Namaste....I Wish

After a run, some ab exercises and free weights, I was so looking forward to my relaxing, inspirational yoga tape with Rodney Yee. I unroll my mat and all of a sudden I hear the pitter patter of paws romping down the hall. Bella appears into the room with the look of, "Is it play time????”

I unroll the mat and Bell decides to wrestle with it as I am desperately trying to lay it flat. She jumps on top of it, rolls underneath it and proceeds to play chew with the velcro straps. Finally, it is on the floor BUT it's not straight..it's crooked. My friends know how anal I am and I cannot let it lie. I move the mat very slowly with my foot but noooo, Bella thinks that's just another invitation to attack it.

Finally, I am ready to go.....I am going through the tape with no trouble until Rodney calmly instructs me to lie down onto the mat. I am thinking, “Oh joy! If I can only finish the rest of this tape with little interference from Bella…..I may feel relaxed and refreshed like Rodney assured me in the beginning of the tape."

Now picture this, if you will…my eyes are closed and I am lying on my back in the relaxation poise. My legs, hands, and arms are restful and “purposeful” (Rodney uses this word a lot in the tape). I am listening to his inspirational words and performing my deep breathing exercises. I am thinking, "This is great. I am calm, relaxed, my eyes are “soft” (he says that a lot too) I am so in the groove!"

So, I open my eyes and perfect, just perfect….there’s Bell from hell (all 8 pounds of her) staring down at me nose to nose.

She precedes to attack my face, licking my eye sockets, nose - every inch of exposed flesh. I am thrashing my head back and forth trying to move away from her. Well, what Rodney fails to tell you is, “How on earth can one be relaxed and “purposeful” when you have a dog licking you to death, wrestling with your arms, nipping at your hands and pouncing on your stomach.

Next thing I know, Rodney is in the sitting position, putting his hands together in prayer mode and chanting “Namaste.” Great, just peachy…. It’s the end of the tape. Thanks Bell.

As I Sit Here

As I sit here writing about Bella on this blog, my little puppy is sitting on my lap with her head resting on my laptop. What a cutie! We have now have had her for a full year and what joy she has brought into our lives. She has such a personality and truly loves human contact.

She recently starting "stalking" us. She hides around the corner and slowly and deliberately prowls in slow motion towards us like a cat. When she gets close enough she runs full speed and leaps into my husband's lap. From there they play and have a grand ol' time... I have tried taping her but the video is always to dark. I will keep trying because it is a total trip watching her and it is a sight to see.

Do you have a story to share on what your pet does that is just totally weird or unusual?

Bella's New Do

We took Bella to the "Spa" for her summer cut...What a Pretty Girl!

Happy 18th Birthday

I know, this is suppose to be about Bell, Bell, but I wanted to post about my husband. My best friend, my husband of 28 years, celebrates his 18th heart transplant birthday today, 04Apr09. We have been so fortunate to have celebrated so many years, especially since the doctors told us initially, the life expectancy of most heart transplant recipients is 5 years. He lives on borrowed time and the below poem was written for him.

my life is his

waking up to his warm breath and soft touch-
his butterfly kisses-
dancing in the kitchen-
the scent of his cologne-

his reassuring touch leading me through life as a young woman and unto the same woman 28 years later-

his lips brushing ever so softly upon the nape of my neck-
his fingers gliding tenderly, caressing my hair-
his patience when I am in self-doubt-
his kindness and generosity-

his knowing of my insecurities and gently guiding and building each fragile layer into the woman I know I can be-

his humorous snippets of songs created just for me-
his pet names throughout the years-
his arms embracing me, comforting me-
his persistent urging to see the world as it may be-

his never-ending belief in me when I struggle with my inner-self and the complexities of the outside world-

his subtle preparation for what is to come-
his ambitious drive to open my eyes to the endless possibilities of life-
molding into his body as if we were meant to be-
lying down to sleep next to him-

his wisdom-
his practicality-
his laugh-
his dreams-
his love-

my life is his-

I love you B-

Happy Birthday Bella!

Today, we are celebrating Bella's 1st birthday. We had a doggie cookie cake and cookie, party hat, a few balloons, and of course two more stuffed toys to add to her HUGE collection...Pfffff, she's not spoiled~

Happy Birthday Bell!

Four Paws of Terror

Yep, minding my own business and I have freaktoid here running around in circles, nipping at my feet. You would think this dog would take a hint. How many times to I have to say "No, Bell, No"?

I do have to admit... she is a trip and what a personality! I will be adding some update photos soon. Now, if I can only get her to stay still for a few minutes...

Things A' Changin'

Over the holidays and in order to give B some peace and quiet, we started "Nap Time". "Nap Time" is from 12:00 - 3:00 and let me tell you, Bella is not a happy camper. She acts like she is being tortured. The idea that she cannot be glued to us (at that time) is something she is not happy about....She yelps, howls, cries, you name it, she does it.

Funny thing is, she still has not figured out that all that squealing does not accomplish anything...."Nap Time" is here to stay. What a character this dog is - she is one animal who believes that "Me, Me, Me" rules the household.

Oh, give me patience.