Find a Balance

I like having my friend Honey Bear over.
I mean, after all, we play and tark (balk/talk) and rough house and cuddle.
She just came over for 5 whole days, which was cool, because I never had to be alone -EVER.

Like most good pups, I really, well, kind of like don't EVER want to be alone.

That being said, after a week or so of constant companionship, my mom and Yvonne both had to leave today to get some work done....

Well, as you might expect, I was not thrilled.....until, that is...I saw that mom was giving me a chicken flavored treat...AND put on the animal planet for me.

I mean, I GUESS I could find it in me to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of a treat.
And, after all, absence only makes the heart grow fonder:)

Today's Challenge: Take some time to be alone. Get yourself a treat. Relax.
Find something enjoyable about your personality. Trust that this alone time won't last forever. Nothing does.

Gosh I Am Cute Today

Okay, so I had to go to the groomer yesterday, because, well, I stunk...

(hee hee).

I also had to get my woobie groomed because, well, it was stinky winked out as well...

pew wee....

I hate the idea of going to the groomer, but once I do, boy do I LOOOOVEE the drying part.
I even like to pretend like I am at the groomer when my mom does her hair in the mornings..woot woot!

Look at how beautiful I turned out..and a little lighter around the waste, if I do say so myself...

Today's Challenge: Do something you don't like the idea of, but know will make you feel better anyway.

Look in the Mirror and Like What You See!

Today, I decided to really take a look at myself and to think...wow.., "You are a okay!" That would be nice, I thought, for a change, as opposed to finding every little part of my doggie hair or my figure that just don't work exactly like I want them too.

And after a good look, I think I am pretty cute, you?

What are You Doing for the Holidays?

What are you planning to give instead of receive this holiday season?

That is what I've been thinking about, anyway.

That is why I am giving extra kisses, extra cuddle time and less barking.

Come on, jump on my band wagon and think of someone other than yourself today.

Besides, you may get a treat in the process!!

Oh, and please don't forget to check out www.nicenewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com

Welcome Home

My mom just got back from a trip visiting her family in New Orleans. Boy did I miss her.

Sometimes, when people leave us for a bit, we get huffy and puffy and feel like we should take it personally.

That was how I felt for the first few days, anyway. I pouted and pee peed inside.

Had tantrums and that kind of stuff.

But then I got to thinking...wait, when you love someone you want what is best for them, and this trip, even though it might not be best for me, might be best for her.

I decided to make the most of my time alone with Yvonne and, guess what?
I gave my mom mad kisses and licks when she got home!!!!

Today's Challenge: Let someone go. You will be surprised with the result.

Oh, and please please please check out our other new blog at www.nicenewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com and join our mission to bring happiness to the world, one story at a time.

Chilly Willy

Make sure to snuggle bunny in something warm if you live anywhere besides, say, Aregentina or Los Angeles (you get the picture).

It is getting cold here in Chicago-town, but, boy, I am GOOD TO GO, because mom helped me take care of myself by growing my winter coat (double layer, which rivals any thinsulate companion) AND, she got me groomed.

Not only am I looking smart, but I am walking warm too.

Next step? Some cute winter doggie boots to keep the salt out from between my toes:0

Today's Challenge: Get your needs met. Don't live in deprivation. There is enough in this universe to feed us all.

Paying for the Consequences of Our Actions

So, as some of you know..um, I like to eat..I like to eat a lot.
and, it turns out that all of my mom's friends' statements about me looking "bigger," "fuller," and, um, shall we say like chubby chubkins may actually be true..

Oh sure, like all good co-dependent/enabling mothers, mine kept saying it was just my winter coat..but, alas, the weight-gain is true and, alas, I have to "cut back" my eating habits substantially...This is not only hard on me, but hard on mom, because I am cute, you see and she loves to give me immediate gratification.

My mom's issues aside, I am responsible for my own happiness and I know to live a long, happy dog life, I need to cut back.

So, I am trying to remain positive, but definitely taking this calorie cut ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Today's Challenge: Be honest with yourself. Are you telling yourself that something you are doing, thinking or believing is true when it is all just a bundle of self-protective lies? Try to look inside and stop taking the easy route..You will undoubtedly pay the consequences in the end.

Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving to all my sober friends.

Well, I loooooooooooove holidays like Thankgsiving because it means:
1. MOm is home
2. Mom is home times 2
3. Cuddle bunny time.
4. Maybe a few more treats
5. Gratitude lists

That is right..I get to think about all the ways I am lucky today..

and, what about you? I'd love to hear what you are grateful for today.

