My brother's plane lands in the San Diego airport in just a few short hours! Yay! I am so excited for his visit.
He has actually never had the opportunity to visit me in any of the places I have lived.. and on top of that this will be his first time in California. So, I figure it will be a fun visit.
I feel proud any time someone gets to see my life for the first time. When I look around, I know that I am blessed with so many amazing things that I sometimes take for granted; so, it's nice to see my life from someone else's perspective every now and then.
Although, I don't expect a lot of compliments or groveling from my brother. I already warned my husband not to be offended if instead of complimenting, my brother teases us about everything. Teasing is just the way that my brother, my dad, and I share affection. :)
I do have to say, though, that I am sore and aching from the HOURS of crazy maniacal cleaning I did yesterday, and I can't help but realize deep down that my labors could not be LESS appreciated than they will be by my brother. Of all the people I know, I'm sure that he wouldn't think twice if the dishes were piled up and I had huge piles of laundry on my bedroom floor. Believe me, I grew up with the boy.. I've seen his bedroom! .....And.. he's seen mine.. which is why my labors may not go unappreciated afterall! I'm sure he'll be shocked to see that I actually have a CLEAN house!
Knowing my brother, our first stop will be food! I've decided that his first meal will either be the notorious In-n-out Burger or Rubios Fish Tacos! Either one sounds good to me!
Also on our itinerary is: (in no particular order)
- La Jolla
- Old Town (for some great authentic Mexican food!)
- The San Diego Zoo
Other than that, we'll just play it by ear!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Go Figure
During the week, I wake up at the ungodly hour of 5:30 am. It is always extremely difficult for me to pry myself out of bed and get in the shower. Suffice it to say, I HATE mornings, and I can't stand having to get out of bed when it is still dark.
Oddly, however, this I'm on my Spring Break right now, and when my husband's alarm went off this morning at 5:20 I was wide awake. I tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but my body wasn't having it. So, I decided to read my book and figured I would get tired eventually and want to fall back to sleep. No such luck. Hmm. So, here I am at 6:30 am on my VACATION wide awake and ready to get to work on cleaning my house.
Life is strange like that. I actually have the chance to sleep in and am finding it impossible to do so. Go figure.
:)
Oddly, however, this I'm on my Spring Break right now, and when my husband's alarm went off this morning at 5:20 I was wide awake. I tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but my body wasn't having it. So, I decided to read my book and figured I would get tired eventually and want to fall back to sleep. No such luck. Hmm. So, here I am at 6:30 am on my VACATION wide awake and ready to get to work on cleaning my house.
Life is strange like that. I actually have the chance to sleep in and am finding it impossible to do so. Go figure.
:)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
time is precious
Last night our friends called us to hang out with them. But, we didn't go. At this point, I almost dread getting these invitations so often to hang out; because, 5 out of 10 times, we don't go. It's not that we don't enjoy hanging out with our friends, it's just that we REALLY enjoy hanging out with each other.
I think that the life we are leading right now puts everything into a unique perspective for us. We are only now just recovering from a 7 months separation, and already we are preparing for another 7 month separation. So, you see, it's not that we don't like hanging out with other people, it's just that right now.. our time is precious. We do what we WANT to do, not what we feel we SHOULD do.
I hope no one resents us for it.
That's just the way it is.
I think that the life we are leading right now puts everything into a unique perspective for us. We are only now just recovering from a 7 months separation, and already we are preparing for another 7 month separation. So, you see, it's not that we don't like hanging out with other people, it's just that right now.. our time is precious. We do what we WANT to do, not what we feel we SHOULD do.
I hope no one resents us for it.
That's just the way it is.
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Witch Fires Revisited
These days the San Diego wildfires of October seem like a distant memory. In fact, after 3 days of the greatest terror I have ever experienced, being displaced from my home, and living in fear that my home might be destroyed it was strange to come home to a house that was completely intact. With my butt planted on the couch at my friend's house in La Jolla for 72 hours and watching nothing but the news, there was a brief period where it seemed as though hell had reigned on the earth. It appeared to me as though all of San Diego was going up in flames.
