Athena the Klutz

So night before last Athena was relaxing on the couch with my brother. As i walked into the room he said "Get her". Most normal dogs would get up and come over right???? nope not my dog. she flew out of his lap and into the coffee table. Then proceeded to limp over to me. Goof Ball. Only later did we realize that she took off a chunk of her fur and it was bleeding. Way to go Athena! So i cleaned it up and slathered some bag balm on it and clipped the air around the wound so it can heal nicely.

The Damage


I told her no Frisbee until it scabs over. i don't need dirt getting in an open wound and getting infected. So shes moping around the house and getting all the extra love she can. Kids!

Holy Shoes Batman

So after reading up on various types of shoes and how they fit etc. I started my journey for a new pair of good all around pair of shoes for my work out ventures... I had long talks with my friends at various fitness levels about my re occurring shin splints and the type of shoes i should get this time around. Since apparently i'm shoe stupid when it comes to running shoes. none i have bought in the past few years don't really work for me.

So off i go to look for a supportive, cushioned shoe. While waiting for my brother to get his hair cut i thought i'd stop into Sports Authority to see what shoes/clothes they have i couldn't live with out. As i walk down the isle of running shoes, squishing and bending all those i pass. I stop at a pink pair....Pink? i normally do not like pink and i resist the urge to pull my hand back. They feel pretty cushiony. I pull out my size and slip them on...... Holy cow oh my friggen god its like walking on PILLOWS!!! So i walk back and forth and around the shoe department seeing if they fit right etc. Put them back in the box and frown as i put my other shoes back on....they are not pillow shoes LOL.

Never thought i'd buy Pink Shoes. I've many color of shoes but never pink. I guess i always associated it with too girly so i stayed away.

That night when i got home i put them on and took Athena for a walk. i did about a half mile and relized that 1. i was walking pretty fast with no shin pain and 2. No hip pain either!

Maybe this whole working out thing can be comfortable after all. Maybe these shoes will be the ones that will help me get back into running and extend Athenas walks a few more miles each day. i swear i vow never to be shoe stupid again. And seriously i wish i could find just the insoles and put them in all my shoes esp my heels!

For the rest of my work out/ food planning. I've been good about sticking to watching my calories and for now walking Athena 4 miles a day (now i can do it faster woot). Its only been a couple of weeks but i' m already down a pound. I've started a written food diary as well and have been eating more fruits and veggies too. I have replaced my mid day coffee with a green ice tea. I'm getting there slowly but surely.

Saturday Morning Walkies

So yesterday i woke up to a beautiful morning. Then skys were clear and the sun was shining and it was a cool 50 degrees out. So i thought i'd take Athena to the Bird Sanctuary. We had not been there in a while and it is one of her Favorite places to have walks at!

Don Edwards
For those who have never been there i suggest you go first with out the doggies, since they aren't allowed into the visitors center, and then with the doggies! They are not allowed off leash but its fun none the less! A great place for anything from biking, hiking to running along the salt ponds!




Athena loves to watch the birdies

Sniff where others have been

Run around

And enjoy the sun



Though the bridge (dumbarton) is right next to it the place is still so peaceful. i love going out there and just sitting. Sometimes i take a book and just read :)

When i got home Athena was not tired. So i made her sit for some pics..

well then the dog started barking so the next one i got was this

Winter Wonderland

As i was scanning through my snow trip pictures. It made me want to live in the snow. Although many people would probably think i am crazy and maybe i am, but the snow to me is so beautiful! How it hangs on trees, rests on boulders or how the snow kicks up in the wind like a dust storm. All of it is just breath taking :)
Pinecrest, CA



Along 108


My dad and brothers

Me and my brother Alex

My dad, me and my brother Alex

Goals for 2009

I call them goals because resolutions tend to fail. I don't have many per say but here are a few that i want to concentrate on.

Personal Goals

1. Getting in shape- Now i know that this is probably everyone's goal every year, but im honestly sick of being over weight. Nothing fits and i feel like crap. Plus ever since i started continually working out last semester my migraines have lessened! Radical concept right? Although i got them just as bad when i was in shape. So maybe my body will decide to like me from now on LOL.
2. Eat better- this goes along with the whole getting in shape
3. Get a better control on my migraines- for many years my migraines have come and gone. Some are easy to deal with and some not so much. I've learned many things that trigger them and things that tend to keep them at bay.
4. Learn more about photography- I have signed up for a class and will be getting a newer cooler more advanced camera. I really love photography and can not wait to advance my skills. Who knows maybe just maybe I'll be famous one day LOL. i already have a few friends and family who want me to print, sign and frame a few photos ive taken.
   
5. Work on scheduling- I know most people would say "why schedule your life away? dont be such a stick in the mudd" etc. This semester i am taking 2 online classes. So for me i have to get back into scheduling my time. Not just for my grades but for my own sanity. Ever try busting ass on a weeks worth of work 3 hours before midnight? I did that before and trust me it sucks. If i make a schedule and stick to it i not only get my work done, but i also have free time or what i like to call "me time" *gasp*.

Doggie Goals

Why doggie goals you ask? Well i do want to improve on Athenas skills as a whole. Most who know me know that i can be a little obsessive about my dog. And i think this year is just going to make it a little worse then usual LOL.

1. Walking at a heel with a flat collar- i got her this spiffy new leather collar and i'd like to use it and not have to poke new holes in it because she stretched it out. So far she can walk at a heel with no distractions, but once something catches her attention she loses her flat collar walking zone.
   
2. Make my dog bi-lingual- why you ask? Well mainly for my amusement, but also when i use German she tends to pay more attention to me. Maybe its because i put more firmness behind the language then i do in English. Whatever reason i have noticed using German make her "work" better. So far she has Sitz and Platz down to a T onto other words! Plus it makes me brush up on my foreign language skills
3. Go to At least a few Frisbee Trails- Athena LOVES her Frisbee and i want to get her out to a few trails or fun days.
   
4. Begin basic agility- Agility has always been a basic goal for Athena. Shes fast, smart, agile and now that she has good recall skills and adult focus (well most of the time) i would like to get her into something that challenges her more!

OK so there you have it my Goals for the Year. As i was re reading i was thinking to my self "Is that too little? or is it too much?" But i think for now those goals are something i can do and work with. Maybe i'll add some more through out the year, but right now those are what i want to work on no matter what 2009 brings me.

Here is to 2009 being one kick ass year!! To those who also have goals/resolutions i wish you luck!

Snow? snow snow snow

I took Miss Athena up to the Snow over Christmas weekend. She was hopping around and running through the snow like a champ. At one point both of her front legs were sunken but her butt was in the air. She wiggled her butt and then stomped her back legs down and poof! she was free and running around like mad...where was my camera during this time? In my pack of course LOL. It is kinda hard to hold your camera while wading through thigh deep snow. Next time...next time....

After i told her to "Freeze" since she was about to run after a bird on ice

Nala my dads old dog (13) enjoying the welcomed icey snow for her joints

Only Sad thing is there should be 3 times that much snow at this point in the year :( Hopefully we shall get it! California needs it badly!

Look out Tyra

you have competition on the cat walk.... 

Here with have Athena modeling the lastest fashions in winter wear. Please note the striking colors that not only are complimentary to her coloring but they are great for safety purposes. 

The hood is fashioned to allow the wearer a full range of vision while keeping her ears warm and toasty. 

The non binding sleeves will provide hours of warm comfort while frolicing in the winter wonderlands. 

Of course we all have to note that Athena has been waiting for this day...she is known only by her first name, just like Prince, Maddona and now ATHENA !!

Thank you to our Friend Sodas Mommie for the awesome commentary!