Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Train the brain
So, we have a couple of pooches, technically the DHH's, since I am not really a dog person myself. They are bird dogs, high energy, need a job, ect. They stay cooped up, A LOT. A lot more then any bird dog should. The younger dog is only about four, and the last year or two the lack of exercise and mental challenges has made her more then difficult to work with.
The DHH is making a concerted effort to improve this situation the last couple of months. His frustration levels were getting high with the younger dog Pearl (part of the past drivers that have caused the lack of exercise in the first place). I offered to help him, rather then 'tell' him what to do (as I am more then prone to do). Sort of a 'put my money where my mouth is' sort of situation.
I have started out working her on the treadmill, followed up with an intense clicker training situation. The treadmill is working well (done about 4 sessions now), I am gradually increasing her time, and at this point, a mile and a half at an 8 minute mile speed barely takes the edge off (serious energy stores, serious).
Today I did a 7 minute mile on the treadmill, at a 2-3% grade, and then attempted a walk around the block for the first time for me (husband has been walking her for awhile now).
All I can say is, if you ever want to work on some mental training and practice, walk an out of control super high energy very headstrong bird dog for 45 minutes. I feel like I just played a chess match, while blindfolded, and with someone yanking me out of my chair by my arm every 15 seconds. Phew.
We made progress, but the battles of wills was quite interesting. When you grasp the leash for the dog, immediately a tense energy starts to travel up the lead to your arm, overtaking your entire being if you are not careful. Its so palateble its very intersting to be able to study and analyze it when it happens.
From there, I usually have to take a few breaths and center myself. Relaxing the tension, and sending back a different signal while not allowing her energy to control the situation.
This is essentially what we did for almost an hour today. I mentally relax, take control, step forward, then Pearl flexes, focuses on something, dashes forward, and when restrained tries to manhandle the situation, I take a deep breath, relax, repeat.
I actually see this as a great personal challenge. To be able to keep my frustration out of the picture, remain calm, relaxed, and in control when I am dealing with what amounts to a tazmanian devil on the end of a short lead is very good practice. I am excited to take on this challenge actually. I may not have time to expend this level of time and energy every day, but I definitely will continue this several days a week to help my DHH out.
The DHH is making a concerted effort to improve this situation the last couple of months. His frustration levels were getting high with the younger dog Pearl (part of the past drivers that have caused the lack of exercise in the first place). I offered to help him, rather then 'tell' him what to do (as I am more then prone to do). Sort of a 'put my money where my mouth is' sort of situation.
I have started out working her on the treadmill, followed up with an intense clicker training situation. The treadmill is working well (done about 4 sessions now), I am gradually increasing her time, and at this point, a mile and a half at an 8 minute mile speed barely takes the edge off (serious energy stores, serious).
Today I did a 7 minute mile on the treadmill, at a 2-3% grade, and then attempted a walk around the block for the first time for me (husband has been walking her for awhile now).
All I can say is, if you ever want to work on some mental training and practice, walk an out of control super high energy very headstrong bird dog for 45 minutes. I feel like I just played a chess match, while blindfolded, and with someone yanking me out of my chair by my arm every 15 seconds. Phew.
We made progress, but the battles of wills was quite interesting. When you grasp the leash for the dog, immediately a tense energy starts to travel up the lead to your arm, overtaking your entire being if you are not careful. Its so palateble its very intersting to be able to study and analyze it when it happens.
From there, I usually have to take a few breaths and center myself. Relaxing the tension, and sending back a different signal while not allowing her energy to control the situation.
This is essentially what we did for almost an hour today. I mentally relax, take control, step forward, then Pearl flexes, focuses on something, dashes forward, and when restrained tries to manhandle the situation, I take a deep breath, relax, repeat.
