The days have been warm, and the nights have been cold.  It is unfortunate that I have found myself out many evenings this week without a jacket.  A soreness in my throat came on last night, and my nose is all stuffed up today.  The worst part is that my vacation is now over.  *sigh*

I know no better way to end a vacation than with a great run.  So yesterday, while I was still feeling well, I made took a trip to my favorite open space to get my shoes dirty.   

Instead of my usual route (when I was actually running there), I took a more popular trail which I usually avoid.  My avoidance is due to the intolerance that I have with meeting up with person after person while traversing the eight switchbacks.  The trail, however, is oh so lovely.  It is shaded for the majority of the climb, and has several little foot bridges to cross the creek when the loop returns to the bottom floor.

My lack of routine on this trail has made the climb mentally challenging in the past.  Although the assent of my routine trail is steeper, the familiarity with the land marks allow for an easier run.  This is much the same as racing a course that you are familiar with, compared to a course that you have never run (or even driven) before.  It is just easier.

I was prepared for a tough run - much the same as my experience last week.  The run, for whatever reason, today was easy.  Perhaps it was due to having run the trail just a week before, or maybe it was just because of the relaxed state that a vacation (even when the majority of it is at home) can produce.  Regardless, I found myself surprised to be at the top of the switchbacks, and on my way back to the van.  Because I was feeling good, I added on an extra mile to the run.  Not too much, so as not to overdue it, but just enough to feel like my running is progressing.

It is nice to see my running improving.  I have been diligent in my stretching, the performing of my ankle strengthening exercises, and in icing my knee post run.  I have a long way to go to get back fully.  Every little improvement is promising, and the timing is just right, as today officially marks the beginning of the Team In Training (TNT) Summer season.  I am thankful for these little successes.

Speaking of successes, my fundraising has gone better than I ever dreamed.  I admit, I had hopes of having met my requirement by the first training event, but I honestly felt that this was an impossibility.  To date, I have raised $2,165 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) plus approximately $400 more in donation matching.  I can actually say that I have already met my requirement.  THANK YOU so much for your support!

Let the season begin.  I am ready to begin training again.

The TNT kick-off event is today.  Unfortunately, it is being held too far way to get YaYa to soccer on time, so I will miss it.  I would like to be involved in as much of the TNT experience as I can without straining my psyche or the family. 

During the beginning of the training season, while the long runs are relatively short, I will have YaYa in tow.  More accurately, I will be doing my usual bicycle-run chase routine with him.  In the past, our system has been good; he knows how far ahead I am comfortable with, and stops to wait for me along the way.  Adding the large TNT group to the trail may pose a problem however.  We will just have to assess how well this is working and adjust as needed. 

I hope that my having YaYa will not be a problem for anyone, as I do not see any other options for his care at this point.  I have already abused my neighbors in getting YaYa from school to soccer practice, and do not feel comfortable asking for more from them. I realize that once the runs get longer, I will need to find other options. 

At this point, I will keep my goals simple.

• Beat this cold
• Respond to my body's needs (i.e. stretch, strengthen, ice, etc.)
• Work the training program as fully as I am able (either with TNT or on my own)
• Go with the flow and not stress about missing events
• Get ready for today's soccer game!

Posted by Juls at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I woke up even before the alarm, a little nervous about missing it.  Today's run would be the first early morning run in a long time.  I was excited.

There wasn't any breakfast to be had, nor coffee, as we were staying at the guest house on the convent property.  Our meals all seemed to be out, leaving the guest house purely as a place of rest.  I liked it that way.  It meant that we would have little cleaning up to do.  I hoped my lack of fuel would not prove detrimental.  Just in case, I packed a couple of packets of GU in my CamelBak.

Having seen the bright red Mini in Jeff's recent blog posts, I knew the car immediately.  It seemed a little funny to know so much about a person, and yet never have before.  You should have seen the nun's eyebrows raise during our dinner conversation discussing today's meet up.  I was a little embarrassed because I couldn't even recall where he said that we were going to run.  I could not convey why, but "trust" was not an issue for me.  Seriously.  I trusted this guy to coach my marathon training for a full year; it felt as if we'd known each other for years.

