"When is the the last time you did something for the first time?"

At my company's annual meeting in December 2012 a Senior leader who I look up to asked, "When is the last time you did something for the first time?" I thought this was a great way to look at our everyday lives and challenge ourselves to get outside of our box. Since that meeting, I have done a few things for the first time, such as we expanded our family to include another dog. This was a big decision for us and the transition has been somewhat smoother than I expected. This reminds me that the stories we often make in our mind our much worse than reality. However, just last week I was given the opportunity to really do something for the first time. My first reaction was, I can't do that, I am not qualified, I am not smart enough then after it all sunk in...I thought this is such a wonderful opportunity, I can learn so much, share my ideas, expand my network, enhance my leadership skills and add additional stamps in my passport all in a controlled setting! I accepted the invitation and I will be joining a 2 week delegation to Argentina and Uruguay during the month of June. I will be traveling with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). A little about the program: Throughout the year, the ACYPL Outreach Manager contacts nominees to invite them to participate in upcoming international exchanges. Seven to 10 individuals are selected for each American delegation, and are notified 4-8 weeks prior to departure. All travel, hotels, and food costs are covered by ACYPL. As I have shared this news, the most often asked question is, " What/Who is ACYPL?" ACYPL is a nonpartisan NGO internationally recognized as the pre-eminent catalyst for introducing rising political and policy professionals to international affairs and to each other. Their mission is to promote mutual understanding, respect and friendship and cultivate long lasting relationships among next generation leaders. This opportunity has invigorated me, encouraged me to update my blog and I can't wait to see what the actual trip experience will do for my everyday outlook on life.

Slim the Wonder Iguana

Healthy Malilbu Slim the Green Iguana

Slim's 2nd place poster for the HSUS contest


Slim's X-ray 8/16/11 - What the heck is it?

Bladder stone that was removed from Slim's bladder 08/19/11

Slim home at Gold Creek with her first meal after surgery

I am not a reptile expert, so I am watching her closely and hoping she has a quick recovery. However, I am told Iguanas do not heal quickly. She gets her stitches out 14 days after her surgery. She still isn't eating her greens, but I can get her to eat bread and raspberries which are "treats." I am hiding her liquid medicine in the bread and this seems to be working. Any tips on helping an iguana heal after surgery, I am all ears!

Great photos of the type of surgery Slim had: http://www.lbah.com/reptile/iguanastone.htm

This is Indigo Speaking - if Indigo could speak/write!

Thursday began like any other usual day, mom and dad left for work and I occupied myself in the backyard. Pacing, sleeping, eating, sun bathing and napping. However, when they came home they seemed to be frantic (in a good way) and moving so quickly. Dad packed up the car, they put my overnight bed in the backseat and hoisted me in the car. WE WERE OFF! Hey, where are we going it is only Thursday night! I tried to look out the window, but when the freeway moves by so quickly my tummy begins to turn, so I lied down and closed my eyes. When I opened them, I had no clue where we were. We weren't heading to grandma and grandpa's, this isn't the way to doggy daycare either. We couldn't be going camping, we usually take the truck and we tow some big box like thing behind the truck. Oh I know, this looks like the way to Chavi's house, yes we are going to see Chavi and that other "dog" who kicks/stomps the ground and looks silly. Oh wait, dad, "You missed the 65 exit. You have to turn here to go to Chavi's house in Lincoln." Dad never listens, he must know another way to get there. I will stretch out and enjoy the ride. Wow, I think I was asleep for a long time, where are we? I have never been here, never ever. Okay out I go, looks like a new house to smell. This house is FULL of dog smells, and there is someone elses dog bed, water/food bowls on the ground. Mom says it is okay, so let's try out this new dog bed. It seems kinda cozy, but kinda smelly - I wonder who slept here last time! I hear mom and dad talking, we are in Lake Tahoe. Umm, I wonder if this is a good place to be! OH YES IT IS!!! We were on a long weekend in Lake Tahoe, North Shore. Let me share some of my fabulous weekend with you.

