The weekend after Thanksgiving, Austin and I adopted Sam. At the shelter, he was labeled as a Norwegian Elkhoud Mix, which we took to mean "pure-bred mutt." After a couple weeks, we thought he looked like he had more Whippet/Terrier in him than Elkhound. It really wasn't anything that we really cared about, he's a sweet enough little guy, so we never really looked into it anymore.
Then we started actually taking him to obedience training a couple weeks ago. During his first class, our instructor told us something we really didn't want to hear: Sam is probably a Basenji mix. Now, there's nothing necessarily wrong about having a Basenji, but they are incredibly stubborn. In fact, The Intelligence of Dogs has called the Basenji "the second least trainable dog." This isn't due to the fact that Basenjis are dumb, they're actually a highly intelligent breed, but they are stubborn. And dear lord is Sam stubborn. This just means that we have to be more stubborn than him.
All things considered, Sam really is a great dog. When you look at the fact that he lived on the streets for the first four months or so of his life and then in a shelter for three, he's really a very well behaved loving dog. I just wish the little brat would stop being so hard headed sometimes. The obedience training has helped, but I'm fairly certain that this is more for our benefit than his seeing as we learn new ways to help him learn. He just sees it as time to get out of the house and be somewhere new. He's already got basics like "sit" and "down" and "stay" so we're trying to work on a few more difficult things for him. He's also pretty awful on a leash so that's what I think we're going to have to really work with for the next week with him. He's constantly pulling and is more ADD than he is any other given time.
For those of you out there that has a dog that pulls like Sam, don't get them a regular harness. I know that you might want to get a harness but really that only increases a dogs desire to pull. Think about sled dogs, they have a harness on them so they can pull a sled. A harness that attaches to a leash on the back doesn't get your dog to stop pulling. Our trainer recommended this Easy Walk because it connects in the front, therefor the dog simply can't pull otherwise they get turned in a circle. There are also Easy Walk harness that connect like a bit of a muzlzle that really work the best (if your dog doesn't mind having it on and doesn't try to claw their face off like Sam did). I'll be sure to let you know if the easy-walk harness we got for him actually does help and if it really does help him stop pulling. Because for such a small dog that dog can pull.
Fingers crossed this weeks' walks go better than last week!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I might not have an exciting life, but at least its busy
The past few weeks I've been really good about keeping this updated with the (not so exciting) going-ons in my life and this past week I've fallen a bit behind. I'm also guessing, from looking at my calendar, that I'm going to be redirecting my focus elsewhere for a while. I've actually got a life! Well, kinda...
Last week, I sat down with my boss and sat down and pretty much planned out our entire year. While it was a bit overwhelming to be planning for mid-year and annual reviews that are going to be happening in November and December, after I was able to finish everything I really feel prepared for this year. I've been able to schedule the days that I'll need to begin requesting information from carriers, putting together and sending out RFPs, and even getting the presentations together for each meeting we have this year. I know not everyone is as into scheduling as I am and might find this a bit overkill, this sort of organization helps me from feeling overwhelmed. There were many times this past year that I was just told "This is what we're doing today/this week" and had to try and scramble to make it happen. Now that I know more about this entire process and what to do, I feel more in control of my schedule and therefor I feel like this year is going to be much easier than last year.
I've also got all of my dance classes scheduled. While this wont change too much from this previous fall semester, I've managed to add a few classes. I've also got to be prepared for the Cecchetti exams happening next weekend. I've been working on my Cecchetti II for several months and I have no doubts I'll pass, but there are a few things that I've got to work on in order to become a better dancer. I have a feeling that plies and I will never get along... Wearing heels all the time has shortened a few key muscles and I'm now constantly trying to lengthen and strengthen them. I am getting closer to getting all of my splits down! So that's some form of progress. I'm also starting to work on a few of the dances I'll be in during the annual spring recital. While I've only started working on two of the dances, I've realized that I'm going to be in at least eight dances this year. What have I gotten myself into?
Lastly, next week I'll be starting back up with the Spring semester. I know that wont give me much of a break since I decided to take classes in the winter semester (which I finally was able to finish today), but I am really looking for classes to start back up again. Not only is it because I'm going to be able to graduate in the spring (something I'm sure you all are getting a bit tired of hearing), but also because two of the classes I'm going to be taking are actually going to be fun. I think I'm most excited about my Computer Illustration class. It is the only class I'm taking on campus and it will be once a week from 5:30-9:30, but I think it's going to be a lot of fun. It and my 2-D Design are also going to give me a reason to purchase the entire Adobe Creative Suite, something I've wanted for many years.
