Doggy Madness

Sophie and her dog checking out the lake

The end of our run!

Today was a beautiful day for a long run. It was a bit overcast and not too hot and not too cold. B.Emmett was a little disappointed when at mile two I did not take him down on the beach like I usually do on our 4-5 mile runs.

Along our route there was a bunch of doggy mayhem that ensued. First we came upon Max. Max is a small scruffy looking dog and he was playing with another small dog that B and I had met yesterday on the beach. We slowed as we approached so as not to scare them. Max's dad picked him up upon seeing an 85 lb doberman approaching (something that frequently happens to the big B). However, as we started to go by B.Emmett decided to take a peek at Max. Although he did not get too close he apparently set off the "don't mess with me button." Max proceeded to growl and then upon not being released from his dad's arms he bit his dad-ouch!

Doggy mayhem number two occurred near Seaside about eight miles into our run. We were cruising along the path when up ahead we saw a family with two small dogs and a man talking on his cell phone carrying coffee walking two medium size mutts. The family crossed the road when they saw the the other dogs coming toward them. All would have been well except one of the little dogs slipped out of his collar and made a beeline for the other two dogs. We stopped about ten feet from the encounter. One of the children ran after the little dog who was socializing politely with the other dogs. Both sets of dogs were fine and when the child reached his dog he grabbed him around the hips and yanked him back. The small dog yelped and the dad came running over and shoved into the other two dogs and started yelling that they were dangerous dogs and that they hurt his dog. The dogs stood politely while both men got into a heated shouting match exchanging words that were pretty colorful. What bothered me was that the dad never realized that it was his child that caused his dog to yelp in pain. He could not see what had happened from his angle and he automatically assumed that the larger dogs hurt his dog. It escalated so fast between the men based on a total misunderstanding. Eventually the two dogs walked over to B.Emmett as the man with the coffee and cell phone walked them towards me. I just said that I was sorry that there was an incident and started running again. I felt the most sorry for his two dogs. They did nothing wrong and got pushed because of a total misperception of reality. People are so quick to jump to conclusions and can be just so mean.

I wonder how often misperceptions like this occur on larger scales and cause things like wars, abuse and other human insanity. Sigh.

The rest of our run was pleasant. B.Emmett was a bit confused because he usually gets picked up by about mile six but today he ran the whole way. That's my baby, that's my dog-love him!

Dissertation, work & poop!

Pongo, B.Emmett's faithful pal, waiting at the end of the run

The only way to describe the weather this morning is it was perfect. It was not too hot and not too cold. It was the first time in a few weeks that I was able to run in shorts and B's teeth did not chatter before he got warmed up.

The first part of the run was spent thinking about my dissertation work. It seems that as I run I always have to best ideas for organizing my writing. It must be something about the flow of energy throughout my body that eventual allows my brain to flow a little more clearly. Today I thought about how to move the section about PBL from talking about general PBL work to more specific types to the type that I am working on this year. Sprinkled in this section will be the research on all of these things. It always seems so simple when I run but I know that when I try to translate it coherently to paper it will be a beastly task.

The next part of the run after passing Camp Creek I thought of work. After the run I was heading into a meeting about test prep for the college entrance exams (PSAT,SAT, and ACT). These tests are not something that we focus on at our school but they are also a necessary evil when it comes to getting in to college. It becomes a dance for us to continue to push forward with work that we know is meaningful and relevant to the students while playing the "game" that the system requires of us to get them into college.

Finally, my thoughts were of poop. I have reframed my thinking about finding dog poop in the middle of the running path along 30A . Instead of being sad that someone did not clean up after their dog which causes the next person to potentially get poop all over their shoe I now think, "Oh that poor person ran out of bags or a way to pick up their dog's poop." Now as I scoop some other dog's poop I send out peaceful thoughts to the dog's companion thinking things like, "I am so glad that I could help you out today." It makes poop a lot happier experience for me-ha.

B was good today he slowed down a bit at the end of our run to allow us to run side by side. I love my dog!

Pics of the week

B.Emmett loves to relax

Sunday morning at the beach!

We just like to call this picture "evidence" or "busted"

B.Emmett is so cute but so serous

9 mile runs are so much sweeter with a little sugar from Sophie when we are done!

Ran with Dad Part Duex

Okay dad bring it on buddy! Today B.Emmett was up and ready for my hunnie. He toasted my man and he toasted him big time. B.Emmett brought my hunnie back in a body bag and if B could talk he would say, "you will run fast with me dad and you will like it!"

How I love my hunnie and my dog...

Ran with dad

Today's post is brought to you by..."Um mom why did you think I could run five miles at 6:15 pace with dad when you run like 9:30ish pace with me every day?"

