Woot

Finally! i found a helmet that fits right. Although ill probably get a new set of goggles because mine just don't sit right. Stupid short forehead! I scored quite a deal. i found a 160 dollar helmet for 62 bucks including shipping. Can't beat that! When i was putting it on Athena took a liking to it. she kept wanting to sniff it. ...So i put it on her goggles and all LOL. The second i put it on she just froze and let me take pictures. At least now its properly broken in dog hair and all.






So now i am set to be injury free!...well hopefully!

And Some sunset pics from my dads place

Annoyed

This weekend was the first weekend i didn't have something planned from dawn to dusk. I woke up Saturday feeling great with no soreness from last weeks workouts. So i loaded up Athena into the car and headed out to out favorite recreational place. The morning was crisp and over cast and just how i like it. Like always i tie extra doggie poop bags onto my leash and off we go...

Not even 25ft from the trail entrance and trash can was poop galore. And most people would say to me "well it is a wild life sanctuary maybe its their poop". No it wasn't. It was dog poop. WTF people. Not only was their a trash can 25feet away but they also provide Poop bags at the start of the trail FREE. As we continued on our walk i saw more and more dog poop everywhere. It was disgusting!!! To the point where i did not want Athena walking anywhere near it and instead of letting her have free rein to explore the 6ft of her leash i kept her at my side. Never in all my years of going to this place have i ever seen so much dog poop littering the pathways.

So as we are making our little walk Athena decided to do her business just for me. So i pick it up and double bag it since i have about a mile left in our walk and there are no garbage cans to be found. At one point Athena and i stop to watch the birds and enjoy the view of the salt flats. A guy walks up to us to take some pics and turns to see me picking up the bag i have to carry back to the trash can. The only trash cans are at the trail entrance and at a picnic area. Since the budget cuts of our east bay parks i have noticed that the extra garbage cans that use to be at various points are now gone. The guy gives me an odd look and asks what is in my bag. So i tell him and he gets this grossed out look on his face and asks why i am carrying dog poop and how unsanitary it is. Well, i said, there are no garbage cans and i am not going to leave it on the ground for someone to step in. I think i can carry it to the trash and not die. Plus the people who don't pick up after their animals are ruining it for the rest of us. All the state needs is an excuse to A. Close the parks or B. ban dogs at parks. This is one of our favorite places to come to relax and enjoy i prefer it to stay that way. The man mumbles under his breath and walks away.

Seriously people how hard is it to pick up dog poop? It specifically says to pick it up and they give you FREE bags. If you are scared of the smell then bring a ziplock bag. I don't like poop scooping but as a dog owner it's my job to do so.

OK ok....end rant.

There is snow in dem mountains

Last weekend Tahoe had SNOW. Yes i know it's a bit early to start doing the snow dance or is it?!?! I have read that El Niño will cause this winter season to be very wet. Yay right? Well i have also read that although it will be wet for most of CA it might be dry in up north. With normal snow fall but not what we want to fall. I personally am doing the snow dance for a few reasons. 1. CA needs this snow pack to help us make it through another year. 2. I LOVE the snow and so does Athena. 3. I want to get good on the snowboard.

Over last weekend my brother and i were talking about the upcoming season. We are both excited. So excited that i started shopping for my protection gear. You see my brother and many of his friends are all about prevention. Which is fine with me. Using his knee pads last year when he took me out, more then likely saved my knees for lots of pain. Last year he made me wear his helmet, which was 2 sizes too big for me. So this year i found one on REI outlet site and it was for a great price. So i ordered it. I really hope *crosses fingers* it fits right. My bruder even offered to pay for it as my birthday gift yay!. I had expressed my concerns about it being white and blending in too much. My bro just said "well we can paint it". I really love my brother! So all that is left to buy is knee pads and wrist guards. Helmet, wrist guards and knee pads...sounds like a wild night LOL.

This was me Last year


Being a total wuss and not even trying to go down the green run. My brother was very patient with me and even made me wear his helmet and knee pads so i didn't "kill my self", as he put it. This year i want to get better and be more comfortable out there. Maybe one day i'll be able to follow him around with my camera and get some nice action shots.


Come on everybody do the SNOW DANCE *dances around*

Is it suppose to hurt?

