Reverb10: Wisdom

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

My process of making one of the wisest decisions, for 2010, started in 2009 to be honest. I was working a job at the time, that was incredibly stressful, but one I enjoyed greatly, at the same time. I put my best into that job, but I felt as if I was spinning my wheels, and digging myself deeper and deeper into a job that wouldn't help me grow towards any career. I didn't feel appreciated as a employee, I didn't feel my opinion, though asked, was really appreciated, and I grew increasingly frustrated with the constant drama. 

I don't do drama. I started out my "working career" in a drama filled place, and I've vowed not to do that again. However, it seems every other job I get, has that. Hence why I'm not leaving, current drama-less (at least that involves me) job at the moment.

But I digress...
I wasn't happy with how different situations were being handled, and I felt overworked for the pay I was receiving. At the same time I was working another job, that really was my reprieve from my main job, I have an awesome boss, very understanding, easy to work with I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Which made working at Job #1 all the harder to work with. This was a "work from home" job, I spent the majority of my day answering emails, and phone calls..I had to go out and get an email capable phone, simply so I could keep up with all the information, planning and etc I had to do. While I loved being in charge of a whole part of the organization, it was a little much for one person, and though that was brought up several times, it took a lot to get things changed. By that time, I had one foot out the door. 


I know my parents and friends had to be tired of hearing me talk about the things going on. I know I was tired of dealing  with it, and I knew if I wanted to go back to school I could do 40+ hours of work a week. So I ended my employment in January of 2010, and started school again. 


I soon learned what a great decision that was, as school quickly bogged me down and raked me over the coals. There was some aspect I missed, I had some awesome co-workers whom I miss seeing on a regular basis, but overall, it was good for the short term, but not something I needed in my life long term.


And that, my friends, was the wisest decision I made.
But I really miss the money...

A Series of Adjustments

I have this bad habit of starting a post and never finishing them, so in an attempt to go ahead and post them here are some I started last week. Let's hope I can remember WHY I started those posts! :) 


- Monday October 11, 2010 


Life is a series of adjustments.
And most of the time I hate having to adjust.
Its the before God, Honest, Truth.
I don't like big changes.
Hence why it took me two years to move to TN.
I couldn't comprehend laying aside all my plans and diving off a cliff into the unknown.
God had to straighten me out on that one.
However I have found that I'm sort of a control freak.
I hate it when things don't the way I've carefully planned them to go.
As in go into slight panic attack, shortness of breath, tightening of chest sort of "hate". 


After the first six months of this year, I'd thought I'd gotten past this stage. If you haven't notice, this has been a, less than ideal year for me, I hate complaining or even mentioning anything about it, because I know there are those going through MUCH WORSE then being broke. At least I have a job to keep the money coming in (as it goes out the back door).  But that doesn't mean its any less serious. 


Without any money that meant a LOT of what I had planned for this year, in regards to trips, and just life things such as school etc.. had to go by the wayside. I had to change a LOT of what I had in mind for this year. 


So one would think I'd be used to it by now. 


I'm not. 


So I had this plan, Pompei (the yellow lab/golden pup I'm training to be a future guide dog aka seeing eye dog) was to stay with me for about a year. I raise and train him during that time, and then send him back to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, so he can continue his journey to becoming someone's eyes. I found out around May that my group leader was housing a German Shepherd that was to be used as a Breeder for a new line of dogs that GDF was going to work with. I asked our representative if I could raise one of the puppies and was given the affirmative. So I began planning my life towards getting a fifth guide dog puppy around late November, and sending Pompei back around that time as well. 


Now this may seem like a little thing to those who are not puppy raisers. Its just a dog.  Um..No. When I say I'm a volunteer I mean I pretty much center my life around this pup for the year its with me. When they are puppies we can only leave them alone for a certain amount of time, so I have to arrange for someone to check in or watch said puppy if I can't do it. Since my job doesn't allow me to have the pups at work with me, I having to make my schedule so I can have time to go home, pick up the puppy and proceed on to school. 


So 75% of my life is spent wearing my puppy raiser hat. And I love it. My plan was to go ahead bring puppy number 5 into my home and after that take a break for a couple of months, just to have a little down time. 


