We played in the snow today! We drove up to Flagstaff where they have a LOT of the white stuff. We went to a designated "snow play" area and sledded down the fluffy, white hills. I believe the girls had more fun EATING the snow than sledding IN the snow! Regardless, a good time was had by all.
We also rode a small-scale kiddie train through a light display last night. the kids just loved it and thankfully it was worth it since we had to wait in line for 1.5 hours just to get ON the train. There were other things going on so we were able to keep the girls occupied during the wait, thank goodness!
Moving on...
Quila (the puppy) is doing great! She is super smart and very eager to learn. We are working on foundational skills before I even attempt to introduce her to anything agility-wise. Things we're working on include:
* down (she is about 85% on this)
* target (LOVES this!)
* stay/recall (about 65% on this)
* "around" (going around a cone...doing great as long as I'm fairly close)
* restrained recalls (LOVES this!)
* wobble board (ADORES this!)
* leg bumps...going over my legs (she thinks this is so much fun!)
My next steps are:
* teach left and right
* build more toy drive
* circle work
* stride regulators
* 2x2 weave method
* plank work
Which leads to my business idea. I'm getting a major kick out of this foundation training. I did a similar program with Jam and she hit the ground running and progressed very quickly through the ranks (USDAA-wise). I'm thinking of working with puppies/young/beginner dogs to teach these valuable skills. I can do it with the equipment I've got so no cost to build anything. I've started compiling videos of the skills I've taught Quila and I'm going to build a website around these videos. Now, I'm quite certain I won't make a whole lotta cash offering this service, but it'll be fun to watch the dogs learn these skills and then put them to use on the agility field.
It's all very preliminary, but I'm hoping I can make something of it.
Meanwhile, the job search still continues (for a Tech Writing job) though right now (holidays, end of year, etc.) there is NOTHING out there. I am looking very forward to the new year though as this current year has totally sucked!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Just stuff
Weeelll, the show wasn't as successful as I had hoped last weekend. Jam did not get any of the Q's we need. Pooh. In Gamblers, she did the hard part, but then I failed her and didn't handle the rest of it like I should've. Sooo, today we start intensive gamble training with a wonderful instructor. Let's hope it helps!!
Our GP run was going smashingly well...until a tunnel bit us in the butt...AGAIN!! She was to come to me and enter the right side of the tunnel, but instead she made a personal choice and went left. Pooh pooh.
As for Pairs, we did our half wonderfully, but my partner ended up going off course. Pooh pooh pooh.
On the upside, we got our second Steeplechase Q of the qualifying season, and we got another Masters Standard leg and a Snooker Super Q. I also was able to realize the generosity and overall goodness of the agility community. So many want to help in my time of need, and for that...I am eternally grateful.
Meanwhile, we are busily prepping for Dani's birthday and her dance (tap actually) program on Saturday. So far we have 7 yes's for the party on Sunday...I'm expecting that number to go up a bit before then. Tonight we make oh-so-fudgy brownies for her birthday treat...YUM!
Right now, a Toller (Jam) is whining at me...BEGGING me to throw. the. ball. I've come to the conclusion that Jam is slightly neurotic. She attacks the vacuum cleaner, goes nutso when you slam shut a hard-cased glasses case and goes absolutely bonkers when you pull out the fly swatter. Oh...and blow drying your hair? Impossible with a crazy Toller around.
I ended up splicing together a photo of the dogs for our Christmas card (ain't no WAY I could get them to sit still together)...whaddya think?
Our GP run was going smashingly well...until a tunnel bit us in the butt...AGAIN!! She was to come to me and enter the right side of the tunnel, but instead she made a personal choice and went left. Pooh pooh.
As for Pairs, we did our half wonderfully, but my partner ended up going off course. Pooh pooh pooh.
On the upside, we got our second Steeplechase Q of the qualifying season, and we got another Masters Standard leg and a Snooker Super Q. I also was able to realize the generosity and overall goodness of the agility community. So many want to help in my time of need, and for that...I am eternally grateful.
Meanwhile, we are busily prepping for Dani's birthday and her dance (tap actually) program on Saturday. So far we have 7 yes's for the party on Sunday...I'm expecting that number to go up a bit before then. Tonight we make oh-so-fudgy brownies for her birthday treat...YUM!
