Poodle anxiety

Friday, January 29, 2010

One of my poodles is still having adjustment issues living in an apartment. I know this is big adjustment for all of us, but he is making things harder than it needs to be. I have been pondering the idea of putting him up for adoption. Maybe he would feel better in house atmosphere, being the alpha dog again. I am thinking this through really carefully now because I do not want this to be a knee jerk reaction with so much change in my life the past three months.

Hezakiah is my first poodle and is eight years old. Habakkuk is seven months younger and totally his opposite. She comes when I call her, does not spot on my floor. I try to balance the affection and love between the two, Hez is just not having it and is very rebellious. Now that I am doing apartment living, having two poodles in a smaller confined space is very eye opening. I want to do the best for both of them and my Mom always, always asked me about "woof 1 and woof 2". She was the one who talked me into getting the dog and was upset during one of my visits home last year, that the dogs couldn't come down to the hospital and see her. This is heavy on my heart and I want to make the best decision. I know in my heart of hearts, I want to keep both dogs together and I am prayerful that this adjustment period for all of us will pass.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VICKIADAY 1/31/2010 6:13AM

Give yourself time honey Report Inappropriate Comment

CYNTHIAMINUS40 1/31/2010 12:17AM

I hope everything works out for you. I know it's difficult sometimes with our pets. They can't just come out and tell us how they're feeling. Maybe your house will sell quickly and you'll be able to get a place with a yard. I wish you well! Report Inappropriate Comment

VHALL89 1/30/2010 1:58PM

It takes time for animals to adjust to new surroundings, new routines and so on. It's probably harder on them then on us. So I say give it time...at least 6 mos or so. Good Luck my spark sister! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNIE_1015 1/30/2010 11:55AM

I agree that you need to give it a little time. I love their names! Report Inappropriate Comment

DARKCHILD 1/29/2010 8:10PM

Give yourself time. Don't make any decisions until your heart and your brain come to an agreement. In other words, don't make any decisions until you are definite that you can handle the consequence of your choice, whatever it might be. Think about all the possible scenarios that could happen, if you keep both and if you give one up for adoption, and decide if there is any solution that you are able to accept totally, without any guilt, remorse or regret. Only you will know what the right decision is for you. I usually know what decision to make when I feel I can make it and be totally at peace within. Pray about it and get still, the answer will come. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMBEEJ16 1/29/2010 7:16PM

Your dogs have been through a lot of changes too...something they don't understand. Many will act out with behavior problems in response to change. Set as strict a routine as possible right now...feeding, walking, play-time, etc. This will help. You may have to temporarily crate Hez for a bit until he settles down. Maybe just give him a bit more time. Report Inappropriate Comment

FUNNINFIT 1/29/2010 5:21PM

Definitely give the dogs some time to adjust-they're no different from you-it's a tough transition-new surroundings, different smells/size differences...they likely sense your stress level as well, so don't make any hasty decisions right now-just see what another month or two brings...sorry about all the changes you've had to go through in the last year... Report Inappropriate Comment

DORCAS9 1/29/2010 4:02PM

Yes, give it time, Kelly. No doubt your dogs need time to adjust, as you do too. Have you thought about seeking help from dog experts? I know what it's like to lose a dog you love, so am praying that things will work out for you.....and the dog! God bless you. Dorcas. Report Inappropriate Comment

MMAZZIE 1/29/2010 1:44PM

I know how you're feeling we moved to a new house this past July...we have only one dog--however he has seperation anxiery issues...he had it as a puppy but thankfully grew out of it at the old house....However when we moved he resorted back into puppy-dom and once again didn't want to be left alone...it is now almost february and just now we are able to leave the house without him trying to eat away at the molding of the door we left through.... Here's hoping that your dogs adjust to their new home too...just give it ....GOOD LUCK---I know you need it Comment edited on: 1/29/2010 1:46:07 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Food Inc.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

My Aunt mentioned Oprah had guest on that dealt with where our food comes from and the movie Food, Inc. When I got off work, I came home and watched the episode. I think the one thing that stood out to me was the way chickens were farmed in the 1950's and compared to how they are farmed now in 2010-the size is amazing due to all the hormones and antibiotics they pumped into them. Only one chicken farmer allowed filming and it was so heart wrenching to see all those chickens in the coop, in the dark, in total mess just being bred for human consumption. I do not like seeing animals treated in awful conditions.

Food Inc, and the book Food Rules opened my eyes more to take more time and prepare what I put into my body. The restaurant Chipolte was also highlighted because of the fresh food concept blended with the fast food venue. I never ate at Chilpolte, but now I am willing to go into one of their restaurants and give it a try.