That was MY plans. 


So when I heard that we welcomed 9 more future guide dog puppies into the world  on 10/10/10. I was estactic! Not only would I get to follow my newest baby before he/she got here but I was FINALLY raising something without "retriever" in its name. 

All those plans were shattered today. Yes shattered may be a bit dramatic...but I had the last couple months of this year set to go in a certain vein, I had my trips and school planned around it. I had my mind getting prepared for it, and within five minutes of sending an email those plans were tip off the self they were sitting precariously on. 


Apparently my name was never written down on the list for one of these special pups, thus knocking me out of the running for one. 


I'd forgotten the puppy raiser motto to "write it in pencil" and had most satisfactorily written that down in ink. 


::Saturday October 16, 2010:: 


Now that I've had time to work through my feelings, move on, face bigger more important "problems" such as my $193.50 charge for those registration tickets, and having the money for that....I've come to realize this is a little deeper then just not getting a GSD pup. Its more about loosing Pompei.


Pompei is special. This is another one of those "you've got to be a PR to know what i'm talking about moments" but I'll try to explain. 

With the high volume of dogs going through my home, you don't BOND  with every dog. There are some dogs you just live with. Out of 12 trainee's only four would I have kept as a long term pet..had I been given the option. The fourth of that group being Pompei. 

I think I was hoping by getting a GSD that it wouldn't feel like I was replacing Pompei's presence in my house. This next puppy has some high standards to live up to, and I guess I didn't want just ANY puppy that was available. I can understand a little better why people don't get new dogs soon after their previous one passes. 


Now that I've had time to work through my emotions and adjust my thinking, I'll most likely wait and see what I feel closer to Pompei's IFT. I've never been through a semester dog-less.  I've never been without a service dog pup for more than a month in the last five years.


I don't know if could take a break now, even if I wanted to. 


We.Shall.See. 


Though I've heard rumors that Midnight (first picture) is supposed to go into heat sometime soon....thinking about waiting for one of her pups...  

Until another thought strikes me,

                                             

Any Takers?

What's bad, is when people start referring to their bad days..as "Erin Days". For instance, I was talking to my friend Rebekah, and she starts the conversation out: "So I had an Erin day today..." I knew instantly it was either bizarre, or had something to do with money. Story of my 2010. 


I knew at the beginning of this year,I stated that this would be a "year to remember" but..I'd really held out hope that it would be a GOOD year. So far...I'm just starting to become paranoid about leaving my home! 


So what's happened now? Well I'm driving to work its 7:55AM I have 5 minutes to get through three stop lights and too work. Only the Lord knows why I decided to take this particular route to get too work. Anyway The first light I come to is at the top of a hill, and is green, I slow down since its been green for a while, but am making it through. All of the sudden, I see this black car, which had been sitting at the light, start making a right turn...directly into me! There was nothing I could do but pray she saw me and stopped moving! 


She didn't. 


Nope ran right into the back passenger door, causing a nice little dent. Truthfully, my gut reaction was just to keep going. But since the car is not mine, I knew I had to stop. So I pulled onto the sidewalk and got out too see the damage. The car that hit me pulled into the parking lot and another car stopped in front of me. The first woman got out, handed me her card and told me to contact her if we needed a witness, as she saw the whole thing. *THANK YOU MA'AM!!* 


I then called my father quickly to tell him what happened, being an insurance agent he told me to file a police report, especially if Party B turns anything in too their insurance company; that way we know clearly who was at fault. After getting off the phone with him, the woman turned to me and started babbling about how she didn't know what happened, what to do, she had a court date and was just a tizzy. 


I will admit I really could have cared less, but that wouldn't be very Christ-like , so I allowed her to use my phone, despite really feeling I should just call the police at that point.  15 calls later, I take my phone back call the police, and then let her try her family one more time. Apparently they aren't early risers.


She finally reaches them, and gets their insurance information. At this point I realize the police will probably want my registration and proof of insurance. 


*cue panic* 


*girl dives into car and hauls all of junk out of glove compartment* 


Nothing. Nada.ZILCH. Citation here we come.


