I have already mentioned this on Facebook, but I think that while I fulfill my resolution this year, I will track it here on my blog. So, as it now stands, I have resolved to teach myself one new thing a month for the entire year. That is at least 12 new skills I mean to pick up this year. I already have a boat load of skills, but some could use a brush up and some are things that I have just always wanted to do but never put in the time to make it happen. This year, each month, I will focus on a new skill and spend at least 1-3 hours each day working on it. I am still taking suggestions for skills, but I have some that I definitely want to work on and fully intend to make this things work. Here is my list so far.
January-- ASL. I KNOW one can not learn and entire language in a month, believe me, of all people I know this. However, I fully intend to learn enough to be guide book conversational by the end of January. I picked this skill for the first month because, given the resources available to me (between youtube and the library) it is a relatively free skill to tackle so that appeals to me as the first of the year is always a bit tight. I also hope to develop the habit of "talking with my hands" or making gestures as I speak, which will aid in the continued learning of the language year round
February-- I think I want to dedicate February to baking. I am terrible in the kitchen, but it would be nice to learn how to make at least one signature baked good. Maybe a certain type of cookie or at least a decent cake. I chose February for this because, frankly, its the shortest month and I really do not need THAT many baked goods. I do not believe that I will be baking one thing a day but maybe 2-3 times a week I will try a new recipe.
March-- Meatless March (this one is dependent on if I can talk my husband into the challenge). Basically, I want to learn to cook without meat products. This serves two purposes; 1. after a month of baked goods, I'm gonna need to back off the fat foods and take a healthier break and 2. I really do want to learn how to make delicious foods with no meat simply because it would be an alternative to the same ol' things we always have.
April-- (undecided)
May--(Still undecided)
June-- In June (or possibly May depending on how the weather works out this year) I am going to try my hand at gardening again. Maybe by this time I will have my greenhouse redesigned and in working order, in which case I intend to try my green thumb on vegetables (another reason to learn to make meatless dishes). In the case of not having my greenhouse up and running, I want to build a tiered herb garden. The challenge here is to build something that I will be able to sustain for some time (in fairness, usually all my plants die before a month is up)
July-- (undecided)
August-- (still got nothing)
September--Sing on September. During the month of my birth I plan on completing a goal I have had for a very long time. I WILL learn (master) at least one song (using chords) on my guitar. If I have to play until my fingers bleed, I will learn one. This one I placed at the end of the year so I can take a bit of time to try to teach myself how to read music.
October--Ollie October. Call me crazy but I have always wanted to learn how to Ollie on a skateboard. It seems like a nothing task for some, but I have never been able to accomplish it. I don't care about crazy grinds and flips, I just want to get the board in the air. (my husband says I should make sure our insurance covers stuff like this.....dude has no faith, I swear)
November--Nail art November. I am kind of obsessed with nail art. I want to learn how to paint my nails with little mess and master a few really cool designs or styles. I placed this one so far down in the year because a)I need time to buy a few (lot) nail colors (since I can't seem to find the ones I previously had) and b) I will probably need to let them grow back out after I cut them short to work on my guitar playing. Come to think of it, I may have to move one or the other to a different slot....
December-- (undecided)
So there it is. I've got my year about half full. I fully intend to also work on some yoga this year as well as mastering a new stitch or learn to crochet this year, I'm just not sure where to fit them in my schedule. I'm still looking for things to fill up the other slots. Some one suggested a cool doodling thing (Zentangle). Also on the list are calligraphy, belly dance and meditation. I may work these ones in. I think I will work in a drawing one at least, but I am still up in the air on a lot of things.
Stay tuned to see what happens
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
ExHAIRement Results and Finding
Today was the first day in over a month that I washed my hair with shampoo. Up until this point I was using baking soda and water. I read about it online and I thought it may be worth a shot, so I went ahead and did it. Here are my findings and results.
1. Baking soda does in fact clean your hair. It is quite effective. Using water and apple cider vinegar as conditioner also works very well.
2. Having clean, wax free hair is weird. It does not feel like you are used to. I mean, why would it, you are not using the waxy agents you have been forever. Instead your hair feels softer, but less sleek. It is strange, but good.
3. Getting the mixture right is kind of a pain. The usual mix is 1 tablespoon of soda/cider per 8oz of water. This does in fact work, however, with hair that is as thick and fine as mine, it needed some tweaking. If I had enough patience, I could probably very well find the perfect concoction, but really, I just didn't see the point. To much baking soda will leave your hair dry and brittle, while to much vinegar will leave it feeling oily. Tinkering with the mixture is not really all that hard, but each time you change it, you have to give it time to work.