Yes, that's right when my hunnie asked about taking B.Emmett for a run I completely was not thinking about the fact that my hunnie once was a collegiate level distance runner for a division one school. I was not thinking about the fact that for the last week I ran every morning on a treadmill in the gym because it was so cold. No, I was not thinking that my poor dog had run so little and not so fast in the past week.

The result of all my not thinking was B.Emmett came home in what runners refer to as a "body bag." My hunnie toasted my poor pup and he has pretty much been asleep on my bed since he got back from the run. He occasionally stirs to groan and I have massaged his whole body but he is going to be a wee bit sore. My hunnie came in to take him for a walk and B.Emmett literally cringed when he saw the leash (probably having flashbacks of the run).

I had planned a nice slow eight mile run with B.Emmett tomorrow. Now I am thinking that I will be running solo in the morning. Sorry big guy!

Thanksgiving 2010

We ran along the beach enjoying the morning as it unfolded in front of us. We ran to Camp Creek and crossed the bridge. It was a very freeing run, relaxed and we were just enjoying each other's company.

There were a lot of fleeting thoughts along the way. Really it was about trying to decide what life has in store for us in the future. I am sending seeking energy out to try and decide on next year. Do we stay? Do we go back? Do we move on?

Not too sure how I feel about any of the options but know that the universe will open up and show me a path eventually.

One thing striking for me is how much I love being around the water. It feeds my soul in a way that I never knew that it needed to be fed. I love running over bridges and hearing the ocean waves crash in the morning.

In general B and I are just content and waiting to see what our next big adventure may be.

The one thing that I know for sure is B's love and devotion to me. Sometimes it borders on unhealthy attachment. Thanks to a great dog trainer I have strategies for making sure that he is not too dependent. He watches me wherever I go. He follows me from room to room. He makes me feel safe and content. If we are out in a crowd he watches me wherever I am. The family joke is watch B's eyes if you want to know where mom is. There is an inner calmness to his presence that immediately soothes my soul. I also like knowing that he would defend me no matter what. He is my rock.

I love my Dog! I am thankful that he is in my life.

Today's Run

Today's run started with some very loud birds chirping, lots of squirrels swishing their tails at us and just a nice peaceful feeling. We didn't rush just relaxed and settled in to a nice pace.

In fact, it seemed like the entire world was relaxing with us. B. Emmett could hardly believe the nerve of the squirrels because they refused to run from him. One actually sat right on the sidewalk eating a nut and twitching it's tail in delight. B. Emmett was so taken aback by this that he did not even bother to try and chase it.

On today's run B.Emmett had the opportunity to be a guard dog as we passed by a gardener with a scary looking rake. Going into guard mode is one of my favorite things he does. Most of the time he is this incredibly goofy lovable dog. However, when we run if he feels even the slightest inkling of possible danger he becomes a fierce protector. It is not so much that he does anything ferocious but rather it is in the subtle way that he changes. 

Today he immediately tensed up and started to track the gardener with his eyes. He placed his large body in between me and the gardener and just stared while we ran by. What fascinates me the most about his behavior is that it is a very fluid motion that just naturally fits into the pattern of our run. He does not make a sudden movement but rather just glides along and changes his demeanor as if to say to the thing he views as a potential threat " don't even bother trying because I will not let you near her."

On today's run we had the opportunity to be grateful for the things that we often take for granted. We are healthy enough to run four miles together, we are safe and we are happy.

Today's run was all about just the enjoyment of being outside on a beautiful day with each other. I love my dog.

Possibilities

This year I turn forty and I have learned that there is a world of possibilities out there for me. I think about these opportunities as I run. There is the possibility of a career change, the possibility of a move, the possibility of simplifying my life...

B. Emmett and I run together because we see the possibility of enjoying the moment. When we run anything is possible. We can daydream about all of the possibilities there are for the two of us.

Possibilities mean positive things to me. I listen to the universe for the possibilities in life. What is possible today is different from what is possible tomorrow.

Life is full of possibilities if you are open to them.

It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile since I posted to this blog and although I have thought about it many times I just have not found the time or inspiration.

Today when I woke up it was 48 degrees in Florida at 9:00am I had to run and B.Emmett was ecstatic. He was happy and every muscle in his body seemed to quiver and say, "It's been awhile." Not that we don't run on a regular basis but today's run was different. It was almost magical.

It's been awhile since it was cool enough to go longer, to pick up the pace, to run later in the morning.

It's been awhile since we had the time to run together and really enjoy each other's company without feeling rushed to get the run over with and on to the next thing.

It's been awhile since we ran the route we took today. A beautifully shaded mostly downhill route past houses with big yards and rambunctiously joyful dogs barking encouragement to us as we pass by.

It's been awhile since I have had to wear a long sleeve shirt and peel it off halfway through the run once my body warmed up.

It's been awhile since we have felt the greeting of cold air filling our lungs with an almost uncomfortable yet somehow pleasant sensation.

