For Christmas my hubby got me started up on a web page.
So for the last few days I have been working on the site... many hours of frustration with many changes made.
One big change that has come about is the new blog site that came with the web page.
I think I may miss this particular blog site though.. it has many options that I have become comfortable with.
However I seem to do okay with change..... so.... I am going to give it a chance.
Please follow me here at Outbackhuskies.com this site not only contains my blog, but photos and video as well.
Thanks to all those that have hung around here.... I do hope to gain a larger audience in the near future as I head off to the Quest adventure as dog handler and then on to gaining support for my own trip to the Yukon and the Percy.
Happy reading and see you at the Outback Huskies web page (gee that sounds pretty cool!).
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
It's That Time of Year Again
We celebrated Christmas Eve on the 22nd and our Christmas Day yesterday...
It was all the way it was suppose to be minus the Xmas Eve campfire, deciding that -28 was a little too chilly to be sitting outside for any length of time.
After a day of lazing around in Xmas Jammie's we ran up to my sisters for an amazing turkey dinner ending with a extremely fun filled full of laughs evening of games.
Yes it was all how it is suppose to be... yet here I am on the actual Eve of Christmas feeling kinda sad and bummed out, my hubby having left to be with our son, his mom and sister in Toronto for the week.
Silly of me really... am I missing my hubby? He's only been gone for a couple of hours now.
I AM missing my son? Big time!!!
I am with my girl, and that's a good thing as it makes me smile inside and out.
AND tomorrow we head into the mountains to go dog sledding for the day!!!!
Yet, still I am a little sad... I miss my two men.... we should all be together on this day...
It was all the way it was suppose to be minus the Xmas Eve campfire, deciding that -28 was a little too chilly to be sitting outside for any length of time.
Our Christmas morning consisted of running the dogs
And it was a COLD one!
Coming home to bacon, eggs, hash browns and Belgium waffles.... yummy!!
Stockings and exchanging gifts between myself, the hubby and my girl.
After a day of lazing around in Xmas Jammie's we ran up to my sisters for an amazing turkey dinner ending with a extremely fun filled full of laughs evening of games.
Yes it was all how it is suppose to be... yet here I am on the actual Eve of Christmas feeling kinda sad and bummed out, my hubby having left to be with our son, his mom and sister in Toronto for the week.
Silly of me really... am I missing my hubby? He's only been gone for a couple of hours now.
I AM missing my son? Big time!!!
I am with my girl, and that's a good thing as it makes me smile inside and out.
AND tomorrow we head into the mountains to go dog sledding for the day!!!!
Yet, still I am a little sad... I miss my two men.... we should all be together on this day...
BUT we do get to head to my favorite place to take the dogs, and this time I get to share it with my girl... I'm very excited about that... the trails all to ourselves!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Greatest Adventure Ever!!!
I have been ever so neglectful of my blog this past little while.
Busy?
Yeah, a little I suppose. This time of year always seems to have so much going on.... but I'm up at 4:30 every morning, so that isn't much of an excuse.
Tired?
Well.. yeah, when you get up at 4:30 every morning that tends to happen... but I'm not tired when I first wake up, so again, no excuse.
Writers Block?
Yes and no. I have the most amazing news to share, and have had so much going on that I say, shame on me for not getting on here earlier!
My writers block had come from feeling super dis-heartened and feeling myself dropping into depression. I find that if I don't write about what brings me down either here or on paper I can avoid that deep dark pit.
So I am back... with SO much to tell.
The local race is over and for my little team was a success!
School/work has been amazing as always and we are now on Christmas break.
My family, wonderful as always.
My fur kids have been running beautifully and we are now onto longer runs and working on our haw gee training.
So many stories to share.
And I do want to tell all.
But I can't.
Not right now.
A most amazing opportunity knocked on my door this past Wednesday.
No seriously it did actually knock.
Sitting at home playing on my computer, dogs laying at my feet, beside me and behind me on the couch. Enjoying the quiet and peacefulness of the moment when a knock taps every so lightly on my front door.
A musher friend of mine has come to ask me if I want to go to the Quest.
"What?"
It turns out that a long distance musher he knows is desperately looking for handlers for the upcoming race this February and that my musher friend had thought of me... did I want to go?
It would mean at least 3 weeks away from home, my dogs and work.
Work.
How does one take that much time off of work?
But it's the Quest! And I've spoken of volunteering for that race... was thinking of 2015 as a matter of fact... and this would be better.. MUCH better... a perfect position to be in for the race. I would be part of a team racing the Quest!
The more I thought about it the more excited I became.
It was all I could think of.
Thursday morning couldn't come fast enough so that I could get to work and speak to my bosses.
This time of year is nutty at school, it was also our turkey supper which meant feeding over 400 kids and adults. Finished off with a school dance for the kids.
Yeah.. not a great time to approach someone with a request to take 3 weeks off of work in just over a month.
I had to wait until the next morning to find out if it would be something we could swing... and lucky for me I have the best bosses ever!!!!!
After a couple of phone calls and a wonderful chat with Randy Mackenzie I have joined team Controlled Chaos for the Yukon Quest!
Pinch me!
I will attempt to get a new battery for my lap top so that I may bring it along and blog this terrific adventure....
Have you always wanted to know what a handler does in a big race such as this?
You'll hear about it here!
I'll also be updating Randy's site stories and the adventure from the musher himself. .. so make sure that you follow team Controlled Chaos there as well.
And speaking of following... he could always use more support... be it a cheering squad and followers on facebook, and the more word that gets out the better opportunity for the team to gain extra last minute sponsors which are always needed for a huge venture such as this.
Check him out!
I'm serious.. click on the links I've shared here and check him out.
And make sure you follow 'us' (uncontrolled giggle) during the race... the Toughest Race on Earth... The Yukon Quest!!!
Well y'all I'm off to get my fur kids ready... we are heading out early on the trails this morning to practice our haw gees... All I can think about is this upcoming adventure, but daily life does carry on.
You'll be hearing more from me as I prepare myself for 2 weeks of cold and lack of sleep.. lots of work and many many miles on the road of the Yukon and Alaska (______________) *insert girly squeal of excitement here*
Later all.... I'll leave you with a picture of the day... my handsome boy Rocky.
Busy?
Yeah, a little I suppose. This time of year always seems to have so much going on.... but I'm up at 4:30 every morning, so that isn't much of an excuse.
Tired?
Well.. yeah, when you get up at 4:30 every morning that tends to happen... but I'm not tired when I first wake up, so again, no excuse.
Writers Block?
Yes and no. I have the most amazing news to share, and have had so much going on that I say, shame on me for not getting on here earlier!
My writers block had come from feeling super dis-heartened and feeling myself dropping into depression. I find that if I don't write about what brings me down either here or on paper I can avoid that deep dark pit.
So I am back... with SO much to tell.
The local race is over and for my little team was a success!
School/work has been amazing as always and we are now on Christmas break.
My family, wonderful as always.
My fur kids have been running beautifully and we are now onto longer runs and working on our haw gee training.
So many stories to share.
And I do want to tell all.
But I can't.
Not right now.
A most amazing opportunity knocked on my door this past Wednesday.
No seriously it did actually knock.
Sitting at home playing on my computer, dogs laying at my feet, beside me and behind me on the couch. Enjoying the quiet and peacefulness of the moment when a knock taps every so lightly on my front door.
A musher friend of mine has come to ask me if I want to go to the Quest.
"What?"
It turns out that a long distance musher he knows is desperately looking for handlers for the upcoming race this February and that my musher friend had thought of me... did I want to go?
It would mean at least 3 weeks away from home, my dogs and work.
Work.
How does one take that much time off of work?
But it's the Quest! And I've spoken of volunteering for that race... was thinking of 2015 as a matter of fact... and this would be better.. MUCH better... a perfect position to be in for the race. I would be part of a team racing the Quest!
The more I thought about it the more excited I became.
It was all I could think of.
Thursday morning couldn't come fast enough so that I could get to work and speak to my bosses.
This time of year is nutty at school, it was also our turkey supper which meant feeding over 400 kids and adults. Finished off with a school dance for the kids.
Yeah.. not a great time to approach someone with a request to take 3 weeks off of work in just over a month.
I had to wait until the next morning to find out if it would be something we could swing... and lucky for me I have the best bosses ever!!!!!
After a couple of phone calls and a wonderful chat with Randy Mackenzie I have joined team Controlled Chaos for the Yukon Quest!
Pinch me!
I will attempt to get a new battery for my lap top so that I may bring it along and blog this terrific adventure....
Have you always wanted to know what a handler does in a big race such as this?
You'll hear about it here!
I'll also be updating Randy's site stories and the adventure from the musher himself. .. so make sure that you follow team Controlled Chaos there as well.
And speaking of following... he could always use more support... be it a cheering squad and followers on facebook, and the more word that gets out the better opportunity for the team to gain extra last minute sponsors which are always needed for a huge venture such as this.
Check him out!
I'm serious.. click on the links I've shared here and check him out.
And make sure you follow 'us' (uncontrolled giggle) during the race... the Toughest Race on Earth... The Yukon Quest!!!
Well y'all I'm off to get my fur kids ready... we are heading out early on the trails this morning to practice our haw gees... All I can think about is this upcoming adventure, but daily life does carry on.
You'll be hearing more from me as I prepare myself for 2 weeks of cold and lack of sleep.. lots of work and many many miles on the road of the Yukon and Alaska (______________) *insert girly squeal of excitement here*
Later all.... I'll leave you with a picture of the day... my handsome boy Rocky.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Mushers' Meeting
The first sprint race of the season is here.
Are we ready?
As ready as we'll ever be. We don't have as many miles under our paws as I would have liked for this, but ya gotta start somewhere.
I am also not entered in the skijouring class which makes me sad, but I don't have a dog ready to run two 4 miles back to back as would have to happen.... actually I'll be completely honest, I don't think I'm ready to ski the 4 miles myself!
The race this weekend is for bragging rights, a trophy and all for fun.
I am not in the top 3 for the 4 dog open class that I've entered and although I'm not saying we don't have fast dogs.. we do... but we have a Sibe on our team which slows us down just enough for the other faster Alaskans to rip past us on the trail.
I can't wait to have my two fast babies ski trained to enter the skijour class and see what we can really do... soon enough.
I will admit it publicly... I'm not a huge fan of sprint racing with the sled.
My heart beats a mile a minute.
I get caught up in the rush of getting the dogs hooked up just moments before being called to the starting chute... dogs ramped up and screaming loudly to be let loose.
The take off..... the speed... the feeling of not being in control at all for that brief moment as you find your 'sled legs'
I don't breath up until that point.
The scariest part of today is the fact that we have yet been on our sprint sled this year. In fact the dogs have not trained without any weight in the sled up to this point... which means... we are going to FLY today.
I just hope I can make corners without flipping my weigh nothing sled.