Just Remember...

For my friends who wrote in yesterday, just remember, MORE IS NEVER ENOUGH...

I know. As I am still miserable with my tummy today and still thinking that more treats would be better then healing.

Also, I lost my favorite ball, so having a little self-pity going on. It is hard to depend on humans to do things when you need help.

So, for today's Challenge: Try to make sure you work on things you can do for yourself. Then, again, go make someone else happy.

Tummy Tuck

Man, this season has been tough.
I am still overeating and, boy, today, am I paying the consequences.
I haven't gotten out of the proverbial bed all day long and I keep staring at mom's friend Yvonne as if to say, "why are you doing this to me?"

When I say that, or "look," that, what I really mean is, even though I am sick and woozy, "WHY AREN'T YOU GIVING ME TREATS?"

Now, to all good alcoholics or addicts, this, eh hem, "pattern" should seem familiar.

And just because it is a pattern, it certainly doesn't mean it would look good as a permanent form of wallpaper.

Today's Challenge: Try not to feel sorry for yourself because you aren't getting more, more and more. Perhaps, just for today, that is what is for the best.

Cuddle it Up

Give someone a hug today..I am, anyway.
My momma is a tad under the weather and I am cuddling it up with her.
Dogs, well, we are good at that, but people can too!

Go out and find someone who needs you today and, for goodness sakes, stop thinking about yourself.

I looooove cuddle time. Not only does it make mom feel good, but I get a warm and cozy nap in too!

Today's Challenge: Give someone a hug.

OOPS

Sorry about the delay in my shares. My mom is at a conference in San Antonio and, well, she doesn't allow me to type until she can supervise..be back soon.
Sam

Learn to Wait

Sloooowly
I am learning that when I wait patiently and don't jump on people, bark at people or demand attention, the attention I get is not only more frequent, but more sincere as well.

Today's Challenge: Sit down and relax. Stop doing so much to make people notice you. The less you try, the more they come.

Make Your Own Happiness

I have some really special qualities.
I'll admit it.

I mean, one of the things that makes me such a sweet and sober pup is that every single morning when my mom wants to sleep in (and I don't, of course), I find something to do to occupy my time without nagging, scolding or complaining about wanting things MY way.

I get up, find my favorite woobie and jump on the bed and cuddle and suck on it for an hour if I have too. I also spoon into my mom so that I can be close to her while I am still marching to the beat of my own morning drum.

The result?

I not only make my mom happy, but I have some of my own fun and learn that even if it is just me, I am more than enough company.

The rest is just gravy.

Today's Challenge: Do something on your own instead of waiting around for someone else to start your life for you.

Sicky Sick

I have a droopy eye today so it means relax and letting momma take care of me like a baby.

She thinks of me like a baby, anyway.

Sometimes I hate being treated that way, because I want to be independent and stuff..
But it sure does feel good to have someone cuddle you and coddle you when you aren't feeling up to snuff.....

Today's Challenge: Surrender to receiving help. After all, receiving is part of giving to someone else.

Self-Forgiveness is the Key

Um...I was not a very good girl this weekend:(

I mean, it might have been the fact that I barked and went to bite one of the building workers on my way out for a morning potty.

Or, it might have also been the fact that I licked my mom's pillow all night one night so that she couldn't sleep.

Or...in fact, that I barked the other of the two nights..

All night...

:(
I love my moooommmy sooo much and all I really want, like everyone else in the world, is to be loved in return.

The thing is, my mommy forgave me a long time ago and loves me and isn't going to abandon me, like I sometimes fear she will.

But it is hard for me to forgive myself sometimes...

That is, until I realize that every moment I don't forgive myself is another moment I am not living in gratitude for all the positives and love in my life..and, of course, play time.

I mean, I got scolded and accepted consequences for my actions.

And, as just another dog in the world doing the best I can, that is about all I can accomplish for today.

Today's Challenge: LET IT GO. Just because you bark at someone or keep someone else up all night with your own stress, it doesn't mean you dont' deserve to be happy. We don't get sober to grovel before anyone!!!!! Say you are sorry and move on with your day. Oh, and try not to do it again next time.

Accepting Dependence

I HATE counting on human beings to get my needs met ...at least some of the time, that is:)

I mean, in all honesty, sometimes I totes love it, because then I can be lazy and play and cuddle and stuff.