So, you can imagine my surprise then, to find out that not only was my house still standing when I got home but that I had no idea where these elusive fires had been since there were no signs of singed trees or burnt houses anywhere I went.
Well, today, while visiting a nearby lake for the first time with my husband, I finally spotted proof that the fires had really occurred. And that, indeed, they were not far from my home.
Hubby and I were hiking along a trail with my dogs when he said, "Well, at least we finally get to see where the fires were."
I looked around me and said, "Where?!" --
Silly me. there were singed trees and burnt rocks all around me. How did I not even notice?
But it was beautiful. Barren black trees, still standing with the green of the new bushes and shrubberry growing up around them. Speaking of the Resurrection.. what greater image of resurrection than this?
Today on my way home from our hike, I decided that no place I ever live will ever match up to the beauty of San Diego. We have the most beautiful oceans, lakes, mountains, and deserts all in one place. Who could ask for more.
A "good" Good Friday
So far today I have been lucky enough to experience three of my "best feelings in the world". Today is Good Friday, and at the school that I teach the 8th grade class traditionally dramatizes the Stations of the Cross on this day. For the past two weeks, the thought of these Stations has been waking me up in the middle of the night with nervous pangs in my stomach. I've been worried. You see, when I accepted the 8th grade teacher position this year, I knew that I had BIG shoes to fill. The previous 8th grade teacher was greatly respected throughout the school and everything she ever did was FLAWLESS. So, I guess you can say that I was feeling pressure to measure up.
Today, my students pulled off the most reverent and breath taking dramatization that I could ever have hoped for. They had me tearing up. It was wonderful. I can't tell you how many people came up to me and complimented me on my leadership and my class on its beautiful performance.
So, as you see, already I had experienced two of my best feelings ever. 1) watching my students do something extraordinary and 2) being complimented by my fellow teachers, student's parents, etc.
After arriving home today, I was lucky enough to experience my third best feeling ever when my nephew (Lucas) left me a Happy Easter Greeting on my voicemail.
It went something like this:
"Hello Sawah"
"I la-loo"
"I miss you sa-wah"
"Happy Eafter"
"la loo, Sawah"
*ugh. so adorable it breaks my heart.
What a great day.
And to top it all off, my husband and I have plans of take a hike this afternoon around a local lake with our dogs. The sun is shining and it should be a beautiful way to end a beautiful day.
Today, my students pulled off the most reverent and breath taking dramatization that I could ever have hoped for. They had me tearing up. It was wonderful. I can't tell you how many people came up to me and complimented me on my leadership and my class on its beautiful performance.
So, as you see, already I had experienced two of my best feelings ever. 1) watching my students do something extraordinary and 2) being complimented by my fellow teachers, student's parents, etc.
After arriving home today, I was lucky enough to experience my third best feeling ever when my nephew (Lucas) left me a Happy Easter Greeting on my voicemail.
It went something like this:
"Hello Sawah"
"I la-loo"
"I miss you sa-wah"
"Happy Eafter"
"la loo, Sawah"
*ugh. so adorable it breaks my heart.
What a great day.
And to top it all off, my husband and I have plans of take a hike this afternoon around a local lake with our dogs. The sun is shining and it should be a beautiful way to end a beautiful day.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
All I have to say is.. isn't it true that when you want time to fly by it crawls to a halt and when you want time to slow down it speeds up?!
That's how it is this week. You won't find anyone else in the world as ready as I am to close my classroom doors for Spring Break and yet this week just keeps DRAGGING ON AND ON! At 12:00 tomorrow afternoon I guarantee you that all the people at my school will hear is the screeching of my tires as I speed out of the school parking lot on my way to a week of freedom!!
That's how it is this week. You won't find anyone else in the world as ready as I am to close my classroom doors for Spring Break and yet this week just keeps DRAGGING ON AND ON! At 12:00 tomorrow afternoon I guarantee you that all the people at my school will hear is the screeching of my tires as I speed out of the school parking lot on my way to a week of freedom!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
turmoil
It's funny how quickly things can change in only a day.
Yesterday, I left work feeling very adamant that I would NOT be back next year if my friend was fired and the new teacher stayed on. It's a long story, but basically if this scenerio were to occur, I would know that this is not the place for me because it would not be a JUST place. If that makes any sense.