And I do LOVE LOVE the adrenaline rush that is brought on by all this, I just think perhaps it is our lack of experience in racing as a team and having others pass us on the trail that make me feel as if my stomach is in knots. Well I guess as I stated earlier... ya gotta start somewhere.
So, I've completely gone off topic from what this blog was originally titled.
I may not 'love' the sprinting of the sled but I do love the meeting of the mushers.
My favorite part of the weekend is Friday night.. walking into the room and seeing familiar faces that you have not seen since last year.
The people in this 'world' are the most laid back friendly people I know and I'm always left feeling like we have known each other for years and that no time has passed since we last saw each other.
Everyone is eager to share their tips and tricks and I always walk away having learned something new.
Perhaps all the time we spend hanging out with our fur kids has rubbed off on us somehow...
.....or maybe we just learn from our dogs better than others.
Well... I'm off to get ready for the races!
Happy trails everyone!
Are we ready?
As ready as we'll ever be. We don't have as many miles under our paws as I would have liked for this, but ya gotta start somewhere.
I am also not entered in the skijouring class which makes me sad, but I don't have a dog ready to run two 4 miles back to back as would have to happen.... actually I'll be completely honest, I don't think I'm ready to ski the 4 miles myself!
The race this weekend is for bragging rights, a trophy and all for fun.
I am not in the top 3 for the 4 dog open class that I've entered and although I'm not saying we don't have fast dogs.. we do... but we have a Sibe on our team which slows us down just enough for the other faster Alaskans to rip past us on the trail.
I can't wait to have my two fast babies ski trained to enter the skijour class and see what we can really do... soon enough.
I will admit it publicly... I'm not a huge fan of sprint racing with the sled.
My heart beats a mile a minute.
I get caught up in the rush of getting the dogs hooked up just moments before being called to the starting chute... dogs ramped up and screaming loudly to be let loose.
The take off..... the speed... the feeling of not being in control at all for that brief moment as you find your 'sled legs'
I don't breath up until that point.
The scariest part of today is the fact that we have yet been on our sprint sled this year. In fact the dogs have not trained without any weight in the sled up to this point... which means... we are going to FLY today.
I just hope I can make corners without flipping my weigh nothing sled.
And I do LOVE LOVE the adrenaline rush that is brought on by all this, I just think perhaps it is our lack of experience in racing as a team and having others pass us on the trail that make me feel as if my stomach is in knots. Well I guess as I stated earlier... ya gotta start somewhere.
So, I've completely gone off topic from what this blog was originally titled.
I may not 'love' the sprinting of the sled but I do love the meeting of the mushers.
My favorite part of the weekend is Friday night.. walking into the room and seeing familiar faces that you have not seen since last year.
The people in this 'world' are the most laid back friendly people I know and I'm always left feeling like we have known each other for years and that no time has passed since we last saw each other.
Everyone is eager to share their tips and tricks and I always walk away having learned something new.
Perhaps all the time we spend hanging out with our fur kids has rubbed off on us somehow...
.....or maybe we just learn from our dogs better than others.
Well... I'm off to get ready for the races!
Happy trails everyone!
Monday, December 3, 2012
First Race of the Season
We have been training our small team pulling a toboggan sled with weight in it... weight being of the human form.
Anywhere from 300 pounds (ish) to 400 and running at a lope up to 6 miles at a time. I was kind of hoping that we would be at 10 miles by now, but that is not the case.
Building muscle and strengthening ankles, wrists, and shoulders is much more important to me than building on anything to do with speed.
Yes it is true that we participate in sprint racing.... but for me [the racing] is all just a small part of attending these events. It is all about meeting up with experienced mushers and learning from some of the best.
With the races less than a week away I would have liked to have dropped the weight from the sled before pulling out the sprint sled.
With the race so close that particular trail that we had been training on is now closed to public use for the obvious reason of keeping it in race condition for next weekend.
That's okay, I work with a lady who has offered up her land for me to use. It is part of a larger trail system that a musher friend of mine uses and he has given it up for us to use and even ran over it for us with his snow machine.
It is pretty basic and we have plans to borrow his snow mobile to put in a couple more turns to work on our leaders but for now we are keeping it pretty simple with one exception and that is a sharp right turn away from his land.
It took five times out to practice keeping the dogs from wanting to turn onto his land which we had done in the past... Five times I needed to have someone in the sled with me to help direct these determined pups.
Five times for the light to go on in their heads, "oh, you WANT us to go Gee.. got it!"
We have lots of snow, but at the same do not have lots of snow... not enough for my snow hook to grab on to anything so I could get out on my own and lead the kids in the right direction.
Which meant my dogs didn't have the opportunity to run without any weight in the sled as of yet.
With the count down on now we have very little time to get ready.... and it doesn't help that my sled suffered during yesterdays afternoon run.
With the dogs pumped and ready to go and AFTER Ray let go of the leaders and AFTER he was thrown off his feet and went flying into the sled and AFTER ramming into the snow hook which was attached to the side of the sled which then slammed into my left leg it was discovered that the sled suffered a broken stanchion.
So, the sprint sled will come out tonight... but this also means the line needs to be changed to a 4 dog and I need to get out with my sprint team...
For this particular race they have set a ruling that says we have to start the 6 dog open with 6 dogs rather than the 5 that the ISDRA allows and that we need to have 2 dogs for the skijour event.
With only 5 in our pack trying to adjust for this has forced us to come up with decisions on who misses out... who would care.... who wouldn't suffer the defeat of not being used.
IF we had more miles under our harnesses this wouldn't be a huge issue as I would use one of the Alaskans twice in one day. Rigby is probably more than capable, but he has yet been in front of a pair of skis! He is not a strong leader,,,, yet,,,, so I'm not sure how he would do.
Tonight I shall try him out... who knows... I may be able to enter that class after all.
For now our plan is as follows...
Elly and Rocky will lead us in the 4 dog open with Rigby and Hubba in wheel. We have not put those two up front together in a few weeks... but after our run yesterday it is most obvious that Hubba isn't confident without Penny beside him... and although Rocky shows strong leader skills he is a bit of a dork at races when passing happens. (He hates to be passed)
Penny will not race as she is our diva who doesn't work very hard, but I will still take her out on the skis later on in the afternoon to stretch her legs.,.. however if her and Rigby show promise tonight, then maybe I will just take a chance and enter the 4 mile skijour event.
4 sleeps to registration.
4 sleeps to meeting up with good friends and catching up once again.
See you there!
http://www.rosebudrun.ca/default.shtml
Anywhere from 300 pounds (ish) to 400 and running at a lope up to 6 miles at a time. I was kind of hoping that we would be at 10 miles by now, but that is not the case.
Building muscle and strengthening ankles, wrists, and shoulders is much more important to me than building on anything to do with speed.
Yes it is true that we participate in sprint racing.... but for me [the racing] is all just a small part of attending these events. It is all about meeting up with experienced mushers and learning from some of the best.
With the races less than a week away I would have liked to have dropped the weight from the sled before pulling out the sprint sled.
With the race so close that particular trail that we had been training on is now closed to public use for the obvious reason of keeping it in race condition for next weekend.
That's okay, I work with a lady who has offered up her land for me to use. It is part of a larger trail system that a musher friend of mine uses and he has given it up for us to use and even ran over it for us with his snow machine.
It is pretty basic and we have plans to borrow his snow mobile to put in a couple more turns to work on our leaders but for now we are keeping it pretty simple with one exception and that is a sharp right turn away from his land.
It took five times out to practice keeping the dogs from wanting to turn onto his land which we had done in the past... Five times I needed to have someone in the sled with me to help direct these determined pups.
Five times for the light to go on in their heads, "oh, you WANT us to go Gee.. got it!"
We have lots of snow, but at the same do not have lots of snow... not enough for my snow hook to grab on to anything so I could get out on my own and lead the kids in the right direction.
Which meant my dogs didn't have the opportunity to run without any weight in the sled as of yet.
With the count down on now we have very little time to get ready.... and it doesn't help that my sled suffered during yesterdays afternoon run.
With the dogs pumped and ready to go and AFTER Ray let go of the leaders and AFTER he was thrown off his feet and went flying into the sled and AFTER ramming into the snow hook which was attached to the side of the sled which then slammed into my left leg it was discovered that the sled suffered a broken stanchion.
So, the sprint sled will come out tonight... but this also means the line needs to be changed to a 4 dog and I need to get out with my sprint team...
For this particular race they have set a ruling that says we have to start the 6 dog open with 6 dogs rather than the 5 that the ISDRA allows and that we need to have 2 dogs for the skijour event.
With only 5 in our pack trying to adjust for this has forced us to come up with decisions on who misses out... who would care.... who wouldn't suffer the defeat of not being used.
IF we had more miles under our harnesses this wouldn't be a huge issue as I would use one of the Alaskans twice in one day. Rigby is probably more than capable, but he has yet been in front of a pair of skis! He is not a strong leader,,,, yet,,,, so I'm not sure how he would do.
Tonight I shall try him out... who knows... I may be able to enter that class after all.
For now our plan is as follows...
Elly and Rocky will lead us in the 4 dog open with Rigby and Hubba in wheel. We have not put those two up front together in a few weeks... but after our run yesterday it is most obvious that Hubba isn't confident without Penny beside him... and although Rocky shows strong leader skills he is a bit of a dork at races when passing happens. (He hates to be passed)
Penny will not race as she is our diva who doesn't work very hard, but I will still take her out on the skis later on in the afternoon to stretch her legs.,.. however if her and Rigby show promise tonight, then maybe I will just take a chance and enter the 4 mile skijour event.
4 sleeps to registration.
4 sleeps to meeting up with good friends and catching up once again.
See you there!
http://www.rosebudrun.ca/default.shtml
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Luckiest Girl in the World
I feel so lucky.
I am so blessed.
I wake up every morning, albeit much too early, and think to myself, 'today is going to be a wonderful day.'
And why wouldn't it be?
A supportive loving family (even though some of you are so far away).
Incredible friends from all walks of my life (again some of you are too far away!)
A fantastic job with the best co-workers ever.
There is a roof over my head that doesn't leak,,,well,,, most of the time.
Food in my cupboard... although at times I think there is more dog food than human.
I have the best dogs ever and we go out together 3 times a week and weekends now that the snow is here building trust and sharing a love so deep that unless you own a dog(s) you wouldn't understand.
I have put in place a training schedule for the winter... one I think will be easy and fun to keep in place.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights after work we will head out onto our local trails. We now have access to two of them and this excites me.
One is our race trail that we do consistently the same way each time so there are no surprises for my pups come race day. The only difference is the weight we keep on the sled to help build muscle in their wrists and shoulders.
The other is on a friends property... it is a section of farm land that has a series of trails set up to help us build our listening skills and leader skills as I can change directions each time we head out.. a new trail every time.
Weekends are for races or to head into the mountains for longer more exciting and prettier trails.
It is easy to drop a training day.. a Friday if we have race for example.... but it's easy to keep to our runs now that I have a dog truck that all supplies are kept in. Just load dogs, water and away we go!
