help them make sure she gets back to me.

  

It's a REALLY tiny microchip (about the size of a grain of rice).  It's also a simple procedure that takes just a second for a qualified person to do.

So, if you're in central Indiana and want to have your pet microchipped, today only the Indianapolis Humane Society is offering low-cost microchipping from 10 AM to 2 PM.  For a minimum donation of just $7, your furry child can be microchipped!  If you can put a price on the love that comes from those wet nose-nuzzles, let's just say $7 is a STEAL, folks!

Hugs,
Heather

There's still time to vote!

There's still time to vote for Sasha and to register for the Target gift cards!  Just a reminder that this is a fundraiser for the Indianapolis Humane Society.

Currently, they are at capacity and desperately in need of donations to make sure that the 550(!) dogs and cats in their care are fed and sheltered well.  The average cost for an animal's stay at the shelter is $600 and the facility operates on donations alone.  I know that any donation (and/or vote for Sasha) would be greatly appreciated.

If you are unable to give money and are in the area, there is also a list of supplies that are needed.  For the shelter's wish list, click here.

My heart breaks that I can do no more than spread the word to you about their plight.  I've attached a news release being sent out by the facility about their needs.

Humane Society of Indianapolis reaches limit of animals it can care for with current resources.

IndyHumane’s budget and staff stretched to capacity as shelter cares for more animals than ever.

INDIANAPOLIS (July 7, 2010) – The Humane Society of Indianapolis (IndyHumane), currently caring for more than 500 kittens, puppies and mature cats and dogs, has reached the limit of the number of animals it can care for with its current financial and staffing resources and is asking the public for support of its mission, services and animals.

IndyHumane has a balanced budget for 2010 that allows it to care for 300 animals at any given time. Due to the dramatic increase in the number of homeless and unwanted animals in the Indianapolis area in recent months, though, the shelter is currently caring for 550 cats and dogs and must take measures to reduce the intake of more animals.

The Humane Society of Indianapolis typically asks people who wish to surrender pets and strays to call for an appointment to bring cats and dogs to the shelter. This allows staff to ensure proper care and adequate space for every animal that comes in. However, due to the large number of animals currently in the shelter’s care and its limited resources, it cannot currently take walk-in owner surrenders. The shelter’s schedule for people wishing to surrender animals is full until the first week of August, and appointments from then on will be scheduled as resources become available.

The Indy-based and independent shelter does not euthanize for space or time. It currently has 150 animals available for adoption, with a total of 400 living at the 7929 N. Michigan Road facility and 150 more in foster homes. Though IndyHumane invests, on average, $600 in medical, behavioral and shelter services per animal, regular adoption fees remain low: $35 for some cats, and $150 at the highest, for puppies.

“An army of 250 animal lovers sponsoring an animal for $600 each will help us alleviate financial strains, though any gift will help the animals and our mission,” said John Aleshire, Humane Society of Indianapolis CEO.

The current situation reflects general economic circumstances, as well as a recently updated mission and change of culture. The Humane Society of Indianapolis revised its mission in 2009 to better reflect new life-saving initiatives and an increased focus on public services, in addition to its traditional pet-adoption programs. In 2009, the shelter saved the lives of 85% of incoming stray and surrendered animals – 30% more than in 2008. IndyHumane also works with other local animal-welfare groups to save more animals, though these groups have experienced similar pressures, according to Christine Jeschke, Humane Society of Indianapolis Director of Operations. “We’re contacted daily with pleas from local rescues and shelters asking us to help their animals. It breaks my heart to have to turn them away.”

The shelter’s leadership recognizes that its current life-saving programs rely on donor support and the efforts of a small staff. “As hard as we are striving to be one of the nation’s premier animal shelters, we also have to be fiscally responsible and live within our means,” said Aleshire. “That has not always been the case in years past. We’re now a very lean and frugal organization. We’re caring for more animals than we ever have with much less staff than two years ago, and they continue to find ways to make every dollar stretch and be used responsibly.”