I actually see this as a great personal challenge. To be able to keep my frustration out of the picture, remain calm, relaxed, and in control when I am dealing with what amounts to a tazmanian devil on the end of a short lead is very good practice. I am excited to take on this challenge actually. I may not have time to expend this level of time and energy every day, but I definitely will continue this several days a week to help my DHH out.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Day 29 & 30 - Balance
Well, I cannot believe I am on the end of my 30 day. I have been so busy lately, have not been able to tell which end is up, and definitely haven't been counting down the days. I forgot to post yesterday, and it I did not even know that until I sat down to post tonight.
Day 29 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done (20 mins)
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Not Done (completely forgot)
Yoga - Not done
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
Day 30 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done (20 mins)
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not done
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
So, its been like 4 or 5 days since I did my last official yoga. I have stretched a bit, have been VERY active, but literally, I have been out of energy and tight on time. Could I have squeezed it in? Yes, I could have found a spare 20-30 minutes I am sure. It appears my motivation has faded, and I have been driven in other directions. I could get upset, but my drive has been very productive, and I have gotten quite a bit done the last 4-5 days, just not necessarily 100% for this challenge.
Starting tomorrow, I am technically off my challenge, but really, I don't see myself deviating much if at all. I might not be on a daily yoga schedule, but I am working on a plan to increase my exercise to a minimum of 4 days a week, and likely something that will step it up a notch (researching crossfit at the moment). I might join a gym for a month or two, and use that to step up my motivation. I am also looking at my schedule, since I am running out of time between getting off work and getting dinner cooked most evenings. Going to do some contemplation on that before proceeding, I need to find my energy again in this direction. We might go out of town in June, and if I finalize those plans it might help me find my drive again.
I will write up a post mortem on my last 30 days in the next 24-48 hours, would like to go over it a bit more before I weigh in. I have some ideas for my next challenge, but my energy is low at the moment, so I am going to hold off making any quick decisions. I would like to start another round within no more then a week, but I think I will meditate and write a bit more to find my drive and focus. If I go into the next challenge in my current state, it will fade quickly. Originally I thought I was going to focus on those around me, husband time, feline time, dog training, ect.....but I am finding my drive mostly in progressing my website and blogs. I might have to follow that trail more to get the energy to take on another strict 30 day. Need to check in with the crew to see how all that sits first I suspect. :)
Day 29 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done (20 mins)
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Not Done (completely forgot)
Yoga - Not done
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
Day 30 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done (20 mins)
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not done
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
So, its been like 4 or 5 days since I did my last official yoga. I have stretched a bit, have been VERY active, but literally, I have been out of energy and tight on time. Could I have squeezed it in? Yes, I could have found a spare 20-30 minutes I am sure. It appears my motivation has faded, and I have been driven in other directions. I could get upset, but my drive has been very productive, and I have gotten quite a bit done the last 4-5 days, just not necessarily 100% for this challenge.
Starting tomorrow, I am technically off my challenge, but really, I don't see myself deviating much if at all. I might not be on a daily yoga schedule, but I am working on a plan to increase my exercise to a minimum of 4 days a week, and likely something that will step it up a notch (researching crossfit at the moment). I might join a gym for a month or two, and use that to step up my motivation. I am also looking at my schedule, since I am running out of time between getting off work and getting dinner cooked most evenings. Going to do some contemplation on that before proceeding, I need to find my energy again in this direction. We might go out of town in June, and if I finalize those plans it might help me find my drive again.
I will write up a post mortem on my last 30 days in the next 24-48 hours, would like to go over it a bit more before I weigh in. I have some ideas for my next challenge, but my energy is low at the moment, so I am going to hold off making any quick decisions. I would like to start another round within no more then a week, but I think I will meditate and write a bit more to find my drive and focus. If I go into the next challenge in my current state, it will fade quickly. Originally I thought I was going to focus on those around me, husband time, feline time, dog training, ect.....but I am finding my drive mostly in progressing my website and blogs. I might have to follow that trail more to get the energy to take on another strict 30 day. Need to check in with the crew to see how all that sits first I suspect. :)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Day 28 - Balance
Phew, office overhaul mostly complete. Still need to do some file organizing and cleaning out of the closet, but the bulk is complete.