Damn, I am cute! I know it too, because my mom tells me.

In any case, sometimes being human dependent is soooo hard, because I like to go to the park NOW on days like today...60 and sunny...not a cloud in the sky...I JUST want to make a break for that glowing yellow ball.

That being said, I also know that sometimes, no matter how independent I might think I am (or you think you are), other dependence is necessary for survival.

And because of that, I choose to take the good with the bad.

And, of course, remember that I have the CHOICE to take responsibility for my day.

So, insteaD of feeling sorry for myself that my friend Yvonney is working and not taking me to the park, I am going to, well....eat what is left in the peanut butter jar..

mmmmmm.

Eat now, exercise later:)

Today's Challenge: Make the most of what you have been given in any situation. Stop complaining and start taking responsibility for your place in the world.

Stick to It

I LOVE playing fetch. In fact, I love it sooo much that I forget how hard I have to run to keep up with my mommy challenging me to go faster and farther each time she throws.

I dont' know, I just can't resist the bold yellow tennis ball or the red squeaky ball toy I have glistening in the what will soon be snow on the ground and thinking, "I just HAVE to have that..."

I know this is a good form of exercise and fun for me, because it is the form of play that I always find myself coming back to.

And when you can trust something to always make you feel good (in a way that is safe and healthy of course-I always have parental supervision:) ), then why not use that as an "old faithful" when you aren't sure what to do?

That is how I live my life, and, boy, does it make me grin and cuddle a lot.

Today's Challenge: Think of something you have ALWAYS enjoyed and bring it back into a routine in your life. Not everything you did in your previous "life" was bad for you, you know...

Fluffy and Fun

I am a butter ball of cuddle bumpkins today..
like a fuzz bomb has suddenly taken over my body.

This new "do" is taking getting used to, for sure.

Thank goodness my insides today don't match the new discomfort of my outsides......

Just for today: Look at your insides and make sure that is stable...then go from there..
the rest is oh so temporary.

Whistle in the Wind

Depending on where you live, the weather may be whistling with the wind of falling leaves and gusty breezes.

To me, it doesn't get any better than this!

You see, I have a built-in double coated body suit that keeps me sweating all summer and dancing with warm and fuzzy joy all fall and winter.

For that reason, I was able to take an EXTRA LONG walk today without huffing puffing or digging my "paws" into the ground and refusing to move.

I mostly like the Fall because it reminds me that things change. Leaves change, colors change, weather changes, relationships change and even little old dogs like me can change too!

And even though most of us HATE change, when we embrace it, possibilities abound.

What things remind YOU about the possibilities in life? What helps YOU to remember that change IS possible, even when you don't feel like it is EVER going to happen?

Today's Challenge: Make a list of things that help you to see the possibilities in life. Then go out and look for them.

Cuddle Your Woobie

If you look to the right of today's post, you will see me all cuddled up with my FAVORITE woobie.

I mean, i never knew I could love a cuddle bug so much.

I am such a good girl in the mornings, that I look for my woobie, and even if I want to get up but mom doesnt, I will suck on my woobie until she is ready for me.

That's is because it gives me comfort.

Do you have anything in your life that you like to cuddle up to or anything at all that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling?

Today's Challenge: Cuddle up to someone you love or do something for yourself that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart. After all, the weather is getting colder, so you have to start to generate your own heat:)

Quality Time....

Is not for the birds...

or, in my case, maybe it is better than the birds!

My mommy has been super duper busy lately, and I haven't gotten the chance to spend a lot of 1:1 quality time with her.

Well this morning I did.

We slept in...Rock it out.

And we went for a walk to our favorite coffee shop.

I even waited outside for her to come out and kiss me on the nose for being a good girl.

I was feeling a little lonely for her, but now that we had our special time this morning, things are looking up.

Plus, it helps me remember that I am not alone in this busy world.

Today's Challenge: Get in touch with someone who really matters to you; someone who you may not have had a chance to connect with lately. This does wonders for the soul. And who knows? They just might be missing you too.

Back on Track

I'm back on track and eating like a champ again.

Boy, did I learn a lesson from turning my nose up at everything my mom and Yvonne tried to feed me.

Well, after a few days of having to stare at a bowl of food I couldn't even consider eating (yes, I am a food snob), I am now happily grateful for my original raw chiken/beef/lamb diet and eating it as soon as it hits the plate.

