Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
BRMS
The owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Sports (hugely respected 30 yr old gear shop in VB) offered me a job this past weekend. How cool is that? This guy wants me to work for him and he barely even knows me! He said "I like your attitude and spirit", you can totally tell that he is an old hippie/gear head, but really nice and he loves his shop, and being outdoors. He also climbs and so do his two sons. That is how we got into a conversation: climbing. He says I should start trying to get sponsored next year. Not sure if that is in the cards, but a lovely thought nonetheless.
It's quite tempting to throw all my shit in a truck, move down here and take it! But I have to concentrate on school. It is one of my goals though, to spend some time in a gear shop. I can learn a lot, and still get the gear I need cheaply without having to beg a bunch of companies/people I don't know for free shit.
I keep forgetting that I still have plenty of time to do everything that I want to do. Mostly because I am responsible for only myself and my pup (gladly responsible for her, I might add). She is my co-pilot. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
Freedom is amazing.
I will do only positive things with it and make the right choices.
It's quite tempting to throw all my shit in a truck, move down here and take it! But I have to concentrate on school. It is one of my goals though, to spend some time in a gear shop. I can learn a lot, and still get the gear I need cheaply without having to beg a bunch of companies/people I don't know for free shit.
I keep forgetting that I still have plenty of time to do everything that I want to do. Mostly because I am responsible for only myself and my pup (gladly responsible for her, I might add). She is my co-pilot. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
Freedom is amazing.
I will do only positive things with it and make the right choices.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
On Nadine
Yes, she is a pit bull. No, she does not eat babies. Not even one.
This year will be a big one for us, and one of the many goals is to start serious training with Nadine. She needs it. When we are at a good point in her training, we will shoot for this. This is important for me as a renter, simply because Nadine is a pit, she needs to be better than other dogs. Having her CGC will allow me to prove to a real estate company or landlord that my dog is properly trained and that training has been evaluated and approved by a professional.
Also, The great people over at PBRC's Pitbull-L forum are big proponents of NFL (no free lunch) training, it is here. The whole idea is about Nadine earning everything she wants and needs. Nadine is a "fraidy dog" (but still incredibly sweet and after LOTS of socialization in the last 3 years, will approach people to give kisses) and I am hoping to help build her confidence. Specifically, her issues are with strange booming noises (loud or not), digital cameras and flashlights that are turned on, and the dark. Yes, my dog is actually afraid of the dark. She also prefers to sleep under the bed, or covered up with a blanket. She basically prefers to hide. We will work on easing these fears through desensitization training and NFL.
A excerpt from the PBRC site:
"In this program, all your dog must do is place her rear on the ground and defer to you for a few minutes. (Saying, 'please') This is a simple yet powerful behavior. It allows your dog to have some say in her life. It also increases her self-confidence in a positive way while giving you back control. If you understand how to get what you want from each other in a mutually respectful way, stress is reduced and a peaceful relationship can form. If done correctly, this program works quickly and easily."
Wish us luck...
This year will be a big one for us, and one of the many goals is to start serious training with Nadine. She needs it. When we are at a good point in her training, we will shoot for this. This is important for me as a renter, simply because Nadine is a pit, she needs to be better than other dogs. Having her CGC will allow me to prove to a real estate company or landlord that my dog is properly trained and that training has been evaluated and approved by a professional.
Also, The great people over at PBRC's Pitbull-L forum are big proponents of NFL (no free lunch) training, it is here. The whole idea is about Nadine earning everything she wants and needs. Nadine is a "fraidy dog" (but still incredibly sweet and after LOTS of socialization in the last 3 years, will approach people to give kisses) and I am hoping to help build her confidence. Specifically, her issues are with strange booming noises (loud or not), digital cameras and flashlights that are turned on, and the dark. Yes, my dog is actually afraid of the dark. She also prefers to sleep under the bed, or covered up with a blanket. She basically prefers to hide. We will work on easing these fears through desensitization training and NFL.
A excerpt from the PBRC site:
"In this program, all your dog must do is place her rear on the ground and defer to you for a few minutes. (Saying, 'please') This is a simple yet powerful behavior. It allows your dog to have some say in her life. It also increases her self-confidence in a positive way while giving you back control. If you understand how to get what you want from each other in a mutually respectful way, stress is reduced and a peaceful relationship can form. If done correctly, this program works quickly and easily."
Wish us luck...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Gear therapy
YAY!
My very first ATC! This one was highly recommended by Climbing Magazine.
All the crap I bought: (this IS a big deal, and post worthy because I am quite poor)
-Small (16 oz) Camel Bak Polycarb bottle (this replaces the lost one).
-Smartwool socks (yes they were 13 dollars, I am an idiot who buys 13 dollar socks. Tony started it, dammit! I am addicted to these socks and I can't stop! I now own 2 pair.)
-A new travel case for toiletries, small, light, lots of compartments, very functional.
-Black Diamond ATC-XP
-Petzl Screwgate Locking Biner
-Petzl curved gate biner
Tomorrow I climb at the Virginia Beach Rock Gym with Josh. Climbing is needed!
My very first ATC! This one was highly recommended by Climbing Magazine.
All the crap I bought: (this IS a big deal, and post worthy because I am quite poor)
-Small (16 oz) Camel Bak Polycarb bottle (this replaces the lost one).
-Smartwool socks (yes they were 13 dollars, I am an idiot who buys 13 dollar socks. Tony started it, dammit! I am addicted to these socks and I can't stop! I now own 2 pair.)
-A new travel case for toiletries, small, light, lots of compartments, very functional.
-Black Diamond ATC-XP
-Petzl Screwgate Locking Biner
-Petzl curved gate biner
Tomorrow I climb at the Virginia Beach Rock Gym with Josh. Climbing is needed!
Things I know
-Climbing gear makes everything seem better
Got some new stuff @ Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in VB, pics to follow.
-Manual labor builds character
In the past four days I have cleaned out 3 walk in closets and a huge attic FULL of stuff. I then proceeded to take two Chevy suburban size loads of said stuff (toys, clothes, books, rugs and misc. decorative items) to the Virginia Beach Goodwill. My dad was understandably perplexed, yet pleased that he did not have to do it all himself this spring. Hey, school is out, I can help my dad, stay busy and be productive.
-The truth hurts
-My Dad is a great man (known it since birth)
-I am very blessed
Got some new stuff @ Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in VB, pics to follow.
-Manual labor builds character
In the past four days I have cleaned out 3 walk in closets and a huge attic FULL of stuff. I then proceeded to take two Chevy suburban size loads of said stuff (toys, clothes, books, rugs and misc. decorative items) to the Virginia Beach Goodwill. My dad was understandably perplexed, yet pleased that he did not have to do it all himself this spring. Hey, school is out, I can help my dad, stay busy and be productive.
-The truth hurts
-My Dad is a great man (known it since birth)
-I am very blessed
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Virgnia Beach, VA
I drove all night Tuesday into Wednesday to get here. I hit Colonial Williamsburg as the sun came up. It was gorgeous, and for the first time in days, I felt human again.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Yesterday
City of Dublin, OH St Pat's Day parade......it was cold and gray. But we had fun, and it all went really well! I think the suits will be pleased.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Today
Today was one of the worst days......prolly because all I had in my body today was a small carton of orange juice in the morning, then a handful of crackers late in the afternoon...
I can't seem to learn. Self punishment seems really effective, huh?
I can't seem to learn. Self punishment seems really effective, huh?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
OMGKITTENS!
Day 1......Let's begin with the kittens (born this morning) that currently reside in the bedroom next to mine.
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