On Monday my daughter and I came home from work.. pulled on snow pants, filled water buckets, and loaded dogs into the truck.. we made our way to the race sight..ran the 4 mile trail.. water and snacked the fur kids then headed back home..... the entire process took about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish.
I would like to add another 4 miles starting tonight.. so... another 20 minutes or so... nothing in the scope of an entire day.
I love running dogs... the feel of the runners under my feet... the power of the dogs ahead of me... the silent communication between us all.... the excitement they share before a run and the joy they have across their faces when we are done.
Sharing this sport with my family and friends is top on my list it is not something to be kept secret.
And with us needing weight on the sled it's a great excuse to share the joy.
I must say my luck this year is also extended to Miss Mother Nature... or Old Man Winter... thanks for the snows and cooler temps this year that have decided to stick around thus far... we couldn't be happier!
I am so blessed.
I wake up every morning, albeit much too early, and think to myself, 'today is going to be a wonderful day.'
And why wouldn't it be?
A supportive loving family (even though some of you are so far away).
Incredible friends from all walks of my life (again some of you are too far away!)
A fantastic job with the best co-workers ever.
There is a roof over my head that doesn't leak,,,well,,, most of the time.
Food in my cupboard... although at times I think there is more dog food than human.
I have the best dogs ever and we go out together 3 times a week and weekends now that the snow is here building trust and sharing a love so deep that unless you own a dog(s) you wouldn't understand.
The puppies sharing their love.
I have put in place a training schedule for the winter... one I think will be easy and fun to keep in place.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights after work we will head out onto our local trails. We now have access to two of them and this excites me.
One is our race trail that we do consistently the same way each time so there are no surprises for my pups come race day. The only difference is the weight we keep on the sled to help build muscle in their wrists and shoulders.
The other is on a friends property... it is a section of farm land that has a series of trails set up to help us build our listening skills and leader skills as I can change directions each time we head out.. a new trail every time.
Weekends are for races or to head into the mountains for longer more exciting and prettier trails.
It is easy to drop a training day.. a Friday if we have race for example.... but it's easy to keep to our runs now that I have a dog truck that all supplies are kept in. Just load dogs, water and away we go!
On Monday my daughter and I came home from work.. pulled on snow pants, filled water buckets, and loaded dogs into the truck.. we made our way to the race sight..ran the 4 mile trail.. water and snacked the fur kids then headed back home..... the entire process took about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish.
I would like to add another 4 miles starting tonight.. so... another 20 minutes or so... nothing in the scope of an entire day.
I love running dogs... the feel of the runners under my feet... the power of the dogs ahead of me... the silent communication between us all.... the excitement they share before a run and the joy they have across their faces when we are done.
Sharing this sport with my family and friends is top on my list it is not something to be kept secret.
And with us needing weight on the sled it's a great excuse to share the joy.
I must say my luck this year is also extended to Miss Mother Nature... or Old Man Winter... thanks for the snows and cooler temps this year that have decided to stick around thus far... we couldn't be happier!
Friday, November 23, 2012
I Love Winter
I REALLY love winter.
The crispness of the air.
The way my nose sticks together when it is really cold.
The way the frost builds up on my eye lashes and hair around my face from the steam of my breath.
The snows that fall and quiet the earth.
And we get to run dogs!!!!
Brianne came with me tonight as my 'photographer' and with the exception of helping me put the dogs into the boxes to go home and the unloading when at home I did it all by myself.
I used to do it alone a couple of years ago... but the addition of 2 crazy hyper puppies who have spread their frenzied "lets go!!" personalities I've been a little hesitant.
Full of confidence now I am ready to take on anything that comes my way.
The crispness of the air.
The way my nose sticks together when it is really cold.
The way the frost builds up on my eye lashes and hair around my face from the steam of my breath.
The snows that fall and quiet the earth.
Everything is so beautiful this time of the year.
And we get to run dogs!!!!
Brianne came with me tonight as my 'photographer' and with the exception of helping me put the dogs into the boxes to go home and the unloading when at home I did it all by myself.
I used to do it alone a couple of years ago... but the addition of 2 crazy hyper puppies who have spread their frenzied "lets go!!" personalities I've been a little hesitant.
Full of confidence now I am ready to take on anything that comes my way.
I love my new truck boxes (which still need painting!)
Supplies are easy at hand.
Everyone looks so calm while I get harnesses ready but looks can be deceiving.
At the Rosebud Run race trail. Perfect for short distance training.
The sun goes down while we are out on our run.
Newly fallen snow and temperatures of about -15 made for a perfect run.
Everyone ran beautifully and deserved their snack of beef laden water... but bad mom here forgot their bowls at home!!! Thankfully we are only a 5 minute drive from home.. I did my best to improvise.. Brianne offered plain water that was put right into the cooler to the others while they each took turns drinking baited water out of a little bowl.
They love their flavored water...
Sorry guys... I'm thinking it's time to purchase a second set of bowls for the truck.
Next step in our training... to do the trail twice in one run.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Meet the Musher
I have been working hard at writing letters in order to gain sponsors, creating a new Facebook page to show case our training and team, and putting up tid bits here in order to introduce my little team.
It is my turn now to share who I am, but I will admit it seems pointless in the back of my head. Maybe I feel this way because talking about myself is something I cannot do easily, or perhaps it has something to do with how few people I seem to be reaching in the virtual world.
I can see the numbers here and on Facebook and it is a little discouraging when I feel as though I'm putting myself out there for all to scrutinize.
That is the first thing that you will learn about me, I take everything to heart. Anything and everything that happens in my life is dissected and analyzed. I sometimes spend too much energy worrying about what others think. Although I must admit this last couple of years I have done an amazing job of learning how to let negative situations roll off my back.
*Stepping into the spot light, adjusting the hem of my shirt*
*clears throat*
This is harder than I thought... introducing myself... selling myself.... hoping to find people out there who believe in me, want to invest their time and money in me.
If you have read this blog for any length of time you will have learned some of who I am.
Married for 28+ years.
Two wonderful 'adult' kids.
Work with children in a middle school. I love my job.
Live in a small rural town in the middle of the prairies in chinook country, only 2 hours from the majestic Rocky Mountains.
The year I run the Percy I will be turning 50 years old. I do not look, nor do I act my age. There is no secret to staying young.
I do not eat extremely healthy, no diet of avocado or sprouts to share. In fact my diet is lacking this last couple of months. I really need to eat more veggies for example.
I don't have a routine of facial care to share, no soap or any type of cleanser is used on my face... not because I don't believe in it, it is more that I'm lazy and it takes up time I don't want to waste in the morning. And the only makeup I use is a tiny bit of eye liner under my bottom lashes.
I would say I am a tom boy at heart.
I am more comfortable in a pair of jeans and hoodie than a skirt.
I have long hair that I do hardly anything with... I don't even know how to braid my own hair.
AND I'd rather be playing out in the mountains than going shopping for new shoes.
There are faults. If someone said they didn't have any they are lying.
My biggest one is how lazy I am.
If allowed I could sit on the couch reading or playing on the computer all day long.
It is easy for me to find excuses to not do something, and I hate that about myself.
Which is why I need to share my adventure with you all...
I love running the dogs... what an incredible experience it is. Nothing beats the feeling of being on the back of the runners in the middle of the mountains with silence all around you. The trust between you and your best friends is a strong bond that is not felt in any other situation.
I cannot wait to get on my skis with THREE of my best friends. I have never done more than two and the feeling I get in my stomach at the thought of three is exhilarating.
We have not had enough snow for me to try this out yet, and I cannot wait.
So I'm not lazy when it comes to my dogs.
My laziness is something that I need to put out on the table for all to see. I need to have that push to keep myself going.
I had been running to get into shape.
Made it to a 5K race and was so very proud of myself.
Then the times of the running club changed, my daughter moved back home, and my work hours increased at the end of the day by a bit.
Excuses I made, and no one to be accountable to but myself.
It was much to easy to let it slide.
I want to attend the Percy in the worst way. I am excited about this adventure. One that I will be sharing with a new friend, Raija, and can hardly wait for our next get together.
My hubby will be coming with as my 'handler', a support person who has been nothing but positive in this quest so far.
However I am nervous, a deep in the pit of my tummy feeling.. a make my hands sweaty feeling.
I need to be in better shape physically and financially.
This is where you dear readers will be helping me out. Why I have created a new Facebook page and am blogging here much more often.
I have you to be accountable to.
I cannot lie... no really.... I am unable to lie, it shows in both my writing and face.
I also have you to share my story with as I hunt for sponsors to help me get to the Yukon and run this race.
A race that myself and Raija, and maybe a couple others from BC, will be the first women to have entered... there has never been a female skijourer up until 2014.
So please check out my Outback Huskies page if you have not done so already.. subscribe here to my blog.. even subscribe to my Youtube channel (there will be lots more video posted there soon)... and share it with your friends, co-workers, the paper boy, your rich uncle and anyone else you think may be interested or knows someone who would be.
I know this was a lot of reading... but thanks to everyone who comes here and wastes their time with me, it is so appreciated.
And share with everyone!!
It is my turn now to share who I am, but I will admit it seems pointless in the back of my head. Maybe I feel this way because talking about myself is something I cannot do easily, or perhaps it has something to do with how few people I seem to be reaching in the virtual world.
I can see the numbers here and on Facebook and it is a little discouraging when I feel as though I'm putting myself out there for all to scrutinize.
That is the first thing that you will learn about me, I take everything to heart. Anything and everything that happens in my life is dissected and analyzed. I sometimes spend too much energy worrying about what others think. Although I must admit this last couple of years I have done an amazing job of learning how to let negative situations roll off my back.
*Stepping into the spot light, adjusting the hem of my shirt*
*clears throat*
This is harder than I thought... introducing myself... selling myself.... hoping to find people out there who believe in me, want to invest their time and money in me.
If you have read this blog for any length of time you will have learned some of who I am.
Married for 28+ years.
Two wonderful 'adult' kids.
Work with children in a middle school. I love my job.
Live in a small rural town in the middle of the prairies in chinook country, only 2 hours from the majestic Rocky Mountains.
The year I run the Percy I will be turning 50 years old. I do not look, nor do I act my age. There is no secret to staying young.
I do not eat extremely healthy, no diet of avocado or sprouts to share. In fact my diet is lacking this last couple of months. I really need to eat more veggies for example.
I don't have a routine of facial care to share, no soap or any type of cleanser is used on my face... not because I don't believe in it, it is more that I'm lazy and it takes up time I don't want to waste in the morning. And the only makeup I use is a tiny bit of eye liner under my bottom lashes.
I would say I am a tom boy at heart.
I am more comfortable in a pair of jeans and hoodie than a skirt.
I have long hair that I do hardly anything with... I don't even know how to braid my own hair.
AND I'd rather be playing out in the mountains than going shopping for new shoes.
There are faults. If someone said they didn't have any they are lying.