Still, after he arrived, I felt a level of reserve that I had not anticipated.  I had imagined that we would exchange hugs as if we were old friends meeting up after a long time, but we did not.  It was more like long time friends getting together to run just like ever other weekend. 

Jeff took me for a run out at Saint Peter's.  When I had told him that I had immediately forgotten where we were going, remembering St. Joseph's instead, he laughed.  "Well, they both were disciples," he said.  It sounded good, but I am certain that this was not why I got the saint wrong.

We went out for the flatter of the running options.  I was happy to be off the pavement, and happy that my ankle and knee seemed to behave for a slightly less than 6 mile run.  A short while later, we were back in the mini and heading back to the convent.  I arrived home before anyone had awoken and packed up for the long ride home.

Posted by Juls at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Don't let those looming clouds fool you; we had a very nice time in the magic kingdom.  BoBo, YaYa, and I were joined by Auntie Judy (aka Sister Judith) for our fun, and pricey, adventure. 

We began the trip with the jungle adventure, were we narrowly escaped the savages and wild animals.  We utilized the Fast Pass System to ride some of the more popular rides, and rode the less popular rides in between the rides of choice. 

Disneyland was one CROWD-ED place.  Just look at the traffic jam.  It was just enough of a reminder of the upcoming trip back towards home. 

We tried to stay in moment and not the think about the day ahead of us.  At times, this could be difficult as there were reminders of tomorrow looming overhead along with the clouds.    

Lil YaYa was so frightened by Splash Mountain, that he opted to stay back with Auntie Judy while BoBo and I rode Thunder Mountain.  No matter how much I tried to remind him that he had previously rode and LOVED this roller coaster, YaYa would not change his mind. 

BoBo and I rode the roller coaster alone.  We found it a tad disappointing in the fear factor, but fun none-the-less.  It seemed like the ride would slow up just before the big drop so that there was plenty of warning prior to the normally "scary" part. 

Meanwhile, YaYa and Auntie went for a "spin" in the tea cups and then rode the YaYa-go-round. 

We were a seriously tired bunch after all of the rides, standing in lines, and walking around.  We walked the final mile to the car and then joined the rest of the nuns back at Auntie's house for a delicious dinner.

Posted by Juls at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

We set off to bed 22 minutes ago.  The only problem was that my over-sensitive ears kept hearing a beep.  I would not rest until the source had been identified.  My heightened sense of hearing has proved to be more of a burden than a blessing these days.  Here again was yet another example of it's inconvenience. 

Earlier in the week, I had questioned the park staff about the buzzing sound I'd been hearing while running on the trail.  By the time I finished describing the sound, I was sure that a truck of men in white would soon be after me, straight jackets in tow.  His only thought was that I had an extremely acute sense of hearing and was listening to either the high growing mustard weeds blowing in the wind.  I am still certain that the source is some sort of bug that everyone else is immune to hearing.  Whatever.

Tonight search lead me to the usual checks.  Within minutes, I'd determined that myPhone was no longer charging on the wall.  My certainty that incoming text messages were the source of the beeps, I made a B-line towards the boys room.  My suspicion that BoBo was using the phone was a good one, however the beeping was not coming from the phone.  Feeling all the more maddened by the mystery beeping, I continued my search. 

A few minutes later, I finally located a locked box on the wall outside the building.  Since we are staying in the guest house, the resolution will not come until morning.  The beeping continues, but I am hoping that I will be able to sleep now that the source has been discovered.  We will have to see.

In the meantime, it is time to rescue myPhone from a young man who is falling to the influence of female powers other than my own.  Then, it will be time to find a way to turn down my senses and travel to the land of peaceful dreams.  Sleep well.