Today's Challenge: Be careful what you turn your nose up at, it might just come back to bite you in the butt....or at least leave you kind of hungry for a day or two.

Besides, what you have in front of your eyes may be more than substantial. Don't wait until you lose it to take notice.

Sometimes....

You just need a personal hygiene day!

At least that is what my mom says.

If I am being honest with myself I HAVE been playing a lot, and I HAVE been sleeping a lot during the times I am not playing...or eating...or peeping on the bed (see last post),

so I am, shall we say...a little bit stinky winky.

Mom says, no more excuses...BATH DAY.

She even ordered me some fancy shmancy Indigo Wild soap for pups...so I can smell like the girly girl I was meant to be.

Guess I'll put my toe in the water and take the splashes as they come:)

Today's Challenge: Stop trying to control others or avoid life and START taking care of yourself first.

Oopsie

Sometimes you need to learn that saying you are sorry EVERY TIME you make the same mistake just doesn't cut it:)

The answer is CHANGING the behavior.

Boy, did I learn that the heard way last night.

I have a tendency to REALLY like when my mom and Yvonne are home ALL the time.

Since they are home bodies, that doesn't seem to be a problem for me most of the time.

But, yesterday, it was a rare case that they were gone a lot during the day.

Well, I didn't like that things were not going my way, so I pottied all over the bed.

Oops....

I mean, Yvonne loves me like so much it is hard to put into words, but she was so angry that I pottied yet again on the bed (like the fourth time in a few months) that even she was not wanting to play with me last night..

And Yvonne ALWAYS wants to play with me.

I even tried my cute and charming tactic, which is sitting on her chest and trying to smooch her right on the mouth, but even that didn't work.

What I learned from this was something positive though.

Continuing to play kissy face when I literally "leave my mess" all over another person's day PROBABLY isn't going to fly any longer.

I may be cute, but sometimes my behavior isn't.

Today's Challenge: Don't apologize today, do something different. That is FAR more of an "I"m sorry" than words will ever be. I know it, too, because I have been a good girl ALL day today and guess what? I got to go to the park and for a long walk. When we change our behaviors the good DEFINITELY outweighs the bad.

Can't Talk....

Still have the blue ball in my mouth....(see yesterday's post)

Sometimes, new things stay new for more than a few hours; especially when you treat them with a grateful and delicate touch!

Be back tomorrow:)
Sammy

Something Old, Something....

New!!!!!

I got a new ball toy thing and, guess what? My mommy's friend Yvonne found it on the street.

Wow...

I have toys and toys galore that cost quite a sum of money, but this one seems to be the best toy I've ever had..and it is just a little plastic ball with a frowny face on it.

This toy, though, sqeaks and is blue and causes my the very opposite of a frown...it makes me jump and jump and flip and run and even stair at my toy bin after mom puts it away for the night (for like 20 minutes just staring and missing it).

And the weird thing is this...

Who would have ever thought I'd like a used toy more than a brand spanking new one?

Boy, did I learn a lesson this week from this toy....

Others people may discard things that may mean something extra special to me.

Today's Challenge: Don't discard an idea, an item, a conversation or a person just because that seems to be "what other people seem to be doing." You might find a true gem!!!!

Sleep In

Sometimes, when you've been doing everything "right," you just have to take a load off.

At least, that is what I learned this morning.

We lost power in our house...the whole neighborhood did, and there was this loud BOOM when it happened.

But, you know what? I didn't even bark.

I slept right threw the whole affair, in fact...

Sometimes, you just have to remember that things will be taken care of without your intervention.

And sleeping in might even save you the trouble of having to run around barking at everyone else about what to do.

And, you know what? Without any of my help; without any of my commenting, the power got fixed anyway!

Today's Challenge: Keep your mouth shut. Close your eyes and focus on the quiet within. You'll find that the world moves on just fine without your input.

Okay, So....

Okay, so, I've put on a few lbs (or, at least a few centimeters on my waist); at least that is what Mom's friend Amy said on her visit this week.

Well, as a little doggie with a reputation to maintain, that weight comment sort of hit me like a ton of raw hides.

I mean, yes, I like to take a little treat every now and then, and, yes, I am not afraid to admit that I stare at my mother until she can't help but give me a few bites of this or such and such.

But, man...I never thought weight gain would effect my ego as much as it has.

And then I started thinking,

What has changed in my little puppy life that might have made the difference?
And the answer was surprising to me...