Larger economic concerns have impacted the non-profit. The shelter’s intake area has seen more people than ever surrender their pets due to financial difficulties, as people have lost their jobs or their homes and have had to focus greater resources on caring for their families. Other financial concerns have affected the shelter as well. IndyHumane’s veterinary team has seen the price of an antibiotic used daily to save the lives of kittens with severe eye infections skyrocket from $2 to nearly $20.

“When people tour IndyHumane, they are always moved by the scope and depth of our services,” Aleshire said. “I invite any member of the community to contact us and arrange for a behind-the-scenes tour to see all of our services in action. They’ll see that the overwhelming need in our community far surpasses our resources, and that their charitable contributions and support are used wisely.”

Aleshire says that the public can help the animals in IndyHumane’s care by lending financial support, by donating items found on the organization’s wish list, or by utilizing a number of IndyHumane’s services, including a recently opened low-cost vaccine clinic. To sponsor an animal’s care, call the Humane Society of Indianapolis at 317-872-5650 ext. 125. For more information, visit IndyHumane.org.

Does bribery work?

Okay, kids!  I plugged Sasha's entry into the Indianapolis Humane Society's Poster Pooch contest the other day and got an okay response.

So, perhaps I should up the ante.  Originally I promised a prize worth $25 if Ms. Sasha received at least 150 votes.  Perhaps I can go one better.  Here it is:

If Ms. Sasha receives 150 votes, 1 lucky winner will receive a $25 Target Gift Card.
If she receives 250 votes, I will give away TWO $25 Target Gift Cards.
If she receives 500 votes, I will give away THREE $25 Target Gift Cards AND if I have 100 followers, 1 lucky follower will receive an additional $25 Gift Card.

I know you can rise to this challenge and help support all of those loveable animals at the Indianapolis Humane Society.  Each vote is just $1 and the minimum number of votes is 5.  Once you've voted, either leave a message here or on the original post.  There's no need to be a follower, but if you are, that gives you another chance to win.

Thanks so much for reading my blog and voting for such an adorable dog.

If you would like to do more than just donate and have a place in your home and heart for a new family member, the Humane Society is running an adoption special until the end of the June.  IndyHumane is flooded with hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs, and until the end of June you can adopt any animal one year of age or older for 50% off their regular adoption fee!  That 50% off adoption fee includes microchipping and spay or neutering.  If you are looking for a pet, this is the perfect time to go down and check out all of the available fuzziness!

Sasha's Shameless Plug

I believe in putting my money (and my blog) where my mouth is.  I don't often plug things on here, but I'm doing it now....shamelessly.

The Indianapolis Humane Society is a really great organization that is supported solely by donations.  They are a no-kill shelter.  That means as long as an animal is healthy and adoptable, they can live at the shelter for years.  There is no expiration date on an animal simply because they've been around too long.  Consequently, personal donations of food, supplies and money are the livelihood of the facility.  They hold several fundraising events each year.  Among these events is the Mutt Strut.  It's held at the beginning of May and it's touted as a day when the track goes to the dogs because it happens at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Sasha and I have attended the last 2 years and while this year was a rainy mess, she had a blast in 2009.  There are lots of great vendors giving away free samples of food and offering medical check-ups for dogs.  It's just an amazingly fun doggy day.

Sasha!

So, here comes my plug!  Each year all the participants receive a t-shirt as part of their registration costs.  On the front of that t-shirt is the photo of the "Poster Pooch".  I would love nothing more than for Sasha to get to be that Poster Pooch for the 2011 Mutt Strut.  (I mean, seriously!  She's adorable!)  Here's where we need your help.  Go here to vote for her.  Each vote is $1 ($5 minimum) and ALL proceeds go to help some of our neglected, furry friends.  Right now she's waaay behind in the voting.  It's totally my fault and not at all a reflection on her lack of cuteness.  Did I mention that she's seriously cute!?!  The 11 runners-up will be part of a photo shoot and a 2011 doggy calender.  She'd be cool winning that if she can't have the top prize.  She's a giver, ya know!

Do you need more motivation than her fuzzy wuzzy muzzle?  Oh, okay!  If the great Sashinator receives more than 150 votes, you will be rewarded.  I will give away a prize package (worth at least $25) to one lucky voter.  Simply leave me a comment telling me that you voted and you'll be entered.  No need to become a follower.  Of course, if you want to be kept aprised of the contest, you might want to anyway.