I am going to continue making healthy recipes, keep up my spark streaks and stay away from "traditional fast food restaurants. 28 days into the New Year and I have kept up my spark streak. I am down 8.3 lbs and counting and I am going to beef up my training and workout on the weekends with a running training group. It is now and never, I am going to make my greatest effort ever

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CURVYCC 1/30/2010 10:06AM

8.3 That's Great!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CYNTHIAMINUS40 1/28/2010 8:53PM

I'm going to throw in another book, Fast Food Nation. I heard the author speak at a conference a couple of years ago. It's frightening what the food industry get away with. I've been lucky enough to have chickens roaming my yard and I sometimes know where they are laying. I nab the eggs. They're delicious. If you have a small rural area nearby you may find some great farm stands om the weekends with fresh eggs and produce. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMBEEJ16 1/28/2010 7:50PM

I rented Food Inc. a couple of weeks ago...it was a real eye-opener and everyone should see it. I very rarely eat red meat anymore, and I want to look into finding humanely raised chickens that are used for meat (like Chipotle does). It is so sad that the animals are manipulated so much and that they suffer so much. I loved the farmer who let his livestock roam free...they looked so content and well cared for. The only way things will change is if everyone decided to only buy from these types of companies. :( Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUERAY 1/28/2010 5:23PM

Don't eat chicken - but I only eat eggs from chickens I keep myself! That way I know they are treated with respect. Another good movie is "Earthlings" - a real eye opener! Report Inappropriate Comment

VHALL89 1/28/2010 2:55PM

Yikes is all I can say about the Food Inc! But congrats on your 28 days straight!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KNH771 1/28/2010 1:19PM

This is the reason why I shop local small organic producers. I can go right out to the cattle ranch and look at the cows myself. I know exactly where my meat comes from and what it's been fed. Healthier for the critters and humans both. Report Inappropriate Comment

KAYDE53 1/28/2010 12:49PM

I didn't see this episode, but I saw a report on World News the other day about milk and those "factory" cow farms & how the cows are kept pregnant & just standing in the same place all the time. It's cruel & gross. But we buy whatever is in the store & we don't know where it came from or how it was produced. Scary! Report Inappropriate Comment

VICKIADAY 1/28/2010 11:34AM

Sadly when we learn where our food actually comes from – we are stopped in our tracks – we never seem to look beyond the glossy packaging or the advertising – yet we put this in our body. Good for you on the weight loss and the beefing up the exercise Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANCESCANAZ 1/28/2010 11:34AM

I'm thankful to Oprah and others who are enlightening people about the horrors that are taking place in our overfed society! I also enjoyed the show & will be buying the book THE KIND DIET this week, maybe FOOD RULES as well. Also want to see the movie. My husband & I have already given up meat, fish, chicken all but one day a week. And we feel a lot better for it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JULS2008 1/28/2010 11:10AM

I saw that he was going to be on but was not able to see it. I want to try and get a hold of a copy of the documentary. Report Inappropriate Comment

BOBB1216 1/28/2010 11:09AM

Its scary isnt it.. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNIE_1015 1/28/2010 11:09AM

I watched this movie and will never be the same. I went to my local market and asked if they ground their meat themselves. Apparently some times they do and sometimes they don't. The guy behind the counter showed me the package for when they don't. I will NEVER buy that package after seeing this movie!! Yikes! Report Inappropriate Comment

Seeing progress feels good

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Seeing progress at my Tuesday weigh in made a huge difference in my life. I kept thinking that i can do this, so I drank more water yesterday and stuck to the plan. I am proud that I didn't use it as an excuse to pig out and gorge myself, something I use to do in the past.

I am still getting my apartment set up, but I will be pulling out my recipe books and using Spark people to come up with healthy meals that are different than my usual stuff I pulled together.

I found I need to update my visual board and my weight loss ticker. Putting up positive reminders and visual goals will help me to stay focused on the weight loss task. I guess I have to look at this as a journey, not a chore. Life seems simpler that way

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BLUERAY 1/28/2010 7:09AM

Great progress! So encouraged by your positive attitude! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSMAKEOVER 1/27/2010 8:51PM

Congrats on your progress....wishing you continued success.. Report Inappropriate Comment

FERGSGIRL2 1/27/2010 5:49PM

You have a great attitude and that is 1/2 the battle! Keep moving forward! Report Inappropriate Comment

SMILESWITH7KIDS 1/27/2010 1:08PM

Congratulations on the progress. I'm going to take a look and see if you updated the ticker. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARPEDIEM_2009 1/27/2010 1:07PM