4. The transition period is crazy. Sometimes your hair will be super gross, and sometimes super dry.
5. Not having all that waxy stuff in your hair helps it to hold its shape. You barely need any products, just style and go. True story. The issue I had with this is that it made my hair super....volume-y? It made it feel even more insanely thick, making it super hard to run my fingers through (which, if you know me, is pretty much my preferred way to style my hair)
6. Brushing and combing is a must. Distribute the oils.
Anyways, these are my findings so far. It is MUCH cheaper. Baking soda costs less than most shampoos and lasts for a very long time, same with vinegar. I can go through a bottle of conditioner in a couple weeks, but haven't gone through have a bottle of vinegar yet.
While I may not continue to wash my hair this way full time, I may wash it this was once every few months. After doing it this I found I can wash my hair with much less shampoo and I think it would be good to cleanse my hair periodically this way.
1. Baking soda does in fact clean your hair. It is quite effective. Using water and apple cider vinegar as conditioner also works very well.
2. Having clean, wax free hair is weird. It does not feel like you are used to. I mean, why would it, you are not using the waxy agents you have been forever. Instead your hair feels softer, but less sleek. It is strange, but good.
3. Getting the mixture right is kind of a pain. The usual mix is 1 tablespoon of soda/cider per 8oz of water. This does in fact work, however, with hair that is as thick and fine as mine, it needed some tweaking. If I had enough patience, I could probably very well find the perfect concoction, but really, I just didn't see the point. To much baking soda will leave your hair dry and brittle, while to much vinegar will leave it feeling oily. Tinkering with the mixture is not really all that hard, but each time you change it, you have to give it time to work.
4. The transition period is crazy. Sometimes your hair will be super gross, and sometimes super dry.
5. Not having all that waxy stuff in your hair helps it to hold its shape. You barely need any products, just style and go. True story. The issue I had with this is that it made my hair super....volume-y? It made it feel even more insanely thick, making it super hard to run my fingers through (which, if you know me, is pretty much my preferred way to style my hair)
6. Brushing and combing is a must. Distribute the oils.
Anyways, these are my findings so far. It is MUCH cheaper. Baking soda costs less than most shampoos and lasts for a very long time, same with vinegar. I can go through a bottle of conditioner in a couple weeks, but haven't gone through have a bottle of vinegar yet.
While I may not continue to wash my hair this way full time, I may wash it this was once every few months. After doing it this I found I can wash my hair with much less shampoo and I think it would be good to cleanse my hair periodically this way.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Crafty things
Tonight I am embarking on yet another adventure of epic proportions. You see I have this room. At first it was basically a catch all for the crap I couldnt find a place for when we moved into our house. Then it became a guest room of sorts. A nice bed in there, a closet, dresser, perfect for the visitors we so rarely have.
Next, I adopted a dog that had to be quarantined from my other dogs, so it became "Betties room" while she overcame her infection and went through her heartworm treatment. Needless to say, she was bored. She ate the bed. Yes, thats right, ate the bed (and about 100 dollars worth of DVD's).
When we were finally able to spring Bettie from the backroom, it became a "foster room" for our foster kitte s who also had to be quarantined, and were not quite dog ready.
Finally, the kittens have gone to adoptions and I have big ideas for the room. I fully intent to turn it into an idea center/craft room. Im going to set up a sewing table, shelves for stuff, jars fkr beads, a computer work center, etc...seriously huge plans. Today I started the journey by cleaning up after the kitte s (which in itself is a BIG job. Little cats make huge messes!)
My next step is to refurbish the old dresser my brother left me into a usable storage/work table. I intend to paint it and make a few modifications. Next ia organization and a bit of moving and shuffling of things. Im really hoping to have it up and running by the end of the year. Or better yet, mostly finished by then. Even my husband is helping chip in ideas. I think he sees the possibilities the same as I do. It will be a good space to work. So here, attached, are a few pictures of the very humble beginnings of my craft room and the dresser in its original form.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
July 9 2013
With the exception of my 5 hour work day, I've accomplished exactly fuck all since Sunday.
I don't know why but i've got no motivation, no energy, no want to do anything. I'm not tired, I'm not even bored which is strange.
Maybe it's because the boys are gone, maybe it's because i'm poor as hell, maybe because it's hot as hell outside, maybe it's just because, for once, I have nothing to do.
I have no homework, no work, no projects, no crafts, no chores. Nothing to do. Nothing to accomplish.
I always think that when the boys are at grandmas house I will get so much accomplished, but here I am. Doing nothing. Perhaps its because I have the time to do nothing. Its nice to have nothing expected of me.