Thanks so much for your time and your donation.

Stop by tomorrow to find out about the amazing adoption deal that the Humane Society of Indianapolis is having right now.

   

NOW - Furry love

This week I had my orientation for volunteering at the local animal shelter.  This could possibly be one of the most dangerous things I've ever done.

Oh, I'm not afraid of being bitten or attacked by a dog or cat.  No, the danger I fear is much greater.  I am in danger of falling in love with all of the shelter animals and ending up with a house full of cats and dogs!

Right now I have 2 cats (Phoebe and Munchkin), who are officially "geriatric", but I think they are quite spry!  I got Phoebe the day after I moved here to Indianapolis back in 1997.  She was the first cat I ever got and it never ceases to amaze me that she's already 13 years old.  It seems like just yesterday she was a 1 pound ball of fur that needed to grow into her gigantic ears.  Even though she is pretty youthful and I don't enjoy having to clean up her occasional mess, every day I catch myself sadly contemplating the day when she'll no longer be a part of my household.

I got Munchkin in 2000 a few weeks after another one of my cats got very ill and died suddenly.  At the time I was hurting and didn't want another cat, but she somehow came home with me anyway (thanks, Mom!) and now I'm very attached to the tempermental little girl.  She enjoys being petted, but her attitude can turn on a dime and if you're not careful, you could lose an appendage.  For some reason I have to convince other people that she's sweet.  Go figure!

And, of course, I have Sasha.

Clearly, 2 cats and one dog are MORE than enough for me in my little bungalow home.  I don't need any more.  CLEARLY.

The problem is I'm a softy.  I see those sweet eyes and furry faces (whether they are mine or at the shelter) and I want to pet them and protect them and make sure nothing bad ever happens to them.  To put it simply, I just melt.

So this is my chance to be strong and listen to the advice of the trainer who spoke to us at the shelter the other day.  He said, "Love them....here."  What better way is there to concentrate on the NOW?  Whether it's playing with Sasha at the dog park, snuggling with Phoebe and Munchkin in bed at night or walking the dogs at the shelter, I'm going to try to be in the "now".  I'm going to try to remember that worrying about the shelter animals finding a good home or fretting about when the end will come for my own pets only diminishes the joy I experience now.

Wish me luck and go give your pets some lovin's.

Call me Crazy

I am crazy.  I freely admit it.  I know others probably say it behind my back, but I think life is too short to go through it on a "normal" course.  There are just way too many things that might be completely and totally fun.  How will I know what those things are until I try them, right?

So, what makes me crazy this time?  I bought a kiddy carrier to pull behind my bicycle....for my dog.  It's okay.  I'll wait until you're done laughing.

Here's my explanation:  A great convergence occurred.  1)  I'm a big fan of multitasking and 2)  I've been on a kick to get some things crossed off of my list lately.  My most recent obsession is getting those 1000 miles ridden on my bicycle.  I could always head to the gym and ride them out on a stationary bike, but the weather here in Indiana is finally beautiful and I'm going to get out and enjoy it, darn it!  The only problem with going for a bike ride is that I'd love to take Sasha with me, but I'm afraid of her leash getting tangled up in my bike and bringing us both down.  Besides, she's not a very big dog (40 lbs) and despite her everlasting supply of energy, I didn't know how well she'd do running alongside me on a long bike ride.

So, I headed to Dick's Sporting Goods store and explained to the sales guy what I was looking for.  I was suprised to hear that lots of other people use those carriers for their dogs as well!  Perhaps I'm not as loony as I thought!

They've come a long way in the design of these carriers!  Once you attach the bracket to your bike (it stays on there and takes up very little room), you simply insert a toggle pin and you're ready to ride.

Sasha wasn't quite sure what to make of the ride at first and she REALLY didn't like the cobblestone road that I rode down, but she relaxed into it.  We rode from Troy's house in downtown Indianapolis up to the Broad Ripple area where there is a dog park.  Sasha was very excited to see all of the other puppies when we arrived and after an hour of playing at the park, she nearly fell asleep during the 6+ mile ride back to the house.