I'm also beginning to wonder if I really wont take classes at all in the summer. I haven't really talked about it with anyone, but I think I could still take two or three classes over the summer, even while enrolled at UTD, and they'll still transfer over. I think. I don't know. I just don't know if I could actually take that much of a break. Arabesque takes a month long break in the summer and without school I think I might get bored. I also don't want to get out of the habit of having to study and take care of my schoolwork. I know that's months away, but when you've got your entire year planned out something happening in May/June seems to be just right around the corner!
So maybe I really don't have that much of a life. Maybe all my life is is just a constant juggle between school, dance and work. But that's better than nothing! So, now that you all know what's happening in my life for the next several months, do forgive me if I am not as regular with my updates.
Until next time!
Last week, I sat down with my boss and sat down and pretty much planned out our entire year. While it was a bit overwhelming to be planning for mid-year and annual reviews that are going to be happening in November and December, after I was able to finish everything I really feel prepared for this year. I've been able to schedule the days that I'll need to begin requesting information from carriers, putting together and sending out RFPs, and even getting the presentations together for each meeting we have this year. I know not everyone is as into scheduling as I am and might find this a bit overkill, this sort of organization helps me from feeling overwhelmed. There were many times this past year that I was just told "This is what we're doing today/this week" and had to try and scramble to make it happen. Now that I know more about this entire process and what to do, I feel more in control of my schedule and therefor I feel like this year is going to be much easier than last year.
I've also got all of my dance classes scheduled. While this wont change too much from this previous fall semester, I've managed to add a few classes. I've also got to be prepared for the Cecchetti exams happening next weekend. I've been working on my Cecchetti II for several months and I have no doubts I'll pass, but there are a few things that I've got to work on in order to become a better dancer. I have a feeling that plies and I will never get along... Wearing heels all the time has shortened a few key muscles and I'm now constantly trying to lengthen and strengthen them. I am getting closer to getting all of my splits down! So that's some form of progress. I'm also starting to work on a few of the dances I'll be in during the annual spring recital. While I've only started working on two of the dances, I've realized that I'm going to be in at least eight dances this year. What have I gotten myself into?
Lastly, next week I'll be starting back up with the Spring semester. I know that wont give me much of a break since I decided to take classes in the winter semester (which I finally was able to finish today), but I am really looking for classes to start back up again. Not only is it because I'm going to be able to graduate in the spring (something I'm sure you all are getting a bit tired of hearing), but also because two of the classes I'm going to be taking are actually going to be fun. I think I'm most excited about my Computer Illustration class. It is the only class I'm taking on campus and it will be once a week from 5:30-9:30, but I think it's going to be a lot of fun. It and my 2-D Design are also going to give me a reason to purchase the entire Adobe Creative Suite, something I've wanted for many years.
I'm also beginning to wonder if I really wont take classes at all in the summer. I haven't really talked about it with anyone, but I think I could still take two or three classes over the summer, even while enrolled at UTD, and they'll still transfer over. I think. I don't know. I just don't know if I could actually take that much of a break. Arabesque takes a month long break in the summer and without school I think I might get bored. I also don't want to get out of the habit of having to study and take care of my schoolwork. I know that's months away, but when you've got your entire year planned out something happening in May/June seems to be just right around the corner!
So maybe I really don't have that much of a life. Maybe all my life is is just a constant juggle between school, dance and work. But that's better than nothing! So, now that you all know what's happening in my life for the next several months, do forgive me if I am not as regular with my updates.
Until next time!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Let's get all deep about dancing
I started dancing about three and a half years ago and I found something there that I needed in my life. Dancing was a way for me to discover a new part of myself and to become comfortable with my body. When you're constantly thinking about what you eat and how many calories you take in and how thin you can make yourself, dancing in naught but a leotard and tights can be a daunting thought. But, this was something that I had wanted to do for most of my life, so I started going.
Dancing has become a huge part of my life. I dance in the studio at least four days a week, sometimes five, and at home the rest of the week. When people ask me to do anything during the week, without fail, I know my answer will always be "Sorry, I can't. I've got dance." I went from dancing once a week to me trying to arrange the rest of my life to fit. Last year I missed several hockey games because I had dance. Now that there is a season, I know I'll probably miss just as many, even with a shortened season, because I'm dancing even more. But that's okay with me. While I love hockey, nothing can replace the feeling I get when I dance. And while I know I'll never be a professional, this is still something I love, something I never thought would help me as it has. I don't have much of an opportunity to go out during the week since I have to be at the studio at 9:00 on Saturdays and I'm there until at least 2:00.