I need to make a list of things to do when the kida get back. Things to keep us moving and entertained. Things to fill up what is left of their summer.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Day 3 July 6
Today is starting off slowly. I figured since I have some downtime I will go ahead and put some daily goals up. Here are the things I intend to accomplish today
1. Stay within calories on food (not counting beer. Limit 4)
2. If I do drink, limit intake to 4. This way I can better adapt my calories for occasional good time intakes
3. Go for a bike ride now that my bike is fixed. Id like to try to ride to to see hiw long it will take. I may start riding to work daily
4. Take dogs for a walk. Its really hot out (sumer in texas generally is) but we all need the exercise
These are my main weight loss focused goals for today. Yes I slept until noon. That crazy nap yesterday left my sleep schedule still pretty jacked. Slowly working on that. Will update later with progress.
Well I did the bike ride at least. Target is a lot farther away than I imagined. On the good side, I gained back all the calories I had eaten to that point and that made room for the delicious dinner we had.
On my ride I kept thinking how I couldnt believe how hard it was. In fact I couldnt believe I had let myselt go so far back down the that path. It was embarrassing and depressing.
Now I plan to work that much harder
Friday, July 5, 2013
Day 2
Day two. Other than the beer im having tonight (come on yall its Friday) I am still under calories. With the beer ive gone a little over but come on, It IS friday
I didnt actually do anything today outside of working. I took an accidental super long nap today. But at one point I weighes in and I was sitting at the same weight even after all the fair like foods yesterday.
Of course we did do a lot of walking all over the place yesterday.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Challenging me
Today is the Fourth of July. The birthday of the nation. A day for celebrating freedom. So I chose today to start my challenge. I am going to set myself free. On the surface it mayb look like just another weight loss journey but, as I learned last time I lost weight, it is much more than that. It is quite literally setting myself free. Free from uncomfortable clothes. Free from embarassment about how I look. Freedom from the constraints of an overweight body on my limbs and lungs.
I am going to challenge myself for a whole year. It seems easier to me to have a "stop" date because last time I just got burnt out thinking about how it was a lifetime thing. So I am putting it here as a kind of accountability
I am going to try to post daily, not just stats but my feelings, concerns, food and really anything else that occurs to me along the way. If you dont want to read it, dont. I do however hope that someone will take something away from it.
I was on a site and I made many frienda there but for some reason it never made me feel accountable to myself. It got to be more of a social site than a tool. I will continue to use site for tracking but will most likely avoid the boards and forums.
So here it is. Day 1
Today I weighed in at 250 exactly. When I first started a few years ago, I was 270. I eventually got down to 190 and was content. I felt good, thought I looked good and was happy. I think maybe a got a little complacent and then when I started gaining weight I just said fuck it.
This time im going to avoid that. Im going to eat better. Im going to try some easy exercises, and actually work out a plan instead of just winging it.
Of course the only thing ive eaten so far today was a whataburger meal and some gummy bears. Off to a rough start :/
Its ok. I got this.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
I'll Never Forget
Today is the day I've been dreading for months. My incredible, feisty, fun-loving, witty, funny, amazing grandmother has passed away.
I'll never forget the fun times, thousands and thousands of hours spent at your house. Playing in the pasture, that trip to Colorado, family reunions all over the place. Being dumped off a horse in your driveway. Mud fights and firecrackers wars in that same driveway. Horse trough pools, giant trampolines, hay bales, sunflowers and buffalo.
We used to travel. I've taken many trips with you. We've been all over Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Texas and about a zillion other places. We discovered new countries together when I was little. I've seen almost every cool landmark in the country because of you.
I spent my summers and my Christmas vacations with you, played cards, watched tv, read books, picked berries, built forts, rode horses, fed cows and taunted buffalo. It was at your house that I discovered that, if given enough motivation, I couple of kids can, indeed, jump a 6 foot high fence and outrun a charging buffalo.
You taught me the beauty of books, and was rarely without one. You told me the first joke I can remember and one I tell my kids often (Dwayne the bathtub I'm dwowning). You gave me a hundred awful haircuts. You were always quick with a comeback.
You may have frowned on some of the stupid shit we did, our tattoos, our language, but you never frowned upon us. No matter what we needed, we knew we could find it at grandmas house. Wether it was coloring and hugs when we were younger or liquor and good conversation when we got older.
You were there when my first son was born. Up close and personal. Maybe a little to close for comfort. I was terrified but you kept us laughing the whole time. I never felt like just a kid around you. You had a way of always making me feel like a comfortable equal no matter how old I was.