Ok, now what. I call my father just as the police officer arrives. Random Thought: I didn't know woman were on the Motorcylce "troup" cool. Anyway thankfully she was nice, and took what information I had, my insurance info, and my license.....After coming to the conclusion that I didn't have the information I needed. I hung up and just waited for the other shoe to drop. 


Police Officer to Party B: Ok ma'am this is a citation for failure to yield at a stop light, blah, blah, blah
Police Officer to Me: Ok this is for your expired tag and no proof of insurance. 
Me: Man.


After that I left and went on to work, were my co-workers we happy to see I was well, and happy to hear it wasn't my fault. I love them. :)


Then I come home. I walk in and I hear a tapping sound at my window, thinking it was one of my siblings being funny, I walk to the window and open it quickly and reveal...........a BIRD!!!!! 


Completely freaked me out of course. Seriously HOW in the WORLD does a bird get into my house?! So after while of ......snap bird is still in  the house...brb... 


7:00pm - Ok so I had to leave for class before I was able to finish this, but as you may have guessed, the bird reappeared.....however I've been home for approximently two hours and no sign of said bird. Hope springs eternal, but I know its waiting for the exact moment to fly out and scare me to death. Probably literally. 


Class Day 1 (English 1010)  - So that was an interesting experience, one my teacher is very young...30ish, and has annoying way of sound interested yet bored at the same time. But I think I'm going to like him..I don't just yet. He made us tell something interesting about ourselves, and halfway through, one young lady pipes up and says "I'm was home-schooled and this is my first day at real school."


*HEAD DESK*


Here's a tip homeschoolers. Never.ever. announce this. It just makes you sounds like you've been holed away in your home, with no socialization. People already assume stupid stuff about homeschoolers....pretty much like they do with every probably. Blonds, Blacks, Mexicans....you get the point but if you walk right in and fulfill what they are thinking...then you will just have to...."deal with it".  


That's just my opinion of course. 


So of course I had to break the stereotype a little, not that I have to try hard to do so...as far as I know there aren't too many black people being home-schooled, that and I'm not exactly whatcha call shy (anymore) and we were very very very involved with our community  through 4-H and the Guide Dog Foundation and our church, other homeschool groups..you name it we were probably in it. 


I typically don't volunteer that I'm a ex-homeschooler right off the bat, I'll let people get used to me, before I "break it too them" then its just "Oh ok" verses..Oooohh......ooookkk. See the difference?
Yeah.
I did feel bad for the girl, as there were some snickers and giggles to that statement, but she'll learn. The hard way unfortunately. *sigh*


Anyway I think I'm all out of words now. 


BTW- If you need me, I'll be in my  bed, with the covers over my head. I don't plan on coming out anytime soon. 


TA TA!

School Schedule

The End is Soon.

Five days of summer left. How depressing.

Friday I was able to get in and see my advisor, and get my last few credits that I needed. I also gave my schedule to the Human Resource department, so they could let my teachers know about Pompei. Last it worked out perfectly and I don’t expect anything different this time around.

The schedule breakdown would be this:

Fall 2010 

ENGL 1010 - English Composition 1 

3 Credit Hours

Tuesday & Thursday - 4:00PM - 5:20PM

Photography 2 

3 Credit Hours

Thursday - 6:15PM - 9:15PM  

Intro to Studio Photography 

3 Credit Hours

Friday - 12:25PM - 3:35PM

Photography Portfolio 1 Begins November 11th

1 Credit Hour

Wednesday 2:35-5:35PM 

Digital Imaging and Workflow 

3 Credit Hours 

Friday - 9:10AM - 12:05PM 

At first glance, it looks like this has the potential to be a relatively easy semester…despite the long class hours.  I am happy to report, that I didn’t get “the teacher” from last year, in any of those classes, which I am eternally grateful for. I don’t know if I could have done two semesters of him.

I have had “bad” teachers twice in the past, and it was not fun. At. All. *shudders*

 Thankfully I was able to skip the “Introduction to Mac” class, which was basically teaching me how to use an Apple Computer and Adobe software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, but I was able to convince the instructor, that not only had I taken two Computer Art classes, which basically covered what he was talking about, but owned a Mac, so he said, he just sign that one off before I graduated.