Right now, a Toller (Jam) is whining at me...BEGGING me to throw. the. ball. I've come to the conclusion that Jam is slightly neurotic. She attacks the vacuum cleaner, goes nutso when you slam shut a hard-cased glasses case and goes absolutely bonkers when you pull out the fly swatter. Oh...and blow drying your hair? Impossible with a crazy Toller around.
I ended up splicing together a photo of the dogs for our Christmas card (ain't no WAY I could get them to sit still together)...whaddya think?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Ramblings
I now know that I truly wasn't meant to be a Stay-At-Home-Mom. Erin has been out of daycare for a month now, and I just can't seem to get into a groove with her. I have no doubt that she's bored to tears, but thankfully she's very forgiving. We do workbooks and I come up with crafts every now and then, but I just can't fill the days with enough stuff to occupy a 4-year-old. I'm hoping we'll be able to send her back to the daycare soon. Please keep your fingers crossed that I'll be gainfully employed shortly after the new year.
Speaking of which, an agility friend who works at GD (General Dynamics) has been my biggest advocate. She keeps passing my resume around and hopefully it landed in the right hands today. I won't get too excited until an interview is set up, but at least it's SOMEthing in this sea of NOTHing.
Jam and I have a show this weekend. I was going to take Quila to get her acclimated, but she is a screamer. I bring her to class with me Wednesday nights and she SCREAMS in the crate. Tonight I had to put her in the car so I could actually hear myself tell my students what to do. I'm going to have to do some crate games with her to help. I also need Jam to focus this weekend as I'd love for us to get Gamblers, Pairs and GP Q's. with Quila there, I'm thinking she'll lose some concentration...mostly cuz she'll be pissed off at me for bringing the monster! :)
Dani's birthday is coming up. Her actual birthday day is the 13th, but since she'll be dancing to "Run Run Rudolph" at a great Christmas program that evening, we're having her party on the 14th. It'll be a "Pirate Party" and she's inviting 17 girls. I'm kinda hoping not all of them show up!
I got a decent picture of the girls for the Christmas card today. Whaddya think...?
Now I've got to get the dogs lined up for a picture of them. Mucho easier said than done!
OH, and speaking of Quila...her foundation training is coming along nicely! She targets to my hand, sits and downs and has no issues with the wobble board whatsoever. We're working on stays and recalls...she offers me downs and sits when she breaks her stay...she's so CUTE! And we're working on drive by racing to her ball. She's really picking up her speed! She's also incredibly food motivated which really helps.
Speaking of which, an agility friend who works at GD (General Dynamics) has been my biggest advocate. She keeps passing my resume around and hopefully it landed in the right hands today. I won't get too excited until an interview is set up, but at least it's SOMEthing in this sea of NOTHing.
Jam and I have a show this weekend. I was going to take Quila to get her acclimated, but she is a screamer. I bring her to class with me Wednesday nights and she SCREAMS in the crate. Tonight I had to put her in the car so I could actually hear myself tell my students what to do. I'm going to have to do some crate games with her to help. I also need Jam to focus this weekend as I'd love for us to get Gamblers, Pairs and GP Q's. with Quila there, I'm thinking she'll lose some concentration...mostly cuz she'll be pissed off at me for bringing the monster! :)
Dani's birthday is coming up. Her actual birthday day is the 13th, but since she'll be dancing to "Run Run Rudolph" at a great Christmas program that evening, we're having her party on the 14th. It'll be a "Pirate Party" and she's inviting 17 girls. I'm kinda hoping not all of them show up!
I got a decent picture of the girls for the Christmas card today. Whaddya think...?
Now I've got to get the dogs lined up for a picture of them. Mucho easier said than done!
OH, and speaking of Quila...her foundation training is coming along nicely! She targets to my hand, sits and downs and has no issues with the wobble board whatsoever. We're working on stays and recalls...she offers me downs and sits when she breaks her stay...she's so CUTE! And we're working on drive by racing to her ball. She's really picking up her speed! She's also incredibly food motivated which really helps.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Some upbeatness
We had a show this weekend. It was my club's show for which I am the secretary. This is typically our small show...we usually get about 145 entries. Well, we had 193...YIKES! We offered Team/PVP, but that wasn't the draw as we had only 9 Teams and 9 PVP's.