It was completely and totally a great afternoon!  When we got home that night, we both slept very well.  Even all those giggles I heard as other people passed us on the bike trail were well worth it.

A New Life's resolution - Day #71 (Physical)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #71 - Physical

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.

I don't know about you, but the shower is a great place for me to do some thinking.  I think amazing thoughts about brilliant blog posts or make to-do lists as long as my arm or comes up with solutions that will bring us all a cure for cancer and world peace.  Unfortunately, by the time I've dried myself off, my inspiration (and memory) has dried up too.  (I really need a shower dry-erase board or a voice activated recording system to jot down some of these stunning solutions.)

Fortunately for me (and you), not all of those thought evaporated yesterday!  As I was compiling my to-do list for this week, I thought about trying to plan my meals for the week and schedule my trips to the gym.  The mere thought of the forced attention to "eating right and exercising" sent my brain into a tailspin.  These thoughts seem like a broken record that has been playing all of my life.

It was at that point I decided I had had enough of feeling the gloom and doom and dread associated with the need to "eat right and exercise".  That old definition of insanity postulated by Albert Einstein popped into my head.  He said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.


So, for the next two weeks I'm going to try to change the way I think about eating right and exercise in an effort to change the way I act.  It's easy to think of eating right and exercising as only being beneficial to our physical well-being, but I think all of our areas of wellness could benefit from these thoughts.


Week #1 is exercise!  I don't know about you, but because exercise was never integrated into my life as I was growing up, I immediately think that to do it right, I have to drag myself to the gym.

What if, instead, I think about all the ways that I can "exercise" throughout the day?


For instance, spring is (finally!) here.  That means the weather is amazing.  I have legs that work quite well.  I live in a friendly neighborhood where people are outside with their kids and their dogs all the time.  I take Sasha to a doggy daycare place just about 2 tenths of a mile from my house.  Instead of stressing out after work every day about rushing home to pick her up (in the car) and then mentally beating myself up into going to the gym afterward, why don't I kill 2 birds with one stone?  A vigorous walk (or a jog when I'm in better shape) to get her followed by a more leisurely doggy/owner walk on the way back home doesn't seem like such a stressful thing.


Remembering that exercise doesn't have to be perfect and torturous could most definitely help me feel better about the thought of engaging in it on a regular basis.


Have you ever tried to redefine exercise as a positive and fun activity?  If so, what works for you?

A New Life's resolution - Day #54 (Emotional)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #54 - Emotional
 
According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others."
 
I may not often feel Intellectually ill, but sometimes I am the poster child for emotional illness.  ....wait....that didn't come out right.... 
 
Anyway....  Next to trying to find physical wellness, struggling for emotional wellness has been one of my hardest tasks.  I think I was always a bit of a melancholy child and I was told I was "too sensitive" from the time I emerged from the womb, I swear!  For some reason I have this deep abiding need for other people to "get" me.  I want them to understand why I'm angry or frustrated.  I need them to be excited when something excites me because it's the "coolest thing I've ever seen!"  When they don't, (which is inevitable, really) I take it as a personal affront.
 
When you combine this desperate need to be understood with my desire to be empathetic to those around me, you have one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride!
 
So, what do I reach for most often when I'm feeling down?  First, these amazing little white pills called Bupropion (marketed as Wellbutrin).  They are an antidepressant and they are seriously a blessing.
 

This is the point where my mother's voice enters my head telling me not to tell everyone that I'm medicated.  She's of the generation that thinks the stigma involved with admitting you need chemical assistance or that you see a psychologist is to be avoided at all costs even if taking said meds and seeing said doc is one of the best things you've ever done.  Believe me when I say the decision to take an antidepressant was not one I made without a serious amount of soul-searching and research into alternatives.  Despite my doctor's suggestion of it, it took me well over a year to take the plunge because I thought that needed it meant I was weak or that I was one step from being checked into an asylum.  I thought that I just needed to pep talk myself into feeling better (even though I'd tried to do that unsuccessfully for years) or that I just had to "decide" to be happy.  Admitting that my depression was actually something caused by a chemical imbalance in my body rather than a character flaw freed me up to get the help that I desperately needed.
 
