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!

Almost there!

What an agonizing couple of weeks it's been. First off, Ed left for Europe June 20th. He spent the first week in Claumel, Ireland, and then flew into Holland to be with his mom. His trip was depressing - no company in Ireland, and his mom was understandably depressed, having just lost Ken just a week before Ed flew out of the country. Ed's mood has been somber when I've spoken to him, and I have been in quite a funk myself. It has been nearly intolerable without him. It's scary thinking about how bland and boring my life would be if I lost him. He is my best friend and that was never more clear than when he left this time. I guess the difference is I used to be so busy with the dogs and rescue, and without that enormous commitment hanging over me, zapping the life out of me, I really feel alone when he's not here.

Things at work have been interesting. Challenging but very good at the same time. Fired my IT Manager for failing to pass his drug screening (should have been pre-employment, but was delayed), and the Hospice director quit. Yahoo! That brought some interesting dynamics, but we have weathered the storm and things are looking up. C is AWESOME. I am constantly impressed by her leadership style, her insight, her connections, the respect she has from both the board and leaders in the community. We are blessed, but most of all, I am blessed. She has made my life manageable and I again love my job.

Okay, I am happily on the way to the airport to pick up Ed. Oh yes...I've lost 10+ lbs! I'm now down to 149.5, and I'd gotten up to 163 at my peak. Still losing - want to get to 140-145. Almost there!