That makes me happy, since I hate taking “filler” classes.

To tell you the truth, I am still scared about putting my photos out there for critiquing once again. Last year, I found out that I am an extreme visual learner, and having my photo teacher, give me text assignments, without any examples of what he meant, made it hard for me, to feel confident in..Anything..I turned in. But all I can do is my best.

Which brings me to a few things last semester taught me. Although I have been in college…a long, long, long time… 7 semesters, I still find myself, learning different things that may help me.

1. Homework First. 
2. I’m a procrastinator, and the harder the assignment the longer I put it off.
3.  Proper sleep and eating habits
4.  Push myself
5.  Work Hard
6.   Schedule and stick too it! 
7. Especially with my three little munchkins, I have to make sure they get the proper amount of attention…so I can concentrate on my assignments more.
8. Write, write, and write some more. :) Read what is needed. :) Which does not equal too what is required. Cause sometimes what is required is not needed. See? :)

Last semester, though extremely stressful, was a good one and I hope this one will be the same.

Excuse me, My brain’s on strike.

Only six more classes to go…

 
Photo Class Rant # 129

Teacher (speaking to a student): Why did you only turn six photos too me?

Student 1: You told us too take photos of six objects right?
Teacher: Yes but you were supposed to turn in others…

Student 1: Oh you wanted everything? Even the bad photos?

Teacher: YES did you not know that? I went over that …(to a couple other students) Did you know this? (they said yes) So how could they know this and you not know this?
Student 2: Oh I didn’t know you wanted everything either!? I just thought it was for those assignments you were talking about…
Teacher (swivels and looks at her): Does someone get up and tell you to put on your shoes everyday??
Student 2: Nooo….(offended look on her face)


Teacher: Ok then.
(Rants on for a couple of minutes…)
Then proceeds to hand out course evaluations.
Seriously??




And you think you are going to get a good assessment after dressing down two students in front of the class???
Anywho.
Remember the assignment I decided to turn in late last week? Well according to my teacher I only did one part of the assignment right. And my most recent assignment was  just a cryptic: “Not many ideas/Missed Exposures”



Well thanks, I knew THAT but what about the photos themselves? Not all were bad!? So I spent most of the class tense waiting to see what he’d say about my photos when they appeared on the screen. He had no comment, which was a knife in my proverbial heart.


Am I that bad?? Right now I’m trying to decide whether I should continue on with my class plan (IF I pass this one) or retake it with a different instructor..I know what he wants me to do, and can do it…….

Anyway so I’m pretty anxious about the last few assignments whatever they may be.
As for the title of this post…..no it has nothing to do with this post.

Daily Thoughts

The random ramblings of me in 140 characters.....

• 19:15 From my mobile phone with #qik qik.ly/6a5h #
• 00:02 Bubbles is about to get De-Whined. She is hitting hour iono 4 of constant whining. Some rodent she smells but can't get. Driving me nuts! #
• 08:32 You know, as much as I hate mornings, I am thankful for each new one I get to see...or not see as I hurry through it #
• 09:01 Exam this week in Sociology. Fun Times I tell you. #
• 09:21 @LeesiaTehPhoto Aww they love each other :))) #
• 10:22 Caffeine is so not wo rking today #
• 10:36 @K9_Kirsty oh do blog we love reading other PR blogs,plus its a lot fun to look back and see how much progress you make. #
• 12:24 For once arrived at this class early due to finding a parking space quickly! #
• 13:26 Guy in class eating a banana and yogurt ........??? #
• 14:06 Am resisting the urge to I'm shoe shopping ....must.resist... #

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..But I was in Class!

#66. Start School - Spring 2010

Woooooo!

First day of actual campus classes is over. And a three day weekend to look forward too, just one of the few perks of working at a government/school based job.
Two class introductions are behind me, the first being my online theater class, and second Developmental Writing. I am so ready to get that class behind me, but I think it will be pretty interesting; the instructor for this class seems like someone who not only knows her stuff, but can teach it as well. Since she is the director of the English/writing program she decided today, to do an experiment without class. Most of us hadn't bought our book just yet,so she made the decision to go text book free this semester.Oooh YEAh! After that she told us though, that due to policy reasons we couldn't drop the class, unless there was some kind of emergency reason.