Today, however, our staff meeting was a very sobering one. Actually, it started off really great. The principal was out at first and our vice principal was leading the meeting. Everyone was cracking jokes and having a grand old time. That is, until the principal arrived to the meeting and dropped a bombshell on all of us. You see, our school is not doing very well financially. This coming school year, in fact, our enrollment appears as though it will be the lowest yet. For this reason, our principal told us point blank today that all of us will not be back next year. She said she has created a proposal for the reorganization of the school and as soon as she gets it approved by the parish priest she will begin calling us into her office one by one and letting us know if we will stay or if we will go. *Wow. I've never heard a room full of teachers as quiet as I heard them today.
I have to say, I was scared. When I think about it logically though, it doesn't actually make any sense that I should fear for my job. There are a few factors involved in this. The first is that as one of the three junior high teachers at the school, I am by far most likely to be back next year. And believe me, I am not one to toot my own horn. These are my circumstances: One of the other junior high teachers is constantly butting heads with the principal and they aren't really even on speaking terms. The other junior high teacher is a disaster waiting to happen and may very well hold the record for "most complaints ever made about a teacher in one school year". Seriously, it's bad. On top of that, I've never received any negative feedback or even advice for improvement from my principal. The only thing I have heard from her is compliments.. and she constantly talks to me about "next year" -- so, for these reasons, I feel pretty secure.
I can't help but be nervous though. Not necesserily for me, but for the country in general. It was strange for me to hear that San Diego County had laid off hundreds of teachers, but to see the economy affecting my very own school is quite a wake up call.
Someone today said that times like these are how you know that this world is not the one that truly matters. Everything is temporary; here today and gone tomorrow. That's why we have to put our faith and hope in the world beyond this one.
But, on a less serious note.. I have been feeling guilty that while the country suffers through turmoil my husband and I have never been more prosperous. We've bought a few things recently, so I told my mom that I guess I shouldn't feel guilty.. hubby and I are probably single-handedly keeping the economy on its feet. ha. ha. :O)
Yesterday, I left work feeling very adamant that I would NOT be back next year if my friend was fired and the new teacher stayed on. It's a long story, but basically if this scenerio were to occur, I would know that this is not the place for me because it would not be a JUST place. If that makes any sense.
Today, however, our staff meeting was a very sobering one. Actually, it started off really great. The principal was out at first and our vice principal was leading the meeting. Everyone was cracking jokes and having a grand old time. That is, until the principal arrived to the meeting and dropped a bombshell on all of us. You see, our school is not doing very well financially. This coming school year, in fact, our enrollment appears as though it will be the lowest yet. For this reason, our principal told us point blank today that all of us will not be back next year. She said she has created a proposal for the reorganization of the school and as soon as she gets it approved by the parish priest she will begin calling us into her office one by one and letting us know if we will stay or if we will go. *Wow. I've never heard a room full of teachers as quiet as I heard them today.
I have to say, I was scared. When I think about it logically though, it doesn't actually make any sense that I should fear for my job. There are a few factors involved in this. The first is that as one of the three junior high teachers at the school, I am by far most likely to be back next year. And believe me, I am not one to toot my own horn. These are my circumstances: One of the other junior high teachers is constantly butting heads with the principal and they aren't really even on speaking terms. The other junior high teacher is a disaster waiting to happen and may very well hold the record for "most complaints ever made about a teacher in one school year". Seriously, it's bad. On top of that, I've never received any negative feedback or even advice for improvement from my principal. The only thing I have heard from her is compliments.. and she constantly talks to me about "next year" -- so, for these reasons, I feel pretty secure.
I can't help but be nervous though. Not necesserily for me, but for the country in general. It was strange for me to hear that San Diego County had laid off hundreds of teachers, but to see the economy affecting my very own school is quite a wake up call.
Someone today said that times like these are how you know that this world is not the one that truly matters. Everything is temporary; here today and gone tomorrow. That's why we have to put our faith and hope in the world beyond this one.
