Learning to Slow Down...

Sometimes in life, you just need to slow down...and I have been reminded of this several times in the last week. First I took a bad fall while doing a training walk on Saturday morning....I thought it was just because I am a klutz, but several people in my life seem to think I am overdoing it. I was walking down a steep hill, stepped in a crack, rolled my ankle, and fell face first (like a ton of bricks) to the concrete sidewalk...and yep, I even hit my head (I was seeing stars). I managed to sit up, get my wits about me and walk the mile to get home (feeling like a moron). I arrived home with a bruised ego, a bump on the head, several scraps and bruises, and a severely sprained right hand (yep, I had x-rays done on Monday and we all know I am usually WAY TOO stubborn to go to the doctor). So, my hand is all wrapped up for at least two weeks - no cast, thank goodness. Not sure how I managed to walk over 1,000 miles since the first of the year without incident and then have a dramatic fall...I am just relieved it didn't happen in San Diego! I am left-handed, so that is a plus...but I am having difficulty with even the smallest of tasks (including typing), so you might not see me as much for a couple weeks....it is painful from fingertips to armpit. I am frustrated, cranky, and irritable...and just to make sure the universe made it's point that I need to learn to slow down, I awoke this morning with a terrible headache/stuffy head/crud...and even though I have been resting most of the day, I still feel miserable. So, I get it...I heard the message (loud and clear)...I need to slow down a bit...as if at this point, I have any choice...ugh...

I will leave you today with a few photos of Schatzi at her formal training. For those of you who don't know, we took Schatzi up to Minnesota to Neuman K-9 Academy, where she is being professionally trained for two months....during this time, we are not allowed to visit, but we get weekly updates and photos. She is in "doggy boot camp" which includes: confidence building, obedience training, proper etiquette, field trips, running on a treadmill, and socialization with other dogs. We miss her desperately, but know she will return home well-behaved and more obedient...at least as well-behaved as you can expect from a German Shepherd puppy. These photos were sent to us this week..and by the look of her in action on the slide, confidence is not an issue for her! You see her trainer, Josiah, in the photos...oh, and I should mention, this is where she was born, so her mother and one brother are on site...and three of her sisters are there for training, as well...she is surrounded by family....

I am  now headed back to my stitching nest (where I have my current project on a lap stand - I can't even hold my q-snap....grrrrr....it is slow going)...I'll be nursing my hand and my head cold (along with my ego)...