Over the last few years i have been dealing with off and on shin splint pain. And its a big pain in the shins. My body goes through phases of "i'll cooperate and let you run/walk" as well as " I hate you you must be in pain and not be able to walk." So after reading Molly's Blog about ART i thought it might be a good idea for me to try it. Since all the stretching and ice and rest I've been doing hasn't worked much. I sent her an email asking what she went in for and she made a point to tell me that its going to hurt. Pain?!? sweet...See i'm one of those folks who believes in no pain no gain. I guess i get it from many years of receiving deep tissue massage. Many years of little fingers/elbows and forearms digging their way around my back seeking out knots and destroying them. Pain is expected and honestly its welcomed because i know the next day i will feel like a new person.

Fast forward a few days to my appt. The doctor was nice watched me walk and played with my feet a little. Then asked if i was ready and he gets to work. He said my feet are a mess and my calves are super tight. He asked if i have had any heel spurs before.I said yes once about a year ago and they were cured by taping and rest. The pressure wasn't as intense as i was expecting. It felt like a Swedish massage rather then a deep tissue. At that point as i'm laying there i was thinking "wow this is not painful at all is he doing it right". Before i left he told me i should start taping my arches for a few days after the treatment. So i have to go get some more athletic tape or maybe something not so harsh on my skin. Before i walked out he showed me some exercises to strengthen my arches and inner leg muscles. I left with my legs feeling a little looser, my ankle beginning to be a little sore from all the manipulation and walking straighter.

Now i know that not everyone's experience is the same in any thing, but honestly i thought i was missing out LOL. I even emailed Molly when i got home asking if it was suppose to hurt! i guess ill have to get my massage therapist to torture me when i go in next. She is more then willing to make me feel like a broke chicken wing. Actually i think she takes some pleasure in making my muscles do what she wants them to do.

This morning I'm not really sore. My right shin, which is the bad one of the two, feels a little tender. Not tender to the touch but tender as in how i feel the day after i have a freezing episode. So maybe this will work? I'm seriously hoping so because Athena loves her walks and i love my work outs! Tonight will be the test. I'm planning on a long walk with Athena due to us leaving early tomorrow for a 2 hour drive to Sacramento!


Thanks Molly for all your help!

Blood, Sweat and Tears...

OK It was more like Blood, Cursing and Frustration and maybe not blood, but i did it! I got my craft on.

This labor day weekend i actually didn't have something i had to do. So i asked my mom "Can i use your sewing machine? Can you show me how to put together this kit quilt that has been sitting on my shelves for almost 2 years?" To which she replied "Umm....did the world stop turning?" LOL

But i did it! Yay me!




After i stopped stressing over the fact the lines of the quilting are not straight. I had a good time putting it together. And i even started a 2nd quilt but i ran out of fabric...So i gotta go buy some more....I never thought i'd hear my self say i need more fabric. Maybe the world has stopped turning on its axis?

Flordia 2009

I recently go back from my annual pilgrimage to FL to see my sister, nephews and friends. I had a blast and drove all over central and northern FL. We even did wine tasting at San Sebastian Winery. Where i found a red wine that i really really like. I miss visiting with family and friends, but i missed home more lol esp Athena. My mom said she was a good girl and took up most of the bed so much so she had to sleep on mine, which is bigger LOL. Kids!

Pointed Rocks down in Sarasota


St. Augustine beach dunes

St.Augustine Beach

St. John River

Angry Skies on the way to dinner

Part of my friends fish tank-i so wanted to take it home lol

Seagulls in Sarasota, i loved how they dive bombed the water.

A rock i found and brought back with me.


I have more pics but they need to be organized. So there will probably be like 3 FL blogs LOL. Enjoy :)

Long time no blog....

Yikes i've so been slacking on the blogging! I have been in a funk and sick again, but finally feeling better. I went for a massage on Wednesday and let me just say that woman is a god! Oh it was painful, but a deep tissue massage is just what my back needed and i'm sleeping so much better and over all feel 100% better. And my nose cleared up after that one session. I can finally breathe un assisted!

I'm back on my workout routine after slacking. I have walked 6 miles this week and biked (stationary bike) 10 miles (in 30 min) and planning on doing another 10 tonight woot for me! I'm doing 30 min a night on the bike and then Athenas walk which is about 1.5 miles and her frisbee run. I'll get there i know it takes time :)

I'm having fun with my camera still and bought photoshop which i love!