It's been awhile since we enjoyed a run as much as today's run.

B.Emmett was a very happy dog this morning!

New Destination

In life we are on a path and depending on our choices and needs there can be many destinations.

Today B.Emmett and I chose a new destination. We officially came out of the closet to change from Starbucks coffee lovers to Dunkin Donuts coffee lovers.

My addiction to caffeine started somewhere in the baby years. These were the days when I had very small children and a full time job. Caffeine was a great option for keeping myself going and my love affair with Starbucks began.

Every day I had to stop and get my coffee. Starbucks was like a siren calling to me wherever I was. My children learned to spot Starbucks on road trips all for the good of family harmony. When momma has her coffee everybody in the family was happy.

Once when I was teaching third grade one of my students spilled my grande coffee before the bell to begin class rung. It was a very long morning because at the time I still had a newborn baby not sleeping through night and the only way I was managing to stay awake to teach was my precious caffeine.

About four months ago due to some unremembered circumstance we went to Dunkin Donuts instead of Starbucks. At first I was sure I would about die and then I tasted their coffee. "Sweet mother of god," I thought, " this is the nectar of life."  Well maybe it was not that dramatic but it was life changing.

We began going to Dunkin Donuts every morning. On Fridays I would still stop by Starbucks for my beloved Friday treat, a mocha. I felt guilty like I was cheating on my spouse. After all the folks from Starbucks all knew my name and my order. For goodness sake they knew my kid's names. How could I do this to Starbucks?

Gradually, I began to see that although Starbucks was a nice experience it just wasn't meeting my needs and it was time to move on. Still I persisted a bit longer than necessary. I mean who hasn't prolonged the inevitable break up of a relationship at some point in their lives?

Last week I was out with my mom and we stopped at Starbucks for coffee. I ordered my mocha because that was about the only thing at Starbucks I thought that I could handle. I took one sip and realized that it was over. I could no longer drink any coffee product from Starbucks.

I slowly threw my mocha in the trash and I said good bye to my dear Starbucks. Like a good lover I will always remember the good times and be thankful for the relationship but I have moved on to a new destination.

B. Emmett and I ran four miles to Dunkin Donuts this morning. We enjoyed every minute of our run. I love you B.Emmett!

Mad

Mad. That's a doberman when it is too hot to run. It is also the state of mind of a doberman when he doesn't run. He is mad as in insane.

Even though I am working for most of the summer my schedule is more lax. School is not in session so I do not necessarily have to get up at 5:00am to run. By the time I roll out of bed at 7:00am it is a little too late for to run with B.Emmett and it makes him mad.

He barks, he whines and he scratches at the door all futile attempts to get me to take him on a run. B.Emmett is not rationale when it comes to two things, running and me.

When he sees me he tracks me with his golden eyes always looking, begging, asking for me to take him with me. 

For him it is so clear what he desires.

Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of clarity? Dog clarity. They know what they want period.

I want so many things that it tears me up at times. I want to go sky diving again, dive in a shark cage observing great white sharks, and so much more.

Today was a day of clarity. I was thinking of making a choice which would have been a major change in my life direction. The universe basically hauled off and kicked me in the head letting me know that I was in the right place.

I love it when it is that clear, right there, obvious, in plain view...

Dog clarity, yea I like that.

B.Emmett we will run again soon.

The Bucket List

Summer is here and the runs are getting hotter. With summer comes lots more time for B.Emmett and I to spend quality time together. Also lots more time to reflect and write.

During today's run I thought a lot about my bucket list. It is something I have been working on for a little while. What amazes me is how rich my life experiences have already been and how much more I cannot wait to do. Randy says that I am a young soul because I am not settled and always restless. I guess I agree. It is fun to try new things and continue to challenge myself and push my limits.

The one thing I would like to do on the bucket list that got stuck in my mind on this morning's run is to visit Los Angeles and just wander aimlessly with no real plan (but a nice hotel or somewhere to stay). I think I would find the mixture of the pure self absorbency of the city and its inhabitants and the beauty of the surrounding nature just out of LA repulsive and attractive at the same time.

It would be neat to explore LA on foot, running with B.Emmett. I am thinking of running the LA marathon sometime in the next few years. Unfortunately, B.Emmett cannot run it with me but he can train with me.

That is just one of the many adventures on my bucket list. Life is for living and following your dreams....Sleep when I am dead.

Summer's almost here!

Summer is almost here. One week left of school and then B.Emmett and I will get to run together every day.

Today we went five miles and ended at our usual spot, Starbucks. As we meandered through the roads of Gainesville thoughts of summer swirled in my head as signs of summer were all around us.

There was the baby pool that we saw outside of one of the houses that we past by. Our neighbor has his summer flag up and the grass is growing mighty fast.

What I like best about summer is the pace. Things naturally seem to slow down, days get just a bit longer and nothing seems rushed.

