A Thankful Time

Hard to believe it's been more than a month since I last posted. It's been a very good month, and I had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Here is a picture we took last weekend of the three of us. I am definitely thankful for my family!



My dad has been coming around nearly every weekend, or at least every other one, and was here for Turkey Day. Even greater, Kati and Suzanne came. It was the first time they were here for a holiday since Mom died, and it felt GREAT. It was the best Thanksgiving I'd had in four years.

While I didn't get much agility training in during November (was sick, injured my hamstring, end of daylight saving's time), I'm picking up speed again! Ed and Dad put in a patio cover over the concrete slab in what is now my agility yard, and Ed installed three floodlights. I need about five more to have adequate light, but this is a great start. I was able to practice just fine with what I have now, and the extras will just be a bonus.

Last night the girls and I had an agility lesson, and all I can say is each and every time I walk away thinking WOW, how gifted Stacy is in her teaching. She is able to cue right into where I've slacked off in my practice/training, and knows how to fix the issues. I think Daisy is really going to do well. I just have to work extra diligently on the obstacles, but I have no doubt we'll get there. The jury is still out on Chloe. She is still so timid in new situations, and frightened at Stacy's. Unlike Daisy, I've not been able to find her "happy/on" switch. I'm going to keep training her regardless, as she sure enjoys it at home. As I told Stacy, most of what I am enjoying is the improved relationship with my dogs. Playing agility is just the icing on the cake!

Today we went to an agility trial in San Diego. Was so awesome watching the dogs and learning! Got to spend some time with H & M from AgilityPoodle, and that was really neat to visit.

iPhone Addict

Friday I visited one of my staff members in her cubby, and she had the cutest little phone on her desk. An iPhone. I fell in love. Had to have one. Came home with one Friday night. Yes, I'm a tech junkie. I crave the latest and greatest do-dad. Worse than most any man.

Oh boy am I having FUN with it! Took it with me to the agility trial on Saturday, and it was really helpful in downloading directions when we were on the wrong freeway. Really cool! This evening I'm downloading music videos to play on it. I've been texting and using it for email most of the day. Yup, I'm addicted.

Lizard hunters!

This morning the dogs spied a lizard on the outside window screen. It provided quite a bit of entertainment! Max kept pawing at the window, while Daisy was licking at it!

Fall blessings!

Today is officially the first day of fall. There's just something about knowing summer is over; the cool, crisp mornings, milder days, and less hectic weekends (usually!) is comforting. I look forward to evenings by the fireplace, cuddling with the Fabulous Five (poodles) with a good book. More than that, this year, I reminisce about where I was twelve months ago, and I know I am blessed.

Last year this time I was going through sheer and utter hell. Not only was the board displeased with me, but I had personnel issues and thought it was time to find another job. I came close to leaving the Agency, and I am so thankful I didn't.

Here I am, one year later, and I feel like I have OVERCOME! The Board, while still working to regain trust in me, seems to be pleased with my contributions to the Agency. The co-workers with whom I had difficulty are no longer with the organization. Problematic direct reports have either moved on by their own accord, or were helped to realize this was not the right "bus" for them. Peace is restore. More than that, I work for an awesome CEO,and last week I was formerly promoted to Vice President. I feel like I am in the right place, at the right time, and all the trials I've been through in the last two years have led to the point in my life. Not only is my professional life in line, but my personal life is also going well. The rescue is closed, it appears I've found another to take it over. I have my own Poodles and have my agility addiction. Things are great I home with my family, and my relationship with my sister has been restored. I can't think of anything to make my life more full. I am truly and utterly blessed.

The Dynamic Daisy Duo - We're Smokin'!

We're doing it! Daisy and I are coming together as a team! She's playing more, tugging more, and having FUN! :-) Right now I'm reading some books that Stacy recommended by Jane Savoie. They are LIFE CHANGING, and talks about the psychology of sports, of thinking positively, of living "as if" you already have the behavior/trait/confidence/whatever that you desire. So, I'm imagining Daisy already being a tug fanatic, imagining myself as the next S.G., and going for it! I have seen a tremendous difference in Daisy's response to me and in our relationship. I LOVE IT!

Driving Miss Daisy

Last week's agility lesson was eye opening. I finally 'got it.' I need to make play/tug times an "event," and I am now seeing success in my play with Daisy. However, Monday I was ready to throw in the towel. I could not get Daisy to play on Sunday or Monday. She stood in the crate and wouldn't exit. By the time Ed got home from work, I was literally in tears. I contemplated selling my agility equipment and trying for pet therapy instead. I emailed Stacy for some suggestions, and she said don't fret - hang in there. Well, Tuesday was MUCH better and Wednesday my Jane Savoie books arrived, talking about using imagery and acting "as if" you are whatever it is you are striving for. I am determined to be successful, and I am going to start putting to action the imagery to build my confidence. I am finally starting to have fun again, and my goal is to have mastered building the drive in Miss Daisy by November's Gregg Derrett seminar!

One year later - what a difference!

Carol, our CEO, knows how to say "thank you" in my own (Poodle) language! These flowers were delivered the day after our Hospice survey concluded. To say Carol has impressed me is a gross understatement. She is absolutely wonderful. I consider her both friend and mentor, as well as "boss."

Things are going well in other areas of work as well. The team is coming together, and we're having FUN!