My biggest one is how lazy I am.
If allowed I could sit on the couch reading or playing on the computer all day long.
It is easy for me to find excuses to not do something, and I hate that about myself.
Which is why I need to share my adventure with you all...
I love running the dogs... what an incredible experience it is. Nothing beats the feeling of being on the back of the runners in the middle of the mountains with silence all around you. The trust between you and your best friends is a strong bond that is not felt in any other situation.
I cannot wait to get on my skis with THREE of my best friends. I have never done more than two and the feeling I get in my stomach at the thought of three is exhilarating.
We have not had enough snow for me to try this out yet, and I cannot wait.
So I'm not lazy when it comes to my dogs.
My laziness is something that I need to put out on the table for all to see. I need to have that push to keep myself going.
I had been running to get into shape.
Made it to a 5K race and was so very proud of myself.
Then the times of the running club changed, my daughter moved back home, and my work hours increased at the end of the day by a bit.
Excuses I made, and no one to be accountable to but myself.
It was much to easy to let it slide.
I want to attend the Percy in the worst way. I am excited about this adventure. One that I will be sharing with a new friend, Raija, and can hardly wait for our next get together.
My hubby will be coming with as my 'handler', a support person who has been nothing but positive in this quest so far.
However I am nervous, a deep in the pit of my tummy feeling.. a make my hands sweaty feeling.
I need to be in better shape physically and financially.
This is where you dear readers will be helping me out. Why I have created a new Facebook page and am blogging here much more often.
I have you to be accountable to.
I cannot lie... no really.... I am unable to lie, it shows in both my writing and face.
I also have you to share my story with as I hunt for sponsors to help me get to the Yukon and run this race.
A race that myself and Raija, and maybe a couple others from BC, will be the first women to have entered... there has never been a female skijourer up until 2014.
So please check out my Outback Huskies page if you have not done so already.. subscribe here to my blog.. even subscribe to my Youtube channel (there will be lots more video posted there soon)... and share it with your friends, co-workers, the paper boy, your rich uncle and anyone else you think may be interested or knows someone who would be.
I know this was a lot of reading... but thanks to everyone who comes here and wastes their time with me, it is so appreciated.
And share with everyone!!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Meet the dogs - Elly and Rigby
I still wonder at times what got into me when we said yes to two more siblings. Yes I needed one more to make a team of 4, but siblings? Again?
Training siblings is lots of work, but how could I say no? We met them when they were 2 weeks old and they were so darn adorable.
Naming them was a matter of searching the Internet for names in songs as we decided to go with the theme my son started. Not sure if anyone has picked up on it yet.
Beatles songs... Penny (Penny Lane), Rocky (Rocky Raccoon), and Molly was from the song Obla De... Hubba was already named, so we relate him to the Yoko Ono period.
My daughter came up with the idea of Eleanor Rigby... and we loved it. Here they are at just over 18 months old now.
ELLY
Girls first! I have to admit it, Elly is probably my favorite as I have become 'her' human. She loves to cuddle with me on the couch, or the floor, or anywhere I may be sitting. She is such a sweet dog, but so darn naughty too.
She has chewed holes in the living room and backroom carpets and eats ear plugs any chance she gets. She also eats poop and I can't pick it up fast enough when I let them out of their runs, I know, disgusting!
We had her spayed as I was not going to have 2 girls in heat at the same time ever again but I believe it has added to Elly's struggle to keep weight off. She grows fat over night I'm sure of it! Feeding her is a science to keep the weight from building on her and it doesn't help that she LOVES to eat.
When these two were just pups we took them to our friends farm to have them run in a team. Rick watched the dogs for me and commented that she was pulling out to the side which showed possible signs of a leader.
He was right.
Elly runs so well in lead, she is an amazing little dog with so much energy to burn she and runs like the wind. She also loves to run and screams a high pitch wail when putting her on line.
Elly still needs to work with other stronger leaders as she learns her commands but I can see her becoming an excellent skijour dog and I cannot wait to get on skis with her.
RIGBY
Then there is Rigby. He is our comedienne of the pack. Extremely vocal. Terribly hyper. Overly naughty. Crazy focused, or obsessed depending on what he is doing. Exhausting at times.
If Rigby was a human child he would most likely be on Ritalin as he would have been diagnosed with ADHD... mixed with OCD as well.. when you start throwing his ball he cannot stop chasing and bringing it back, to the point of putting it on your lap if you ignore him.
He loves to be loved and to be the center of attention. Pushing others out of the way so that he can be pet first and solely. If there is a command chain to the pack order he would be second. Penny still puts him in his place and he respects her for sure. If his ball lands right beside her he will wait for her to move before grabbing it.
However he bullies all the other dogs, steals toys and bones from them all, in fact if they are digging a hole he will push them out of the way to take over.
Rigby has cost us a fortune in vet bills from his strange disorder called Pica. He eats non-food items with his favorite being socks. And not actually just eating them, but swallowing them whole. He has had colitis and almost died from this. We have to watch him like crazy and keep an eye on what is laying around the yard or house.
But he has been worth every penny as far as I'm concerned. He is crazy focused and pulls like a semi truck. He has boundless energy and when running the dogs he hates to stop for any reason. Fast and strong with a love for running makes him the perfect sled dog.
I just wish he didn't make so much noise.. when we put him in the truck to head to the trails he cries the entire way there, and continues to do so until we actually take off from the truck.
Will these two be coming to the Yukon with me...you bet!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Facebook Following
I want to thank those that follow me here on blogspot... I love to write and love being able to share here on this site.
There are quite a few followers here, many of whom have chosen to remain anonymous and that is very much okay with me... up until just recently I've kept myself pretty hidden, no name or location shared at all.
However with the upcoming race in 2014 it is time to come out of the shadows and market myself and my mini team.
We are not only looking for sponsors to help us get to the Yukon and the Percy but are looking at gaining a cheering team as well. The support is what keeps me going and I love sharing and hearing back from everyone.
One thing I started a couple of days ago was a fan based Facebook page titled Outback Huskies... If you are a facebook user I would love it if you could visit us there and like our page. The link above will take you there.... pictures and more of our adventures are shared there regularly (or will be as we get going with our training).
Thanks tons!!!
oh, and happy reading!
There are quite a few followers here, many of whom have chosen to remain anonymous and that is very much okay with me... up until just recently I've kept myself pretty hidden, no name or location shared at all.
However with the upcoming race in 2014 it is time to come out of the shadows and market myself and my mini team.
We are not only looking for sponsors to help us get to the Yukon and the Percy but are looking at gaining a cheering team as well. The support is what keeps me going and I love sharing and hearing back from everyone.
One thing I started a couple of days ago was a fan based Facebook page titled Outback Huskies... If you are a facebook user I would love it if you could visit us there and like our page. The link above will take you there.... pictures and more of our adventures are shared there regularly (or will be as we get going with our training).
Thanks tons!!!
oh, and happy reading!
Time to Meet the Dogs - Rocky and Penny
PENNY
Five years ago we said yes to our sons purchase of three siblings from Richard Smiths kennel.... Five years ago our lives changed. Five years ago our lives went to the dogs.
Penny was one of two females in the litter of pure bred Siberian Huskies, a bi-eyed Agouti with a strong personality.
In fact Penny is our alpha dog of the pack and because of this she can be a bit stand offish when it comes to humans. She will sit back and wait for the others to come get their hugs and loves and then when she is ready will come for her share. It is as though she would rather not be in the middle of a crowd, much too sophisticated to be in a muddle, actually I would say a bit of a diva. Did I say a bit??
Penny hated her sister Molly, to the point of drawing blood and we were worried that she was a mean dog until we started introducing her to other non-pack dogs to discover she loves making friends and playing with new dog buddies... she just hated her sister for some unknown reason, and her sister hated her (Molly is the reason for the missing ear tip). We were told once that female Huskies never forget and never forgive, and this was very true for these two sisters.
Sadly we had to re-home Molly, who ended up back with Richard and is in a happy place now.
Penny spent the first couple years of her life living in the same run with Oaky, an older experienced dog from the Wannamakers kennel. Oaky taught all of her queenly, divaish ways to Penny, in fact it turns out that Oaky was a great aunt to the three siblings so it was inevitable that we should have a princess too.
Penny loves to run, with me on a belt, with a scooter and in front of the sled... loves to run when it suits her... if there is a smell or something that pegs her interest then she will do a quick stop to investigate. Her leader abilities were learned from Oaky and she knows all her command very well as for being a great leader... well again I say... if there is a smell or something that pegs her interest,,, you know the rest.
Will she come to the Yukon with me... No... I have a feeling she is going to rebel with the distances that I plan to put on the dogs this winter. She could surprise me, but I know my Penny Shpenny and it would be too much work for my princess.
ROCKY
Rocky my boy, brother to Penny, is a sweet heart. A bit of a suck and scared of the kitchen floor. He wishes badly that he could be the alpha dog and 'pretends' with Hubba and Rigby. It is quite funny to watch as he bounces around them giving orders and trying to hump Rigby, he is usually completely ignored, making me feel kinda sorry for him.
There is a regal'ness' to Rocky in the way he sits with his front feet crossed watching the pack. Or how he stands in perfect show form, his tail all curled up fluffly like over his back. A tail he is very proud of I might add as no one is allowed to touch it... ever!
Rocky has surprised me this year with his running abilities. Of course he loves to run, very much so. His face seems to light up and he stands tall in his harness. He has always been put in wheel and with his stocky build and strength it was a perfect spot for him. This year however I noticed something in him when running doubles on the scooter with the puppies. His ability to push them where they are suppose to go and his great listening skills to me when giving commands.
So when the snows fell and the sled came out I put him in lead... and guess what? It is the perfect position for him. I've been so proud of my boy.
Will he come to the Yukon with me?
I am hoping so. We just have to work on our distance and getting him to eat on the trail, but I have a good feeling that Rocky will be with me in the North.
The three elders share a quiet indoor moment together.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Time to Meet the Dogs - Hubba Bubba
I don't think I have properly introduced my dogs to you and it is about time you learn who is in our pack.
Everyone has unique personalities with their own strengths that add to our little team. Not everyone will make the team to the Yukon, but no matter they all have a special place in my heart.
Starting with the eldest dog and working down to the youngest I will attempt to bring you into my world of canine joy.
Everyone has unique personalities with their own strengths that add to our little team. Not everyone will make the team to the Yukon, but no matter they all have a special place in my heart.
Starting with the eldest dog and working down to the youngest I will attempt to bring you into my world of canine joy.
Hubba Bubba
This big boy is from our friends the Wannamakers kennel. He wasn't a lover of long distance and they thought he might make a better small team or skijour dog.
Well, we've owned him almost 3 years and at 6 years old I'm still not sure what he wants to do.
He is a dog who thrives in a peaceful non-violent atmosphere... if anyone raises their voice he gets immediately stressed.
Hubba lives to please and craves loving.... ALL the time. His life would be complete if you could pet and stroke him 24/7.