Way to go!!! Keep moving forward. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMDONN 1/27/2010 12:11PM

Yes, progress helps keep us motivated!! Good for you for recognizing that and not "celebrating" and taking a step backward. You can do this!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KNH771 1/27/2010 11:25AM

I love the way your taking positive steps to build on your success. Trying new recipes is fun AND healthy! I need to build a new vision board and update my sparkpage for the new year too. Maybe that can be a weekend project. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNIE_1015 1/27/2010 11:13AM

I love progress!! Good job! Report Inappropriate Comment

Progress

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Nice surprise this morning for my weigh in, i am down another 4.1 pounds I thought to myself now what if I kick up my cardio and really apply myself, how much more will I lose for my audacious goal this year (to be in a nice swim suit on a beach in December under 200lbs for the first time in a decade ). I wasn't really ready to step on the scale today thinking I wasn't making much progress, but this was a nice surprise and a true motivator.

Setting spark streaks and tracking them really helped. Not making food the event and keeping that mantra in my head helps a lot as well. Following eating clean, portion control and getting my water in helps a lot. Taking my vitamins and stretching my muscles helped me out as well.

Still, I know I have a lot of work to do. I need to get my cardio on track and in line. I need to develop different menus, experiment with different tastes so I will not get bored and burnt out. I need to make sure I have plenty of healthy snacks on hand. I ran into a few "hungry" moments, but I did not avail to the fast food drive thru . I still don't want to push myself to that point.

So here is to a little progress for January and to God be the Glory

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KIMBEEJ16 1/27/2010 9:39AM

That is wonderful progress! Slow and steady wins the race as they say! :) I am learning that cardio doesn't have to be a marathon on the treadmill or running around the neighborhood. I can work out in front of the t.v. and as long as it is raising my heartrate it is cardio. I want to eat healthy and exercise, but I don't want these things to consume my life. I want them to be PART of my life...but not an obsession. I am getting better at this. I'm glad you didn't give in to the fast food drive thru temptation. I truly believe that these foods are the downfall of most who give in to them. Way to go...you CAN do this! Report Inappropriate Comment

DARKCHILD 1/27/2010 8:20AM

Yippee, HipHip Hooray! or maybe I should say, LessHips Hips Hooray! Report Inappropriate Comment

FUNNINFIT 1/26/2010 8:15PM

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DORCAS9 1/26/2010 5:06PM

Well done. Kelly, that's great news!! Keep on keeping on! You're doing geat!! God bless. Dorcas. Report Inappropriate Comment

FERGSGIRL2 1/26/2010 3:00PM

Wonderful ! It's such a great feeling when we see the results of our efforts! Congrats and keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

SOUL4REAL 1/26/2010 2:29PM

Well done!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAYDANCRUNLOVE 1/26/2010 12:41PM

Don't you feel proud? Every success should be celebrated! Congratulations! Report Inappropriate Comment

KNH771 1/26/2010 12:39PM

Congrats on your weight loss! It's always uplifting to see some success. God always seems to see when we need a pick me up. Report Inappropriate Comment

Winning Monday

Monday, January 25, 2010

Well the weekend went by like a blur, thanks to me working on Saturday. I still got some things done and I made it to a church service, my main goal. I still have to drive home next Saturday to meet with my realtor (can't delay getting my house on the market). I can see the floor of the closet, unpacked a bit, did my hair, got rid of some of the clutter.

Moving makes you purge a lot of things. I see that I have a lot of unnecessary stuff and I have no problem downsizing now. I jumped on that bandwagon I didn't plan my meals too great this weekend, but I am backed on track and still drinking my water, staying away from trigger foods and now this week I will add a new healthy recipe. What, I do not know right now, but I will look through Spark recipe files and my own recipe books.

I choose to make this Monday a winning Monday. I choose to do my best job, let my Christ light shine and continue to give God the Glory

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DORCAS9 1/25/2010 4:42PM

Well done, Kelly, you're doing great! Keep it up! God is your Helper! Let us know what recipe you choose! God bless. Dorcas. Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLEGUYSMOM1 1/25/2010 4:42PM

What a great attitude! I look forward to a winning Tuesday! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSMAKEOVER 1/25/2010 3:29PM

Way to go Kelly. Congrats on getting so much accomplished...you are a winner my friend... Report Inappropriate Comment

-PAULA 1/25/2010 2:56PM

Great attitude! It WILL be a winning Monday! Report Inappropriate Comment

DWZT111 1/25/2010 1:01PM

Good job! Keep up the great work and God will be there to help you! Report Inappropriate Comment