With the help of that little pill, the thought of walking out into the world each morning is much less daunting!
 

Second, there is something incredibly soothing about the cute fuzzy muzzle of my little Sasha puppy.  If I'm feeling sad or lonely a few licks from her and the world is a brighter place.  If you have a pet, you know what I'm talking about.  If you don't you MUST go and get yourself one of these precious bundles of love.  They don't care if you didn't wash your hair that day or if you're wearing your fat pants.  All they know is playing and sleeping and loving you unconditionally.  If that doesn't cure what ails you, I don't know what will.

A New Life's resolution - Day #13 (Social)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #41 - Social


According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. Social Wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's family. As you travel a wellness path, you'll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway."

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.

The 3 things I love in the realm of the Social aspect of wellness are:

1)  Get-togethers with my girls.  I've talked a few times lately about my girlfriends and how important I think other women are as we grow older.  The group of women that I hang out with get together several times throughout the year even when our lives are hectic and crazy.  After all, what woman's life ISN'T hectic?  We see each other about once a month for the Book Babes book club.  Every February or March we gather for a day of guiltless eating and sappy movies.  Most of the time, during the fall we have a weekend away of sorts where we get out of town.  We've rented a house in southern Indiana, taken a cruise and even flown to Texas to visit some other girlfriends.  I may not see all of them all of the time, but I know they are there for me and I hope they know I'm there for them too.  Even better about this group is that, while we have a core group of girls, anyone is welcome.  We've opened our arms to many women throughout the years and our experiences are all the richer for having done so.

2)  Poker night with "the guys".  First, let me state the obvious.  Hanging out with the guys is MUCH different than hanging out with the girls.  There's not nearly as many crafts being done.  At the Chick Flick film Festival, I'm always crocheting.  I tried that once at the poker game.  Let's just say it was not received well.  Even without the crafting, there's a certain way that guys interact when women (apparently I've become "one of the guys") aren't around.  There's always sports on the TV at one of the games I go to.  The snacks brought are certainly not aimed at being health conscious (think beer and chips).  Some of the jokes and stories told are a little questionable at times (you know who you are, Rod).  But the conversations overall are usually pretty great and they've certainly made me a better poker player because I AM just one of the guys to them.

3)  Hangin' with Sasha at the dog park.  Seriously!  If you like dogs and haven't visited a dog park, you are definitely missing out.  Dogs are all id and the dog park is all about satisfying their id-y desires.  Wanna play with a ball?  SURE!  Wanna sniff another dog?  We've got plenty!  Wanna run and jump and romp until you can't go anymore?  Have at it!  Sasha loves the park and other dogs so much that we will be 1/2 a mile away and she's is practically bouncing around like a pogo stick.  Sasha loves the dog park.  I love Sasha.  Ergo, I love the dog park!  Besides, I take in a crazy bouncy pogo dog and I take home a cuddly, tuckered out bundle of fur.  It doesn't get much better than that.

A New Life's resolution - Day #38 (Spiritual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #38 - Spiritual

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The spiritual dimension of wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe."

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.


The 3 things I love in the realm of the Spiritual aspect of wellness are:

1) Fate, kismet, coincidence, the hand of God.  Whatever you want to call it, I love it when events transpire in such a way that I am reminded that perhaps all of the ways we "bump into" each other every day aren't merely accidental.  For instance, when I was leaving work the other day, I got into the elevator as I usually do and accidentally hit the button for the 20th floor rather than the 1st floor (they are very close together).  Now, I've been working in my current office for several months and I've never done that.  After I realized what I had done, I prayed that no one else would get on and see what I had done (these elevators are not very busy).  Of course, on the 25th floor a young man got on and of course, I felt the need to explain to him what I had done.  I made a comment that we would be making a brief stop on the 20th floor and we both chuckled.  As the doors opened on the 20th floor, a woman whose arms were loaded down with boxes and bag turned the corner on her way to the elevators.  She looked surprised and relieved to see that the elevator was standing there waiting for her.  My heart gave a little leap that I had "accidentally" helped someone without knowing it.