I definitely slacked a bit this weekend on my checklist....got the bulk of items done, but the Yoga fell completely to the wayside, and this morning, I finally just had to succumb and sleep in. Sitting down now is the first time I have stopped all day. Almost the same yesterday, I blogged for about 20 minutes while my primer was drying in the office, but otherwise, I was out and about all day.
Plus side, I got massive amounts of work done on my office space goal. Downside, did not make any progress on the website development and slacked on a couple of my goals for the month. Because this is a huge step in my home career progress, going to stay on the positive sides.
Day 28 results
Wake 5 am - Note Done
Meditate - Not Done
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not done
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
I really was going to get up this morning, I was fully awake with the alarm, but physically, my muscles were really tight and sore. With my past medical problems, I knew I was hitting my limit, so opted to provide more recovery time to them. I am hurting pretty bad tonight, so I am guessing that was the right choice. I cannot afford to miss work next week, so 2 hours of extra sleep is what I needed.
Two more days left in my challenge, and I think I am going to take several days off before starting the next one. Granted, I am going to do my best to carry on my minimal TV/Internet time, keep my exercise up, keep the 5 am morning and meditation up no matter what. Well, technically, thats almost all of my challenge..lol...but I will see if I can cut back A BIT just to recover and get my energy up to tackle new goals in about a week.
I definitely slacked a bit this weekend on my checklist....got the bulk of items done, but the Yoga fell completely to the wayside, and this morning, I finally just had to succumb and sleep in. Sitting down now is the first time I have stopped all day. Almost the same yesterday, I blogged for about 20 minutes while my primer was drying in the office, but otherwise, I was out and about all day.
Plus side, I got massive amounts of work done on my office space goal. Downside, did not make any progress on the website development and slacked on a couple of my goals for the month. Because this is a huge step in my home career progress, going to stay on the positive sides.
Day 28 results
Wake 5 am - Note Done
Meditate - Not Done
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not done
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
I really was going to get up this morning, I was fully awake with the alarm, but physically, my muscles were really tight and sore. With my past medical problems, I knew I was hitting my limit, so opted to provide more recovery time to them. I am hurting pretty bad tonight, so I am guessing that was the right choice. I cannot afford to miss work next week, so 2 hours of extra sleep is what I needed.
Two more days left in my challenge, and I think I am going to take several days off before starting the next one. Granted, I am going to do my best to carry on my minimal TV/Internet time, keep my exercise up, keep the 5 am morning and meditation up no matter what. Well, technically, thats almost all of my challenge..lol...but I will see if I can cut back A BIT just to recover and get my energy up to tackle new goals in about a week.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Day 27 - Balance
Woohoo! Finally getting a large item off my to do list of home career things. Granted, it definitely does not make a serious dent in my future workload, it is something off my list that will allow me additional focus on other items.
Specifically, I needed to overhaul my home office. Too cramped, no storage, no work room on my desk, and my husband and I were stumbling over each other constantly. He has been working on more projects as well, so between that and me trying to expand my career at home, it was getting frustrating. I realized that if I was going to continue to spend more time planning and growing my career in the home office, it needed some help.
My goal was to spend between $1000-1500, hopefully closer to a $1000 so I could take the remainder and invest in Dreamweaver. But alas, after several weeks of searching, I just couldn't do the desk configuration I needed for the tight room space without spending a bit more. So after finally finding a desk today, likely will be around 1300-1500, and dreamweaver will have to wait.
My to do list has been as follows: painting the room a new color, new blinds, general spring cleaning, new (used) desk, better lighting, wall shelves, storage cabinet, dry erase boards, and maybe a cork board if I can find a spot for it, and general organization. The room has to function for two people and two PCs, with both people having their own personal 'zones' so to speak. I am buying used furniture to keep costs down, and shopping craigslist as much as I can for other items.