And now you are gone. You slipped away on the night and were finally relieved of all your pain. I'm going to miss you so terribly much. Seeing you wither away was one of the most painful things I've ever gone through but I'm glad I got to see you those last few times.
I'm not sure if I believe on heaven. I guess that's one of those things i'll find out in time. What am sure of is that, even though your gone, you live on through this incredibly legacy you have built. All your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren hold a piece of you on those hearts and will continue to tell your story for many years to come.
Rest in peace Gramma.
I love you.
I'll never forget the fun times, thousands and thousands of hours spent at your house. Playing in the pasture, that trip to Colorado, family reunions all over the place. Being dumped off a horse in your driveway. Mud fights and firecrackers wars in that same driveway. Horse trough pools, giant trampolines, hay bales, sunflowers and buffalo.
We used to travel. I've taken many trips with you. We've been all over Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Texas and about a zillion other places. We discovered new countries together when I was little. I've seen almost every cool landmark in the country because of you.
I spent my summers and my Christmas vacations with you, played cards, watched tv, read books, picked berries, built forts, rode horses, fed cows and taunted buffalo. It was at your house that I discovered that, if given enough motivation, I couple of kids can, indeed, jump a 6 foot high fence and outrun a charging buffalo.
You taught me the beauty of books, and was rarely without one. You told me the first joke I can remember and one I tell my kids often (Dwayne the bathtub I'm dwowning). You gave me a hundred awful haircuts. You were always quick with a comeback.
You may have frowned on some of the stupid shit we did, our tattoos, our language, but you never frowned upon us. No matter what we needed, we knew we could find it at grandmas house. Wether it was coloring and hugs when we were younger or liquor and good conversation when we got older.
You were there when my first son was born. Up close and personal. Maybe a little to close for comfort. I was terrified but you kept us laughing the whole time. I never felt like just a kid around you. You had a way of always making me feel like a comfortable equal no matter how old I was.
And now you are gone. You slipped away on the night and were finally relieved of all your pain. I'm going to miss you so terribly much. Seeing you wither away was one of the most painful things I've ever gone through but I'm glad I got to see you those last few times.
I'm not sure if I believe on heaven. I guess that's one of those things i'll find out in time. What am sure of is that, even though your gone, you live on through this incredibly legacy you have built. All your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren hold a piece of you on those hearts and will continue to tell your story for many years to come.
Rest in peace Gramma.
I love you.
The Saddest Truths
FACT: My grandmother is dying. Slowly. Painfully. Withering away. She's leaving us and its not pleasant.
FACT: I'm not dealing with it well. Who would, right? I can't sleep, ever. I can't eat. I can't concentrate. My grades are slipping. My house is a mess. Frankly I don't give a shit.
I keep remembering the awesome stuff. I remember spending summers at their house. All is kids running around like wild ape children. Her peanut butter cookies with the little fork marks on top. The isn't chalkboard in the kitchen. Donut seeds. Can't get through dinner with out talking about poop. Can't take her anywhere. She's used I be the quirkiest, feistiest lady out there. She would tell it like it is.
She loves Elvis, John Wayne, Conway Twitty. She hates women actors and singers. She used to love to read, always her nose in a book. Hates getting her head wet. Won't go swimming. Pops out her teeth to impress us (among other weird things...don't ask her where her birthmark is)
She's the woman that raised my mom to be tough. To say what she thinks. To not back down. My mom raised me to be the same way. There is a lot of grandma in all of us. Even when she is gone, she will still be here. Every one of us will carry her in our hearts.
I really just wish I could sleep.
FACT: I'm not dealing with it well. Who would, right? I can't sleep, ever. I can't eat. I can't concentrate. My grades are slipping. My house is a mess. Frankly I don't give a shit.
I keep remembering the awesome stuff. I remember spending summers at their house. All is kids running around like wild ape children. Her peanut butter cookies with the little fork marks on top. The isn't chalkboard in the kitchen. Donut seeds. Can't get through dinner with out talking about poop. Can't take her anywhere. She's used I be the quirkiest, feistiest lady out there. She would tell it like it is.
She loves Elvis, John Wayne, Conway Twitty. She hates women actors and singers. She used to love to read, always her nose in a book. Hates getting her head wet. Won't go swimming. Pops out her teeth to impress us (among other weird things...don't ask her where her birthmark is)
She's the woman that raised my mom to be tough. To say what she thinks. To not back down. My mom raised me to be the same way. There is a lot of grandma in all of us. Even when she is gone, she will still be here. Every one of us will carry her in our hearts.