2)  Participating in events for charities.  I'm still a little bitter.  I admit it.  I never got into National Honor Society.  WHAT?!?!  GASP!!!  (I KNOW!)  Why didn't I get in?  Apparently I didn't have enough volunteer activities on my "resume".  Thankfully as an adult I've been able to change that.  I've participated in lots of walks for breast cancer charities including the Breast Cancer 3-Day, started helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity when I was in college and thoroughly enjoyed the Mutt Strut with Sasha last spring.  It's so great to get to help where and how I can.  I may not be rich, but I can walk and I can hammer in a nail or paint a wall and I can tell people all about the adorable dogs and cats available for adoption.  Helping to make the world a little better one person (or dog) at a time makes my spirit sing.....   Now, do you think I could contact the NHS and get them to reconsider my application?

3)  Singing hymns.  I have lots of doubts about organized religion, hypocrites mascarading as "christians" and all of that, but there are still parts of me that are that little lutheran girl on the inside.  I love singing.  I really do.  But I especially love singing hymns in church.  There's just something about the organ and the choir and the melodies that resonate with me.  The church that I go to with Troy is Methodist.  When I first started going there, that was thing that I didn't like.  They only sing 3 hymns during the entire service.  Can you even imagine?  We lutherans LOVE our singing and our hymnal.  We sing when we first get there and before and after we pray.  We sing before the sermon and before we depart the sanctuary.  Yep, we lutherans sure do love our singing.  .... I feel a song coming on, don't you?

A New Life's resolution - Day #36 (Physical)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #36 - Physical

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week!  This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.
 
The 3 things I love in the realm of the Physical aspect of wellness are:
 

1)  Workout clothes.  I know it sounds silly, but one of the ways I have of encouraging myself to work out is to have clothes that I feel comfortable in.  Having great workout shoes, fabulous sports bras or cute yoga pants are so much more fun for me than old shoes and stained t-shirts.  I realize that I'm just going to sweat and stink them up, but I do so love wicking socks and an accurate heart rate monitor.  It may not be true for a lot of things, but for me, sometimes working out is all about the gear!  If it were the 80s, I would be all about leg warmers and leotards and Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical"!
 

2)  30 minutes on a treadmill accompanied by Alex Trebek.  It's a new routine I've hit upon, but I am loving getting to the gym around 7 PM, lifting a few weights, then heading up to the cardio area where I flip on the TV from 7:30 to 8 for Jeopardy with Alex Trebek.  It's amazing to me how fast time goes when I am answering quiz questions.  I don't pay attention to the sweat pouring down my forehead or the cramp in my calves when I'm trying to remember what the largest province in Canada is.  It's the closest thing to a diet pill and a time machine rolled in one that I've found!
 

3)  Walking Sasha when the weather is nice.  There's a saying that I once heard that if your dog is overweight, YOU aren't getting enough exercise.  I think there's probably something to that.  Even if there's not, it's enough to get me out and walking with Sasha.  When the temperatures are mild and the sun is shining, there's nothing better than a stroll though the neighborhood.  In the year since I've gotten her, I've met more people in my neighborhood than I had in the 8 years I lived here before.  When I'm walking with her, I am free - free to explore, free to think, free to feel the wind in my hair.  Besides, who wouldn't love spending time with that fuzzy little face?

A New Life's resolution - Day #33 (Emotional)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #33 - Emotional

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others."

I love my puppy, Sasha, for so many reasons.  One of the many showed itself tonight.

Here in Indiana, we got quite a bit of snow today.  It started snowing around 9:15 this morning and it's still going strong.  I'm not a big fan of snow or cold weather and after my dreams of spring the other day, I was feeling a little down about the fluffy white stuff.

But Sasha changed all that.  I suited up in all my winter gear, clipped her leash onto her and we headed out for a walk.  When I first opened the door, I don't think she was thrilled at the prospect of walking around in it, but that lasted only a moment.  As we headed out on our walk, she frolicked and romped around chasing little balls of snow caused by her footfalls.  Some may call the frozen water falling from the sky "snow", but I think it should be called "doggy crack"!  She was crazy!  And before I knew it, I was laughing out loud at her enthusiasm.