Phew, so at the moment, I am waiting for primer to dry, so I can get the paint color on tonight before bed. I am sitting on the floor in a guestroom, hooked up the PC so I could make sure to blog tonight. Should be able to move all the purchased furniture in tomorrow, and after that will just need to work on wall shelves and a few accessories.
Day 27 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done (30 minutes plus 60 of writing)
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not done, but super work out today with furniture and office overhaul
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
I am excited that by the end of the weekend I will have a new workspace to organize all the items I have going on. The cats are not thrilled, they are going to be sacrificing a cat tree for more work area. I am going to build alternative 'nooks' for them, just not going to take up a ton of room like before. They spend as much time in the office as me, so if I do not plan 'cat zones', then I will find myself constantly butting them off the desk and keyboards. One learns how to keep balance with three felines in the house, and this includes planning appropriote places for them to hang out.
Off to continue painting and cleaning....
Specifically, I needed to overhaul my home office. Too cramped, no storage, no work room on my desk, and my husband and I were stumbling over each other constantly. He has been working on more projects as well, so between that and me trying to expand my career at home, it was getting frustrating. I realized that if I was going to continue to spend more time planning and growing my career in the home office, it needed some help.
My goal was to spend between $1000-1500, hopefully closer to a $1000 so I could take the remainder and invest in Dreamweaver. But alas, after several weeks of searching, I just couldn't do the desk configuration I needed for the tight room space without spending a bit more. So after finally finding a desk today, likely will be around 1300-1500, and dreamweaver will have to wait.
My to do list has been as follows: painting the room a new color, new blinds, general spring cleaning, new (used) desk, better lighting, wall shelves, storage cabinet, dry erase boards, and maybe a cork board if I can find a spot for it, and general organization. The room has to function for two people and two PCs, with both people having their own personal 'zones' so to speak. I am buying used furniture to keep costs down, and shopping craigslist as much as I can for other items.
Phew, so at the moment, I am waiting for primer to dry, so I can get the paint color on tonight before bed. I am sitting on the floor in a guestroom, hooked up the PC so I could make sure to blog tonight. Should be able to move all the purchased furniture in tomorrow, and after that will just need to work on wall shelves and a few accessories.
Day 27 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done (30 minutes plus 60 of writing)
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not done, but super work out today with furniture and office overhaul
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
I am excited that by the end of the weekend I will have a new workspace to organize all the items I have going on. The cats are not thrilled, they are going to be sacrificing a cat tree for more work area. I am going to build alternative 'nooks' for them, just not going to take up a ton of room like before. They spend as much time in the office as me, so if I do not plan 'cat zones', then I will find myself constantly butting them off the desk and keyboards. One learns how to keep balance with three felines in the house, and this includes planning appropriote places for them to hang out.
Off to continue painting and cleaning....
Friday, March 13, 2009
Day 25 & 26 - Balance
Well, I am not falling off the wagon, but I have definitely stressed the limits of this challenge. Few misses, much more then I have had in my challenge. I think the waking time, work, busy schedule is catching up to me a bit. I am trying to not fret over it too much, but still stay fired up to finish my challenge with high energy.
Day 25 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Not Done
Yoga - Done (30 mins, strained old injury, quit early)
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Not done
Day 26 results
Wake 5 am - Not Done (6 am, fell asleep accidentally)
Meditate - Will be done later this evening
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not Done (seriously dragging tonight)
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
I do not know if I am getting ill, but tonight, super fatigue is hitting me. Overall, several times in this challenge I have found myself wearing down. I need to remember this while planning my next schedule, which is pretty busy as well. I am debating whether or not to take some of my workout times into 4 days a week instead of 7, and use the 3 non work out days as 'free time' to catch up. I don't know yet if that is the best tact. I am definitely finding my limits, not a bad thing, but need to balance pushing myself, and not overdoing it.
