As I was walking around like I was 90 tonight, I realized I have been derilect in my duties of self pampering. For some reason, my body just aches today, as does my head - which is my own fault from not wearing my bite guard.
At any rate, I have corrected my deriliction of duty issue...nice hot shower with eucalyptus sugar scrub and some ice for my aching neck and shoulders.
Personal messus, personal messus...wherefore art thou????
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A Whole New Appreciation for my Boat Drivers...
Let me provide you some entertainment on a Sunday night. :)
As many of you know, wakeboarding has become one of my newest loves. To do this requires a boat (even though not my boat) and to be part of the team, you have to learn about "the boat". So far, I have learned how to clean it properly inside and out (a shocker, I know!) I have learned how to keep it from crashing into the dock when we go to drop someone off and have learned to manage the cover, both inside and out. I have driven, both at normal speed and in "idle". However, today brought a whole new challenge: Pulling a rider.
Apparently, Amy and Gerrie decided that today was the day I was going to pull a rider. The lucky winner was Gerrie...Amy falls off the boat regularly while putting the wakeboards up because she refuses to hold on to anything for balance and yesterday, she ended up smacking her wrist pretty good on the side of the boat before she went in. So Gerrie got the call.
Now, driving a boat is NOT like driving a car...at all. It is much easier to drive with speed than it is to just idle. In idle, you turn the wheel and not a lot happens...so you turn it some more and then find out you have WAY overcorrected. Then you jerk the wheel the other way to find out you have overcorrected the other way...and then you just look like an idiot.
Well, today brought a whole new challenge. What really freaked me out was actually going back to pick Gerrie up when she fell. For reasons discussed above, I was very nervous about picking her up when she was down. The reason they chose today was because we were pretty much the only boat out there (it was NOT warm today - we all wore wet suit tops today) While I did not have to worry about other traffic, what also made today challenging was that it was windy and there was a pretty decent current. Maintaining a good speed was hard...in fact, one time I dropped Gerrie while I was turning because I forgot the boat really slows down in a turn...she was a really good sport about the whole thing. I managed not to run her over, or run over the rope - this was quite the challenge with the wind and the current, and given that "wide" is not a word I would use to describe this river.
All in all, the three of us were alive when we started and alive when it was over. I had the responsibility of getting us back to the dock, but not approaching the dock to drop Gerrie off to get the car. (Thank God)
Since taking up this hobby, I have always known that good drivers are key to being able to learn, but today solidified that belief. I told my cousin that I believed that key to her kids getting up so easily was that we had a really really good driver to help us out. Poor Gerrie nearly got her arms ripped out because I forgot to pull the slack out of the rope one time...I was so worried about getting in the right direction and concentrating on a a good take off because I had struggled on the previous one. Good thing I am a fast learner..Gerrie appreciated that. She got out of the water with her shoulders still in the anatomically correct position. They may ache like the dickens in the morning, but they were still in the sockets when she got back into the boat.
And then, as is custom, we laughed about it over an early dinner at El Vaquero. On a more exciting note, there was intentional daylight between my board and the water today. I had a good boarding weekend...rode a lot of switch, did a lot of 180's and got some air. And in my garage, hanging on the wall...is a new toy. Amy got a new board, and I inherited her old one. WOO HOO!!! Now all I need to do is get some bindings and I will be in business.
Days like this are why I need to go back to work to rest....and what will my next challenge be? I have been told it will be putting the boat in the water - which means backing it down the ramp. Something that would definitely provide entertainment to all...thankfully, I think I will get to push that off to next season...
As many of you know, wakeboarding has become one of my newest loves. To do this requires a boat (even though not my boat) and to be part of the team, you have to learn about "the boat". So far, I have learned how to clean it properly inside and out (a shocker, I know!) I have learned how to keep it from crashing into the dock when we go to drop someone off and have learned to manage the cover, both inside and out. I have driven, both at normal speed and in "idle". However, today brought a whole new challenge: Pulling a rider.