Friday morning we went on a long walk (long for me) to the Coon Street dog Park and I got to see this LAKE everyone was talking about. Lake Tahoe sure is pretty, it seems to sparkle. We stopped at a bakery called Scraps and I got to pick out some snacks. Here is the before and the during photos of me enjoying my cannelloni at the park near the lake.

After my snacks, we walked to a burger joint and mom and dad ordered lunch. We all sat outside and the cute waitress brought me my OWN bowl of water and dog treats. I think I like this place, they call Lake Tahoe!

Friday late afternoon, Cousin Kristen came up to Lake Tahoe and we all went to Yappy Hour. Yes, I got to go to Yappy Hour at the Ritz Carlton. I got this bowl of goodness, I never tasted a better cocktail. It was beef flavored water and I think I went to heaven for a short moment!! Mom and Kristen were laughing and enjoying something called a Rum River Cocktail. Part of the profit from my mocktail and the cocktails when to help the Truckee Humane Society. Dad seemed to enjoy his ice water(s) and I think he called himself the DD. However, I am not sure what a DD is.. Hope it is a good thing!
Late Friday night mom and dad's friends joined us. Saturday we all got in the cars and went to breakfast (we sat outside, so I could join them) and then we went for a long walk. Mom pushed me around and I got to see all the sights without wearing out my legs/hips! I enjoy sticking my head out the top and surprising people when they walk by the "baby" stroller. I think we could make some money in advertising, with my good looks and mom's smarts! Many people chased us down asking where we bought our fancy dog stroller. I heart my dog stroller, it lets me join mom and dad for longer walks and trips than my "senior" body would allow. The other stroller thing, has my buddy Brayden in it. If you hang out with him, he always drops his snacks and you can share with him!

This is me on our way home! I was tired! Lake Tahoe was FUN, but there was no time for my usual daily naps and you have to keep one eye open, because you never know when a sneak attack is coming from Brayden!

I must say, "I think I have a pretty cool life and I owe it all to Northern CA Weimaraner Rescue for giving me a 2nd chance and finding me a new forever home!" Thank you NCWR!!

Schedule [skej-ool, -ool, -oo-uhl; Brit. shed-yool, shej-ool]

I took the are you over scheduled quiz and my result was:

A Little Overscheduled: You're not in serious trouble, but you could be doing better. You appear to be a little overscheduled, and it could be affecting some areas of your life. You should be able to reduce some stress by using the resources below.
Resources for a Balanced Life:
Power Napping and The Importance of Sleep Learn how a lack of sleep can make you less productive and more stressed, and find ways of scheduling more sleep for yourself.
The Benefits of Assertiveness Learning assertiveness communication techniques can help you reduce stress in your life and clear your schedule. Learn how!
The Importance of Self Care Constantly putting yourself last on the list (or are you even on the list?) can backfire. Learn how, and see what you can do in the way of caring for yourself, too.
Stress and Nutrition Poor nutrition can actually cause stress, and ironically, the stressed and busy usually aren't the ones eating right! Learn how you can have a healthier diet and keep stress levels low.
Stress Relief with Exercises Exercise keeps you healthy and attractive, and reduces stress. Learn why and how you should work in a workout.
Mess = Stress Is your home a sanctuary from stress--or a cause of it? Learn why clutter can cause stress, and find out how to keep your home ordered and serene.

Are you over scheduled? I must say I tend to be happiest with a full schedule. At times it can become overwhelming, but it usually tends to work out. I use to be more of a people pleaser, but now I try to focus on what provides additional positive experiences to my life. Being able to say "no" to a scheduling invitation because time does not permit or you are not interest is a very good skill to have.
Tips for saying no:
STEP 1: You can begin by saying any of the following:
Thank you for the invitation, but...
I'm so sorry, but...
I would love to go, but...
I would like to go, but
That sounds great, but...
I wish I could, but...
Thank you for thinking of me, but...
STEP 2:
Then, you give your excuse.
If you want to, tell the person why. You can also say no without giving specific information. Here is what you can say:
I already have plans. (Also, I've got plans.)
I'm booked.
I won't be able to come
STEP 3:
You can stop the conversation if you want to, or you can suggest a future event: Can I/we _________ another time? For example, Can I meet with you another time? or Can we get together later? This means that you will do something together in the future. You do not have to be specific at the moment.