But, on a less serious note.. I have been feeling guilty that while the country suffers through turmoil my husband and I have never been more prosperous. We've bought a few things recently, so I told my mom that I guess I shouldn't feel guilty.. hubby and I are probably single-handedly keeping the economy on its feet. ha. ha. :O)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Best Feeling...
Today the writing prompt for my students was "The Best feeling in the world is..."
Some of them came up with some pretty neat things that had me taking a step back and appreciating the smaller things in life. So, here it goes.. my very own version.
The best feeling in the world is
... waking up on a Saturday morning and realizing I can sleep in.
... receiving an unexpected compliment from a student or parent of a student.. or principal.. or fellow teacher :)
... Driving into my hometown of Chambersburg, PA after being away for a while
... Stepping into my parents' house after being away for a while
... getting adorable voicemail messages from my nephew.
... catching sight of my husband for the first time after a deployment
... The first day of summer after the last day of school
... spending time with my family all together
... lazy Friday evenings with Hubby on the couch
... cuddle/relaxation time with my dogs every night before bed
... watching my students use their talents to do extraordinary things
and many more.
What's your "best feeling in the world"?
Some of them came up with some pretty neat things that had me taking a step back and appreciating the smaller things in life. So, here it goes.. my very own version.
The best feeling in the world is
... waking up on a Saturday morning and realizing I can sleep in.
... receiving an unexpected compliment from a student or parent of a student.. or principal.. or fellow teacher :)
... Driving into my hometown of Chambersburg, PA after being away for a while
... Stepping into my parents' house after being away for a while
... getting adorable voicemail messages from my nephew.
... catching sight of my husband for the first time after a deployment
... The first day of summer after the last day of school
... spending time with my family all together
... lazy Friday evenings with Hubby on the couch
... cuddle/relaxation time with my dogs every night before bed
... watching my students use their talents to do extraordinary things
and many more.
What's your "best feeling in the world"?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
This weekend I was pampered. On Saturday morning I met "the girls" for breakfast in Pacific Beach and then we all headed for some much needed pedicures! Fun! I then rushed back to Poway to make my hair appointment on time! As always, I had once again waited WAY too long to schedule my hair appointment so I had already reached the point of being absolutely DISGUSTED with my hair! -- But, I'm back to loving it again, so that's good news!
Mike and I planned to go out to our local Irish pub to celebrate St. Patrick's Day; however, we both fell asleep on the couch and didn't wake up until 9:30 pm. By then, we were too tired and ended up spending the evening IN.
Last night I was plagued with anxiety over the Stations of the Cross my students have to perform for the school and didn't sleep too well. It's the fact that we only have a few days to practice that is keeping me awake at night. But, I'm sure it will be fine and even if it isn't, I'll live through the humiliation and soon it will be a distant memory. :)
In better news, my spring break begins next week! YAY!! and my brother will be out here visiting me for the first time for a couple of days. That should be fun. In the meantime, our new bedroom furniture continues to get delayed and we might not get it for another 2 weeks which is such a drag!
Today I WILL spend at least 4 hours grading backed up papers. I promise!
And.. that's all from me folks!
:o)
Mike and I planned to go out to our local Irish pub to celebrate St. Patrick's Day; however, we both fell asleep on the couch and didn't wake up until 9:30 pm. By then, we were too tired and ended up spending the evening IN.
Last night I was plagued with anxiety over the Stations of the Cross my students have to perform for the school and didn't sleep too well. It's the fact that we only have a few days to practice that is keeping me awake at night. But, I'm sure it will be fine and even if it isn't, I'll live through the humiliation and soon it will be a distant memory. :)
In better news, my spring break begins next week! YAY!! and my brother will be out here visiting me for the first time for a couple of days. That should be fun. In the meantime, our new bedroom furniture continues to get delayed and we might not get it for another 2 weeks which is such a drag!
Today I WILL spend at least 4 hours grading backed up papers. I promise!
And.. that's all from me folks!
:o)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Ugh.
After such an uplifting blog last time, I almost hate to ruin it with the negativity I'm about to write. But, this blog is my venting place, so here goes nothing..
Today, for the first time in a LONG time, I left school feeling like I wanted to cry. It's possible that my hormones are just flying all over the place right now, or, it's possible that I am actually that saddened by watching teenagers go down the drain.
