I wasn't quite feeling up to running today, so instead I decided to still get out and take Charlie for a hike. Since my FIL had said he wanted to go, and has littlt to no experience with it, I decided to call him and see where all of us are at fitness wise. We all did well, I think Charlie is definitely ready to start running! He was pulling a LOT even on his headcollar trying to get moving faster. FIL can't run, so I kept pulling hm back. He was better on the way back, we went a little over 1.5 miles out and then turned around. Charlie was not tired in the least and was running around excited about his trip when we got home! So I think he is ready to start running some, and then walking a little further. He just turned 7 months and is getting into the high-energy, defiant phase where people start taking puppies to shelters. I would not do that, and I am prepared if he does get worse, but so far we are very lucky. He is really pretty mellow most of the time.

A SP friend inspired me to think about saying NO and taking care of myself. I am trying to think of some things I could say NO to that would benefit me. I think work is the #1 thing that I must say no to if it is not good for me. I took a day shift that I knew was wrong for me primarily for the good of the people I care for and the organization, not me. It backfired badly! I think I am pretty good at saying no to personal things that will stress me out...I do try and maintain my downtime!