Posted by Juls at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

It was early in the day. I was driving around doing errands. Drop the dogs at the kennel, get a replacement CamelBak, and some food for the road. Everywhere I stopped, there was a burning sound. Panic began to set in. We were supposed to hit the road for a trip down south; I needed a reliable vehicle. I quickly decided that I should probably rent a car just to be safe. Fortunately, I finally realized that I was smelling the smoke from the fires in the nearby mountains.

We finally hit the road at around 1 pm. I picked up YaYa at school. He was full of excitement from his Gold Rush Day where they mined for gold and had various activities around the Gold Rush.

After about 7 hours on the road, we arrived safely in Southern California. We survived the early stand-still traffic that made me wish I had traveled by air, and the rain that welcomed us to So-Cal. I am now enjoying being with ALL my sons, and will soon be visiting with the extended Family F. We have a trip to Disneyland planned as well.

I have my laptop with me, but am unsure if I'll get online much. Have a memorable holiday weekend.

Posted by Juls at 8:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Jeff’s post today reminded me of a run that I did early last week (or perhaps the week before last). Anyhow, in spite of the fact that there really wasn’t anything similar about the two runs, there was one common denominator (sort of).

Here are the differences:
• Mine was on pavement, while his was on dirt.
• Mine was hilly (compared to flat), but not hilly in comparison to Jeff’s “at least 4000'” climb.
• Finally, my run was 6 miles (okay, exactly 5.7 miles), and Jeff’s was 20 miles or so.

The common denominator:
• Creepy creatures of the buzzing variety

Jeff’s description of being freaked out by swarms of bugs reminded me so much of my run that I had to write about it. It’s sort of a therapy thing with me. Write => feel better. So here goes:

It was a route that I try to run once a week. It is hilly (relative term), paved, close to work, and thus convenient run. During last week’s run, I ran cautiously. I was on alert early in the run when I crossed paths with a large (another relative term) snake. I also wanted to keep in tune with my ankle and knee to ensure that I wasn’t going to do any damage. I am a firm believer in the listening to your body concept. And so, in addition to my being out of shape (again, relative term), my pace was slow for many reasons.

As I went, I noticed a prominent buzzing noise coming from the long, grassy growth lining the paved path. Have I mentioned that I am allergic to the sting of the honey bee? I wondered just how many bees could there be making all of this noise. Worse yet, how many rattle snakes could be hiding in the grass? I tried to remain calm.

I was doing well with that until the point where I was rounding the final turn and heading back to the trail entrance. At this point the buzzing was growing louder than ever. My imagination ran wild, and I unwillingly imagined swarms of buzzing objects chasing behind me. I picked up the pace, and felt my ankle protest my increased speed. I slowed for a second, but then my heart began to pound in my chest. I speed up again, and resisted the urge to scream purely from that realization that doing so might scare the buzzing beings from their hiding spots and cause them to envelope me completely. I narrowly escaped attack. Once I was safely in the office again, I tried to free my mind of that terrifying experience. This was of utmost importance because I really like running there.

Now, reading Jeff’s story, my mind is reminded of the whole ordeal…and I have a few burning questions.

• My first question is: What makes that buzzing sound?
• Does this “something” ever attack runners and/or walkers?
• Does it bite?
• Cause anaphylactic responses?
• When will it leave my running spot? (i.e. fly east for the summer)

Posted by Juls at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This is not your typical case of the “in-laws” moving in. My house guests are of a different sort. I should add that my in-laws would be welcome to stay with me any time they wanted. They are fabulous. No, my house guests have been with us for quite some time. Given the length of their stay, you might even call them “fixtures” rather than guests. No matther how you categorize them, they have worn out their welcome.

Up until now, it has really been no trouble keeping them around. They do not eat any of my food, and they have even been useful at times. Now, I know that they are guests rather than family, but I have a few expectations given that I have continued to provide a roof over their heads. May I also point out that housing does not come cheap in the Bay Area these days. The problem of recent days has been in the area of loyalty. Since my husband’s passing, they have turned on me. I am left to wonder what role Tom had in keeping our relationship positive. The change has been subtle, but I can not longer be pretend to not notice the injustice.