Apparently, Amy and Gerrie decided that today was the day I was going to pull a rider. The lucky winner was Gerrie...Amy falls off the boat regularly while putting the wakeboards up because she refuses to hold on to anything for balance and yesterday, she ended up smacking her wrist pretty good on the side of the boat before she went in. So Gerrie got the call.
Now, driving a boat is NOT like driving a car...at all. It is much easier to drive with speed than it is to just idle. In idle, you turn the wheel and not a lot happens...so you turn it some more and then find out you have WAY overcorrected. Then you jerk the wheel the other way to find out you have overcorrected the other way...and then you just look like an idiot.
Well, today brought a whole new challenge. What really freaked me out was actually going back to pick Gerrie up when she fell. For reasons discussed above, I was very nervous about picking her up when she was down. The reason they chose today was because we were pretty much the only boat out there (it was NOT warm today - we all wore wet suit tops today) While I did not have to worry about other traffic, what also made today challenging was that it was windy and there was a pretty decent current. Maintaining a good speed was hard...in fact, one time I dropped Gerrie while I was turning because I forgot the boat really slows down in a turn...she was a really good sport about the whole thing. I managed not to run her over, or run over the rope - this was quite the challenge with the wind and the current, and given that "wide" is not a word I would use to describe this river.
All in all, the three of us were alive when we started and alive when it was over. I had the responsibility of getting us back to the dock, but not approaching the dock to drop Gerrie off to get the car. (Thank God)
Since taking up this hobby, I have always known that good drivers are key to being able to learn, but today solidified that belief. I told my cousin that I believed that key to her kids getting up so easily was that we had a really really good driver to help us out. Poor Gerrie nearly got her arms ripped out because I forgot to pull the slack out of the rope one time...I was so worried about getting in the right direction and concentrating on a a good take off because I had struggled on the previous one. Good thing I am a fast learner..Gerrie appreciated that. She got out of the water with her shoulders still in the anatomically correct position. They may ache like the dickens in the morning, but they were still in the sockets when she got back into the boat.
And then, as is custom, we laughed about it over an early dinner at El Vaquero. On a more exciting note, there was intentional daylight between my board and the water today. I had a good boarding weekend...rode a lot of switch, did a lot of 180's and got some air. And in my garage, hanging on the wall...is a new toy. Amy got a new board, and I inherited her old one. WOO HOO!!! Now all I need to do is get some bindings and I will be in business.
Days like this are why I need to go back to work to rest....and what will my next challenge be? I have been told it will be putting the boat in the water - which means backing it down the ramp. Something that would definitely provide entertainment to all...thankfully, I think I will get to push that off to next season...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Worth Sharing
To all my readers...you are my "keepers".
One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say"I love you."
So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage.....And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!
I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them?
I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said.
Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile J can do. And just in case I'm gone tomorrow.
I LOVE YA!!!
Live today because tomorrow is not promised..
One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say"I love you."
So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage.....And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!
I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them?
I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said.
Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile J can do. And just in case I'm gone tomorrow.
I LOVE YA!!!
Live today because tomorrow is not promised..
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Old Wednesday Night Ritual
After a few weeks off from volunteering, Chelsie and I have been back at it for a few weeks. I was very, very tired last night..wanted to mow the grass....wanted to take a nap....was hungry - but I knew we needed to go.
So, I came home and made some dinner and off we went. No agility, as we are between sessions. I still had it in the back of my mind that I had hoped to mow, but as it turns out, we did not get that far.
We left at 6 and did not get home until 9. She was on great behavior, seemed to be enjoying herself and the patients were loving her...so we stayed. Our last room was a man who had a stroke - he could not speak, so we communicated by him writing and me talking. He had lab border collie mixes - and found Chelsie's sweet spot on her rear end.