........Wow.

Tuesday I start General Sociology, and Wednesday Introduction to Photography.

My mind set for this semester is different than any other, one because whatever I've been doing up until this point, hasn't been working out so great.

So I think i'm going to have to break down, and follow some rules for this sememster:

• Allotting specific amounts of time, per class, per assignment (In stead of trying to tackle all classes at once)
• Turning off my computer & cell phones during my alloted study times (*Gasp)
• Setting up a study area in my home that doesn't change... (I have the hardest time settling down and working on something if I'm not comfortable)
• Eat healthier 
• Go to be earlier
• Stay in contact with my teachers, and get over my fear of asking questions
• Anyone else have any ideas?

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I decided not to take Pompei with me today, as I still haven't heard from my job if he can come with me or not, and since I was headed straight there from school, I decided not to risk having to leave him in the vehicle..which is a HUGE "No-NO" with GDF. Plus with the weather like it is, its way too cold for a 9wo puppy!

Looking forward to him accompanying me next week. *fingers crossed*
He is such a good boy.

{My Shopping Buddy}

This weekend, I have to finish up my things with Wilderwood, and began my new project of the month... see #32 on my 101 n 1001.

Life - 12/13/09

Written Sunday December 13, 2009
And now back to our regularly scheduled:  IHAVETOOMUCHTODOANDNOONETOVENTTOO.

I know you've all missed my regular rants about the lack of time I have, but it was time for a break. I call it the calm before the storm; cause this week, the work load DOUBLES!

Can ya just feel the excitement?!?

No, but once again we start the 4th and final graduation of the year, with not two, not three but FOUR families and dogs graduating!! This is something that we've instituted with the "change" that took place in October; we've also changed some of the ways that we will run our days, so hopefully our families will feel a little more relaxed as well.

Most of the time, when "our" families come to us, they are at the end of their rope, they have tried anything and everything, and are slipping away from hope. Its such a joy to see and hear the stories of just small successes just our week together brings.

Update December 17th: Day 2 of Graduation, and its going SO WELL!!! Since there are four families, and four trainers, I have my own "team" to work with, and they are just going along so well! I feel so proud and happy for them.

School: Still trying to get all the paperwork lined up for me to make it to school next semester. Its rediculous the amount of things they want!!!!!!

But we are close, I can feel. But with that decision to go back to school, I have to make some decisions about other thigns in my life; more on that later. When I actually make them lol.

In other news 

• I'm about 5/10ths of the way through my Christmas shopping, I'm really having to restrain myself to my budget...cause as much as I like to SAY i hate shopping.......i really like it. Like a little tooo much. And I have actually over bought, and am going to have to return some things tomorrow. But I found some really cute stuff!!! (For me as well)
• Apparently my body doesn't like my head anymore, and is sending everything it possibly can to get rid of it. I was driving down the road today, and litterly couldn't see the road due to coughing/watering eyes/flowing mucus; I was seriously scared I would run off the road!!!  I'm starting to believe it had something to do with my fathers car, as everytime I re-entered it I would go into "fits". ITs AWFUL. Dear God. Please don't let this be a Sinus Infection. Thank you. Erin
  
• My foster pup Victoria leaves me next week. #sob 
  

Food warming in the toaster oven.

TTFN
***************

I ♥ Faces Challenge

YaY! I found a new photo challenge site, be sure to head over to I  ♥ Faces Challenge  and check out the awesome entries to this week's Theme: "Pet's Only"

Being a service dog trainer, has its advantages, and one of the few, is that on rainy days, instead of sitting around inside, trying to entertain a bored puppy...we go SHOPPING! Dogs need lots of mental as well as physically exercise, and for Victoria (my puppy in training), Target offered her both! She got the physically activity of walking around the store, and the mental stimulation, of walking on a loose leash, ignoring crumbs on the floor, sitting when I stopped walking; ignoring all the fun little people in the store. Believe me, she was well worn out by the time we left.