I really just wish I could sleep.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
The Kindness of Others
Today is Easter. I should qualify this by saying I am not a Christian. I'm not for or against any religion, but one thing I do believe in is the idea of "Christian kindness" as it is commonly referred to. Do unto others. Karma (I have to believe in Karma, that bitch has a quick turnaround when it comes to me).
I say this because I have lately been in a funk. I have been feeling down and I didn't know where to turn. I have very few friends where I am. I don't talk much to people. I spend most of my time with just me and the kids, so I rarely have any actual adult conversation. This is, mostly, my fault.
I have a habit of saying I hate people. I push people away. It is a defense mechanism, an armour. I can't get hurt if there is no one around to hurt me, right? Ha! It is also a test. If I push you away again, and again, and again, but you still keep coming back, it shows me that you want to be my friend. For some reason you WANT to put up with my shit and stick around. These are the people I try to surround myself with; people who just refuse to be pushed away.
Turns out, I actually do have A LOT of friends. None of them live near me, but recently a few have really stepped up, from afar, to be there when I needed them. I hate for it to sound like "my friends are only around when they need something" or "I only call when I need something from them", that is NOT the case. It is just that I have to get stuff out of my head.
I come off as a hard ass. One of those "I don't care what people think" people. This is not entirely true. I play the bad guy because everyone loves a good bad guy, right? I am loud, unapologetic, brutally honest, sarcastic, cynical and not afraid to speak my mind. I am also loyal, passionate, and caring. Is it to much to ask for others to be the same?
As I said before my wild digression, I believe in the idea of human kindness. Today, I was on the receiving end of some of it and I will be forever thankful for it. The idea that someone will see that you are down and respond with a kind word and a helping hand instead of ignoring it or pitying me.
This little blog is a big disjointed. I know that. When I get to thinking, I just pour it all out, write it down, get it out of my head. I don't draft a blog, proofread, edit and redraft. One and done for me, so if this is a little jumpy and hard to understand, I'm sorry. It is really just a mechanism for me to clear my thoughts so that I don't feel like my head is going to explode. If someone reads it and takes something from it than I feel I have done my part in spreading that kindness, at least a small piece of it.
If more people could be like my friends, this world would be an awesome place. I am so incredibly thankful right now for the giving hearts of others and the amazing friends that I do have. Some of them I have known form many years, some I have never even actually "met" in real life. Each of you is dear to me, and that is why I stopped pushing you away. Someday I hope to be as good a friend as you have been to me.
I say this because I have lately been in a funk. I have been feeling down and I didn't know where to turn. I have very few friends where I am. I don't talk much to people. I spend most of my time with just me and the kids, so I rarely have any actual adult conversation. This is, mostly, my fault.
I have a habit of saying I hate people. I push people away. It is a defense mechanism, an armour. I can't get hurt if there is no one around to hurt me, right? Ha! It is also a test. If I push you away again, and again, and again, but you still keep coming back, it shows me that you want to be my friend. For some reason you WANT to put up with my shit and stick around. These are the people I try to surround myself with; people who just refuse to be pushed away.
Turns out, I actually do have A LOT of friends. None of them live near me, but recently a few have really stepped up, from afar, to be there when I needed them. I hate for it to sound like "my friends are only around when they need something" or "I only call when I need something from them", that is NOT the case. It is just that I have to get stuff out of my head.
I come off as a hard ass. One of those "I don't care what people think" people. This is not entirely true. I play the bad guy because everyone loves a good bad guy, right? I am loud, unapologetic, brutally honest, sarcastic, cynical and not afraid to speak my mind. I am also loyal, passionate, and caring. Is it to much to ask for others to be the same?
As I said before my wild digression, I believe in the idea of human kindness. Today, I was on the receiving end of some of it and I will be forever thankful for it. The idea that someone will see that you are down and respond with a kind word and a helping hand instead of ignoring it or pitying me.
This little blog is a big disjointed. I know that. When I get to thinking, I just pour it all out, write it down, get it out of my head. I don't draft a blog, proofread, edit and redraft. One and done for me, so if this is a little jumpy and hard to understand, I'm sorry. It is really just a mechanism for me to clear my thoughts so that I don't feel like my head is going to explode. If someone reads it and takes something from it than I feel I have done my part in spreading that kindness, at least a small piece of it.
If more people could be like my friends, this world would be an awesome place. I am so incredibly thankful right now for the giving hearts of others and the amazing friends that I do have. Some of them I have known form many years, some I have never even actually "met" in real life. Each of you is dear to me, and that is why I stopped pushing you away. Someday I hope to be as good a friend as you have been to me.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
The Pretty and the Painful of Being a Pit Bull Owner
I don't know if y'all know this, but I am a pit bull owner. I have had one, Neela, for 10 years and have recently aquired another, Bettie, from a shelter. Along with my two kids and my other little dog, Louie, I am fairly busy!