I wasn't going to be on a Team because A. I don't need it and B. I couldn't afford it. But, I was approached by a couple people, one of which needed the Team Q, to be on their Team to help her qualify. I said Yes, but only if they pay my entry. They agreed, so Jam and I ran Team. I then entered her in just the other classes we need for our ADCH...Jumpers, Gamblers and Pairs.
Well, Jam did GREAT! We didn't get a gamble, but came mighty close. She ran very well regardless. She did get a Jumpers leg, which gave us our Jumpers Master...WOOHOO!!! In Pairs, my partner did great, I was an idiot. I ended up handling Jam on the wrong side and she took an off course. Oh well.
As for Team, Jam turned out to be the anchor! She got lots of gamble points (didn't get the gamble though), got the most Snooker points of ALL the dogs entered in Team :), won Jumpers and Standard and stayed clean in Relay! We ended up 3rd and Q'd so we helped the one member of our team who hadn't...I'm so happy for her!!
Quila is finally getting to be "of age" to come with me to shows. She gets her last set of shots on Wednesday, and then she'll be "free." She is SO CUTE!
And here's one of Jam doing what she does best...bark for the ball!
:-)
I wasn't going to be on a Team because A. I don't need it and B. I couldn't afford it. But, I was approached by a couple people, one of which needed the Team Q, to be on their Team to help her qualify. I said Yes, but only if they pay my entry. They agreed, so Jam and I ran Team. I then entered her in just the other classes we need for our ADCH...Jumpers, Gamblers and Pairs.
Well, Jam did GREAT! We didn't get a gamble, but came mighty close. She ran very well regardless. She did get a Jumpers leg, which gave us our Jumpers Master...WOOHOO!!! In Pairs, my partner did great, I was an idiot. I ended up handling Jam on the wrong side and she took an off course. Oh well.
As for Team, Jam turned out to be the anchor! She got lots of gamble points (didn't get the gamble though), got the most Snooker points of ALL the dogs entered in Team :), won Jumpers and Standard and stayed clean in Relay! We ended up 3rd and Q'd so we helped the one member of our team who hadn't...I'm so happy for her!!
Quila is finally getting to be "of age" to come with me to shows. She gets her last set of shots on Wednesday, and then she'll be "free." She is SO CUTE!
And here's one of Jam doing what she does best...bark for the ball!
:-)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Can't cut a break
I'd like to write more upbeat posts...but I can't.
My husband was laid off from his job last Thursday. He received a generous severance package, which is good, but is now looking for a job in this crappy market...which is bad. Same place I am. No jobs.
The same day he got laid off, I ended up bending the door on my SUV (long story) so it's now in the shop. Been there a while. Not sure when I'll get it back.
I had an interview that I thought was a good one, but it turns out I'm over-qualified. Story of my life right now. I was also submitted via a headhunter for another job, but they haven't called for an interview.
Erin is now out of daycare. And I suck as a stay-at-home-mom. Especially since I just want to keep looking for a job...ANY job.
It can't get any worse, can it?
My husband was laid off from his job last Thursday. He received a generous severance package, which is good, but is now looking for a job in this crappy market...which is bad. Same place I am. No jobs.
The same day he got laid off, I ended up bending the door on my SUV (long story) so it's now in the shop. Been there a while. Not sure when I'll get it back.
I had an interview that I thought was a good one, but it turns out I'm over-qualified. Story of my life right now. I was also submitted via a headhunter for another job, but they haven't called for an interview.
Erin is now out of daycare. And I suck as a stay-at-home-mom. Especially since I just want to keep looking for a job...ANY job.
It can't get any worse, can it?
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Ups and Downs of Nationals
It's over. Whew. Another year of chaos by the wayside. Thank God it's over. There were some ups and downs as usual...
Downer #1:
A wonderful agility dog lost her life on the way to the Nationals. Local folks know her as Mesa, the little black dog that ran like the wind. She was loved and owned by Wishy and her family. She touched the lives of many of us here in Arizona and we will miss seeing her run with glee on each course she tackeled. It was a tough weekend for Wishy's family, but they still came and cried and laughed with so many. I don't think they knew how many lives were touched by their little "Spaz dog." We will miss her.