As I mentioned already he is a big boy. Arnold should be his name as he has a rather large chest and shoulders, unfortunately he is a 'tad' over weight too. *I hang my head in shame*
The weight however is coming off with a diet and lots of exercise, so I'm not too worried about him.
I cannot decide if he loves to run or not. He seems to love running in a team and is an excellent leader when the moment presents itself... but he hates, HATES skijouring. I have yet to have a perfect run with him on skis... now.... I should maybe correct myself here with this... he does skijour with me in a non-stressed atmosphere out in the mountains, but in a race setting.. no way.
In fact he doesn't love to lead in a race either. He feels the excitement of the day and it stresses him out big time.
However he is an extremely fast dog, especially when he realizes he is heading back to the truck at a race... I've never flown so fast on skis!
So will he come to the Yukon with me?
Probably not. He is going to be doing some long distance running this winter, I think he loves me enough to want to please, and in the back country of the mountains where it is a calm relaxed run I'm pretty sure I can get him to run with us. But to race? I would have serious doubts he would be happy in that situation... but we have 2 race seasons to sort that out... you never know.
Of Dogs and Butterflies
My stomach is doing big time flip flops.
They call it having butterflies and I'm not sure why.
I think of butterflies as soft fluttering creatures that would almost tickle your insides if that is where they were floating about.
What I'm feeling is more like large toads pushing and fighting their way to find a more comfortable spot in my stomach.
I received an e-mail this morning that gave hint that there may only be 2 of us attending the Percy in 2014. I understand completely the reasoning for one lovely lady not attending, and then the other 2 as we have never gotten together with any of them as a group yet.
I'm pretty sure I still have 1 partner in crime, and my fingers are crossed this is to be. However I was also left with the realization that it could be just me attending.... and this is when the toads arrived, along with sweaty palms.
Doubt began to creep into my mind... can I really do this?
It's a huge undertaking for me.
We were suppose to all get together in Kimberly this weekend to learn more about Pulks and Pulka training... I've yet to try one... but they had to cancel the get together and move it to a later date.
I do live close enough to the wonderful family that was going to work with us that I can go up myself one weekend. Yet still sad as I was looking forward to getting together with everyone. I don't get much chance to talk 'dog' as I am sure the regular people I normally hang around with get tired or bored with my obsession.
Physically there is much to be done.
Early snows have helped with the dogs.
I just need to get myself to the gym and on my skis more often... I can do that.
Financially it's a giant undertaking.
But we always seem to find a way.
No excuses... I will push through all my doubt... I know I can do this. I know I can. I will.
It is going to be hard. This I know.
"It's suppose to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard ... is what makes it great."
They call it having butterflies and I'm not sure why.
I think of butterflies as soft fluttering creatures that would almost tickle your insides if that is where they were floating about.
What I'm feeling is more like large toads pushing and fighting their way to find a more comfortable spot in my stomach.
I received an e-mail this morning that gave hint that there may only be 2 of us attending the Percy in 2014. I understand completely the reasoning for one lovely lady not attending, and then the other 2 as we have never gotten together with any of them as a group yet.
I'm pretty sure I still have 1 partner in crime, and my fingers are crossed this is to be. However I was also left with the realization that it could be just me attending.... and this is when the toads arrived, along with sweaty palms.
Doubt began to creep into my mind... can I really do this?
It's a huge undertaking for me.
We were suppose to all get together in Kimberly this weekend to learn more about Pulks and Pulka training... I've yet to try one... but they had to cancel the get together and move it to a later date.
I do live close enough to the wonderful family that was going to work with us that I can go up myself one weekend. Yet still sad as I was looking forward to getting together with everyone. I don't get much chance to talk 'dog' as I am sure the regular people I normally hang around with get tired or bored with my obsession.
Physically there is much to be done.
Early snows have helped with the dogs.
I just need to get myself to the gym and on my skis more often... I can do that.
Financially it's a giant undertaking.
But we always seem to find a way.
No excuses... I will push through all my doubt... I know I can do this. I know I can. I will.
It is going to be hard. This I know.
"It's suppose to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard ... is what makes it great."
Saturday, November 10, 2012
First Team Run in the SNOW! on a SLED!
Finally!!
Snow! And LOTS of it too.
I've been waiting, and I will add, not very patiently to run the dogs with a sled. The thought had crossed my mind to take the dogs out on my own this morning, but because I had been told that the trails wouldn't be groomed until evening, I decided to wait.
That turned out to be a wise decision.
It was about 5:30 when Ray was home and able to help load dogs into the truck.
This is not an easy task when all the dogs are out in the yard. I usually stand in the driveway while Ray passes over the fence the lighter of the dogs.... yes... you read that correctly.. passes OVER the fence.
Rocky usually jumps up first, then Penny and Elly. Hubba and Rigby being way too heavy wait noisily for us to lead them by collar to the truck.
It would be easier if we let them out one or two at a time from their runs.. but the noise they make is just not worth it.
Rigby cried all the way to the trails... and cried the entire time we set up the drop chain and pulled the sled down. We decided to get the lines ready and hooked up to the sled... along with the snub line attached to the truck before letting the dogs out, and Rigby cried the entire time. And by cry what I mean is a loud screaming bark.
As I was pulling the snub line through the bar on the truck I remember thinking I'm sure this isn't how I did it last year.. but that thought quickly left my mind... silly me.
We dropped the dogs hooking them each to the drop chain. Rigby and Elly were beginning to get crazy with excitement which only heightened when harnesses were put on each one.
Rocky and Penny were hooked to the front while Ray held them tight. Elly was put in swing and as soon as she was hooked became animated jumping and barking to get going.
Coming around the truck I thought to myself.. I'll put Rigby on next as leaving him last might cause him to slip his head out of his collar... however I discovered quickly this choice wasn't any better.
Somehow he slipped his harness (not the first time I might add) and I had to grab him around the neck.
Now it would seem an easy thing to just hook his collar to the neck line and then put the harness back on him, and it would have been if he wasn't acting like a nut case. Who fed this dog speed???
Ray came over and had to just about sit on him so that we could get the harness back on him and hook him up. All the while the other 4 were barking and going nutty to get going.... Hubba of course crying out with panic and banging the truck as I'm sure he thought we had now forgotten about him.
Hubba was finally hooked to the team and didn't seem all that pleased that he had to be placed beside the crazy dog, Rigby, who was now out of his mind.
Oh... and just a side note... all of the above has happened in the dark... I did have my headlamp that must need batteries because I still could not see very well.
Ray jumped in the sled and I reached down and pulled the quick release.... yelled "hike!" and off we went..... no, wait, we are not moving..... why are we not going anywhere???
I look back and the quick release is caught on the truck... THAT is what I did wrong I put the wrong end through the bar.
So now ALL the dogs are screaming and pulling to go... and I have to now hold on to the sled, trying to keep one foot pressed down on the brake and lean back to pull the quick release through the small opening.
Not an easy to do when all that is running through your mind is, once this is out they are going to shoot off like a bullet and I'm only hanging on with one hand and not close to the sled either.
One of two things was going to happen.
1. I was going to be shot into the air as the team took off and land on my butt as I watched the crazy dogs take off at full speed without me.
or 2. I would still be hanging on but somehow be dragged in the odd position I found myself now... half laying down.
A miracle.. just as I released us Penny and Rocky had turned to see what was going on... I was given a 2 second grace period to stand upright and face forward.
Off we went.... and I'm pretty sure I could hear Rigby giggling with excitement.
Or was that me?
A great run.
No tangles.
Two pee brakes from Penny in which we all had to stop, so on the third one we put Elly in lead, and although she seemed a little hesitant, she did really well.
There is LOTS of snow out there which slowed the sled down a bit.. but was great for a first training run.
*Big smile on my face*
I LOVE winter... and am so glad we have been blessed with so much snow this early in the season.
Looking forward to heading out with the crew again this morning... craziness and all.
Snow! And LOTS of it too.
I've been waiting, and I will add, not very patiently to run the dogs with a sled. The thought had crossed my mind to take the dogs out on my own this morning, but because I had been told that the trails wouldn't be groomed until evening, I decided to wait.
That turned out to be a wise decision.
It was about 5:30 when Ray was home and able to help load dogs into the truck.
This is not an easy task when all the dogs are out in the yard. I usually stand in the driveway while Ray passes over the fence the lighter of the dogs.... yes... you read that correctly.. passes OVER the fence.
Rocky usually jumps up first, then Penny and Elly. Hubba and Rigby being way too heavy wait noisily for us to lead them by collar to the truck.
It would be easier if we let them out one or two at a time from their runs.. but the noise they make is just not worth it.
Rigby cried all the way to the trails... and cried the entire time we set up the drop chain and pulled the sled down. We decided to get the lines ready and hooked up to the sled... along with the snub line attached to the truck before letting the dogs out, and Rigby cried the entire time. And by cry what I mean is a loud screaming bark.
As I was pulling the snub line through the bar on the truck I remember thinking I'm sure this isn't how I did it last year.. but that thought quickly left my mind... silly me.
We dropped the dogs hooking them each to the drop chain. Rigby and Elly were beginning to get crazy with excitement which only heightened when harnesses were put on each one.
Rocky and Penny were hooked to the front while Ray held them tight. Elly was put in swing and as soon as she was hooked became animated jumping and barking to get going.
Coming around the truck I thought to myself.. I'll put Rigby on next as leaving him last might cause him to slip his head out of his collar... however I discovered quickly this choice wasn't any better.
Somehow he slipped his harness (not the first time I might add) and I had to grab him around the neck.
Now it would seem an easy thing to just hook his collar to the neck line and then put the harness back on him, and it would have been if he wasn't acting like a nut case. Who fed this dog speed???
Ray came over and had to just about sit on him so that we could get the harness back on him and hook him up. All the while the other 4 were barking and going nutty to get going.... Hubba of course crying out with panic and banging the truck as I'm sure he thought we had now forgotten about him.
Hubba was finally hooked to the team and didn't seem all that pleased that he had to be placed beside the crazy dog, Rigby, who was now out of his mind.
Oh... and just a side note... all of the above has happened in the dark... I did have my headlamp that must need batteries because I still could not see very well.
Ray jumped in the sled and I reached down and pulled the quick release.... yelled "hike!" and off we went..... no, wait, we are not moving..... why are we not going anywhere???
I look back and the quick release is caught on the truck... THAT is what I did wrong I put the wrong end through the bar.
So now ALL the dogs are screaming and pulling to go... and I have to now hold on to the sled, trying to keep one foot pressed down on the brake and lean back to pull the quick release through the small opening.
Not an easy to do when all that is running through your mind is, once this is out they are going to shoot off like a bullet and I'm only hanging on with one hand and not close to the sled either.
One of two things was going to happen.
1. I was going to be shot into the air as the team took off and land on my butt as I watched the crazy dogs take off at full speed without me.
or 2. I would still be hanging on but somehow be dragged in the odd position I found myself now... half laying down.