As usual, I was very glad we went. She really behaved very well, especially given we were probably about 30 minutes past her carriage turning into a pumpkin. I am noticing that it does not take nearly the effort to maintain good behvior during visits or to wear her out in general...she is quite happy to just pay on the cool floor and let people look at her during visits, and the other night after our three mile walk, she was passed out on her side in about 20 minutes. She is still raring to go and wants to explore when out with her mom, but is always ready for her nap when she is done. :(
Amazingly enough, the sun still rose this morning, despite me not getting the grass cut last night. And I was ok with that...a sure sign of progress.
So, I came home and made some dinner and off we went. No agility, as we are between sessions. I still had it in the back of my mind that I had hoped to mow, but as it turns out, we did not get that far.
We left at 6 and did not get home until 9. She was on great behavior, seemed to be enjoying herself and the patients were loving her...so we stayed. Our last room was a man who had a stroke - he could not speak, so we communicated by him writing and me talking. He had lab border collie mixes - and found Chelsie's sweet spot on her rear end.
As usual, I was very glad we went. She really behaved very well, especially given we were probably about 30 minutes past her carriage turning into a pumpkin. I am noticing that it does not take nearly the effort to maintain good behvior during visits or to wear her out in general...she is quite happy to just pay on the cool floor and let people look at her during visits, and the other night after our three mile walk, she was passed out on her side in about 20 minutes. She is still raring to go and wants to explore when out with her mom, but is always ready for her nap when she is done. :(
Amazingly enough, the sun still rose this morning, despite me not getting the grass cut last night. And I was ok with that...a sure sign of progress.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Triggers....
Isn't it funny how certain things trigger memories?
My parents have been on vacation (Northern European cruise, UGH!!!) and are returning home tonight. Last night, I went to Marysville to help my brother mow their yard. I found my dad's garden in some dire need of attention - he has quite a beautiful garden that requires daily attention, and given that they were gone for three weeks, it was in some serious need of attention. I actually found it quite upsetting to see it that way - don't get me wrong, from a distance, you would have had no clue, but I absolutely could not stomach the thought of him coming home and seeing it that way, so I got my yard waste bag, some clippers and went at it...my goal was to get the obvious stuff taken care of (wilted dahlias, dead day lilly leaves, weeds, etc) so he could work on the details he sees fit - particularly as they are hosting company at the end of the week.
My dad has some potted petunias on the driveway that had dropped some leaves, so off I went in search of a broom and dustpan to clean them up - and came across this little handbroom that made the journey from LaPalma to Clayton to Marysville. I remember that broom in the garage of our house in LaPalma (I believe I used that broom a number of times as well - usually when the rabbit hit in the plants by the pool and we had to sweep the dirt back in the planter so as not to get mud in the pool)...I don't know why I was surprised to see it, but I just was. I know why he kept it, it worked fabulously for its intended purpose.
I am happy to say that when we left, the yard looked great - Joe mowed and did some edgework, while I cared for the garden and did the remaning edgework. We also reaped the bennies of the garden...by relieving the cherry tomatoes off the tomato plants in the front yard...they were delicious.
My parents have been on vacation (Northern European cruise, UGH!!!) and are returning home tonight. Last night, I went to Marysville to help my brother mow their yard. I found my dad's garden in some dire need of attention - he has quite a beautiful garden that requires daily attention, and given that they were gone for three weeks, it was in some serious need of attention. I actually found it quite upsetting to see it that way - don't get me wrong, from a distance, you would have had no clue, but I absolutely could not stomach the thought of him coming home and seeing it that way, so I got my yard waste bag, some clippers and went at it...my goal was to get the obvious stuff taken care of (wilted dahlias, dead day lilly leaves, weeds, etc) so he could work on the details he sees fit - particularly as they are hosting company at the end of the week.