The question is: What can I do about it?

I am not one to name names but, in this instance, I will make exception as I think their names provide an important context. The first of these guests is named “F.L. Mirror”. He has always been one to compliment me. He has given me a flattering view of myself – no matter what angle I question. But since Tom has passed, he has been less than flattering. Lately, he has been down-right insulting.

The second guest goes by the name of “Scale.” He provides insists that he has no first or middle name, no initials. He is just “Scale.” It is now a little creepy to think that I barely know this peculiar guest whom has made his resting spot in the room adjoining my bedroom. Furthermore, he insists that he will not leave the room, even when I am showering – fully exposed and vulnerable. I probably should have been weirded-out earlier in this game, but Tom insisted that I had nothing to worry about.

Truthfully, Scale seeing me naked is not my biggest concern. Again, it is the change in his communication since Tom died that gets to me. He used to flash me numbers that made me feel like an Olympic gymnast who had executed a perfect performance. Now, similar to F.L. Mirror, he only upsets me with his offending commentary. I just grab my towel and slink away in a cloud of sadness.

I cannot take this abuse any longer. I am vulnerable enough already. Since these guests have been with us since before Tom’s passing, I am motivated to work on the relationship if there is any hope in doing so. I just need to determine the best way to change the relationship between myself and these two guests. If this cannot be done, I will be left with no other option but to send them packing.

Constructive feedback and/or comments are welcome. Please hold all negative feedback, or messages urging me to get out of bed at some unheard of hour to exercise. Laughing encouraged.

Posted by Juls at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Up until the bus drove away, I only let my worry about the unseasonably hot weather occupy my thoughts.  After the last minute haircut and sandal purchase, I lectured him one last time.  "Be sure to drink lots of water.  Stay hydrated, keep cool, and use your sunscreen" I reminded him.  After I quizzed him on my new cell number, we laughed about when he might use it.  "Well," I said, "IF the bus was to break down and you were somehow left on the side of the freeway...alone...with somebody else's cell phone...and you wanted to call for help...you would need to know how to reach me."  He reminded me that that wasn't very likely to happen.  I agreed, and then quizzed him again.

He looked so cute with his huge bag slung over his shoulder.  The agency had sent a checklist of things to pack and YaYa had carefully collected and packed each item on the list.  There were a few items, such as rain gear, that I was certain would not be needed.  Being the good camper that he is, he packed them anyhow.

I waited with the other parents until the bus made it's exit and then got into my van and left for home.  Up ahead, I could see the bus approaching the freeway and then driving the opposite way as me.  I could feel the tears coming.  It wasn't because I would miss him (though I certainly would), it was because life had dealt us a hand which would necessitate bereavement camp. 

I let a couple of tears roll down and then put detour signs up for the rest.  It's difficult to see clearly when your eyes are full of tears, and I need to stay safe for my children.  I said a prayer for each of us, and merged onto the freeway.  

Posted by Juls at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

“Now, you are making me feel guilty,” she said as she looked at me dressed in my running apparel. I was washing my hands after one final void before heading out. I never know how to respond to that comment, even though I get it often. I made eye contact with her, sized her up in an effort to determine the tone of her comment. She looked fit, and her face appeared non-judgmental. I laughed a bit as I grabbed my CamelBak, “Don’t be,” I said, “Consider yourself to be smarter than me; it’s really hot out today.” I thought, but didn’t say, “This is the only chance I have to do it.”

Happy for a little slow down in my workload, I went outside to face the heat. If I hadn’t been laid off, Mark and I would have been facing this heat together. He and I emailed a bit about running in the heat yesterday. He made me chuckle when he wrote, “The heat is supposed to peak tomorrow so I'll wait and run tomorrow. ‘Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noon day sun.’ I leave to you into which category I fit.” Although Mark has a smirk like Simon Cowell (he will probably hate me for writing this), I don’t think he falls into the “Englishman” category. He is also a lot nicer than Simon.