Wednesday

 I made it through Tuesday, even better than I thought; it defiantly helped to not try and over think things, and just let them happen. I'm working on getting my "ADD" under control, and trying to work on one event at at time. (which I am totally failing at...fyi) 

Anyway I got up at 9AM, and wrote down everything I wanted to get done in the three hours I had till I left for the kennels. I stayed away from my computer, and guess what!? Things got done!!  I was so pleased with myself, and felt very prepared as  I left for work.

My appointments went well,despite having one cancel, met our new trainee... 1yo male yellow lab named Cotton. Oriented a new volunteer, took Cotton on his first outing as a service dog..and got back in time to get things ready for our puppy class.

The rain had stopped, everyone showed up, and we had, what I thought was a really productive class!

And of course once we get home the rain comes down in force, but it was all good by that time. I even was so inspired, I cooked myself an entire meal. Spaghetti, Salad and Rolls. AND sat at my table!! (vs. at my computer)

*clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*

And Victoria learned that sometimes eating off the table is not such a bright idea. Cause sometime the food might taste good one moment, and the next be covered with cayenne pepper. Did that stop her?? Think again my friend.

Today, at work until about 4PM, than picking up....(and I know this will come as a shock) another PUPPY, for a very busy weekend.


Which randomly reminds me, that my school progress is slowly moving forward, I've been accepted (well ok that happened, several months ago), My transcripts are in, my FA forms are JUST about finished, my immunization records have been located (i know weird right?) and my mother is searching for my SAT scores, so I HOPEFULLY can skip out on taking the entrance exam or what have you. 

Than comes the fun of going and registering, and making sure my pups are going to be allowed with me in class..etc..etc.. *sigh* will I EVER get it all done?? 


1 Month Till Class start
15 days till Christmas

***************

Google Maps Hates Me

Or I hate them...I don't know...
What I do know is that I KNEW there was a reason I preferred MapQuest...!

Anyway so with the icky weather Ida is sending our way, my volunteers canceled there appointments at the kennels... (we have volunteers come and take the puppies housed there on outings...and my new job is to make sure they all are coming out on schedule...etc..etc..) So my boss kindly let me work from home....uh..finish working from home. Which was awesome, as I haven't spent a full day home in...a month. 

Once I got finished sending a bazillion emails, I went up to my parents house for some apple cider and watched the dogs play in the rain, getting wet and muddy and thoroughly enjoy themselves...(I am going to be such a fun mother).


I spent the rest of the afternoon, scrap-booking, making phone calls, and getting ready to go visit one of our newest foster families. Which of course, didn't include getting direction to this families house.

I mean why? My new (ultimate of coolness) phone, has google maps installed on it, and Sprint Navigation...how could I go wrong??

 Wellllll ........................

Did I mention it has been raining all day? And that It now gets dark at 6:00PM...but since its been raining it was getting dark around 5:30PM...?

Which makes driving on unfamiliar roads, in the dark, while trying to read small cell phone screens...extremely difficult.

Even after calling the lady I was to meet, I couldn't find the street sign in the dark, and had to turn around three times before finding it.....Google Maps had sent me all around the world, when I could have stuck to my normal course of travel, and gotten there so much quicker.

*sigh*

I so need a talking GPS..or I could just plan better...

The rest of the meeting went smoothly, I knew were i was and was able to head home no problem. We stopped and took Hope through a couple of stores......(WITHOUT BUYING A THING YAY ME!) She did reasonably well....need to work on her staying on my left side, and not forging ahead.

We made it home with minimal incidents after that, and I've been sitting here doing more work...and OMG how is it 11PM already?? #gag

TTYL

Autumn

I participate in challenges to ..well challenge myself or else I'd stick with what I'm comfortable with. I stumbled across a blog called I Should Be Folding Laundry and every week she host a photo challenge which I decided to participiate in this week.

Autumn

And my random photo of the day was of these pretty boy named Buck. He was being looked at for SAR (Search and Rescue) work, but they don't know if they'll be able to work him in some states so he's probably on his way out....(STUPID BSL)

So Now what I SHOULD be doing is going to bed. Until I post again!

TTYL

One of THOSE Days

Granted now that I write that down as a title, I can't really say it was a "BAD" day, in fact it really went unusually well. I got up early 8:30AM (gasp), exercised the dogs for about 20 minutes before giving them breakfast, getting myself dressed (in matching apparel I should clarify) ate breakfast (gasp) and being was fully prepared to leave when the time came.