Last year I had a student who drove me to madness. I spent so much time and energy working with him. I tried so hard to help him to make good decisions. And, after months of what seemed to be a turnaround, I ended up suspending him from school on the next to last day of school. You see, he was on a behavior contract for previous bad misbehavior and for any breach of the contract the punishment was immediate suspension. Well, while participating in a "fun" end-of-the-year spelling bee -- he got out -- and proceeded to scream at me that I didn't know how spelling bees worked. So, I sent him out of the room to cool off. When I went out a few minutes later to talk to him, I discovered him outside, relaxing in the sun and enjoying a delicious chocolate chip cookie. -- The story the kids like to tell is that he got suspended for eating a chocolate chip cookie. But, as I'm sure you as a logical reader understand, it was all much more complicated than a chocolate chip cookie.
Well, to both my sadness and relief this student chose not to come back to the school this year. I hate to say to my relief, but it's the truth. I know that this school year has been 20 times less stressful because this student is no longer in the class. Believe it or not, 1 person can make a huge difference in a class.
Well, this ex-student was back on our campus today for the second time this year. His grandfather is the head of our maintenance department, so sometimes he brings his grandson to work with him. Today was one of those days. And, in case you hadn't already guessed, this ex-student's presence is the reason why I left work feeling like I wanted to cry.
You see, he has gone down hill this year, and as far as I can see, the thought of where he is going to be in his future is very scary. During every encounter I have had with him this year he has been disrespectful and rude to me. Last time he was on campus, I was walking with my class to church and he yelled across the parking lot, "Looking good Mrs. Diaz!" -- Today when he came to say hello to me after school, I told him I was glad to see him again to which he responded, "I'm sorry I can't say the same." --
I told my principal that his grandfather shouldn't be allowed to bring him to the school anymore.
It makes me sad to say it, but, he's out of my hands at this point, and I can't let him continue to disrespect me in front of my students the way he has.
So, yes. Today for the first time ALL year, I left school wanting to burst into tears.
Today, for the first time in a LONG time, I left school feeling like I wanted to cry. It's possible that my hormones are just flying all over the place right now, or, it's possible that I am actually that saddened by watching teenagers go down the drain.
Last year I had a student who drove me to madness. I spent so much time and energy working with him. I tried so hard to help him to make good decisions. And, after months of what seemed to be a turnaround, I ended up suspending him from school on the next to last day of school. You see, he was on a behavior contract for previous bad misbehavior and for any breach of the contract the punishment was immediate suspension. Well, while participating in a "fun" end-of-the-year spelling bee -- he got out -- and proceeded to scream at me that I didn't know how spelling bees worked. So, I sent him out of the room to cool off. When I went out a few minutes later to talk to him, I discovered him outside, relaxing in the sun and enjoying a delicious chocolate chip cookie. -- The story the kids like to tell is that he got suspended for eating a chocolate chip cookie. But, as I'm sure you as a logical reader understand, it was all much more complicated than a chocolate chip cookie.
Well, to both my sadness and relief this student chose not to come back to the school this year. I hate to say to my relief, but it's the truth. I know that this school year has been 20 times less stressful because this student is no longer in the class. Believe it or not, 1 person can make a huge difference in a class.
Well, this ex-student was back on our campus today for the second time this year. His grandfather is the head of our maintenance department, so sometimes he brings his grandson to work with him. Today was one of those days. And, in case you hadn't already guessed, this ex-student's presence is the reason why I left work feeling like I wanted to cry.
You see, he has gone down hill this year, and as far as I can see, the thought of where he is going to be in his future is very scary. During every encounter I have had with him this year he has been disrespectful and rude to me. Last time he was on campus, I was walking with my class to church and he yelled across the parking lot, "Looking good Mrs. Diaz!" -- Today when he came to say hello to me after school, I told him I was glad to see him again to which he responded, "I'm sorry I can't say the same." --
I told my principal that his grandfather shouldn't be allowed to bring him to the school anymore.
It makes me sad to say it, but, he's out of my hands at this point, and I can't let him continue to disrespect me in front of my students the way he has.