I wanted to take a minute and put in my two cents about pit bulls. They are simply awesome! I do, however, think you have to take that statement with some backstory.
Before I had a pit bull, I believed all the crap about them being no good, aggressive, fighting dogs who were looking for trouble. This is totally not the case. Sure they can be aggressive, but so can any other dog. I swear I have been bitten by more chihuahuas and daschunds than pit bulls EVER, but because a pit bull has the potential to cause more damage and a tenacity to complete a task, they are considered much more dangerous. This, of course, sadly, is true. However, a well trained, cared for pit bull is really no more dangerous than your average small dog. If owners are aware of what thier dogs are capable of, and are prepared to deal with the consequences of ownership, then I say that a pit is the best pet you could ever ask for.
As I said, I was aware of the stigma and I believed the hype. What did I do to combat it? I may have overtrained Neela. She knows signals and commands that I have not even bothered with for Louie, and if we are out walking, when another dog walks by, Neela and I move to one side and I make her sit in the grass until they pass. I wouldn't say I've taken all the fight out of her (in fact, I know this to be false) but I am constantly aware of what she is doing. I do not leave her unattended for long. In fact, she is such a spoiled baby, she almost never leaves my side.
Now I have Bettie. Apparently, introducing another female pitbull is not the best thing to do. Neela is almost 10, she is old and set in her ways. Bettie is young, fiesty, untrained (for the most part, but that, I assure you, is temporary), and very energetic. She is also a lover and wants to be on my lap. I think Neela is a bit jealous and with good reason.
When I first got them together, they were fine for a bit, then they really got into it. I mean a full on fight. I didn't have a break stick (because they are illegal in most places and are not sold), so when Neela had Bettie around the neck, I did the next best thing I could think of. I gritted my teeth and stuck my hand in Neelas mouth. I got bit. However, because of my training and preparedness, when I said "ow!" and she let go immediatly and ran to the other side of the yard.
Why?
Because when she was a pup, I would "fight" with her. If she bit, or scratched and I said "ow" she had to stop playing and go to "time out" sitting in the far corner. Some people think this is just a plain ol' stupid dog trick, but it definitely saved my finger or hand that day. I hurt like hell, but all my digits were intact. Because Bettie is not as well trained, if she had been "winning" this particular battle, I would not have stuck my hand in there and things could have gone very bad for Neela.
After a weeks more seperation (with a few supervised, in the doorway sniffs) I decided to try getting them together again. We rigged a pen out back and put Bettie into it and then let Neela out back. Neela, as it turns out, has absolutely no interest in Bettie. I though Neela, who is old and grumpy, was my problem, but all she wants is to be left alone! She did come sniff through the chain link, and gave a few low growls (which she was reprimanded for). After about 20 minutes of this, I got leashes for both and brought Bettie out to go back to her room. There were no growls, no fighting, and because they were restrained, no jumping.
I think we are making progress. I guess the whole point of this post is that people should remember that a dog is in fact a dog. The do doggy things and live by thier own set of dog rules. They can not be trusted to do the right thing, they, like children, have to be taught and conditioned.
Pit bulls can be hard to own, they take a lot of time and patience. Like children, they can drive you absolutely batty, but when they look at you with that big, drooly grin, you forget all the irritation and just give them a big ol' hug.
I wish people would lay off the pit bull and just let them be loved like any other pet.
I wanted to take a minute and put in my two cents about pit bulls. They are simply awesome! I do, however, think you have to take that statement with some backstory.
Before I had a pit bull, I believed all the crap about them being no good, aggressive, fighting dogs who were looking for trouble. This is totally not the case. Sure they can be aggressive, but so can any other dog. I swear I have been bitten by more chihuahuas and daschunds than pit bulls EVER, but because a pit bull has the potential to cause more damage and a tenacity to complete a task, they are considered much more dangerous. This, of course, sadly, is true. However, a well trained, cared for pit bull is really no more dangerous than your average small dog. If owners are aware of what thier dogs are capable of, and are prepared to deal with the consequences of ownership, then I say that a pit is the best pet you could ever ask for.
As I said, I was aware of the stigma and I believed the hype. What did I do to combat it? I may have overtrained Neela. She knows signals and commands that I have not even bothered with for Louie, and if we are out walking, when another dog walks by, Neela and I move to one side and I make her sit in the grass until they pass. I wouldn't say I've taken all the fight out of her (in fact, I know this to be false) but I am constantly aware of what she is doing. I do not leave her unattended for long. In fact, she is such a spoiled baby, she almost never leaves my side.