As I prepped Ms. Garminia on the game plan, two men in suits glanced my way, said something and then laughed. I didn’t even want to know. I’ve never cared what anyone thought about my running in the heat of day before. There is no sense in starting now.

From years of marathon training, I have it all worked out:
• I have my CamelBak for hydration,
• my hat and some sunscreen for skin protection,
• Ms. Garminia to keep me from overdoing the distance or pace,
• and myPhone to provide a little entertainment as well as be available if I need to call for help.

Perhaps I was a little over-prepared for such a short run, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I can’t afford to be stupid. Nobody can. With a click of a few buttons, I was out of there.

I’d picked out a nice flat route in the area around my work to run. Ms. Garminia measured it for me and reported that I had gone just over 4 miles. It could not have gone more perfectly. When I returned to the office, I showered and went to the break room to rinse out my CamelBak. My next task would be to solve the problem of my forgetting to bring a lunch. I was not particularly worried. There is always cereal, yogurt and cup-o-noodle soup to eat. Lucky for me, however, I turned around to find a yummy salad (left over from a meeting) waiting on the table in front of me. It had not been there when I entered.

What a HOT, but lucky day.

Posted by Juls at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

I'd been getting a bit tired of the art work that we have been assigned in my grief support group lately. I was pleasantly surprised to have a writing assignment today. I will share it with you. Feel free to write your own response on your blog. Be sure to email me the link if you do.

While thinking about the journey that you are on, the path to some future goal, close your eyes and imaging the following scenario:

You are on the path (representing your future) and come to a complete stop where there is large door right on the path. You hear a voice, “Keep moving and the door will open."

I move past the door and to the right. I am picking up speed as I go. Soon, I am running FAST with the wind blowing my hair back. I feel good. Anticipation is building and I am even getting excited. It is time.

I see my family ahead. We join up and, while holding hands, we continue on this, our path. The wildflowers line the trail as it narrows up ahead. We drop back into single file and continue running YaYa, BoBo, DD, and I. Each of us are on the same path (for now any way), but we independently choose the speed of our travel.

The ocean sways to the left of us. I listen to the waves as they move in and out, rhythmically and almost in perfect synch with our footsteps. I am suddenly aware of Tom; it is almost as if Tom is running along with us too. Realizing this, I know at once that we are right on course and that the door was never closed at all. Symbolically, the door is the door to my heart. Not only does it guide me on my journey, but Tom still holds the key and will for as long as I let him.

Posted by Juls at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been making strides to get back to my old running self.  Unfortunately, my body has been reminding me there is one component in that statement that might cause a problem.  "Old" hasn't exactly been working to my advantage these days.

That left ankle of mine, the one that I sprained in January, has been ensuring that I take my time returning to the road.  After a 6 mile hilly run yesterday, my ankle has been aching and urging me to take today off.  My training hasn't even started, yet I've already drug out my arnica and ice pack.

*sigh*

This isn't going to be easy. 

Posted by Juls at 7:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

My decision to join forces with Team In Training (TNT) was not an easy one.  Actually, it was 21st Century Mom's suggested way into the 2008 Nike Women's Marathon.  I was apprehensive, but I soon realized that the idea had its merits. 

I gathered a bit more information about what my participation with TNT would require of me.  Realizing that raising money for any cancer is cannot be bad, I made the leap and signed up. Knowing that my next marathon with be #13, I figure that this is one way to make bring some "good" (if not luck) to the number.

I have to admit that I was very nervous about joining TNT.  I hate asking for money - even if the cause it worthy of funding.  So I sent my emails out and prayed that people would forgive me for asking.  I knew that there would be a few recipients who recognize the cause as worthy, and who would be able to help ensure that I would not have to fork over my committed amount in October. 

I am thrilled at the response.  It appears that my fundraising efforts are paying off.  I am nearly to my commitment amount and I am so relieved.  A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have contributed. 

EVERY donation, no matter what the size is huge.  It ALL makes a difference. 