Athena at my dads

My moms opera man

And one just to make you laugh

Hot Summer Days

I think Athena has the right idea...

Finally...

After a few weeks of my walk runs i think my body is finally getting it. Night before last i take our usual trip out to the salt flats having every intention on doing my normal walk 1 min and run 1min. But as i took off watching how fast i'm going and concentrating on staying relaxed and controlling my breathing, i realized after i passed my normal area i stop to walking i wasn't out of breath. In fact i ran a whole 3 min before stopping my self because my shins were starting to feel the burn. WOOOHOOO for progress. So now i'm going to move to 2min run 1 min walk. I'm just happy my body is finally getting it!

The Smell of Spring is in the Air!

I had a fun weekend filled with base ball and a dog who decided to eat enough calories in one sitting as he would in a week LOL

My moms little dog decided Athenas food was just so good he HAD to eat about 1 1/4cups of it when Athena decided to sleep instead of eat breakfast. Her food bowl is slightly raised so he only could reach half of the food in her bowl, but it was enough for him to make his belly painful to the touch as well as 3 times it should be LOL. Never mind the fact he had already had his breakfast nope he wanted MORE....

Even later that night he had not learned his lesson. He was standing behind Athena waiting for her to walk away so he can snag whatever she might have left. All is well again with him though after 24 hours of digesting so much food and many BIG poops later hes back to his glutton self :)

Some friends and i went to the A's on Friday night and Sunday day and watched them Kick the Orioles in the butt both days. wooohooo Go A's

My little camera did not like low lights but i got a few decent pics



Next time I'm getting closer seats and bringing my good camera LOL must get clear pics of their butts muahahaha i have my priorities!

I also ended up at target yesterday. I bought some comfy wedges for summer wear
http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Supply-Co-Wendell-Sandals/dp/B001GRSBCK/sr=1-5/qid=1244477408/ref=sr_1_5/184-3047348-2114104?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Awedge%20sandals&page=1

And a new chicken for Athena


And since i totally blew my diet this weekend...i will be running my ass off this week LOL

Lazy Saturday Mornings

Well maybe not that lazy. I was planning on getting up first thing and heading over to the high school to use their track to better track how far i do my walk/runs, but i didn't get up early enough. By the time Athena and i made our way over at 7:45am there were way too many people to be able to do my work out and keep Athena from dragging me over to say to everyone. So we went out to our favorite place and took in the early morning smells of the water and salt.

When we got home Athena curled up on the couch and hasn't moved even more so after i covered her with the favorite Yoda Blanket, which she stole from me as a pup.

Maks takes advantage of Athenas warmth too

Dogs have the Hardest life EVER




So tomorrow i shall try to get my butt up and out the door earlier if i can remember to hit the bed earlier and not get sucked into another new book LOL.

And Molly i know that Boise is not too far off, but i wanted to say GOOOOOD LUCK! and i know you will kick ass and take names later :)

Yay Me

After ~5 weeks of eating better and working out i can proudly say i lost 14lbs. Yay me! I know its probably water weight but i don't care i LOST weight and i get more determined every day! My clothes are starting to fit better too which helps motivate me more and more.

My friends and i have made a weight loss pack. We pay each other 1 dollar for every pound we loose by our FL girls trip August 6 of this year. Each week on Saturday we text each other pics of the scale showing our weight to keep track.Then come August we either give each other gift certificates to clothing stores or donate to our favorite cause. So at this rate I shall be rich by the time August 6 rolls around.

And after 2 weeks of rest Athena is back to her normal self, no limping and back to her frisbee crazy self. I'm relieved to say it was just a strained muscle.

Tonight after speaking to a few friends about my cardio options i was encouraged to start running again...slowly to let my shins catch up since i tend to get shin splints easy. So off to my favorite spot i got with Athena in tow. She was happy to have me running with her. Although i wish i could trot forever like she can. Maybe one day though. But for now I'm starting with 1 min running 2 or 3 min walking and did that for almost 1.5miles. Other then a little shin soreness i feel pretty good. I'm applying some ice for now and stretching before i hit the bed. Maybe this whole running thing will come back to me and I'll be out running miles with music and dog in tow again soon LOL. One can hope anyway....