So, yes. Today for the first time ALL year, I left school wanting to burst into tears.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Resurrection
I'm currently taking a class to be certified as a Religion teacher. One of our recent homework assignments was to bring in a symbol of the Resurrection. I didn't bring in a symbol, because, I was drawing a terrible blank. I just couldn't think of anything. Tonight, though, as I was preparing some homework for my class this weekend, I was looking through some of my pictures, and a light bulb went off in my head. It was a picture of my mom and my nephew during on of her chemotherapy treatments. They both have huge smiles on their faces, and if you didn't look closely enough you might miss the IV in my mom's hand and not realize the sadness behind the joy. And, that's when I realized... THIS is my image of the resurrection... true joy despite great sadness. The beauty of life outweighing the pain of life. Amen to that.:)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
It's a Dog's World
Growing up my dream was to have a dog of my own. My mom always told me that I could get a dog when I had my OWN house, but I wouldn't be getting one when I lived under her roof!! So, when I got married and moved in with my hubby, what do you think our first major purchase was? Why, a dog of course!
My husband and I decided on the very intelligent breed of border collie. There were lots of border collies around in Texas where we were living at the time because border collies are herding dogs and as most of you probably know there isn't a shortage of cattle in Texas. We actually got our puppy from a real cattle ranch in Texas. He came from a long line of cattle herders but was being sold because he was the "runt" of the litter, and they didn't believe he was cut out for the job. When we first met him he was absolutely adorable and jumping all over us. After much consideration we named him Ramsey. We spoiled him rotten and taught him every bad habit he knows... including his absolute obsession for balls. Little did I know that cheering wildly every time he caught the tennis ball would eventually lead to a total and complete infatuation with chasing balls, an infatuation that drives me absolutely bonkers these days.
Shortly after adding Ramsey to the family, we decided that Ramsey needed a partner. This time we set our sights on a siberian husky. At this time we were living in Florida and had to travel to the next state over (Alabama) in search of one. We actually went to the breeder wanting an all white husky in the litter, but became captivated with the red and white husky who slept quietly with his twin the entire time we were there. We chose him because when we picked him up, he laid calmly in our arms. Little did we know that our supposed "calm" husky (who came to be named Copper by the way) was in actuality a jittery and nervous dog.
For the past 3 years, despite their eccentricities these two dogs have kept me happy. During my husband's deployment to Iraq each of my dogs fulfilled a unique purpose in my life. Ramsey was my protector. He took care of me and kept me "safe". Copper took care of me emotionally. When I was sad, he was the one who sat with me and licked the tears from my face. If it wasn't for my two dogs, I don't think I would have made it through the deployment quite as successfully. Interestingly enough, however, as soon as my husband returned my dogs took on different roles in my life. After greeting Hubby excitedly upon his return home, Ramsey, my protector, was nowhere to be found. After further inspection, we found Ramsey completely passed out on the floor of our bedroom. After seven months of barely relaxing for a moment, it was as if he was saying to Hubby, "Thank God you're back. You can take care of her from here. I'm going to go rest!" -- and that he did.
These two dogs who have caused me so much joy and happiness are also in some ways the very bane of my existence. It's my fault, I know. Or, I should say, it's OUR fault. According to Cesar (the god of all things dog) our mistake has been treating our dogs too much like humans. Because we don't treat them enough like dogs and we deal with them the same as we would with humans, they have developed into two very neurotic animals. According to Cesar.. the cure all for every dog is to master the walk. If you can master the walk with your dog and prove to him that you are the calm assertive one in the relationship, this will be reflected in their every day actions.