Now I have Bettie. Apparently, introducing another female pitbull is not the best thing to do. Neela is almost 10, she is old and set in her ways. Bettie is young, fiesty, untrained (for the most part, but that, I assure you, is temporary), and very energetic. She is also a lover and wants to be on my lap. I think Neela is a bit jealous and with good reason.
When I first got them together, they were fine for a bit, then they really got into it. I mean a full on fight. I didn't have a break stick (because they are illegal in most places and are not sold), so when Neela had Bettie around the neck, I did the next best thing I could think of. I gritted my teeth and stuck my hand in Neelas mouth. I got bit. However, because of my training and preparedness, when I said "ow!" and she let go immediatly and ran to the other side of the yard.
Why?
Because when she was a pup, I would "fight" with her. If she bit, or scratched and I said "ow" she had to stop playing and go to "time out" sitting in the far corner. Some people think this is just a plain ol' stupid dog trick, but it definitely saved my finger or hand that day. I hurt like hell, but all my digits were intact. Because Bettie is not as well trained, if she had been "winning" this particular battle, I would not have stuck my hand in there and things could have gone very bad for Neela.
After a weeks more seperation (with a few supervised, in the doorway sniffs) I decided to try getting them together again. We rigged a pen out back and put Bettie into it and then let Neela out back. Neela, as it turns out, has absolutely no interest in Bettie. I though Neela, who is old and grumpy, was my problem, but all she wants is to be left alone! She did come sniff through the chain link, and gave a few low growls (which she was reprimanded for). After about 20 minutes of this, I got leashes for both and brought Bettie out to go back to her room. There were no growls, no fighting, and because they were restrained, no jumping.
I think we are making progress. I guess the whole point of this post is that people should remember that a dog is in fact a dog. The do doggy things and live by thier own set of dog rules. They can not be trusted to do the right thing, they, like children, have to be taught and conditioned.
Pit bulls can be hard to own, they take a lot of time and patience. Like children, they can drive you absolutely batty, but when they look at you with that big, drooly grin, you forget all the irritation and just give them a big ol' hug.
I wish people would lay off the pit bull and just let them be loved like any other pet.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Cars
Today I went to a car show. Renewed my interest in my poor scout. I really need to get it up and running. Lately it has been in the forefront of my mind. I got it tagged recently (as in the last week) as an antique which means that I can only drive it to and from car shows. Sad but true is that It may not even get that far. My hubs saw three scouts at the car show today and I got a chance to ask around about some parts that I need. I got a few hook ups and that is just awesome. Hopefully by the time the tags are up in 2018 I will have it ready to be a daily badass driver.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
New things
Haven blogged in awhile. Life seriously gets in the way of my sit down and empty my head time. Just a few updates:
My sister in law is working with shelters and rescue groups to try to get animals out of the shelter that no one wants. Animals that are either sick or have just ran out of time. Of course she found an amazingly beautiful pit bull mix and I, again of course, adopted her. She has heartworms and had a cough that we have since taken care of. The worms are an expensive fox but she is so incredibly beautiful and sweet that she is totally worth it! Now if she would just get along with out other pit bull. Or rather, if Neela would get along with her. Bettie could care less. She loves everyone.
I realized I have "been blogging" on and off for almost a year. The event that prompted my sewing parts of the blog is coming up. My cousin is throwing her sons his annual birthday theme party. These have been so fun on the past and really make me stretch my creativity (and my thriftyness) so I really look forward to it. This year the theme is Harry Potter and I get to be Bellatrix LeStrange. This is stupid exciting because I love Harry potter, especially crazy Bellatrix. I mean, Helena Bonham Carter....Come on!!
My sister in law is working with shelters and rescue groups to try to get animals out of the shelter that no one wants. Animals that are either sick or have just ran out of time. Of course she found an amazingly beautiful pit bull mix and I, again of course, adopted her. She has heartworms and had a cough that we have since taken care of. The worms are an expensive fox but she is so incredibly beautiful and sweet that she is totally worth it! Now if she would just get along with out other pit bull. Or rather, if Neela would get along with her. Bettie could care less. She loves everyone.
I realized I have "been blogging" on and off for almost a year. The event that prompted my sewing parts of the blog is coming up. My cousin is throwing her sons his annual birthday theme party. These have been so fun on the past and really make me stretch my creativity (and my thriftyness) so I really look forward to it. This year the theme is Harry Potter and I get to be Bellatrix LeStrange. This is stupid exciting because I love Harry potter, especially crazy Bellatrix. I mean, Helena Bonham Carter....Come on!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Reaffirmation
I haven't written a blog in a while, but I have had something on my mind for some time and I need to get it out.