My dad has some potted petunias on the driveway that had dropped some leaves, so off I went in search of a broom and dustpan to clean them up - and came across this little handbroom that made the journey from LaPalma to Clayton to Marysville. I remember that broom in the garage of our house in LaPalma (I believe I used that broom a number of times as well - usually when the rabbit hit in the plants by the pool and we had to sweep the dirt back in the planter so as not to get mud in the pool)...I don't know why I was surprised to see it, but I just was. I know why he kept it, it worked fabulously for its intended purpose.
I am happy to say that when we left, the yard looked great - Joe mowed and did some edgework, while I cared for the garden and did the remaning edgework. We also reaped the bennies of the garden...by relieving the cherry tomatoes off the tomato plants in the front yard...they were delicious.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Bad Blogger....
Yikes...I have been a really bad blogger. REALLY bad...think it has been 2 weeks since my last post??? What have we been up to??? Hm...
1. Agility! Trials in Cleveland and Columbus. Still no QQ, but she has not been sold to the gypsies. On a little break now until the beginning of September, when we go back to Cleveland for three days. I am hoping to get at least 1 QQ out of that weekend. Running well and having fun - all Chels really cares about it getting the cookies at the end.
2. Happy to report no significant expenditures have been made! Yay! Sitting here in my nice, cool living room with my nice effient AC blasting. Love it.
3. Been on water...not as much as I would like to be, because agility has been on the weekends. Comfortably doing my surface 180's over the wake, and much more comfortable riding switch. Last night's lesson included some beginning techiniques on jumping...learned a lot by watching my friends. Should prepare me well to safely separate my board from the water.
4. Starting to really think about Europe!!! I need to start making some lists. Leave in about three weeks. One possible side trip is to Munich to go to Oktoberfest...yikes. That could be scary. Never have I seen anyone as drunk as the Norweigan dude in the Hofbrauhaus in Munich the one time I was there was...and there will probably be a whole slew of them about as toasted!!! Me, I will just watch...yeah right.
5. Finally made it to Cedar Point for the first time! Rode roller coasters 18 times and did the sky coaster where you are attached to the cable, pull the cord and then free fall. If I was smart enough to figure out how to post the video I would...but lucky for you Maggie, you are not here to tell me how to do it, so you will be spared the visual while still on vacation. :) No worries - the cable they use is the same cable used to stop fighter jets on aircraft carriers. Perfectly safe, right? Be assured...I know I temporarily lost my mind. I am willing to admit that. If curiosity kills you, google "sky coasters" - the one I did was 150 feet. No worries Maggie, I don't plan on jumping out of an airplane or free falling off a bridge with a bungee cord attached to my ankle. The sky coaster will do.
Hmmm...anything else??? I am sure it is no shock I am pretty wiped out at the end of every day. Unfortunately, not hitting the gym as I would like to, so hoping to get that back in the schedule soon - like next week. But all is well...parents are on a European cruise, and as we speak, are probably getting ready for day 2 of their tour in St. Petersburg, Russia. Rumor has it that grampie and grammie are having a good time. This was quite the itinerary...a few stops included Copenhagen, Helsinki, Berline, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and some place in Poland. Oh the life...
I hope all my blogger friends don't disown me...I have not fallen off the face of the earth!!! Hope this finds everyone well....
1. Agility! Trials in Cleveland and Columbus. Still no QQ, but she has not been sold to the gypsies. On a little break now until the beginning of September, when we go back to Cleveland for three days. I am hoping to get at least 1 QQ out of that weekend. Running well and having fun - all Chels really cares about it getting the cookies at the end.
2. Happy to report no significant expenditures have been made! Yay! Sitting here in my nice, cool living room with my nice effient AC blasting. Love it.
3. Been on water...not as much as I would like to be, because agility has been on the weekends. Comfortably doing my surface 180's over the wake, and much more comfortable riding switch. Last night's lesson included some beginning techiniques on jumping...learned a lot by watching my friends. Should prepare me well to safely separate my board from the water.