Yeah. The walk. Did I mention my little incident with our husky in North Carolina? It was extremely traumatizing..... for both of us. After failing to teach Ramsey the proper etiquette of walking (no pulling, walk behind me not in front), we decided to really focus on Copper as a puppy. Well, apparently we failed. Miserably. Because, after moving to North Carolina, I was on a walk with Copper one day in our apartment complex. Our walk was going along just fine until those blasted skateboards came into the picture. I don't know what it was, but something about those skateboards scared the living crap out of Copper. When the skateboards came by, Copper turned into a wild bucking bronco. And he took off. He ran, dragging me all the way home. He didn't stop running until he reached our front door. I was mad. embarassed. scared. and, I'm sure I didn't give off any of the calm assertive energy that Cesar always talks about being so important. After that, Copper was never quite the same. He developed a terrible fear of anything that moves. And for the past year and a half, walking him has become a complete nightmare. Unfortuntately, he's a lot stronger than I am, so walking him alone is actually a pretty dangerous situation. If he decides he doesn't want to go where I'm going or that he's not happy with the walk, it's all over from there. Hubby and I have been saying that we were going to get our two dogs in order for a long time. Hubby left for his deployment in April and when he left we had yet to conquer this great hurtle; therefore, I can count the number of walks we took together during those 7 months on one hand.
Now that Hubby's back, though we have started working really hard turning our dogs into good walkers. Ramsey was easy. After spending only one afternoon employing Cesar's recommendations, we became the pack leaders and he the calm submissive animal. Copper, on the other hand, was not so easy. The very first day we took him out, I had the leash about half a block ahead of Hubby (who was behind, working with Ramsey), Copper decided he wasn't happy with how things were going.. he bucked like a bronco and somehow managed to pull his head right out of his collar.. and therefore out of his leash. As he broke loose, I fell to the ground, and off he went. Thank God he ran in Hubby's direction, or we may have lost him forever. It was horrifying.
But, practice makes perfect. Tonight for example, our third day in a row of our walking routine Copper bucked for only the first minute of the walk. After that, he was the perfect walking dog. So far, I have walked the easier, more submissive Ramsey, and have still yet to take on the true challenge of Copper. But, I have hope. Hubby deploys in August, and I dream of being able to not just walk my dogs while he is gone but to walk them at the same time. Now that's something to aspire to. Wish me luck :)
My husband and I decided on the very intelligent breed of border collie. There were lots of border collies around in Texas where we were living at the time because border collies are herding dogs and as most of you probably know there isn't a shortage of cattle in Texas. We actually got our puppy from a real cattle ranch in Texas. He came from a long line of cattle herders but was being sold because he was the "runt" of the litter, and they didn't believe he was cut out for the job. When we first met him he was absolutely adorable and jumping all over us. After much consideration we named him Ramsey. We spoiled him rotten and taught him every bad habit he knows... including his absolute obsession for balls. Little did I know that cheering wildly every time he caught the tennis ball would eventually lead to a total and complete infatuation with chasing balls, an infatuation that drives me absolutely bonkers these days.
Shortly after adding Ramsey to the family, we decided that Ramsey needed a partner. This time we set our sights on a siberian husky. At this time we were living in Florida and had to travel to the next state over (Alabama) in search of one. We actually went to the breeder wanting an all white husky in the litter, but became captivated with the red and white husky who slept quietly with his twin the entire time we were there. We chose him because when we picked him up, he laid calmly in our arms. Little did we know that our supposed "calm" husky (who came to be named Copper by the way) was in actuality a jittery and nervous dog.
For the past 3 years, despite their eccentricities these two dogs have kept me happy. During my husband's deployment to Iraq each of my dogs fulfilled a unique purpose in my life. Ramsey was my protector. He took care of me and kept me "safe". Copper took care of me emotionally. When I was sad, he was the one who sat with me and licked the tears from my face. If it wasn't for my two dogs, I don't think I would have made it through the deployment quite as successfully. Interestingly enough, however, as soon as my husband returned my dogs took on different roles in my life. After greeting Hubby excitedly upon his return home, Ramsey, my protector, was nowhere to be found. After further inspection, we found Ramsey completely passed out on the floor of our bedroom. After seven months of barely relaxing for a moment, it was as if he was saying to Hubby, "Thank God you're back. You can take care of her from here. I'm going to go rest!" -- and that he did.
These two dogs who have caused me so much joy and happiness are also in some ways the very bane of my existence. It's my fault, I know. Or, I should say, it's OUR fault. According to Cesar (the god of all things dog) our mistake has been treating our dogs too much like humans. Because we don't treat them enough like dogs and we deal with them the same as we would with humans, they have developed into two very neurotic animals. According to Cesar.. the cure all for every dog is to master the walk. If you can master the walk with your dog and prove to him that you are the calm assertive one in the relationship, this will be reflected in their every day actions.