And for those who like pics (i haven't posted many lately)

Athena practicing her down stays at a corner

A picture from the KFOG KaBoom Concert i went too a few weeks back

Athena with her Precious

And of her tongue

Injured Dog

How do you keep an injured dog quiet? You can't!

Sunday afternoon while playing Frisbee my brother noticed Athena's gate was off. So he stopped playing cooled her off and brought her in. Later that night she started limping and progressed into not using her back right leg at all. So Ice and rest time for the beast. She was not happy about that, but soaked up the sympathy like a pro from me and her grandma.

So yesterday i called the Vet. He said "is she whimpering?" No "Does she yelp when you move it?" No. "Is she putting any weight on it?" Sometimes...His prognosis? Keep her quiet, make her rest and no walks for at least a week and no frisbee for 2 weeks and if shes not getting better by Wednesday to bring her in. WHAT? 2 weeks???? Mind telling me how to keep her from her precious Frisbee to for 2 weeks????? He laughed at me and said "I'm sure you will figure something out."

So I am stuck watching her pee and making her walk around the yard when she really wants to run full force like normal. I'm glad i taught her the "Slow" command makes it a lot easier then having to leash her up in the yard. It is so pathetic watching her mope around the house and whine and mope and whine so more. But i refuse to take her for a walk when shes barely using her back leg. It's all i need is to carry a ~60lb dog for a mile or more ....though it would be a good work out LOL My nightly work out partner will have to stay home for 2 weeks. Guess i'll be going out before dark then since i don't have her to watch over me.

My body hates me

So i go into the doctor yesterday thinking i had an ear infection. My ears have been sounding blocked for the last week and a half due to me being sick. What do i get?

Apparently i have 101 temperature and a sinus infection of some kind. My ears look clear, heart healthy, lungs health. He gives me some antibiotics and nasal spray and sends me on my way. Then it was not until this morning that i have green phlegm, but at least i can breath through my nose again. Everything coming out is being coughed out. I guess i caught this at the beginning of the infection? At least I'm hoping. Started my antibiotics last night, but my teeth hurt this morning (sigh). Body please stop hating me!

And this is how Athena feels about 1. Not playing frisbee in the 90 degree heat and 2. sharing the bed with my moms dog while shes out of town. And its about how i feel about being sick.

Drinking Right?

So I'm doing good. I'm eating better on my set meal plan sticking too it not cheating woot good for me right? Well sorta. I'm craving drinks. Specifically Arizona Green Ice Tea. I love love love my plain ice tea, but if i don't have it at work pre made i end up buying the AZ tea, which is loaded with Sugar and isn't good. So Last night I made Ice tea to bring to work so i am not tempted to buy sugar infested tea. On another note. i'm not wanting soda. i look at it and totally pass it up because it is too sweet for me. Never thought i'd say that!

I booked my Trip to FL to have a girls week with friends. So Now i'm even more motivated to get my arse in to shape. No excuses anymore....well maybe no more excuses after i get my sickness and possible ear infection cleared up LOL. My goal is to fit into this suit by the time my trip rolls around. I know i can do it. I just need to push!

Everybody needs some zen time

Last Saturday i woke up to the sun shining and the birds singing. So what did i do? packed my camera/water and extra leash for Athena and headed out with the beast to the bird sanctuary. This place is our local zen place. It's so much fun to go out there and take a deep breath in and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells. A place where i can take pictures and get my exercise in and a place where Athena can watch birdies from afar, chase lizards and get muddy with salt pond mud :) And its free to the public. This place has always held a special place in my heart for me. I remember my grandpa taking me out there as a kid letting me use the camera or binoculars. To me there is nothing better then walking around and just enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer

Watching the Birdies


Poppies in Bloom


Watching the Cyclists near her water fountain LOL




Watching over the backpack

Being good in the truck

Fun Filled Frisbee Weekend

This weekend had odd weather. I woke up to hail on Saturday and then rain most of the day. Then Sunday i woke up to overcast sky and what looked like rain. And poor Athena was driving me Insane with her "Lets play frisbee" Whine, yes she has a specific whine for it now. But suturday afternoon turned out to be clear, but windy. The sun dried the mud out nicely so we played Frisbee. And i got to get a feel for my neeeewwwww camera :)

Concentration I haz it

Meep Meep

Almost there...

Wipe out!





MINE


Cool Down...gotta keep those feet in shape and cool the beast off

Such a hard life she has