When I started dancing all those years ago, I didn't realize that it would make me feel more confident. I would have never assumed that simply dancing would, overtime, allow me to cope with an eating disorder. Who would have ever imagined that ballet would help me begin to eat better and actually not feel guilty about eating? Dancing has done more than simply teach me the steps, it has given me a place to fully express everything I'm feeling without ever having to speak a word to anyone. . After some of my most difficult days, I would be able to go to the studio and take out all of my anger and frustration out on the dance floor. On the best days, I can I can walk in and by the way I plie or devloppe and my instructor seems to understand the type of mood I'm in and what style of teaching is going to help me understand a new step or concept. I didn't realize how much closer it would have made me and Mel after I convinced her to also start taking classes
I've also realized that when I dance, I feel at home.
Maybe part of it is due to the fact that I'm pretty sure I spend more time at the studio than in my own actual house, but there is something that just feels like home when I dance. My studio takes off two weeks for the Christmas holidays and I missed a week because I was taking a math course. So prior to yesterday I hadn't been at the studio in three weeks (yay math!). And even though I did practice through the break and I have my own room in which to practice and have all of my costumes, there was something a bit like coming home when I got to dance yesterday. Maybe this bought of sentimentality is due to the fact that I haven't been there for three whole weeks but I've come to realize how much dancing and my studio means to me. I know in a few years I'll probably leave the studio I'm at so I can continue to advance, a fact I discussed with someone else for the first time this weekend, and it really kinda makes me sad to think about leaving.
Just like (most) people don't want to leave home, its something I know I need to do in order to grow. I don't always agree with everything in my studio and there are often tiffs about my schedule because, as much as I would rather spend all day there, I simply can't. And, though it wont happen for a few years, it was a realization that caused me to think about how much this studio and ballet and pointe and jazz and tap and pilates have helped me through some wonderful and difficult times. It made me realize that dancing is more than a hobby, its a part of who I am.
Dancing has become a huge part of my life. I dance in the studio at least four days a week, sometimes five, and at home the rest of the week. When people ask me to do anything during the week, without fail, I know my answer will always be "Sorry, I can't. I've got dance." I went from dancing once a week to me trying to arrange the rest of my life to fit. Last year I missed several hockey games because I had dance. Now that there is a season, I know I'll probably miss just as many, even with a shortened season, because I'm dancing even more. But that's okay with me. While I love hockey, nothing can replace the feeling I get when I dance. And while I know I'll never be a professional, this is still something I love, something I never thought would help me as it has. I don't have much of an opportunity to go out during the week since I have to be at the studio at 9:00 on Saturdays and I'm there until at least 2:00.
When I started dancing all those years ago, I didn't realize that it would make me feel more confident. I would have never assumed that simply dancing would, overtime, allow me to cope with an eating disorder. Who would have ever imagined that ballet would help me begin to eat better and actually not feel guilty about eating? Dancing has done more than simply teach me the steps, it has given me a place to fully express everything I'm feeling without ever having to speak a word to anyone. . After some of my most difficult days, I would be able to go to the studio and take out all of my anger and frustration out on the dance floor. On the best days, I can I can walk in and by the way I plie or devloppe and my instructor seems to understand the type of mood I'm in and what style of teaching is going to help me understand a new step or concept. I didn't realize how much closer it would have made me and Mel after I convinced her to also start taking classes
I've also realized that when I dance, I feel at home.
Maybe part of it is due to the fact that I'm pretty sure I spend more time at the studio than in my own actual house, but there is something that just feels like home when I dance. My studio takes off two weeks for the Christmas holidays and I missed a week because I was taking a math course. So prior to yesterday I hadn't been at the studio in three weeks (yay math!). And even though I did practice through the break and I have my own room in which to practice and have all of my costumes, there was something a bit like coming home when I got to dance yesterday. Maybe this bought of sentimentality is due to the fact that I haven't been there for three whole weeks but I've come to realize how much dancing and my studio means to me. I know in a few years I'll probably leave the studio I'm at so I can continue to advance, a fact I discussed with someone else for the first time this weekend, and it really kinda makes me sad to think about leaving.
Just like (most) people don't want to leave home, its something I know I need to do in order to grow. I don't always agree with everything in my studio and there are often tiffs about my schedule because, as much as I would rather spend all day there, I simply can't. And, though it wont happen for a few years, it was a realization that caused me to think about how much this studio and ballet and pointe and jazz and tap and pilates have helped me through some wonderful and difficult times. It made me realize that dancing is more than a hobby, its a part of who I am.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Could there actually be a hockey season?