I left the house feeling grumpy and blue at the weather, but I returned a little chillier, but with a much lighter spirit.  Maybe these fuzzy little creatures can teach us how to find the joy in every day.  I know I'm going to pay more attention to the lessons she has to teach me.

Fabulous Friday Finds - "Puppy Size"

I must admit that I am not one to forward on emails. I don't participate in those "get to know your friends" emails. I don't send on "warnings" that come out by email (especially if they haven't been checked through Snopes.com). I'm as big a fan of cute cuddly puppies and kitties and babies as the next person, but I'm trying to live a simpler life and that means not cluttering the inboxes of my friends with useless information and electronic "paper clutter."

Ok, with that being said......

My mom sent me this email a few weeks ago and it has been on my mind ever since. Since it's something that I can truly feel and understand and becaues I think it's so endearing, I present it to you this Friday as my Fabulous Find:

Puppy Size

'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.

'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.

'Puppy size!' replied the mother.

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.'

'I know..... we have seen most of them, ' the mom said in frustration...

Just then Danielle came walking into the office. 'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom.

'No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?' The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.

'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer. ' Mom , that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said.

'No not size..... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said.. 'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sighs!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both. 'Mom , every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, ' Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'

Ok, now go and hug your kids and husband, friends and pets. And when you do, remember that what matters is the sighs of your heart.

Fabulous Friday Finds - The Secret is in the Sauce

Recently I've been doing a bit of web searching and a few weeks ago I found "The Secret is in the Sauce". It's a website devoted to connecting women bloggers with one another each day. Every weekday they have a featured blogger who is Queen for the day. On a daily basis about 400 bloggers check in and check out the Blogger of the Day. It has been an amazing way to connect with women I might otherwise meet. It's even been a source of inspiration for me to keep getting my house (literally and figuratively in order).

So, if you've got a few minutes go over and check them out. I'm certain you will not be disappointed. You'll probably even find some new soulmates. I know I have.

In the meantime, I'd love your input. I'd like to be featured as a blogger of the day on their site at some point. In order to do so, I have to submit three of my best blog entries. I'm kind of partial to some of them, so probably not a very good judge as to what are my best. I'd love to have your input. I've listed some of my favorites below. Take a look and let me know which 3 you think I should submit. Thanks for your input and I truly thank you for reading my thoughts and helping to make me feel so loved.

1. My weight loss woes

2. Donate my hair to Lock of Love

3. Strawberry Picking

4. Goodbye Sisko

5. Sasha!

6. An organized craft room

7. My reduction surgery
follow-up on the surgery

8. My motorcycle win!

9. The physics of wind on a motorcycle

10. Why I love motorcycling

11. The voice of God

12. Nostalgia

An homage to Sasha on her birthday!

The dogs days of summer

On Saturday, Sasha and I went to a little community park where they were having a neighborhood festival complete with square dancers and a jump house for the kids. There were lots of other dogs there and it was a great chance to catch up with our dog trainer. She was there testing dogs for a program that takes dogs into nursing homes and prisons for visits. I love fall for these activities. The weather was wonderful, the leaves were changing color and it was just a great day to be out and about in the city.

While hanging out with Sasha this weekend, I realized that in my next life I'd like to come back as my dog. On Friday evening, Troy and I went to the fish fry being held at our church and we decided to take Sasha with us. (I try to take her with me as much as I can because I think she would rather be out with me than stuck at home by herself and it also makes for good teaching moments to keep her training sharp.) While we were there LOTS of people commented that she was such a good dog and was very pretty. (uh yeah...duh!) As the fish fry was closing down, a woman came up and asked if Sasha would like some of her sandwich. Okay. Sasha certainly did like that fish. Then on Saturday while we were out, I decided to go to Dairy Queen for a treat (shhhh....don't tell anyone). The young woman manning the window asked if my dog could have some ice cream. She then gave her a little cup of vanilla ice cream. Nice! I'm not sure if dogs are actually supposed to have ice cream, but Sasha sure did like it!

Sure, as a dog you have to deal with ignorant owners who yell "Shut the f^*& up" (an ACTUAL thing I heard this weekend) when you simply do your job by barking at the strangers outside of your house, but for the most part, it's a pretty good life!


Seriously! Is this not the cutest dog EVER?!?