A miracle.. just as I released us Penny and Rocky had turned to see what was going on... I was given a 2 second grace period to stand upright and face forward.
Off we went.... and I'm pretty sure I could hear Rigby giggling with excitement.
Or was that me?
A great run.
No tangles.
Two pee brakes from Penny in which we all had to stop, so on the third one we put Elly in lead, and although she seemed a little hesitant, she did really well.
There is LOTS of snow out there which slowed the sled down a bit.. but was great for a first training run.
*Big smile on my face*
I LOVE winter... and am so glad we have been blessed with so much snow this early in the season.
Looking forward to heading out with the crew again this morning... craziness and all.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Here I Go
I've been lacking in keeping up with my 'blog' and for that I am terribly ashamed. *head hangs in shame*
It was decided awhile back that I would use this page to record and share what I have been doing to prepare and train for the Percy that I hope to attend in 2014.
The problem with me, is when I become discouraged, I tend to back away from any form of writing. Which only reminds me of how little I have done.
However if I am to take you, dear reader, on this adventure with me then I must be true with the ups AND the downs.
The word of the day, week, month(s) is discouraged.
I have been unable to meet up with the running group that I joined back in the spring. The timing was off and I thought I could do this on my own.
Nope.
I have not been keeping up with my daily runs and although I don't feel out of shape my eating habits this last month have been terrible!!!! Bad me!
The snows and ice have arrived making running a new experience, one that I plan to work on with 'Yaktrax' under my feet. I can do this, I WILL do this!
With snow comes the joy of my cross country skis... so although I do want to run at the very least once a week, I also need to get out on the trails with my skis.
As the snow increases (fingers crossed) I will be able to finally take my fur kids out as a team and begin their training in full swing. It has been hard owning only 1 scooter.. and our little quad has been out of commission... so there hasn't been an easy opportunity to run as a team yet... I'm dying with anticipation for my kids.
The biggest form of discouragement for me is not the physical training (we usually are not in full training mode until now as a rule anyway), but is the financial side of this adventure.
Raising dogs is an expensive hobby as most of you will know and it does not end with feeding and vet bills. Feeding however is expensive when you have dogs that participate in this form of activity, like any high endurance athlete they need a well balanced diet.
We have struck it lucky in the meat department this year however and a HUGE thank you must go out to a very wonderful family, the CHAPMANS, with their donation of last years meats from hunting... and a help in finding more from their hunter friends. Our freezer is nicely stocked and helps our grocery bill towards the dogs tremendously!
AND our vet became our first business sponsor! A giant shout out to the Didsbury Vet Clinic ... you have no idea how much you helped us out this season.. it's a massive relief in this household for sure.
Unfortunately there is still so much to raise money for.
Travel expenses are on going. We have no choice but to drive to our training locations... most of which are more than 2 hours away if we want any form of mileage under our runners. Races are also a day or two travel for us which also means accommodation and food for the humans.
The scariest expense for my big race in 16 months from now is the vehicle itself. We will most definitely need something newer that we can trust to get us north to Dawson City.
Lines, new skis (which are a big need this year), harnesses, booties for the dogs, clothing gear for me, a pulk, and so much more... all expenses that I have yet saved up for... gulp.
Discouraged... you bet.
I truly need a second job in order to obtain this dream, but if that were to happen I'm not sure when I would fit the training in for myself or the dogs.
So, you may ask, what is your next step?
Letters.
The writing of lots of letters looking for sponsorship in many forms. It seems to be the only way to get this dream up and running in full swing.
Once my dog boxes are painted we will have a ready canvass to advertise all our sponsors... I will even patch up my coats, ski pants, dog bags.. you name it.. we will be a roving advertisement board!
I love dog sledding and skijouring and wish it was a simple matter of just running dogs. Racing is also about business it seems. At least if you are wanting to go further with your dogs.
Sitting here watching the snow come down, dogs laying around being couch potatoes, I cannot wait for it to build up on the trails so that we can get on the runners again....
Money aside...
It was decided awhile back that I would use this page to record and share what I have been doing to prepare and train for the Percy that I hope to attend in 2014.
The problem with me, is when I become discouraged, I tend to back away from any form of writing. Which only reminds me of how little I have done.
However if I am to take you, dear reader, on this adventure with me then I must be true with the ups AND the downs.
The word of the day, week, month(s) is discouraged.
I have been unable to meet up with the running group that I joined back in the spring. The timing was off and I thought I could do this on my own.
Nope.
I have not been keeping up with my daily runs and although I don't feel out of shape my eating habits this last month have been terrible!!!! Bad me!
The snows and ice have arrived making running a new experience, one that I plan to work on with 'Yaktrax' under my feet. I can do this, I WILL do this!
With snow comes the joy of my cross country skis... so although I do want to run at the very least once a week, I also need to get out on the trails with my skis.
As the snow increases (fingers crossed) I will be able to finally take my fur kids out as a team and begin their training in full swing. It has been hard owning only 1 scooter.. and our little quad has been out of commission... so there hasn't been an easy opportunity to run as a team yet... I'm dying with anticipation for my kids.
The biggest form of discouragement for me is not the physical training (we usually are not in full training mode until now as a rule anyway), but is the financial side of this adventure.
Raising dogs is an expensive hobby as most of you will know and it does not end with feeding and vet bills. Feeding however is expensive when you have dogs that participate in this form of activity, like any high endurance athlete they need a well balanced diet.
We have struck it lucky in the meat department this year however and a HUGE thank you must go out to a very wonderful family, the CHAPMANS, with their donation of last years meats from hunting... and a help in finding more from their hunter friends. Our freezer is nicely stocked and helps our grocery bill towards the dogs tremendously!
AND our vet became our first business sponsor! A giant shout out to the Didsbury Vet Clinic ... you have no idea how much you helped us out this season.. it's a massive relief in this household for sure.
Unfortunately there is still so much to raise money for.
Travel expenses are on going. We have no choice but to drive to our training locations... most of which are more than 2 hours away if we want any form of mileage under our runners. Races are also a day or two travel for us which also means accommodation and food for the humans.
The scariest expense for my big race in 16 months from now is the vehicle itself. We will most definitely need something newer that we can trust to get us north to Dawson City.
Lines, new skis (which are a big need this year), harnesses, booties for the dogs, clothing gear for me, a pulk, and so much more... all expenses that I have yet saved up for... gulp.
Discouraged... you bet.
I truly need a second job in order to obtain this dream, but if that were to happen I'm not sure when I would fit the training in for myself or the dogs.
So, you may ask, what is your next step?
Letters.
The writing of lots of letters looking for sponsorship in many forms. It seems to be the only way to get this dream up and running in full swing.
Once my dog boxes are painted we will have a ready canvass to advertise all our sponsors... I will even patch up my coats, ski pants, dog bags.. you name it.. we will be a roving advertisement board!
I love dog sledding and skijouring and wish it was a simple matter of just running dogs. Racing is also about business it seems. At least if you are wanting to go further with your dogs.
Sitting here watching the snow come down, dogs laying around being couch potatoes, I cannot wait for it to build up on the trails so that we can get on the runners again....
Money aside...
THIS is why I do this in the first place.
Well... here goes nothing then... the adventure to be blogged.. the good and the bad, it all belongs together.
Here I Go.
signed, Rochelle, (yup, first time my names been mentioned on this sight) of Outback Huskies.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Fall, do you See what I See?
Fall is probably at the top of my list for favorite time of the year.
Everything is fresh.
The air is cooler with the nights becoming a little bit longer hosting skies that begin the dance of the Aurora Borealis.
A smell that is different.
Cleaner?
Fresh, crisp, alive.
Drying leaves, wet earth and warm apples fresh from the tree
There is a look that is... well, it looks... hmmm... the only way I can think of describing what I think of the way fall looks is to imagine a young boy fresh from crawling out from under a large pile of leaves. Cheeks red from the cool air, eyes sparkling with excitement after the leap into the soft yet crunchy bed that was laid out before him. A trusty canine friend running in circles around the boy, who is wearing a big woolie sweater with matching mittens and hat, tail wagging in anticipation for the next run.
Trees not quite bare but empty enough to let the fall sunlight come through, reflecting the light of the yellow and orange leaves that are still hanging on, reaching out for the last warm rays of sunshine.
Sounds change this time of year also. The leaves dance wildly bumping into each other as they work hard to hang on for just one more day. A sing song of leaf toe tapping which comes to a climax when they flutter down to the ground sending out one last hurrah with a little slap as they finally make contact.
Geese saying their farewell for another year and Chickadees coming together for a choir of melodies echoed by the crows that have shown up to sit on the tree tops are just a small sampling of the fall music that surrounds me every day.
The quiet laid back sounds of summer ever so slowly are drowned out by fall, the birds, the leaves all brought to life by the winds. A ruckus of sound that builds up only to be silenced after the first fall of snow.
This time of year also has taste.
No, I don't bend down and lick the ground or the trees. But I do LOVE the taste of pumpkin pie which I seem to only eat this time of the year.
The dogs also love this time of year. They are full of energy and craziness that is only subdued by a good run behind a scooter.
And who doesn't like a run in the cool mornings that we now wake up to?
Everything is fresh.
The air is cooler with the nights becoming a little bit longer hosting skies that begin the dance of the Aurora Borealis.
A smell that is different.
Cleaner?
Fresh, crisp, alive.
Drying leaves, wet earth and warm apples fresh from the tree
There is a look that is... well, it looks... hmmm... the only way I can think of describing what I think of the way fall looks is to imagine a young boy fresh from crawling out from under a large pile of leaves. Cheeks red from the cool air, eyes sparkling with excitement after the leap into the soft yet crunchy bed that was laid out before him. A trusty canine friend running in circles around the boy, who is wearing a big woolie sweater with matching mittens and hat, tail wagging in anticipation for the next run.
Trees not quite bare but empty enough to let the fall sunlight come through, reflecting the light of the yellow and orange leaves that are still hanging on, reaching out for the last warm rays of sunshine.
Sounds change this time of year also. The leaves dance wildly bumping into each other as they work hard to hang on for just one more day. A sing song of leaf toe tapping which comes to a climax when they flutter down to the ground sending out one last hurrah with a little slap as they finally make contact.
Geese saying their farewell for another year and Chickadees coming together for a choir of melodies echoed by the crows that have shown up to sit on the tree tops are just a small sampling of the fall music that surrounds me every day.
The quiet laid back sounds of summer ever so slowly are drowned out by fall, the birds, the leaves all brought to life by the winds. A ruckus of sound that builds up only to be silenced after the first fall of snow.
This time of year also has taste.
No, I don't bend down and lick the ground or the trees. But I do LOVE the taste of pumpkin pie which I seem to only eat this time of the year.
The dogs also love this time of year. They are full of energy and craziness that is only subdued by a good run behind a scooter.
And who doesn't like a run in the cool mornings that we now wake up to?