Yeah. The walk. Did I mention my little incident with our husky in North Carolina? It was extremely traumatizing..... for both of us. After failing to teach Ramsey the proper etiquette of walking (no pulling, walk behind me not in front), we decided to really focus on Copper as a puppy. Well, apparently we failed. Miserably. Because, after moving to North Carolina, I was on a walk with Copper one day in our apartment complex. Our walk was going along just fine until those blasted skateboards came into the picture. I don't know what it was, but something about those skateboards scared the living crap out of Copper. When the skateboards came by, Copper turned into a wild bucking bronco. And he took off. He ran, dragging me all the way home. He didn't stop running until he reached our front door. I was mad. embarassed. scared. and, I'm sure I didn't give off any of the calm assertive energy that Cesar always talks about being so important. After that, Copper was never quite the same. He developed a terrible fear of anything that moves. And for the past year and a half, walking him has become a complete nightmare. Unfortuntately, he's a lot stronger than I am, so walking him alone is actually a pretty dangerous situation. If he decides he doesn't want to go where I'm going or that he's not happy with the walk, it's all over from there. Hubby and I have been saying that we were going to get our two dogs in order for a long time. Hubby left for his deployment in April and when he left we had yet to conquer this great hurtle; therefore, I can count the number of walks we took together during those 7 months on one hand.
Now that Hubby's back, though we have started working really hard turning our dogs into good walkers. Ramsey was easy. After spending only one afternoon employing Cesar's recommendations, we became the pack leaders and he the calm submissive animal. Copper, on the other hand, was not so easy. The very first day we took him out, I had the leash about half a block ahead of Hubby (who was behind, working with Ramsey), Copper decided he wasn't happy with how things were going.. he bucked like a bronco and somehow managed to pull his head right out of his collar.. and therefore out of his leash. As he broke loose, I fell to the ground, and off he went. Thank God he ran in Hubby's direction, or we may have lost him forever. It was horrifying.
But, practice makes perfect. Tonight for example, our third day in a row of our walking routine Copper bucked for only the first minute of the walk. After that, he was the perfect walking dog. So far, I have walked the easier, more submissive Ramsey, and have still yet to take on the true challenge of Copper. But, I have hope. Hubby deploys in August, and I dream of being able to not just walk my dogs while he is gone but to walk them at the same time. Now that's something to aspire to. Wish me luck :)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The Sunday Blues...
I'm beginning to truly despise weekends.. because these days... all I do all weekend is DREAD the arrival of Sunday. Sunday means more than mowing the lawns and and going out to dinner for me. Sundays mean hours of grading papers and planning lessons for the upcoming week...... OR if I make the decision to forgo the grading and lesson planning... Sundays mean the obligatory guilt that comes flooding over me that evening as I realize that I have let yet another weekend filled with good intentions slip by. ugh.
One of the teachers at my school whose husband passed away years ago was telling me recently that her ONE regret is spending her Sunday afternoons cooped up in the house with her lessons and grading instead of spending that time with her husband and kids. Hmm. The problem with me is that I can't win for losing. If I had spent the day grading and planning, I would have regretted the missed fun time with my husband... but since I chose to go out and have fun with my husband.. I now feel sick over the piles of work I still have to do.
These days I dream of a job that I only have to worry about when I'm AT WORK! What a novel concept! :)
*sigh.
I don't mean to complain... but being a teacher is tough work. I think I deserve a pay raise. Or atleast a medal or something.
One of the teachers at my school whose husband passed away years ago was telling me recently that her ONE regret is spending her Sunday afternoons cooped up in the house with her lessons and grading instead of spending that time with her husband and kids. Hmm. The problem with me is that I can't win for losing. If I had spent the day grading and planning, I would have regretted the missed fun time with my husband... but since I chose to go out and have fun with my husband.. I now feel sick over the piles of work I still have to do.
These days I dream of a job that I only have to worry about when I'm AT WORK! What a novel concept! :)
*sigh.
I don't mean to complain... but being a teacher is tough work. I think I deserve a pay raise. Or atleast a medal or something.
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