If you are feeling left out, it is not too late.  To donate on my behalf to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, simply click on the TNT icon above.  I have only about $550 left to raise, and anything after that is icing on the cake so to speak.

Now that the hard part is nearly done, I can relax a little.  It is time to get excited about running again.  The TNT "kick off" event is set for May 31st.  Then I will  officially be training with TNT for the 2008 Nike Women's Marathon (my 13th marathon), meeting other runners, and hopefully making some new friends too.

Click the TNT icon to visit my fundraising page.

Posted by Juls at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The activities in my support group sessions seem to be falling into the waste of time category.  On Wednesday, my mind refused to play along with the art therapy assignment.  The instructions were too vague and I didn't have the energy or want to interpret it.  

I could not understand why we were not talking about the arrival of another Mother's Day.  Certainly the group could have benefited by a discussion on our expectations and strategies for having a good day.  It wasn't as if the topic didn't come up in our pre-art discussion.  But our facilitator failed to clue into our need. 

A topic that I brought up (which could have been given some further discussion) was how I had once been searching for a note from my husband - some sort of message to say a final good-bye.  Of course, with both the advanced stage of his cancer coupled with the rapid progression of his disease, he never had the time or desire to write such a letter. 

I remember being angered when the ads for the movie P.S. I love you began airing.  There was a part of me that was curious about the movie, and yet I was angered that Hollywood felt the need to portray yet another false idea of a widow's grief process to world.  That's just what the world needs, more stupid ideas that a woman should get on with her life after a pre-set time frame.  3 months, 6 months, or 12 months: surly that is enough time to get over such a loss.  NOT!

Of course, when the movie became available for rental on iTunes yesterday, I decided it was time to see for myself.  I began watching it at 10:30 pm last night, in the comfort of my own bed, watching from from my wee little device. 

I was actually pleased with the movie.  There were distinct reasons for each of his plans for her (including the karaoke), and although there was one part in particular that I found disturbing, I was relatively satisfied with the movie.  I was glad that they chose to show her ongoing struggle with life, rather than my previous assumption (based on the short movie trailers) that she moved on with ease. 

Today, I am thankful that it is Friday, that there is coffee, and that I have no meetings on my schedule.  This has been another busy week at work.  I hope to crawl into the privacy of my office, work through my day, and hope that very few notice my tired and puffy eyes - the product of a good cry.  Of course, if the opportunity to get out for a run presented, that would make for a very happy ending to another crazy week.

P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mom's!

Posted by Juls at 5:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Please note the Q & A at the end of this post. 

YaYa was thrilled to finally have me accompany his class on a field trip.  I took the day off and joined several other moms and dads for a day at the Mission de San Juan Bautista. 

Everyone had a great time.  We couldn't have asked for better weather, and we were lucky enough to meet a few very interesting folks.  There was a blacksmith who taught us about the properties of metal, and a guy who showed us how to make fire when there is no wood around.  Did you know that they used buffalo chips as fuel back in the pioneer days?

Leading up the field trip, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be able to handle my load of kids.  Fortunately, there was enough volunteers for every group to have two parent chaperones, making it a lot easier to manage of our flock.  Even when we took them down to see the fault line (which neither of us could actually identify for them, by the way) they managed to keep within eye, or camera, shot.

Come to find out, we got the cream of the crop.  All of the "good kids" wanted to be in my group, although I think it had more to do with my partner in crime than myself. I am grateful for my blessings regardless of how they come about.

After the majority of the mission had been explored to the satisfaction of the little pioneers, we headed for the church. 

I was awed by its beauty.  I wanted to photograph every part of it so that I could back on it later and remember the feeling of being inside of it.

It wasn't until later that I began to wonder if that was perhaps a no-no.  My brother-in-law thought that I should NOT have taken photos.  *sigh* 

This same brother-in-law, however, who thought that it was a reasonable act to take holy water from a church to bring home.  Of course this topic came up when we witness a woman doing this in a not so reverent manner.