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
A Life With Purpose
Life began for this little fella as it does for any, one full of hope.
Dreams for a life of joy and happiness.
Parents Richard and Betty James could never have imagined the success their child would obtain. All from dropping tension springs.
His name?
Slinky
Do you have the tune from the 1960's commercial running through your head now?
"What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing!
Everyone knows it's Slinky."
You're welcome
Slinky found a home here in my house when my mom gave it to me as a gift.
About a month ago.
It makes plenty sense if you know me.
Something to maybe share with the kids I work with.
What fun! A great place for Slinky, joy, happiness, someone to play with him.
A toys perfect life.
Sadly this was not the ending to be for our dear little friend.
Instead he met his demise amongst my two youngest pups Elly and Rigby.
Dreams for a life of joy and happiness.
Parents Richard and Betty James could never have imagined the success their child would obtain. All from dropping tension springs.
His name?
Slinky
Do you have the tune from the 1960's commercial running through your head now?
"What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing!
Everyone knows it's Slinky."
You're welcome
Slinky found a home here in my house when my mom gave it to me as a gift.
About a month ago.
It makes plenty sense if you know me.
Something to maybe share with the kids I work with.
What fun! A great place for Slinky, joy, happiness, someone to play with him.
A toys perfect life.
Sadly this was not the ending to be for our dear little friend.
Instead he met his demise amongst my two youngest pups Elly and Rigby.
Slinky in his prime
Poor, poor Slinky
Tug o' War was the game played best with Slinky
Elly loved playing with Slinky
Chewing on Slinky
Watching the springs bounce as she chewed
Playing while resting your head on the arm of a couch creates the need for a nap
This Slinky no longer makes a Slinkity sound, but you can't say it's life was without purpose... I have two very happy pups.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Thanksgiving Weekends
Sitting outside with the dogs on a 'crisp' fall afternoon.
Yellow and orange leaves that lay around the yard dance in little circles as the breeze that rushes through kissing my cheeks sings it's song of shorter days and cooler nights.
I feel very much alive surrounded by my wonderful fur kids who each come to me to give little wet kisses on my chin and rub themselves against my legs looking for a cuddle, sharing their love. I smell the air which reminds me of pumpkin pies and childhood visions of being buried in piles of dry brittle leaves.
I also feel that scratchy sore throat feeling of the onset of a cold.
*sigh*
I hate colds. Was really hoping to avoid one. I rarely get them.
As I sit here I think to myself, "that's okay this fresh air will do it wonders" when, Whomp! I am struck with an incredibly clear memory of a Thanksgiving weekend 37 years ago.
Grade 6 and Mr. Thompson standing over my desk telling me that he did not agree that I should be allowed to go camping as I was too sick with a cold to do anything but lay around cuddled under a blanket. He was so believing of this that he wrote a note home to my mother.
Sorry Mr. Thompson but I had been looking forward to this weekend which consisted of just me and my Nana and Grandad in their little blue and white trailer.
It was my alone time with them and I was so excited to be going.
It was glorious. So much so that my memories are so very vivid.
Camping amongst the falling leaves of yellows, oranges and reds and the cold crisp air very much like today. Wearing a big woolly sweater and rubber boots as I played in the surrounding woods. Sitting around the fire with sing songs.
A gather of my grandparents friends as we pot luck a turkey dinner. Picnic tables lined up in one long row covered in checkered plastic table coverings. Blue melamine dishes.
Forgetting about my cold.
Feeling warm and loved and special.
I miss my grandparents deeply.
What I wouldn't give to be transported back to this time even for just 1 day.
I suppose I have been.
It is what I am most thankful for right now.
Thankful for the memories that I have been left with. Memories that I hold close to my heart
Yellow and orange leaves that lay around the yard dance in little circles as the breeze that rushes through kissing my cheeks sings it's song of shorter days and cooler nights.
I feel very much alive surrounded by my wonderful fur kids who each come to me to give little wet kisses on my chin and rub themselves against my legs looking for a cuddle, sharing their love. I smell the air which reminds me of pumpkin pies and childhood visions of being buried in piles of dry brittle leaves.
I also feel that scratchy sore throat feeling of the onset of a cold.
*sigh*
I hate colds. Was really hoping to avoid one. I rarely get them.
As I sit here I think to myself, "that's okay this fresh air will do it wonders" when, Whomp! I am struck with an incredibly clear memory of a Thanksgiving weekend 37 years ago.
Grade 6 and Mr. Thompson standing over my desk telling me that he did not agree that I should be allowed to go camping as I was too sick with a cold to do anything but lay around cuddled under a blanket. He was so believing of this that he wrote a note home to my mother.
Sorry Mr. Thompson but I had been looking forward to this weekend which consisted of just me and my Nana and Grandad in their little blue and white trailer.
It was my alone time with them and I was so excited to be going.
It was glorious. So much so that my memories are so very vivid.
Camping amongst the falling leaves of yellows, oranges and reds and the cold crisp air very much like today. Wearing a big woolly sweater and rubber boots as I played in the surrounding woods. Sitting around the fire with sing songs.
A gather of my grandparents friends as we pot luck a turkey dinner. Picnic tables lined up in one long row covered in checkered plastic table coverings. Blue melamine dishes.
Forgetting about my cold.
Feeling warm and loved and special.
I miss my grandparents deeply.
What I wouldn't give to be transported back to this time even for just 1 day.
I suppose I have been.
It is what I am most thankful for right now.
Thankful for the memories that I have been left with. Memories that I hold close to my heart
Thursday, September 27, 2012
You Gotta Love Huskies
When they are shedding you REALLY have to love your husky!
My Penny decided to wait until fall to lose last years winter coat.. and although this picture doesn't do it justice she looks so scraggly.
Walking through the house tufts of hair are left behind as though she is leaving a trail to follow back the way she came.
Yes she is ashamed... not of the mess she leaves behind but of the way she looks. Her whole life she has been called 'Pretty Penny' and she just doesn't know how to measure up to that name now that she looks like a rag tag. And before you suggest brushing her... I do... it matters not. After a grooming as she is walking away you can see chunks of hair poof out magically.
So for now as we wait for Penny to finish her blow we shall live, breath, wear and eat husky hair.
My Penny decided to wait until fall to lose last years winter coat.. and although this picture doesn't do it justice she looks so scraggly.
So for now as we wait for Penny to finish her blow we shall live, breath, wear and eat husky hair.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Attending a Sled Dog Seminar
OR
Attending a Meeting with Other DogNutty People
OR
10 Things I Learned This Weekend
The Gateway Sled Dog Club (Canadian Challenge) in Prince Albert hosted a Vet Education Seminar aimed at Sled Dogs this weekend.
Prince Albert Saskatchewan, an 8 hour drive North East for us.
A long drive for a 1 day seminar. A drive of nothing but wide open going on forever fields of wheat.
It was totally worth it.
I was able to meet others who were as invested in their dogs as I was, most of whom had years of experience under their belts. Ask questions and learn.
I love learning and when it comes to my dogs you can bet I was in my happy place.
Meeting Bart DeMarie and listening to his stories from the Yukon Quest Trail was an hour that could have been all morning for me. His brother Stefaan shared tons of helpful and very useful information with me as well.
Karen Ramstead was also a presenter this weekend and I was thrilled to be able to meet her. After following her mushing career for quite a few years it was in a small way almost like meeting a mushing 'rock star' to me. Karen has been an inspiration for me when it comes to dog sledding as a woman in a largely populated male world.
10. Winter can't come fast enough for me.
Attending a Meeting with Other Dog
OR
10 Things I Learned This Weekend
The Gateway Sled Dog Club (Canadian Challenge) in Prince Albert hosted a Vet Education Seminar aimed at Sled Dogs this weekend.
Prince Albert Saskatchewan, an 8 hour drive North East for us.
A long drive for a 1 day seminar. A drive of nothing but wide open going on forever fields of wheat.
It was totally worth it.
I was able to meet others who were as invested in their dogs as I was, most of whom had years of experience under their belts. Ask questions and learn.
I love learning and when it comes to my dogs you can bet I was in my happy place.
Meeting Bart DeMarie and listening to his stories from the Yukon Quest Trail was an hour that could have been all morning for me. His brother Stefaan shared tons of helpful and very useful information with me as well.
Karen Ramstead was also a presenter this weekend and I was thrilled to be able to meet her. After following her mushing career for quite a few years it was in a small way almost like meeting a mushing 'rock star' to me. Karen has been an inspiration for me when it comes to dog sledding as a woman in a largely populated male world.
Karen is a wonderful speaker and just like Bart her time speaking was way too short.
Ruth Sims was the Vet who spoke of dog sledding injuries and dehydration, what to look for and helping the dog with massage. There was also talk of what a sled dog should weigh and how to determine the perfect body on the dog... information that interested me greatly as we try ever so hard to get Hubba to lose weight.
Yes, I learned lots this weekend... which I will sum up in my top 10 list....
1. I have a couple chubby (fat) sled dogs who need to lose a few pounds.
2. Long and mid distance mushers are a very laid back group of people.
3. That I will most likely find open water and jumble ice on the Yukon River when I'm there
4. I'm VERY excited about my adventure in 2014.
5. I do not like driving through Saskatoon... drivers here in this province are way too aggressive.
6. Saskatchewan nights on the prairies are very dark.
7. Never, NEVER camp beside the loading door of Walmart.
8. Tea made over a camp stove tastes the best..
9. I LOVE my -50 sleeping bag. Especially with the cold clear night here in Prince Albert.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Mid Life Crisis
However it has lots of meaning for me.
I suppose you could call it a mid-life crisis what with the fact that I am turning 50 in less than 2 years, but it is much more than that.
The tattoo itself represents my learning not to care what others think of me.
I am me and will not/ cannot change who I am. Either you accept me or you don't, that is your choice not mine.
It represents my dogs, obviously, and even though I used Rigby as the face it is in memory of any dog who has been with me throughout my life.
Family dogs as a child and dogs in my own home as an adult. Dogs that are no longer here on earth with me, but in my heart, and dogs that cover me in kisses every day.
Rigby's face embodies the focus that he was born with. An extremely focused dog which is something I dig deep for as I prepare myself mentally and physically for the big race in 2014.
I'm also pretty sure he will be one of three dogs along with me in the Yukon.
This tattoo also represents the dog powered sports that I love so much. Be it behind the dogs with the belt and my own power of feet, muscle and cardio, or on a scooter, sled or skis... It is the fun and joy I share with my dogs.
Lastly it is all about adventure.
Adventures that are all about the life we lead, allow ourselves to lead.
Now that I've hit my mid life it is ALL about adventure. Whether it is going for a tattoo, running dogs in the mountains, attending sprint races, running 5K foot races or taking an incredible job in a middle school, it is all an adventure.
And I'm out to find more!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
What is Summer Vacation
The weather has been amazing this July.
I don't think we've had a summer like this for a very long time.