My name is Molly and I struggle with a negative self image.
In fact, I find myself nitpicking things about myself that are so ridiculously dumb. A couple of years ago I lost almost 80 pounds. Now I have gained most back and I hate it, but for some reason I feel compelled to just live with it instead of going out and changing it.
I'm just so freaking tired of everything.
I'm tired of work.
I'm tired of school.
I'm tired of working out.
I'm tired of homework.
I'm tired of knitting.
I'm tired of cooking.
I'm tired of cleaning.
I'm so very, very tired.
Here's the thing. I LOVE working out. I love to dance *even though I'm terrible at it*, I love to jump around the room like an idiot, singing at the top of my lungs and basically rocking out. I love it. But I don't do it.
I LOVE to run. I love the feeling of accomplishment after a good run. I love the ground under my feet, my heart pounding in my chest, fresh air in my lungs. But I don't do it.
I LOVE learning new things. I love cracking a book and losing myself for hours. I love trying my hand at a new task and just seeing what I can accomplish. Even if I fail, at least I have something to show for it. But I don't do it.
Why don't I do these things? Not because I fear what others will think of me. Isn't that silly. I could care less what others think of me. I'm sure some people think I'm crazy, some think I'm a stone cold bitch and some think I'm super nice. Fine.
I don't do these things because of what they make ME think of myself. How can I not give a rip what others think, but be so afraid of what I think. I am constantly telling people not to hate. Not to hate others because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, but still I HATE. Sure it's all aimed at me, but hate is hate, right?
I hate my hair, I hate my body, I hate my face, my attitude, my outlook, my actions, my anger, my laugh. I'm so full of self-loathing and to what end?
I have spent so long changing little things about me, trying to find the me I like. Change my hair color, cut, clothes, weight.... on and on. Still nothing. Why is this? Because I won't like the outside me until I like the inside me.
Today I take a stand:
I will do the things I love.
I will sing and dance.
I will tell myself only the good things I see in the mirror.
I will hug my family when I feel like it.
I will walk my dog.
I will BBQ and play in the pool.
I will RUN.
I will sew.
I will knit.
I will read.
I will learn.
I will love.
I am done with hating myself. I don't have time for that! We only get this one shot at life and it's way to short to live it in hatred.
My name is Molly and I struggle with a negative self image.
In fact, I find myself nitpicking things about myself that are so ridiculously dumb. A couple of years ago I lost almost 80 pounds. Now I have gained most back and I hate it, but for some reason I feel compelled to just live with it instead of going out and changing it.
I'm just so freaking tired of everything.
I'm tired of work.
I'm tired of school.
I'm tired of working out.
I'm tired of homework.
I'm tired of knitting.
I'm tired of cooking.
I'm tired of cleaning.
I'm so very, very tired.
Here's the thing. I LOVE working out. I love to dance *even though I'm terrible at it*, I love to jump around the room like an idiot, singing at the top of my lungs and basically rocking out. I love it. But I don't do it.
I LOVE to run. I love the feeling of accomplishment after a good run. I love the ground under my feet, my heart pounding in my chest, fresh air in my lungs. But I don't do it.
I LOVE learning new things. I love cracking a book and losing myself for hours. I love trying my hand at a new task and just seeing what I can accomplish. Even if I fail, at least I have something to show for it. But I don't do it.
Why don't I do these things? Not because I fear what others will think of me. Isn't that silly. I could care less what others think of me. I'm sure some people think I'm crazy, some think I'm a stone cold bitch and some think I'm super nice. Fine.
I don't do these things because of what they make ME think of myself. How can I not give a rip what others think, but be so afraid of what I think. I am constantly telling people not to hate. Not to hate others because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, but still I HATE. Sure it's all aimed at me, but hate is hate, right?
I hate my hair, I hate my body, I hate my face, my attitude, my outlook, my actions, my anger, my laugh. I'm so full of self-loathing and to what end?
I have spent so long changing little things about me, trying to find the me I like. Change my hair color, cut, clothes, weight.... on and on. Still nothing. Why is this? Because I won't like the outside me until I like the inside me.
Today I take a stand:
I will do the things I love.
I will sing and dance.
I will tell myself only the good things I see in the mirror.
I will hug my family when I feel like it.
I will walk my dog.
I will BBQ and play in the pool.
I will RUN.
I will sew.
I will knit.
I will read.
I will learn.
I will love.
I am done with hating myself. I don't have time for that! We only get this one shot at life and it's way to short to live it in hatred.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)