Sunday morning I woke up to find twitter abuzz about something that I actually found interesting. It wasn't some pop-star was pregnant or a new Justin Bieber or One Direction song. This was something that was actually important. The NHL and NHLPA have come to an agreement and there's going to (finally) be hockey again!!
After my initial "Oh my god! It's finally happened! Hockey's back!!" I began to really look at this new deal. And, technically, there's isn't any signed deal yet that has been approved. So, hockey technically isn't back yet. But it's return is imminent. Every time I see a tweet or post about the return of hockey, I have to try not to get too excited since, you know, it isn't official yet. Everyone seems to assume that just because it's been drafted, it is automatically going to happen. People seem to be forgetting one little fact: The NHL Board of Governors has yet to agree to this deal.
The Board of Governors isn't supposed to meet until Wednesday, so I'm not making plans to watch any hockey until I hear an announcement from them about the return of the season. I'm not going to have my heart ripped out once again if they decide to toss this deal. It really wouldn't surprise me if they did. Sometimes I feel like been a hockey fan is more heartbreaking than being a fan of Sherlock. Everyone gets really excited because the NHLPA and the owners are meeting only to have no deal. Then they meet again and say they're close to a deal only to come back with nothing. And now they actually have a CBA (that could be in place for ten years!) and all it needs is the approval of the Board of Governors.
And while I am glad that there might actually be a season, I wont be planning to spend any of my money on going to a game or purchasing any jerseys or other merchandise. I know that my small amount really is nothing but a drop in the bucket, but I'm still not going to spend money on hockey. I'll be more than willing to watch the games at home or at a friend's house or at a bar, but I wont be spending my money to go to the games. While there are some people that are saying they're completely done with hockey and won't be going back, I find that attitude to be a bit ridiculous. Yes, I'm mad that they've subjected me to this much football and basketball talk since there is no hockey. Yes, I am mad that they've really put a strain on those that work at the stadiums, for the teams and those that work around the stadiums. But I still love hockey. I plan on going to games next season, but not nearly as many as I had been. If both the players and the owners don't value the fans (which they have both shown with their selfishness), then I can find ways to enjoy hockey without spending as much money as I had been. If they don't value the fans, why should this fan give them my money.
Anyways, enough of my ranting. Hockey might be back! Yay!
After my initial "Oh my god! It's finally happened! Hockey's back!!" I began to really look at this new deal. And, technically, there's isn't any signed deal yet that has been approved. So, hockey technically isn't back yet. But it's return is imminent. Every time I see a tweet or post about the return of hockey, I have to try not to get too excited since, you know, it isn't official yet. Everyone seems to assume that just because it's been drafted, it is automatically going to happen. People seem to be forgetting one little fact: The NHL Board of Governors has yet to agree to this deal.
The Board of Governors isn't supposed to meet until Wednesday, so I'm not making plans to watch any hockey until I hear an announcement from them about the return of the season. I'm not going to have my heart ripped out once again if they decide to toss this deal. It really wouldn't surprise me if they did. Sometimes I feel like been a hockey fan is more heartbreaking than being a fan of Sherlock. Everyone gets really excited because the NHLPA and the owners are meeting only to have no deal. Then they meet again and say they're close to a deal only to come back with nothing. And now they actually have a CBA (that could be in place for ten years!) and all it needs is the approval of the Board of Governors.
And while I am glad that there might actually be a season, I wont be planning to spend any of my money on going to a game or purchasing any jerseys or other merchandise. I know that my small amount really is nothing but a drop in the bucket, but I'm still not going to spend money on hockey. I'll be more than willing to watch the games at home or at a friend's house or at a bar, but I wont be spending my money to go to the games. While there are some people that are saying they're completely done with hockey and won't be going back, I find that attitude to be a bit ridiculous. Yes, I'm mad that they've subjected me to this much football and basketball talk since there is no hockey. Yes, I am mad that they've really put a strain on those that work at the stadiums, for the teams and those that work around the stadiums. But I still love hockey. I plan on going to games next season, but not nearly as many as I had been. If both the players and the owners don't value the fans (which they have both shown with their selfishness), then I can find ways to enjoy hockey without spending as much money as I had been. If they don't value the fans, why should this fan give them my money.
Anyways, enough of my ranting. Hockey might be back! Yay!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
New Year, New Me?