However, at other times I wish I could be in two places at once! Unfortunately, when I try to do this it does not always work out the way I imagined it. It can often become rushed, hectic and overwhelming and you are not able to enjoy either of your engagements, because you are rushing from one to another. I am getting better about declining the 2nd offer and enjoying what I already agreed to do. Overall, enjoy what you commitment to and review your schedule often and make sure you always find room for those friends, family and priorities most important to you.

Are you over scheduled? Take the the Quiz http://http://stress.about.com/library/overscheduled/bl_overscheduled_quiz.htm

Homeless Pets

I have a passion to help homeless animals find forever homes. However, if a dog has someone who loves it, but no home is it still a homeless pet? This week I was in San Francisco and I have become obsessed with homeless people who have pets. Outside the window of my plush hotel room on Market and 4th Street, there was a couple who used the same doorway every evening for their night of rest. The first time I glimpsed them out the window, I instantly thought what a tough life it is to be homeless and fight to survive everyday. THEN I peeked out the window again and this couple had a dog snuggled up with them. Now I became obsessed with watching them out the window and interact with their dog. When they woke for the day, they packed up their belongings, folded their blankets and walked away with their dog following behind them. My heart just broke, obviously this dog is loved, but he is homeless. I am use to homeless dogs (shelter dogs, foster dogs) who do not have owners/families, but this dog has owners but is still homeless. The dog wore a shirt and a hat and seemed to be very well behaved. The next night I peeked out my window at 3am and sure enough the same couple and their dog were sleeping in the doorway. I watched them out the window like a peeping Tom and watched my own reality show unfold every evening and morning. If I woke in the middle of the night I was compelled to peek out the window and see if the dog and his people were in the doorway. Sure enough without fail every night they arrived and every morning they packed up and took off who knows where. I can tell the dog is loved, but it breaks my heart when I think of all the "extras" my dog receives, high-end dog food, treats, baths, flea treatments and medical visits when needed. This "homeless" dog has the bare minimum of what any animals wants, LOVE and time with their people. I wanted to help this dog, but he may not need my help, he has more than many backyard dogs will ever get daily love, long walks and snuggling with his people every night. What are your thoughts on homeless pets who have people who love them? "This blurry picture was taken from my hotel room of the homeless dog and his people that I kept watch over for the last 3 nights. She is loving the dog here with head rubs and he is packing up their blankets and belonging for the day."

The Art of a Thank You Note

Questions I have been pondering: Are Thank You Notes outdated? Does an e-mailed thank you replace a hard copy thank you note? Where did Dawn get those darn cute thank you cards? How did Melissa send out personalized (w/ photos no less) thank you cards the day after the event happened?...
I take pride in writing thank you notes, however, I am human. I have been known to forget them all together or have great expectations to send out "super cute" homemade thank you cards and it never happens. I usually enjoy sitting down to write thank you notes. It allows me to reminisce about what I experienced, who did what or who purchased what gifts. This gives me time to sit and enjoy the experience one more time. Life often runs by too quickly and this alone time lets me take it in at my own pace, with my own thoughts. Example: Wow, what a great friend, she totally went above and beyond or I can't believe she totally gets me and not often, but I must admit I have those moments when I think: I am grateful, but what do I write? You shouldn't have, no really I mean it, you shouldn't have. I am being honest and I am sure we have all had those moments. This is why I am a fan of gift registries. I would prefer to buy you something you want than guess. However, if I take the time to check your registry, I will admit I do watch the mail box for the thank you note that follows. Is this wrong, are my expectations too high? How do you feel about thank you notes? I remember my mom forcing me to write thank you notes as a child and I now want to thank her for giving me what I feel is a great skill to have in my tool box.