4. Starting to really think about Europe!!! I need to start making some lists. Leave in about three weeks. One possible side trip is to Munich to go to Oktoberfest...yikes. That could be scary. Never have I seen anyone as drunk as the Norweigan dude in the Hofbrauhaus in Munich the one time I was there was...and there will probably be a whole slew of them about as toasted!!! Me, I will just watch...yeah right.
5. Finally made it to Cedar Point for the first time! Rode roller coasters 18 times and did the sky coaster where you are attached to the cable, pull the cord and then free fall. If I was smart enough to figure out how to post the video I would...but lucky for you Maggie, you are not here to tell me how to do it, so you will be spared the visual while still on vacation. :) No worries - the cable they use is the same cable used to stop fighter jets on aircraft carriers. Perfectly safe, right? Be assured...I know I temporarily lost my mind. I am willing to admit that. If curiosity kills you, google "sky coasters" - the one I did was 150 feet. No worries Maggie, I don't plan on jumping out of an airplane or free falling off a bridge with a bungee cord attached to my ankle. The sky coaster will do.
Hmmm...anything else??? I am sure it is no shock I am pretty wiped out at the end of every day. Unfortunately, not hitting the gym as I would like to, so hoping to get that back in the schedule soon - like next week. But all is well...parents are on a European cruise, and as we speak, are probably getting ready for day 2 of their tour in St. Petersburg, Russia. Rumor has it that grampie and grammie are having a good time. This was quite the itinerary...a few stops included Copenhagen, Helsinki, Berline, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and some place in Poland. Oh the life...
I hope all my blogger friends don't disown me...I have not fallen off the face of the earth!!! Hope this finds everyone well....
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Blessed...
Wow...what a day.
Today was a typical Saturday in my house..scheduled from start to end. I am more physically exhausted today than I have been in a long time, but in a good way. As I sit back and evaluate my day, I realize how truly fortunate I am...
1) Mowed grass - my yard is beautiful and I am so lucky to have such a beautiful home.
2) Family - my brother...god love him. Today, he shows up at my house with his dog (I knew they were coming, he was working on a job all day and wanted El to have some company) He walks in the house, uses the facility, raids my kitchen, walks out with 2 sandwiches and tells me he will see me later - without thinking twice about it. We take care of each other well.
3) Friends - Its not secret my new addiction is wakeboarding. I spent the better part of the afternoon on the boat again, making great progress and getting cheered on by my friends. I got off the boat only because I went to Picnic with the Pops with Mark and Belinda. Tonight, the OSU Marching Band played with the symphony (Columbus Symphony Orchestra, that is), and it was awesome. I had been to this before, and forgot how much I loved it..esp watching the conductor Albert George Schramm. It was Mark and B's first time to the Pops, and they loved it. We had a great day.
Awesome day..will tomorrow bring the same?????
Today was a typical Saturday in my house..scheduled from start to end. I am more physically exhausted today than I have been in a long time, but in a good way. As I sit back and evaluate my day, I realize how truly fortunate I am...
1) Mowed grass - my yard is beautiful and I am so lucky to have such a beautiful home.
2) Family - my brother...god love him. Today, he shows up at my house with his dog (I knew they were coming, he was working on a job all day and wanted El to have some company) He walks in the house, uses the facility, raids my kitchen, walks out with 2 sandwiches and tells me he will see me later - without thinking twice about it. We take care of each other well.
3) Friends - Its not secret my new addiction is wakeboarding. I spent the better part of the afternoon on the boat again, making great progress and getting cheered on by my friends. I got off the boat only because I went to Picnic with the Pops with Mark and Belinda. Tonight, the OSU Marching Band played with the symphony (Columbus Symphony Orchestra, that is), and it was awesome. I had been to this before, and forgot how much I loved it..esp watching the conductor Albert George Schramm. It was Mark and B's first time to the Pops, and they loved it. We had a great day.
Awesome day..will tomorrow bring the same?????
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