Well, we are well underway into the new year (if you count three days as "well under way") and I hope all of you had a great holiday season and a safe New Year's.
I've never really been the type of person to make a resolution. Actually, I had to make on in the fourth grade and then write a report on why it was important to me. Since I knew I had no actual intentions of keeping that resolution and it was only made so I could write my little report, I don't think that one counts. So I think I can still honestly say I've never made a New Year's resolution. They never seemed like an important thing to do.
Why would I feel the need to make a resolution just because it's a new year? If I want to lose weight, I do. If I want to get in shape, I do. Last year I knew I needed to make a conscious decision to pay attention to my weight and my eating habits. I've struggled with an eating disorder for many, many years and I was finally able to come to terms with it. I didn't need a new year to prompt me to make this decision, I started working on this in February/March. Three years ago I realized that since I have the time and money, I'm going to start dancing. I didn't do it with the conscious decision to get into shape, I did it because it was something I wanted to do. I've made the decision to start drinking less, not because of the new year, but because I need to. I can't dance five days a week and drink. It's just not feasible. Or healthy.
But, instead of resolutions, I like to reflect on the past year and try and make sure I'm on the right path for the upcoming year. Last year was all about change. I changed my diet, I changed my job, I changed my living arrangement, I changed a lot in myself. I bought a house, I got a job, I got pointe shoes. A lot of things changed for the better. Not to say it was an easy year. Anyone close to me knows there were a lot of major challenges to deal with. There was also a lot of drama (something I'm really hoping to avoid this year). But I made it through it. And I think all of the struggles I went through have helped to make me a better person.
This year, I think, is going to be about moving forward. I'm going to be graduating with my Associates degree in May. I'm going to be starting at UTD in the fall to start working on getting my Bachelors. I'm going to be in 9 (that's right nine) dances in the Spring concert with Arabesque. I'm going to be focusing more on art classes and taking more marketing classes to hone in on what I really want to do. Sam is going to be going to actual training in a couple weeks and I'm looking forward to working more with him and taking that knowledge and helping other dogs with Paws in the City. This is going to be a year about growing and making more out of my life.
I know that there will be many challenges ahead, but I think I can handle it. I've got great family (despite the fact that they are not by blood), great friends, and some really fucking awesome coworkers. I feel like I'm finally on the right path and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Best of luck to you all!
I've never really been the type of person to make a resolution. Actually, I had to make on in the fourth grade and then write a report on why it was important to me. Since I knew I had no actual intentions of keeping that resolution and it was only made so I could write my little report, I don't think that one counts. So I think I can still honestly say I've never made a New Year's resolution. They never seemed like an important thing to do.
Why would I feel the need to make a resolution just because it's a new year? If I want to lose weight, I do. If I want to get in shape, I do. Last year I knew I needed to make a conscious decision to pay attention to my weight and my eating habits. I've struggled with an eating disorder for many, many years and I was finally able to come to terms with it. I didn't need a new year to prompt me to make this decision, I started working on this in February/March. Three years ago I realized that since I have the time and money, I'm going to start dancing. I didn't do it with the conscious decision to get into shape, I did it because it was something I wanted to do. I've made the decision to start drinking less, not because of the new year, but because I need to. I can't dance five days a week and drink. It's just not feasible. Or healthy.
But, instead of resolutions, I like to reflect on the past year and try and make sure I'm on the right path for the upcoming year. Last year was all about change. I changed my diet, I changed my job, I changed my living arrangement, I changed a lot in myself. I bought a house, I got a job, I got pointe shoes. A lot of things changed for the better. Not to say it was an easy year. Anyone close to me knows there were a lot of major challenges to deal with. There was also a lot of drama (something I'm really hoping to avoid this year). But I made it through it. And I think all of the struggles I went through have helped to make me a better person.
This year, I think, is going to be about moving forward. I'm going to be graduating with my Associates degree in May. I'm going to be starting at UTD in the fall to start working on getting my Bachelors. I'm going to be in 9 (that's right nine) dances in the Spring concert with Arabesque. I'm going to be focusing more on art classes and taking more marketing classes to hone in on what I really want to do. Sam is going to be going to actual training in a couple weeks and I'm looking forward to working more with him and taking that knowledge and helping other dogs with Paws in the City. This is going to be a year about growing and making more out of my life.
I know that there will be many challenges ahead, but I think I can handle it. I've got great family (despite the fact that they are not by blood), great friends, and some really fucking awesome coworkers. I feel like I'm finally on the right path and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Best of luck to you all!
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