Downer #2 (sorta):
They did a balloon release in which anyone who's lost a dog to cancer could release a balloon in honor of their canine angels. I had 2 balloons to release...one for Fred who died of Osteosarcoma in May, 2003 and one for Chakotay who died of Myeloma in November, 2003. A poem was read and tears were shed. I miss my little Iggies. I hope they were looking down on me during the release cuz I was looking up at them.
OK...we need some uppers...
Upper #1:
Jam had an AWESOME Nationals!!! I am so PROUD of her!! She started with European Standard in which she ran clean. She didn't place, but she fared very well in the results.
Thursday she started with the Steeplechase Quarters. She ran fast and made the cut-off for the Semi's!!! I couldn't believe it! She just rocks!!
Then came Team Jumpers. Again, moderately fast and clean...no faults.
Then came Team Snooker. She ROCKED! She got 48 points...WooHoo! Again, no placement, but was within the top 15 dogs!
Friday we started with Steeplechase Semi's. She had to do the weaves twice so I didn't think she'd be fast enough for the Finals and sure enough, she wasn't. She ran it in 38 seconds though which is fabulous for us!
Then we did Team Standard. She ran that course beautifully!! No faults and a decent time. She was really doing well.
Then came the GP Quarterfinals. I really wanted to make it into the Semi's and we did!!! She ran so well and we ended up 11th...I am so freakin' PROUD!!!
Saturday was the GP Semi's and Team Gamblers. In the Semi's she had the fastest weave poles I've ever seen...they were awesome!! Then, she went into the tunnel...and popped right back out...a refusal. No Finals for us, though making it into the Finals was a longshot at best. I was insanely happy with her poles though, so no biggie.
Gamblers went very well. I think we got a bunch of points, but I never did check.
Regardless, our team ended up 67th out of 174 teams...not bad for all Tollers!!
Upper #2:
The volunteers. They were great!! They worked hard in the 90-degree heat and remained upbeat and happy. I couldn't have asked for a better crew. I don't think they know how much I appreciate them.
Upper #3:
I got to see and talk to so many people...I had a fabulous time chatting with friends that I get to see only a few times a year.
All in all, a good time. I'm glad it's over as I'm just spent, but I had a great time.
Downer #1:
A wonderful agility dog lost her life on the way to the Nationals. Local folks know her as Mesa, the little black dog that ran like the wind. She was loved and owned by Wishy and her family. She touched the lives of many of us here in Arizona and we will miss seeing her run with glee on each course she tackeled. It was a tough weekend for Wishy's family, but they still came and cried and laughed with so many. I don't think they knew how many lives were touched by their little "Spaz dog." We will miss her.
Downer #2 (sorta):
They did a balloon release in which anyone who's lost a dog to cancer could release a balloon in honor of their canine angels. I had 2 balloons to release...one for Fred who died of Osteosarcoma in May, 2003 and one for Chakotay who died of Myeloma in November, 2003. A poem was read and tears were shed. I miss my little Iggies. I hope they were looking down on me during the release cuz I was looking up at them.
OK...we need some uppers...
Upper #1:
Jam had an AWESOME Nationals!!! I am so PROUD of her!! She started with European Standard in which she ran clean. She didn't place, but she fared very well in the results.
Thursday she started with the Steeplechase Quarters. She ran fast and made the cut-off for the Semi's!!! I couldn't believe it! She just rocks!!
Then came Team Jumpers. Again, moderately fast and clean...no faults.
Then came Team Snooker. She ROCKED! She got 48 points...WooHoo! Again, no placement, but was within the top 15 dogs!
Friday we started with Steeplechase Semi's. She had to do the weaves twice so I didn't think she'd be fast enough for the Finals and sure enough, she wasn't. She ran it in 38 seconds though which is fabulous for us!
Then we did Team Standard. She ran that course beautifully!! No faults and a decent time. She was really doing well.
Then came the GP Quarterfinals. I really wanted to make it into the Semi's and we did!!! She ran so well and we ended up 11th...I am so freakin' PROUD!!!