Work was...work, <--Titus is starting to "See the light" that and the fact that I've changed up my training regiment with him, his behaviors are starting to shape up. Yay!

I tried to wait for the Bouvier puppies but alas they were long past my "get-off-time" I'll see them sometime I'm sure. :-)

Gideon and I ran through Wally World, picked up a Pizza and came home....where I WAS surprised how perky I was feeling until a few minutes and it all came crashing down on me. *phoozle*

"So why did I title it one of THOSE days?"

Well I can't really explain it in a logical way, but I don't feel personally I was at my best; Maybe I should have worded something differently, or just kept my mouth shut about other things. Nothing sinful at all, but just humanly I still have areas I need to grow in!

Just enough to put a damper on my evening.

Oh well, live and learn; just gotta put these events in my memory bank & before God so I won't do them again.

But all in all? It was a good day.

:-)

Erin
(I really need to create myself a siggy or something :)

This week in the Life of Erin - 10/18

This weeks theme song. I <3 Veggie Tales



I'm baby...er..puppy-sitting a 5 month old, poodle named Mensa. She's a guide dog in training with the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. The organization I used to volunteer with/ hope to volunteer with in the future some day.

That brings my "pack" up to 5 dogs for this week....once you hit four dogs, another one really doesn't hit the radar screen. My dogs keep her busy, and I just make sure she eats and potties OUTSIDE.

Tomorrow another kennel day, my puppy Titus and I are going to work really hard on him holding his "down" command for more that 2 seconds. And than Make sure he knows all of his other commands before our "test".

If I'm lucky I'll get to be there when our two newest Bouviers des Flandres (Boo-Vee-Air don't even ask about the last part) pups arrive.

Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be at UT back to back, I hate leaving the pups for two days in a row, but they'll survive. Also have a puppy class with Victoria's sister Willow, so which means a later home arrival.

Thursday back out at the Kennels and another puppy class with a Golden-doodle named Noah.

Friday back at UT.

Saturday back out at the Kennels.

Sunday - Church, and meet with Mensa's raisers halfway between NC and TN. 

Week after that its time for the dreaded swap. Where all the trainers at my job switch dogs again....But on a happy note, my friends and are starting our S.H.O.E (Shopping/Hanging Out/Eating...I think) meetings up again something we've been sorely in need of since we only see each other in passing at church. *sadness*

This week I only have one goal.

GET THROUGH IT!!!

Oct 3rd

From October -31

Those of you who know me, know I can't resist a puppy; So when given the decision to leave my sick puppy friend, at the kennels or bring her with me.....I'm sure you can guess which one I chose!

Other than that, second day on the job...er new job position...long and long! :) But I feel better and I'm sooooooooooo grateful.

Wilderwood Pups

From 0EDIT

From 0EDIT

Abby - Female Labradoodle From 0EDIT

Yoda - Male Rottie/German Shepherd Mix From 0EDIT

Titus - Male Golden Retriever From 0EDIT

Ira

Poor Blog Needs some pics :(




Ira - Golden Retriever - Service Dog in Training
After a extensive shopping trip to Sam's Club Ira is worn out!! :))

I have several dogs that I call my "heart dogs", we just "get" each other. I can't explain how or when it will happen, it just does.

I've only had two other dogs that have fit this description. One was Midnight my third guide dog puppy; and the second was Ben, a face you've seen often on this blog.

Ira is number three on that list, a small phenomenon that I really can't figure out its origin. If anything our relationship has been rocky from the start,she has almost chewed my house to shreds, is an extreme counter surfer, and is always pacing. 

But for some odd reason, I know its going to hurt me greatly when she leaves, already I'm complaining about having to switch her to another trainer.

Why am I doing this again???

-Jobs and Things

In just a few short hours, another Wilderwood Graduation will become history; I am saddend because once again i'll have to say goodbye to another very special guy in my life.

But he has such a great family, I really can't think sad thoughts for long when I see that face :).

Other news, my air conditioner decided to stop working, and its MISERABLE to inside at least until about 11PM, and than its good until about 12PM, and we're hot again.