I AM HAPPIER AND MORE PLAYFUL THEN I HAVE BEEN IN A LONG TIME.

I have been playing with my friend Macie more often, as well as doing fun things like trying on Yvonne's jeans (see few posts back) and going to the beach and sleeping under the covers.

Cool stuff like that, you know.

And it was then that I realized, the reason I have gained weight (and we are talking only a teensie tiny bit here anyway, I mean, let's face it I am so bloody cute that who wouldn't want more of me to love) is because I have felt so free and happy I just haven't had the time to focus on something that previously was so big in my life it felt like a cat on a hot tin roof.

In other words, I am happy:)

You know, sometimes when we are happy it is OKAY to let go of other things that just don't matter anymore...especially things that aren't harming us in any way.

Today's Challenge: Ease up on yourself. You didn't get sober to be miserable and scan every nook and cranny of your body and soul for imperfections...If you notice a new imperfection today, it could be because you are happier and more comfortable with yourself than you were before.

For today, just say to yourself, OKAY, SO.....

Dream a Little Dream

I like looking at other dogs.

Especially the big ones.

Man, do I wish that just for one day I could be as big and burly as dogs that are like Newfoundland size and stuff.

I sometimes even accidentally compare their outsides to my insides.

Some days, I even pretend like I am this huge dog, to the extreme that I really only like to play with the "big kids" at the park....

Always trying to keep up with the other doggie kids, so to speak, but at a little over 10lbs, I look like a polka dot in the middle of the playing field.

I think people must feel tiny in this big world sometimes too.

I am cuter than custard when I run behind the big crew of dogs, and I always strive to keep up, even though I am always at the end of the line, but...

boy, do I get THE BEST WORKOUT OF EVERYONE THERE.

It is okay to look outside of yourself for ideas of how to grow, but don't let another puppy's outside determine your level of success on the inside.

After all, your "lungs" may be the strongest ones on the playground.

Today's Challenge: Even though you may not be "at the head of the pack," when it comes to recovery, this may mean you are getting the best workout of all. Speed doesn't indicate the level of one's committment, OR one's growth.

For today, be gentle with yourself and honor wherever it is you are in your recovery. You deserve it.

The

Try it On for Size

What is that old saying, "If the shoe fits..."

Well, what if you are trying to change your life and the shoe, literally doesn't fit..but you want to try to go for it anyway?

Well, that is EXACTLY what happened to me this week...

I LOVE my mom, and I LOVE her friend Yvonne. Well, Yvonne is like super duper tall and lean.
That being said, she has long and big (for a 10lb dog, anyway), jeans.

But man do I think they are hip.

Plus, I like her smell (dogs like smells, you know).



So after I noticed that Yvonne's jeans were lying on the floor the other day, ready for washing, I thought maybe I would jump in and try them on.

Well, as I suspected, they didn't look "cool" or "hip" on me, but MAN did I LOOK CUTE.

Everyone said it.

My mom even took cheap cell phone pics (see profile pics). of me she was so proud.

And I learned something new in the process.

Even if you aren't sure how something is gonna feel, and even if you won't look "cool" when you are doing it; it is always worth a try.

I mean, my little endeavor brought joy galore to a bunch of human kinds, and it got me A WHOLE LOT OF CUDDLE TIME LATER.

Today's Challenge: Just because something may not seem to "fit" you today, that doesn't mean trying new things won't benefit you. Try something you have always wanted to try, but didn't have the guts to. Write or share about your experience.

Cough Cough...

Sorry about no words of sammy wisdom today:)

My mom had to take the day off of work -- she just kept coughing and coughing.

And since I bark my posts and she types for me, I thought I'd give her the day off...

Back tomorrow with a bark and a smile...


Oh, and thanks to Samantha and Zac for wishing my mom to feel better.

BORING...

Isn't always a bad thing...

So my mommy is SICK and sniffly which means, all my plans for the day have kind have been kicked to the curb like sunshine in December.

Darn.....

Well, so I spent the first part of my morning sort of depressed about the whole affair...staring out of my mom's bedroom window like I'd lost my best friend...

Then, suddenly, I realized that I got my morning walk, my yummy didleumptious breakfast, play time with Macie, and a treat to top it off. And it was only 8:30 AM...

In other words, every single thing I could need or want had been provided for me, but I chose to grunt and groan about not getting to go the beach or park or a 14 hour walk (see yesterday's post) until I finally decided to let it go.