Still liking my progress all the same. Still focusing on positive achievements and trying to stay off the negative mental trail I can take when I do not complete a goal. This is probably a big part of the challenge itself, just overcoming the abuse I might do to myself if I do not meet a goal.
Yawn.....I am going to bed early, and going to regroup for the weekend. Glad the work week is OVER, and I get my weekend time to prep, regroup, and progress my 'career' goals. :)
Day 25 results
Wake 5 am - Done
Meditate - Done
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Not Done
Yoga - Done (30 mins, strained old injury, quit early)
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Not done
Day 26 results
Wake 5 am - Not Done (6 am, fell asleep accidentally)
Meditate - Will be done later this evening
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Not Done (seriously dragging tonight)
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
I do not know if I am getting ill, but tonight, super fatigue is hitting me. Overall, several times in this challenge I have found myself wearing down. I need to remember this while planning my next schedule, which is pretty busy as well. I am debating whether or not to take some of my workout times into 4 days a week instead of 7, and use the 3 non work out days as 'free time' to catch up. I don't know yet if that is the best tact. I am definitely finding my limits, not a bad thing, but need to balance pushing myself, and not overdoing it.
Still liking my progress all the same. Still focusing on positive achievements and trying to stay off the negative mental trail I can take when I do not complete a goal. This is probably a big part of the challenge itself, just overcoming the abuse I might do to myself if I do not meet a goal.
Yawn.....I am going to bed early, and going to regroup for the weekend. Glad the work week is OVER, and I get my weekend time to prep, regroup, and progress my 'career' goals. :)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Day 24 - Balance
Oh sad sad day. 23 days.......and today, I just could not do it it. I woke at 4:30, and groaned. Head hurting, back tense and tight, I said 'fine, I will just wait until 5'. 5 am came and went, and I laid there wishing I did not have to go to work. Finally rolled out of bed at 6, feeling better, but upset.
I should not get so upset over failed items on my challenges, really, I should be entirely accepting of my failures, but alas, I was so proud of my 23 days up at 5 am. This was HUGE for me.
Ahhh well, I shall just have to work on that reaction, and get up tomorrow at 5 am with a little bit of fire under my bum after today.
Day 24 results
Wake 5 am - Not Done (6 am)
Meditate - Will be done later this evening
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Done (40 mins)
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
Tomorrow is another day, and if I can make 29 out of 30 days up at 5 am, with only an hour mistake, I shall be super happy.
I have also decided that I will spend my next 30 day challenge continuing most if not all of everything I had in this challenge. I am going to add the couple of items that I had planned that require me to spend more time on my husband and felines, I will swap 3 days a week out from yoga to another task at the same time, but otherwise I will continue my current tasks. I think all of these tasks are a great benefit to me, but they are by no means 'solidified' habits as of yet, and that is what I would like.
Off to get some additional work done, I have a lot of tasks ahead of me, and need to go while I have high motivation :)
I should not get so upset over failed items on my challenges, really, I should be entirely accepting of my failures, but alas, I was so proud of my 23 days up at 5 am. This was HUGE for me.
Ahhh well, I shall just have to work on that reaction, and get up tomorrow at 5 am with a little bit of fire under my bum after today.
Day 24 results
Wake 5 am - Not Done (6 am)
Meditate - Will be done later this evening
Work Goals - Done
Daily Blog Entry - Done
Yoga - Done (40 mins)
Evening Prep - Done
Home work time - Done
Tomorrow is another day, and if I can make 29 out of 30 days up at 5 am, with only an hour mistake, I shall be super happy.
I have also decided that I will spend my next 30 day challenge continuing most if not all of everything I had in this challenge. I am going to add the couple of items that I had planned that require me to spend more time on my husband and felines, I will swap 3 days a week out from yoga to another task at the same time, but otherwise I will continue my current tasks. I think all of these tasks are a great benefit to me, but they are by no means 'solidified' habits as of yet, and that is what I would like.
Off to get some additional work done, I have a lot of tasks ahead of me, and need to go while I have high motivation :)
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