The ceiling fans, and my two little desk fans are working their hardest at stirring the heat around...but not doing much good. {*sob*}

Did my monthly shopping yesterday....over spent by about $100.....yeah. not good ERIN. Though I will admit that I didn't do as much planning as I did last month.
Lessoned Learned.

Next week is our church's camp meeting (convention type deal) while I am looking forward to it, I'm completely stressed out as too how I"m going to deal with my dogs not having anywhere to exercise. My park hunt is not going so well, and I'm really starting to be at a loss of what to do. I have thought about kenneling them, but don't have money for that. I am SO moving aSaP....or at least before next years event!

And than after that.....time for my job change at Wilderwood....my time commitments is mostly what I'm nervous/annoyed/stressed/idon'tknow about; but we'll see if my dear co-workers will let B & T hang out in a crate while I'm out there...else its almost pointless to have a dog, if you are gone from them all the time.

...."its the little foxes that spoil the vine".. - Song of Solomon 2:15 

And its these little things I'm letting get to me.

But other than trying not to stress...this week has been good.

Wilderwood Graduation

This week starts the 3rd Wilderwood Graduation since I've been working at WSD. Graduations is when the families come in for an 8 day training session with the staff at Wilderwood and their new dog.

We only have two dogs graduating this week, my Buddy Ben a male Lab, that was donated to the program by some friends of mine. An awesome dog if their was ever one!

Daniel is the other dog, going to his forever home this week, he's a male goldendoodle and a real love bug!

Both have started the bonding process with their new families extremely well, we don't usually start out this great, but we are happy that we are!!!

Why? This is generally a VERY stressful day on the family, child and dog, though this day wasn't without its stress, it was not as much as some grads we've been in!!

So I have one word for today: SUCCESS!!!

TGIF

Wow. That is pretty much the only word I can use, that will aptly describe this week. As you know I ....denied myself the opportunity to start school this semester.

Which turned out to be a very good thing.

Tuesday Ben (my service dog in training) and I went out to LC TN, for a presentation one of my co-workers was doing for Wilderwood.

But before I went out, my boss (with WSD) contacted me and schedule me to meet her after, I was finished with that, so I could drop off Ben, and so we could discuss "administrative changes".
Uh. Oh.
The presentation went really well, we watched a video featuring some of the parents that have received our dogs for the kids. It really brought home for me, once again why I was in this organization. Anyway so after all that was said and done. We drove the 38 minutes to WSD Headquarters for my meeting.

1 hour later I am sitting on the couch, mouth hanging wide open, pretty much in shock. 2 hours later, I am semi back to normal, and trying to contribute helpful ideas, and points. 3 hours later I've talked to both parents and co-worker and have purchased 5 new books. {Ok the books aren't relavent, but they were my concolation prize}

So I don't reveal anything I shouldn't, my job is basically doing an overhaul, and I'll have to be putting in more actual work hours. The mental hurdle is a high one, just because we are just doing something totally different, ..the longer I debate it in my mind, and voice it too my family, the more I can see the merits, and the good, I am concerned about some parts of it, but there are some aspects that I really think will be beneficial to our program, to the families.....I think about 85% on board with the new program.
Another thing is my free time is pretty much gone, since I'll have to travel to LC at least three times a week. {Which is OnLy 45 minutes away...one way.}

I was really upset about that, until I actually stopped and wrought down what all I actually spend my free time doing:

• Sleeping
• Reading
• Playing on the Computer
• Sleeping
• Playing/Training with the dogs
• Hanging out with friends
• Cleaning my house.....

In other words I'll still have some time, and this does mean a pay raise, so I'm just a little bit closer to "My Car'. phooey.lol

My current schedule has been awesome, only working MF= 9-3 & W= 8-4 and having 4 days off. I loved that schedule and refused to even want to move up to a 40 hr work week.

Ever heard the phrase: "Wanna make God laugh? Tell him your plans"

Yeah. I have the feeling that God is laughing right now.

New Schedule:
Monday - 9-3
Tuesday - 10-4 (or something like that)
Wednesday - 8-4
Thursday - 10-4
Friday - 9-3
Saturday~ 10- 4