I wanted to share this information I found online at The Art of Manliness, http://artofmanliness.com/ Re: Thank You Notes and Men
Gratitude is a virtue every man should cultivate. Yet gratitude means nothing if you haven’t mastered the art of expressing it. A man should use every opportunity to express to those around him how much he appreciates their love, support, and generosity. One of the key ways of expressing gratitude is the thank you note. Unfortunately, many men today completely overlook this aspect of etiquette and consequently, break the hearts of sweet little grandmas everywhere. Every gentlemen should be knowledgeable of the when’s and how’s of writing thank you notes. Being a frequent and skillful writer of them will set you apart from your uncouth peers.

When to write a thank you note:
-When you receive a gift (Especially if the gift is from your Italian grandma. If you don’t write a thank you note, she’ll put the moloch on you.)
-When someone performs an act of service for you.
-When someone goes above and beyond what is asked of them, whether at work or in a friendship.
-After a job interview.
-When you stay overnight at someone’s home.
-If someone shows you around their town or city when you’re vacationing there, regardless of whether you stayed at their home or not.
-When someone has you over for dinner.
-When someone throws a party of event for you.
-Anytime someone does something extraordinary that warms your heart. Don’t be stingy with the thank you note. There’s never a wrong time to write one.

Ground Rules
1. Always write the note as soon as possible. Send it within two weeks of attending the event or receiving the gift.
2. Send it through the mail. Email thank you’s are certainly convenient, but except in response to very small things, they are not appropriate. Some may say, “Well, a thank you is a thank you. Why does it matter what form it takes?” Sending a thank you note through the mail shows effort. It shows that you took the time to put pen to paper, addressed an envelope, and bought a stamp. It’s tangible; they can touch it, hold it, and display it on the mantle. It makes your thank you far more sincere.
3. Use real stationary. Having to run to the store to buy a card every time you need to write a thank you note will make you drag your feet about writing them. So invest in some nice looking stationary. It doesn’t have to be fancy; buy something with a neutral, conservative theme so that the cards can be used for a variety of occasions.

If You Need More Help: How to Write a Thank You Card
1. Begin by expressing your gratitude for the gift/service. You’re opener is simple: “Thank you very much for ______________.” If the gift was money, use a euphemism for it. Instead of “thank you for the dough,” say “thank you for your kindness/generosity/gift.”
2. Mention specific details about how you plan to use a gift or what you enjoyed about an experience. If you are thanking someone for holding an event like a party or dinner, be specific about what you enjoyed about it. If you are thanking someone for a gift, tell the note’s recipient how you plan to use it. This is true even for a monetary gift; tell the giver what you plan to spend it on or what you’re saving for.
3. For some recipients, add some news about your life. This isn’t always appropriate; obviously if you’re writing a thank you note for say, a job interview, you don’t want to tell them how you recently caught a two foot bass. But if you receive a gift in the mail from people who see you infrequently and who would like to know more about what’s going on in your life (read: your grandparents), give a brief sketch about what you’ve been up to recently. You know Aunt Myrtle will love it.
4. Close by referencing the past and alluding to the future. If the person gave you the gift at a recent event, write, “It was great to see you at Christmas.” Then say, “I hope we all can get together again next year.” If the person sent the gift in the mail, and you see them infrequently, simply write “I hope to see you soon.”
5. Repeat your thanks. “Thank you again for the gift,” makes the perfect last line.
6. Valediction. Valedictions are the words or phrases that come before your name. The hardest part of a thank you note is often choosing a valediction that appropriately conveys the level of your relationship with the recipient. “Love” can sometimes seem too gushy and “Sincerely” can seem too formal. If your affections fall somewhere between those two expressions, here are some neutral valedictions that can fit a wide variety of situations and relationships:
Yours Truly
Truly Yours
Kindest Regards
Warmest Regards
Best Regards
Respectfully

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to write out thank you cards and send them via the US postal system. I for one appreciate them and hope to see the trend of parents forcing their children to write thank you notes continue, in the long run it is a useful skill set to have on-hand. I currently have 2 thank you notes sitting on my desk, because I enjoy seeing them. "Natasha yours is one of them, I love the glitter cards and to think you had a liver transplant and still found the time to send out a thank you card!" I hope this post gave you something to think about, taught you something new or encouraged you to appreciate thank you notes.

