The Friday List (nice things you’ve done for yourself this week)
So here’s a treat I wish I’d given myself about two years ago, but better late than never: yesterday I hired the local dog whisperer, April the Magnificent (who trained our old dog Blue), to come over and spend three hours with Bear and me, finally addressing some of those annoying mother-dog issues like his need to lunge at skateboarders and wheelchairs, the fact that my biceps are enormous from constantly having to fight 85 pounds of Lab during our walks, and Bear’s odd habit of spraying butt juice all over the furniture or rugs any time he hears a strange noise outside. Like the other night when my husband brought a wheelbarrow into the yard at night, hauling a nice supply of firewood. That required about two cups of butt juice from the Bear, all over my pillows. Thanks a bunch.
So now I have a clicker and a gentle leader, I’m armed with treats, and the Bear and I are finally getting down to business. So far so good–last night he didn’t pull once. Wow, what a relief. I can feel my arms again. I have high hopes for this morning.
Yay for actually doing something about my problem instead of just complaining and suffering through it! Yay for there being a new sheriff in town! Yay, April!
How about the rest of you? What fabulous things have you been giving yourselves this hectic last week before Christmas?
Technorati Tags: The Friday List, Self-Care, Self-Pampering, Dog Training
December 21st, 2007 at 5:41 am
Yeah for the dog trainer, Robin! I need one too. After an unfortunate walk on the 4th of July last summer, my dog is now afraid of any loud noise outside, including the popping of nail guns that the construction workers use daily in my neighborhood. She puts her head down and RUNS.
My nice thing? I let my husband chauffeur me and my daughter to Wegmans, where we dined in the store and bought outrageous steaks for him to pan grill last night. Also, I remembered to bring my cheat sheet about champagne from Cooking Light, so I was able to confidently buy some good quality bubbles for New Year’s.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:48 am
What does a new sheriff have to do with anything??? Just curious.
Have not done anything in particular for myself this week, except clean up my house, and just enjoy some down time. No stressing about Christmas, etc. because that is all taken care of (except figuring out what to get my husband.) I DID enjoy browsing through a few stores trying to find what I wanted for my daughter-in-law…the next to last person on my list that I shopped for. Don’t usually browse when I shop very often.
Have a great holiday season, Robin, and everyone else, too.
December 21st, 2007 at 6:11 am
Uhhh, I think she means she is the new sheriff and is in charge now. Or at least April the Magnificent is the sheriff.
Just guessing.
I could have lived a very full and complete life without ever hearing of “spraying butt juice”. Now I’ll never get those precious minutes back.
December 21st, 2007 at 6:35 am
Actually, what I thought would be a long, boring week before Christmas turned out nicely. I enjoyed my girls every day, visited with friends, and tasted some delicious Christmas goodies made by my best friend.
Tonight, I’ll go with my good friends to see the bloodbath that is Sweeney Todd. I expect I’ll be hiding behind my hands much of the time, judging from a review my mom heard on NPR where the reviewer commented on the beauty of the arterial spray. }:
December 21st, 2007 at 10:07 am
Sara, you know how I feel about Wegman’s the greatest grocery store known to mankind. How lovely for you. And very smart about your champagne cheat sheet! I’m clueless about that stuff.
Judy, Patrick is right–the new sheriff is April (and one day, me). Congratulations on being done with your shopping! (Well, except for the husband gift–you’ll figure it out.) Browsing is good. It signals to yourself you have more time than you think you do.
Patrick, sorry, man. But not really. I’m sure you’ll say plenty of things I’ll regret reading in the coming year.
Kelley, have fun at Sweeney Todd! I can’t wait to see it. I’ve always loved that musical, and I am super psyched to see Burton’s take on it. Depp and Bonham Carter look like they’ll be amazing. Report back, please!
December 21st, 2007 at 10:09 am
One of the nice things I’m doing for myself is not sending out snail mail Christmas cards this year. I sent out Dowler News updates every month, and I’ve got e-cards. In years past, I’d send out 60 cards plus letters. This year: nada.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:12 am
Good. Cards are a pain in the hiney unless you’re really, really into them. And I am all for relieving ourselves of obligations that aren’t really obligations. Bravo!
December 21st, 2007 at 10:46 am
I ate some candy canes this week while working my tail off.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:48 am
A Brighton “manuscript” key fob. It says: heart, soul, style, create, and dream.
I love it.
http://www.brightonretail.com/store/wishlist.php?m=product_detail&p=E12350
December 21st, 2007 at 10:50 am
It also says “believe”.
December 21st, 2007 at 11:33 am
Today I’m going to get my hair cut and “done” for a fancy party tonight instead of helping out at my daughter’s school party. I still feel a little guilty about it, but it will be nice to tame the mane a bit and look pretty for tonight.
And I deserve it as my week has just been a bitch.
December 21st, 2007 at 12:02 pm
MR: I know that you are often the person who caves in the game of “Volunteer Chicken.” (Like I can talk– though I’m getting good at the strategy of volunteering for something minor so I can get out of something bigger later!) So, I’m thrilled that you’re getting your hair done instead of helping your daughter’s school party. No guilt!
December 21st, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Robin, yeah for you for getting a dog whisperer! I’m more of a dog yeller than a whisperer. After my 75 lb. Ridgeback broke my finger several years ago while lunging on the leash, I let out a yell that has reduced her lunging to merely pulling and dragging. With her that’s progress!
As for me, after years of chickening out, I finally went to the Christmas Carol church choir practice last night and am signed up to sing (ahem, many would call it something else) carols at the early morning Christmas Mass. I LOVE to sing Christmas Carols and as long I am not too near the microphone, I shouldn’t ruin anyone’s day. I had such fun!
December 21st, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Robin, BUTT JUICE? Oh my.
I’ve been letting myself move slowly and get behind on things this week. That’s been nice. I needed a little rest break, and now I’m feeling ready to deal with getting the house ready for my Christmas Eve guests. It’s nice to have a weekend to do it in.
December 21st, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Spent time with my sister and nieces. Always enjoyable. Also found out I made an A in my first class!
December 22nd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Saw Sweeney Todd. Loved it. Reviewed it on my blog. Post your thoughts when you’ve seen it!
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:56 pm
woot for dog whispering! lol I’ve gotten two books from my librry that make me really happy! lol and I finished my christmas shopping though I’ll probably end up doing some after christmad anyways…. lol but still1 XD It’s nice to have what I need done done! ^^