Saturday was the GP Semi's and Team Gamblers. In the Semi's she had the fastest weave poles I've ever seen...they were awesome!! Then, she went into the tunnel...and popped right back out...a refusal. No Finals for us, though making it into the Finals was a longshot at best. I was insanely happy with her poles though, so no biggie.
Gamblers went very well. I think we got a bunch of points, but I never did check.
Regardless, our team ended up 67th out of 174 teams...not bad for all Tollers!!
Upper #2:
The volunteers. They were great!! They worked hard in the 90-degree heat and remained upbeat and happy. I couldn't have asked for a better crew. I don't think they know how much I appreciate them.
Upper #3:
I got to see and talk to so many people...I had a fabulous time chatting with friends that I get to see only a few times a year.
All in all, a good time. I'm glad it's over as I'm just spent, but I had a great time.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Agility folks and Nationals prep
I've been officially unemployed for a week. Can't say my mood has improved too much, but luckily I've been pretty busy with Nationals and my club's upcoming show. But, I have to admit that agility folks are pretty darned cool.
The day I got laid off, Jam and I had agility class. I walked out of agility class with a job! I am now teaching 2 classes for this group and that's great. I also came out of class after talking to two other folks who said they'd send my resume on to their HR folks at their companies. Cool!
Then, I had a show that weekend and was talking to the judge about my malady. He works for a company that has headquarters in the valley and he said he'd circulate my resume as well. Wonderful! Then, yet another agility buddy said she had lots of contacts and would pass my resume around. Fabulous! And THEN, one of my blog readers had me send my resume to her as well...it's a longshot, but heck...I'll take/do anything! Terrific!! I tell ya...agility folks are truly the best folks on Earth! I haven't received any word from anyone regarding a job offer, but getting my name out there is key. I thank all of them profusely as my mood gets lifted with each and every offer of support.
And then there's Nationals prep. Most of my efforts have been focused on volunteers. I am working feverishly on getting my schedule in order and being sure that I communicate adequately to everyone who is helping out. Not to mention that I have a dog to prep as well! I set up some back yard drills today. I have a friend (and Toller teammate) coming on Monday and we're going to head over to where I take classes and do some practice. I could also go to class Tuesday night, but I think I'll spend the time with my girls instead since I won't see them (except for Halloween night) for 5 nights. If Jam and I aren't ready now, we'll never be! :)
And then there's Quila. She and Jam are playing a LOT. I think they actually like each other!! She's still not 100% on potty training, but we're close. She is still nipping quite a bit, but it's getting better. She's definitely a cutie-patootie and somewhat of a troublemaker! :)
Can't finish without pictures...
:-)
The day I got laid off, Jam and I had agility class. I walked out of agility class with a job! I am now teaching 2 classes for this group and that's great. I also came out of class after talking to two other folks who said they'd send my resume on to their HR folks at their companies. Cool!
Then, I had a show that weekend and was talking to the judge about my malady. He works for a company that has headquarters in the valley and he said he'd circulate my resume as well. Wonderful! Then, yet another agility buddy said she had lots of contacts and would pass my resume around. Fabulous! And THEN, one of my blog readers had me send my resume to her as well...it's a longshot, but heck...I'll take/do anything! Terrific!! I tell ya...agility folks are truly the best folks on Earth! I haven't received any word from anyone regarding a job offer, but getting my name out there is key. I thank all of them profusely as my mood gets lifted with each and every offer of support.
And then there's Nationals prep. Most of my efforts have been focused on volunteers. I am working feverishly on getting my schedule in order and being sure that I communicate adequately to everyone who is helping out. Not to mention that I have a dog to prep as well! I set up some back yard drills today. I have a friend (and Toller teammate) coming on Monday and we're going to head over to where I take classes and do some practice. I could also go to class Tuesday night, but I think I'll spend the time with my girls instead since I won't see them (except for Halloween night) for 5 nights. If Jam and I aren't ready now, we'll never be! :)
And then there's Quila. She and Jam are playing a LOT. I think they actually like each other!! She's still not 100% on potty training, but we're close. She is still nipping quite a bit, but it's getting better. She's definitely a cutie-patootie and somewhat of a troublemaker! :)
Can't finish without pictures...
:-)
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