This is also the first summer in about 7 years that I've not worked... lazy mornings hanging outside with my dogs, coffee in hand.
Cleaning, or rather purging, my house of 'things'
Coffee with good friends.
Lunches with my awesome sister.
Visit with my wonderful mommy.
So far, it's been quiet, laid back and extremely stress free.
I only wish there was water and a beach involved in my daily routine, but alas the prairies are somewhat void of this iconic summer location.
That all said.... I long for the cooler mornings so that my fur kids and I can head out to begin our training.
I'm itching to get them running again.
AND I can hardly wait to be on the runners and skis behind my beautiful babies.
Don't get me wrong.. I love summer as much as any summer lover does.
I just find I get so bored. As I'm sure my dogs are as well.... nothing to do but lay around and chew on ice blocks of kibble or bones.
There seems to be no purpose to our days.
Unless my purpose is to drink lots of caffeine, have dinners made for the hubby when he gets home (which is a treat for me too.. no more 8pm suppers) and to play with dogs all day long.
If that's not it then I'm having a purposeless summer.
Maybe I'll feel differently in August... the month my son and daughter will be home!!!!
I don't think we've had a summer like this for a very long time.
This is also the first summer in about 7 years that I've not worked... lazy mornings hanging outside with my dogs, coffee in hand.
Cleaning, or rather purging, my house of 'things'
Coffee with good friends.
Lunches with my awesome sister.
Visit with my wonderful mommy.
So far, it's been quiet, laid back and extremely stress free.
I only wish there was water and a beach involved in my daily routine, but alas the prairies are somewhat void of this iconic summer location.
That all said.... I long for the cooler mornings so that my fur kids and I can head out to begin our training.
I'm itching to get them running again.
AND I can hardly wait to be on the runners and skis behind my beautiful babies.
Don't get me wrong.. I love summer as much as any summer lover does.
I just find I get so bored. As I'm sure my dogs are as well.... nothing to do but lay around and chew on ice blocks of kibble or bones.
There seems to be no purpose to our days.
Unless my purpose is to drink lots of caffeine, have dinners made for the hubby when he gets home (which is a treat for me too.. no more 8pm suppers) and to play with dogs all day long.
If that's not it then I'm having a purposeless summer.
Maybe I'll feel differently in August... the month my son and daughter will be home!!!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Really? At Your Age?
Yes, really, at my age!
Someone asked me this today after I announced I was getting my tattoo.
My age.
I do not feel my age... I do not look my age... I do not act my age... what is age but a number anyway.
It's all in how you live your life within these numbers that really counts.
So I plan on...
Making new friends.
Hanging out at a park and playing on the swings.
Going to rock concerts, then coming home and listening to my music... LOUD!
Playing with my dogs in the yard.. on the ground, on all fours.. in the dirt, or the mud, or the snow.
Making snow angles.
Going to parties.
Acting crazy or silly with the kids.
Dressing how I want to dress (unless the boss has asked you to cover up a shirt.. hehe)
Dog sled, run road races, skijour, downhill ski, rollerblade, hike, ride the roller coaster, floats on the Bow...
in general go fast.. live fast... have fun...
and love.
Love my family
My parents, my siblings, my husband, my kids.. my in-lawish family, aunts, uncles, cousins..
Everyone... Love them now 'cause they could be gone tomorrow.
Love my life
My home, my job, my friends, my hobbies, everything about my life.. even the hard times because it is what makes me who I am.
Having said all that is it really important how old I am?
Besides... how old do you think I am?
Someone asked me this today after I announced I was getting my tattoo.
My age.
I do not feel my age... I do not look my age... I do not act my age... what is age but a number anyway.
It's all in how you live your life within these numbers that really counts.
So I plan on...
Making new friends.
Hanging out at a park and playing on the swings.
Going to rock concerts, then coming home and listening to my music... LOUD!
Playing with my dogs in the yard.. on the ground, on all fours.. in the dirt, or the mud, or the snow.
Making snow angles.
Going to parties.
Acting crazy or silly with the kids.
Dressing how I want to dress (unless the boss has asked you to cover up a shirt.. hehe)
Dog sled, run road races, skijour, downhill ski, rollerblade, hike, ride the roller coaster, floats on the Bow...
in general go fast.. live fast... have fun...
and love.
Love my family
My parents, my siblings, my husband, my kids.. my in-lawish family, aunts, uncles, cousins..
Everyone... Love them now 'cause they could be gone tomorrow.
Love my life
My home, my job, my friends, my hobbies, everything about my life.. even the hard times because it is what makes me who I am.
Having said all that is it really important how old I am?
Besides... how old do you think I am?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
MY Perfect Life
I am full.
Happy.
Not everything is perfect... show me a perfect life and you'll see boring.
Oh yes there are times I would love to live boring... who doesn't?
I am surrounded by family who supports and loves me.. although there are times I wish they lived closer.
My world is filled with doggy love, which is the best kind ever... full of adventure and naughtiness.
A perfect job with awesome co-workers... and amazing kids.
A roof over my head... even though it leaks in places it's mine.
As I sat here writing this my two younger pups came running up to me and knocked me down to kiss me tails wagging. Laughing as I sat up Rigby started singing to me in his rather loud voice with a big smile on his face.
Now if that doesn't add to my perfect life I don't know what would?
I cannot wait to begin full fledged training with these two. They love me unconditionally and would do anything for me. I sense an amazing adventure awaiting for us.
Working hard at getting myself into shape, and having completed my first ever 5K race, it is becoming clear that this 100 mile undertaking on skis is a dream turning into reality.
Happy.
Not everything is perfect... show me a perfect life and you'll see boring.
Oh yes there are times I would love to live boring... who doesn't?
I am surrounded by family who supports and loves me.. although there are times I wish they lived closer.
My world is filled with doggy love, which is the best kind ever... full of adventure and naughtiness.
A perfect job with awesome co-workers... and amazing kids.
A roof over my head... even though it leaks in places it's mine.
As I sat here writing this my two younger pups came running up to me and knocked me down to kiss me tails wagging. Laughing as I sat up Rigby started singing to me in his rather loud voice with a big smile on his face.
Now if that doesn't add to my perfect life I don't know what would?
I cannot wait to begin full fledged training with these two. They love me unconditionally and would do anything for me. I sense an amazing adventure awaiting for us.
Working hard at getting myself into shape, and having completed my first ever 5K race, it is becoming clear that this 100 mile undertaking on skis is a dream turning into reality.
If you want something bad enough, and you're willing to make sacrifices, you can do it.
But first
You have to believe in yourself.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Summer? Helloooo Summer???
Not sure what happened to our weather this year.
Winter decided to keep it's distance.
And now summer has made itself scarce.
I will admit we've had humidity... and we are not used to that where we live.
Not high humidity mind you, but warm enough that I cannot run the dogs with the scooter.
I decided to run by myself this morning at 6... and I was sweating buckets by the time I was done... There is no way my fur kids would have done it.... well, they would have, and would have happily... at least until the heat hit them, and then that would have been the end of it.
My dogs trust me to not over do it with them... and heat with my kids is an over do.... I suppose it is their summer holidays too.
As I write this it is about 12 degrees... and raining... but it feels colder.
If this is what we've been dealt then the snows might as well come.
Bring on winter so I can work on training my pups..... I cannot wait to get started.
Winter better happen this year... or.... or.... well.... or else!
I shared this bumper sticker on facebook, and thought it worthy to put here... our 'girl' team for Percy needs a name... and I'm wondering if Mush Girls would work.. or Mushing Mamas?
Winter decided to keep it's distance.
And now summer has made itself scarce.
I will admit we've had humidity... and we are not used to that where we live.
Not high humidity mind you, but warm enough that I cannot run the dogs with the scooter.
I decided to run by myself this morning at 6... and I was sweating buckets by the time I was done... There is no way my fur kids would have done it.... well, they would have, and would have happily... at least until the heat hit them, and then that would have been the end of it.
My dogs trust me to not over do it with them... and heat with my kids is an over do.... I suppose it is their summer holidays too.
As I write this it is about 12 degrees... and raining... but it feels colder.
If this is what we've been dealt then the snows might as well come.
Bring on winter so I can work on training my pups..... I cannot wait to get started.
Winter better happen this year... or.... or.... well.... or else!
I shared this bumper sticker on facebook, and thought it worthy to put here... our 'girl' team for Percy needs a name... and I'm wondering if Mush Girls would work.. or Mushing Mamas?
Sunday, June 24, 2012
One Week to Go!!!
Met up with the 'Wonder Woman', AKA, leader of the running group and her husband this morning.
Sunday morning and no one else ventured out to join us.. at least not at the time we ran. Sundays are suppose to be for staying snuggled under the blankets enjoying the comfort of a soft warm bed.
I wish.
Even if I didn't have dogs that needed to be loved and cuddled and fed.
Even if I didn't have plans to run.
I just cannot sleep in. Sadly it is not in my genetic makeup... nor is it wired in my brain properly to allow me such pleasures.
So, I might as well head out and go for a run... why not?
I ran 5K again this morning, however I decided that I would continue to run 10 minutes with a 1 minute break in between. Figured I might as well get used to this before moving on.. .makes sense right? I thought so too....
That is until my hubby asked me what we had planned for next weekend...
I saunter over to the calendar, thinking there were no plans that I could remember.... slowly my finger moves to Saturday June 23rd.... uh... no.. wait.. that was yesterday!!
Next weekend is the 5K road race that I've entered!!!
Yikes!!!
Panic sets in.
My heart rate rises and I'm standing still!
Butterflies come alive deep down in my stomach.
How did July 1st come so quickly???
Breathe
I can do this.
Piece of cake... I have 4 more days that I can run before Sunday..
I can and I will run the entire route without stopping..
I can
I can
Sunday morning and no one else ventured out to join us.. at least not at the time we ran. Sundays are suppose to be for staying snuggled under the blankets enjoying the comfort of a soft warm bed.
I wish.
Even if I didn't have dogs that needed to be loved and cuddled and fed.
Even if I didn't have plans to run.
I just cannot sleep in. Sadly it is not in my genetic makeup... nor is it wired in my brain properly to allow me such pleasures.
So, I might as well head out and go for a run... why not?
I ran 5K again this morning, however I decided that I would continue to run 10 minutes with a 1 minute break in between. Figured I might as well get used to this before moving on.. .makes sense right? I thought so too....
That is until my hubby asked me what we had planned for next weekend...
I saunter over to the calendar, thinking there were no plans that I could remember.... slowly my finger moves to Saturday June 23rd.... uh... no.. wait.. that was yesterday!!
Next weekend is the 5K road race that I've entered!!!
Yikes!!!
Panic sets in.
My heart rate rises and I'm standing still!
Butterflies come alive deep down in my stomach.
How did July 1st come so quickly???
Breathe
I can do this.
Piece of cake... I have 4 more days that I can run before Sunday..
I can and I will run the entire route without stopping..
I can
I can
I can
I can!!!
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