There is more time for the kids, swimming, running and relaxing.

B.Emmett seems to sense that summer is almost here as well. His gait was a bit more easy going. His coat glistened in the sun (I gave him a shower yesterday).

Yep, not much to say today except it was a nice, easy going summer kind of run.

I love my dog!

R-Evolution

Today was another attempt to get back into the regular rhythm of running. B.Emmett and I headed out the door a little late and happy to find it still overcast.

We headed north my mind wandering still reflecting abut how much fun I had at the R-Evolution show the night before. I started to think about all the things that made it so unique. What it really all came down to was the people in it.

It is one of the few places in the school where there are performing arts students, band students, athletes, tech crew, etc all in one place with one goal...to put on the most amazing show ever.

 It is such a diverse group that comes together to create a performance like no other. I cannot describe why I like it so much. Part of it is the amazing music but most of it is the amazing students that create it. The only thing I can really say is that it is a PK thing.

Since I was in high school I have loved music and had musically inclined friends. From my travels following the Grateful Dead around the country to Jane's Addiction in a small club in Denver to Metallica to...I have always felt alive listening to music. 

R-Evolution brings me back to my roots. It allows me to remember the things that matter in life.

In my life I have had the privilege of hanging out with a lot of musicians including my wonderfully talented husband. The students in this show are talented to the extreme both musically and creatively.

So as I ran along Newberry road on my way to Starbucks I replayed the concert in my mind laughing out loud at the memory of the video.

At the end of the night after the stage was clear I turned to my husband and said, "I want to go home and see my dog."  

That's where my run ended, R-Evolution memories fading out and the love I feel for B.Emmett flooding in. He's a great dog. It's a doberman thing. If you have hung out with one you know what I mean. I love you B.Emmett!

Hot Days are Here

Okay, I admit it, I like, no I LOVE to sleep in. Well according to B.Emmett my days of sleeping in are over and summer is officially here...hello 5:00am runs...argh.

Saturday I woke up, read in bed and decided that I was officially cured from my sinus infection and could attempt a run. B.Emmett and I headed out the door around 9:00am. Everything seemed like an ordinary run. I felt a bit sluggish coming back from a week off but not too bad. 

After mile one I realized it was hot with a capital "H." I think B.Emmett handled it much better than me. I kept forcing him to cross a four lane road. I was stalking little patches of shade. I am fairly certain that this was just a mental thing to make me feel cooler and that it actually extended the amount of time and distance that we ran.

At the end of the run I promised B.Emmett that I would get up earlier on Sunday. Of course that was before this little thing called chaperoning prom until 12:00am got in the way.

This morning I woke up to the quiet of a kid free home. They were still over at their mimis' and papas' houses from their sleepovers. Who could blame me for wanting to catch a little extra sleep? I mean there are not a lot of kid free mornings so I lounged around in bed.

When I finally got up with intent to run it was 10:00am-oops! Once I explained how sorry I was to B.Emmett we settled on a compromise...two miles (not our usual long Sunday morning run) and a shady route.

Off we trotted and I realized how pathetic it was but I was sore from yesterday's run. B.Emmett on the other hand was just fine and raring to go. It was really fun to go two miles. It passed quickly even in the heat.

My favorite thing was watching B.Emmett drinking water out of a large metal bowl outside Starbucks. He laid right down while he drank with his goofy grin. Moments like these always make me appreciate my running partner just a little more.

I love you B.Emmett!

Mother's Day

Today instead of running we went for a hike with the kids in the San Felasco Hammock. I am still getting over a nasty sinus infection and this just seemed like a much more pleasant option.

Today is mother's day which always makes me appreciative of all the love I have in my life.

It started out with sleeping in and presents in bed.

Then the text messages started to arrive. Some from the girls I coach and others from relatives and friends. I just feel so much love...so much positive energy-yes!

On to our hiking adventure. My family always lets me choose to spend Mother's day any way I want. I decided that it would be nice to start the day with a hike. B.Emmett agreed. We loaded the van with dogs and children headed out for an adventure.

As we hiked two groups quickly separated. First was the boys off and running with dad. They also had their chihuahua in tow.

Next there was the girls with B.Emmett our protector. He takes his job seriously. He loves his littlest girl Soso very much.

The nicest part of the hammock is the things we encounter along the way. We saw a deer which actually paused long enough to give us a chance to really see her.

Back in the car B.Emmett spent the rest of the ride harassing the chihuahua. The chihuahua cannot stand B.Emmett because he is so big. B.Emmett does things like lay down just close enough to invade the chihuahua's personal space. When the chihuahua lets a little rumbling growl escape from his mouth B.Emmett merely yawns and places his head one inch closer to the chihuahua. 

Anyone that has ever lived with a doberman understands that they are born comedians and love to push the limit.

It was a great way to start the day! Happy Mother's Day!