That was at about 10 AM.

At that point I learned something. When your plans don't play out the way that YOU MADE A DECISION they would...then MAKE ANOTHER DECISION-to enjoy your day anyway and to be grateful for what you HAVE been given.

Generally, what you HAVE been given, is every bit as good as what you planned.

Agghh...

And anyway, when Mommy is sick that just means more cuddle time for me!!! Woot Woot.

Just for Today: When the day turns out like "sour milk," remember that you might get gourmet cheese:)

Just Don't Quit

This morning was interesting. My mommy agreed to take care of my best friend Macie Mae for the weekend which is "wooty woot woot" fun for me.

That being said, when I have a friend over it seems I am expected to walk even LONGER DISTANCES.

Or at least that is my perception...

My mom decided to go with our friend Yvonne, Macie and me to the farmers market today, which is really cool because it benefits a local school that is re-building itself in the community.

Plus, there are really some cute dogs out there!

The sun couldn't have been any brighter or the sky any clearer; and mom EVEN remembered to bring my tub of water (I get super thirsty like every 30 steps...)

But, for some reason, even though the "adventure" sounded fun in theory, I fought my way almost the entire walk home (which was like 1.5 miles of EVERYONE having to stop, start, nudge and pull).

Got tired, didn't want to move, literally "dug my paws in" and refused to step forward, and looked at my mother and Yvonne (and my friend Macie Mae who was behaving perfectly) with these desperate eyes as though to say, "Why are you torturing me by making me go out and have a good time?"

Soooo, I didn't stop resisting - every step of the way home - and, you know what? I STILL had to walk and I STILL had to make it all the way home.

I guess what I learned today is that whether or not I fight it, I still have to finish the journey.

And, after all, even though I didn't know what to expect after walking and walking and walking and....

I am now sprawled out and sleeping soundly on a cool, clean wooden floor with the breeze coming at me through the windows.

Today's Challenge: Try, just for today, to accept wherever it is you are being led. No matter how hard you fight it, you will still have to go through it; and, the sooner you let go the sooner you will get to your destination.

Lend a Helping Paw...

Somedays you need to put your best designed plans on hold and be there for someone else.

That is where I am today, anyway.

Some people say, "Dog is a man/woman's best friend," well, I say "We are made to make other people feel better in this world."

And that is what I hope I am doing for my human pal today.

I have a human pal who is really kind of blue and I've decided not to leave her side at all today.

Boy, I hope it is making a difference:)

The good news, not only am I showing up for someone else in this world, but I get to slow down, take it easy and forget about my own frustration with Moo stealing my favorite ball at the dog park yesterday.

Today's Challenge: Get out of your head by lending a helping paw to someone else.

Let Someone Else Take the Lead

Well, my hair is finally growing out from this military buzz cut thing my mom made me get this summer...

Boy, it didn't look so cute (kind of like a rat with some black-and-white fir on it), but man it kept me nice and cool this summer.

Now that I am getty fluffety fluff fluff again for the fall, I am having a hard-time adjusting to the change.

I mean, I don't like to complain, but I am having to get daily brushes, which aren't necessarily my favorite.

The good news?

I know that since my mom was right about keeping me cool and cut this summer, she is right about letting it grow and keeping me warm this fall.

I guess it is OKAY for me to let her make the decision for me; after all, she does seem to like me quite a bit...

Today's Challenge: Let someone else take the lead. Even if the results aren't actually what you imagined, they may turn out to be better for you than you think.

Stay Slim and Trim

Apparently, my appetite is shrinking, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I've been playing and running and spending so much time with my new pal Yvonne that I just haven't wanted to slow down enough to eat my entire plate of food.

The result?

I'm feeling trimmer and cuter already.

Today's Challenge: Get active and enjoy the physical abilities you have, while still being mindful and accepting of your limitations. Get your blood flowing, get your dance going, and try not to eat any junk food. It doesn't make you feel better anyway!

Well, maybe a little does here and there:)

Ride the Wave

Man, some days, you just have to go with a splash...

Today, I was enjoying one of the last super sunny days we will have here in Chicago by running after my ball, yet again, on the beach, when I got a whole bucket of water up my snouty little nose..

YOWSER....

The good news?

Instead of peddling my little paws to swim back to shore again (and risk getting more water up my nose), I discovered how to "ride the wave" back to shore.

I learned a lesson in my nose shower after all.