It was the end of my niece's first holy communion mass and the pews were filing out slowly when a woman took her bottle and dunked it into the bowl of holy water.  "Glug, glug, glug," went the water as it left the bowl and entered her Aquafina bottle.  Then she scooped up a handful and slapped it onto her neck.  The sign of the cross never entering her mind. 

In my humble opinion, my photographing the mission church pales in comparison.  Even if it is okay to take the holy water, it hardly seems appropriate to do so during the ending of mass.  Needless to say, people all around were aghast.  Holy mole, we all thought.  Then we all watched carefully to see if she was going to drink the water.

What do you think?  Which is the more irreverent action?

• Siphoning approximately 20 oz. of holy water at the commencement of mass, or
• Snapping photos of the Virgin Mary and Jesus on the cross.

Posted by Juls at 7:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Obedience training had been delayed due to a multiple of factors.  My sprained ankle was the number one reason.  With a healed ankle, and many of the obstacles deferred for a time, the time was finally here to tackle the beast.

On this particular Wednesday night, I found myself inhaling my tacos and leaving YaYa and his Uncle Joe at out favorite taqueria.  It was the first class, so I did not want to miss it.  Besides the fact that it was the first lesson, the topic being "behavior" was near and dear to me.  As it was a lecture format, our dogs were to be left at home. 

While I was out, Uncle Joe and YaYa returned home.  They finished up the homework and went out to the front yard to throw the football around.  Uncle Joe, who visits us when he is on business in California, is good for this sort of thing.  Even if it is a ploy to gain the "favorite uncle" title, he definitely puts some skin in the game.

Meanwhile, I was sitting in my chair in the middle of a parking lot freezing.  I was doing my very best to absorb ever bit of information that I could.  I didn't even mind that the lecture went over by at least 30 minutes.  I was confident in two things.  I knew that YaYa was being cared for, and I knew that I would soon be taming the beast. 

And it all seemed good.

Well, it did seem good, but things aren't always as the seem.  While I was out learning about obedience, and while Joe and YaYa were in the front yard playing football, the beast was searching for his own form of entertainment.

He found it in the dirty clothes basket.  My favorite, red sweater - the one that everyone has been telling me looks so good on my - was taking a lickin.'  I came home to find the sweater on the counter top with a hole in the right shoulder.  The instructor's words of wisdom, "In order to be effective, you have to catch them in the act" were ringing in my mind.  "Rubbing their nose in it (so to speak) does not work to teach them because they have already had their fun."  Still, it might make me feel better.

As the saying goes, "while the people are away, the dogs will play" is true, oh SO true.  I guess YaYa now knows why I don't just let beasts run wild in the house when I'm not home.  *sigh*

Posted by Juls at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

After a period of separation, Garminia have decided to reunite once more.  I have to admit, I did not fully appreciate just how much motivation she provided me with until after she was gone.  It is true, she had her faults, but who doesn't. 

We are beginning cautiously.  She swears that she has changed.  She even got a face lift to try to convince me of it.  Ms. Garminia, as she is now called, insists that she is more reliable than the Garminia that I sent packing.  I am keeping an open mind, but remain skeptical.

Tonight was the first time for Ms. Garminia and I to be running together.  I took her to the track to be sure that she could not lie about her measurements.  She passed the test.

My wrist has been device free for over 6 months now.  It shouldn't have surprised me to find Ms. Garminia's presence slightly uncomfortable as she repeatedly bumped up against the bony protuberance on my wrist.  As the run wore on, however, she settled into place as I found my own pace again. 

After my warm up, I ran the straights hard and jogged the curves of the track.  YaYa even joined in a for a couple of laps and dished out a little humility in my direction.  Before long, he became bored and got busy in the center field with push ups, sit ups, and wind sprints. 

We all went home to compare notes.  It was when we were all back home where Ms. Garminia somehow managed to  loose all of the data that she had recorded on the track.  I felt fortunate to have had looked at it, and yet I refuse to keep her if there is no added value in having her around.  And yet, I am compelled to give her another chance.

Time will tell if this reunion will last.

Posted by Juls at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)