Cheers,
Crystal

What Dogs Eat

Since we lost George our home has not been the same. However, Indigo felt the quiet and sadness was too much to endure so she went and made herself sick. I have not been motivated to write lately and I am overwhelmed with vet bills. Indigo has just made it back to normal after many days of multiple medicines, trips to doggy daycare and wearing clothes to keep her away from her incision site.


Timeline:


Tuesday, April 26 George goes into the hospital


Thursday, April 28 George comes home


Friday, April 29 George goes back at 9:20pm to be put to sleep


SADNESS BEGINS, Diesel Ann goes into mourning.. House isn't the same without George to greet you and make you smile.


Sunday, May 15 - Something isn't right, Indigo is trying to vomit and keeps coughing.. acting strangely but wants to eat. I consider bloat, but this is different. She is licking the carpet, trying to eat fabric softener sheets and just being weird. We take her in for an 8pm vet appt.


x-rays show staples in her belly, but she can pass those on her own. Leave her overnight for the vet to run a scope down her throat to check it out.


Vet calls at 3:30 AM to tell us there was lots of grass and plant like material down her throat and she was able to pull it all out. Indigo can go home in the morning.


Monday, May 16 Follow-up xray shows staples still in the belly and things have not moved AT ALL. Concerned they want to keep her until 1pm and do another x-ray.


Vet calls in the afternoon and advises nothing has moved, she would like to do exploratory surgery ($$$) that evening. OF COURSE, do what you need to.


9:3pm call comes that she was able to remove a large amount of grass/hair from her stomach. The wad was so large she had to cut a silver dollar size hole in her stomach to pull it out in one batch. They saved it for us in a Ziploc since it was so large and they passed it around the office.






Indigo now begins to recover, she gets antsy and does not want to be in a cage (she has cage aggression), they ask us to take her home early with very close care at home.



Tuesday, May 17 Indigo comes home with MANY meds. Some every 4 hours and others every 2 hours or twice per day. One has to be 30 minutes before the other and one has to be smashed up and another has to be swallowed whole.. I was stressed about what to give when and she could not be left alone. I slept on the couch with Indigo on the floor, so I could hear her move and she could easily make it outside to potty.


Wednesday, May 18 My Dad stays at my house with Indigo (must give meds with all the crazy instructions, i left post it notes everywhere)


Thursday, May 19 My Mom stays at my house with Indigo


Friday, May 20 I stayed home with Indigo


Saturday, May 21-Sunday, May22 Cancel all weekend plans to care for Indigo and keep her quiet at home


Monday, May 23 - Friday, May 27 Drive her to Elk Grove every morning for doggy daycare and make it downtown for work by 7:30am



Friday, May 27 - A good friend comes over and doggy sits so C.J. and I can go out for date night


Saturday, May 28 - Staples are removed and the incision site is a little yucky since some of the skin had grown over her staples. A warm compress must be applied a few times a day to clean it and draw out all the "yuckies" as I call it. Technical term is pus.


Who knew taking care of a dog after surgery would be so intensive. The following week I pieced together dog care for large chunks of time and began to leave Indigo for 1 hour, 2 hour and then 4 hour periods on her own with her thunder vest on to keep the incision site clean and not chewed on.


She is now more or less back to herself, except she has one UGLY scar on her belly and her humans have one NICE vet bill. Also the plant she ate was removed from our backyard!!


Her next big challenge is King's Kastle with Colleen beginning June 30. I call it doggy boot camp and hopefully it will help her gain confidence and learn to play better with other dogs.


As they say, if it isn't one thing it is another. Overall, we are all happy Indigo was able to recover and the house is still in mourning for George.