When I swim against the wave, fighting it every step of the way, my nose gets splattered and I can't reach my destination (plus, I cough a whole lot too:(...but when I RIDE the very wave that frightens me, I not only have more fun during my playtime, but I arrive safely back to shore.

Today's challenge: Go with the flow. Don't suffocate yourself by fighting life's flow. Surrender to it, and you just may be surprised with the results.

And, Let's face it, no matter how much you fight it, that water will ALWAYS win...

Nap Time...

Sometimes, when you've had a long week, you JUST need to rest.

I mean, as you know, I've been playing and had playmates all week, and even though today's weather was, well, simply super-to-the-max play-time beach weather, I just had to make the choice to

S L O W D O W N

and give myself some rest.

So, other than eating and going out to potty, I've been sleeping and sucking on my woobie most of the day..

Whew-Yee..Now, with all the hustle and bustle of the life of an active little pooch, somedays,

THAT IS LIVING.

Today's Challenge: Find a feel-good-spot, and take a load off. There will ALWAYS be time to work and worry tomorrow...

Relate, and Don't Hesitate

Today, after another "spa" day at the beach (and, just to note, I'm swimming better every day), I am so beat I can hardly move.

The good kind of beat, if you know what I mean...

So, I've had some time to look around the living room walls and check out some of the artwork my mommy has around.


As I scanned the room a bit ago I liked what I saw. You know, bright colors and stuff, but when I got halfway around the room (which isn't that big to begin with), I saw this painting of this HUGE PINK CAT...

Um, correct me if I'm wrong, but not only do I not generally like cats (because they never want to play with me:(, but I also am not particularly fond of the notion of a pink cat.

I was all "in my head" about this, thinking about how not only does my mother have no taste in artwork, but also, that it was quite rude of her to think that bringing a painting of a pink cat into our home might be at all appropriate...

Hmmmmm...

And so, it was with my agitation that I began to hobble my little legs over and look at the picture more closely.

I saw some words on the bottom of the painting...

Got a little closer...

Closer..

And BANG, there it was....the letters S A M ....SAM
at the bottom of the painting..

I thought and thought and then I got the message.

My Mom had gotten that painting not to torture me, but because she loved that it had MY name on the painting...

Today's Challenge: Identify with Someone You Don't Necessarily Understand...It will help you like yourself better too. Oh, and, when you are convinced that someone is "out to torture you" by his/her actions, maybe, um, give him/her the benefit of the doubt today. You may be surprised at what you find...

Sit. Stay......

Jump up and Down!

So, I somehow learned to "master" the art of mini-dog swimming yesterday, but, darn, did I sleep like a stone last night. I woke up thinking, "Well, no day could possibly compare to yesterday's fun at the beach, today is going to be boring for sure," when a curious thing happened.

One of my bestie doggie friends, Macie Mae, lives next store, but lately her mommy has been working so much that I never get to see her anymore:( I kind of thought she was gone for good, because sometimes, just like people, dog's have that "black-and-white" thinking; when, SHAZAM, her mommy called mine and said,

"I'm working from home, can Sammy PLEASE come over."

Well, just so you have SOME idea of how exciting this is for me, I mean, I wait at Macie's door daily to see if she will come out to play, so when the door actually OPENED for me today, I did some kind of kick up flip around move and leapt on in.

And, boy, did we play! So much so that I'm now nodding my eyes as I write this....curling myself in a ball and....dozing off..

Oh, before I get too comfortable and curl up to my woobie, though, just a little challenge for YOU today.

Remember, that just because you have fun one day doesn't mean the fun is all gone the next. Holding on to things tightly means you don't get the space to enjoy the good that is just around the corner. And, BOY, today's surprise sure was good.

Hope I get to do it again tomorrow...

Swimming is Sweet

Well, I was sad this morning because I didn't get to go to work with my mommy. That was hard, because I like to be with her 24/7. I tend to be co-dependent that way. But I decided, well, heck, I should make the most of this, so I ate well, took a nap (on these amazing "butter" sheets and a featherbed) and asked my friend Yvonne to take me to the doggie beach. Who said you can't find happiness from looking around you?

75 and Sunny.

Slight breeze.

Cute Pomeranian to my right.

And a new friend to catch me as I swim all ten lbs of me back to the shore!

Now if that isn't living what is?

Today's challenge:

Get off your backside and do something that makes you smile, despite your current circumstances.