A Beast of a Day

I don't blog much, at least not as much as my friend Eloise, but this past weekend has had me thinking about many things. What started out 9 months ago as just an excuse to go home and spend time with my friends and family, has become one of the best events I have ever participated in.  To be honest, when I signed up- I wasn't even sure I would be able to finish the race, The Barber Beast on the Bay.  The event was held for the second time on beautiful Presque Isle in Erie, PA, it was a 10 mile obstacle race along the shores of Lake Erie.  The event organizers set up 26 obstacles along the way.  We started by carrying sand bags through the water, miles through the swamp, hills of sand, cargo net climbs, huge military walls that left many people with bruises,  spider web crawls, tunnels to go through, and probably the biggest obstacle many miles running in the sand.

                                    I convinced my sister to do it with me, her and I on the left.

I joined a team called Krauza's Krazies, a group that included some friends I already knew,  that workout together 2-3 times per week, with Team Adrenaline, all year long. To be honest, it seemed like a daunting task for me.  I had no one to workout with or get ready for this. I live in Philadelphia, and while I started exercising, I certainly didn't have a group or even a coach to tell me what to do.  I came home a few times this summer and  I attended a couple of the Team Adreneline workouts to get some ideas of how to prepare for this monster.  I seemed out advise from the Dr. Krauza (leader of Team Adrenaline and Captain Krazy)- he would email me some ideas of exercises to do to increase my strength and endurance. I ran, I ran more, I ran with Polar.  But running wouldn't be enough to conquer the beast, and I knew that.  I started doing push ups, and planks.  I would spend hours in the pool doing leg lifts, dips, side wall push ups and leg lifts.  I signed up for a couple other OCR just to get my head in the game.  And then September was here.

My day started like this

I was ready to tackle the beast!!  I woke up at 5am anxious and excited, I was like Christmas morning(our wave started at 9:40) I was meeting this Krazy team at 7:30, there was prerace activities planned. What I wasn't ready for was the enthusiasm, spirit, and camaraderie that would happen for the next 4-6 hours, and continue into the AfterParty.  Some of these people I knew, some I never met, but it didn't matter.  In the end, the force of the team was way greater than any individual effort.

This team!!  Krauza's Krazies they called us.  My husband asked why the koolaid man was beating up Barney on our shirt.  Apparently most of Erie thinks this team has drank the koolaid.  I am here to tell you- I did, and I can't undrink it!!!  The fun and games started about 6 months ago, when Captain Krazy- Steven Krauza started a war with captain of another team Karen Groshek, (and sister of one of my teammates)  For me it was fun to watch from a far.  The ribbing, the bets, the funny posts, I would log into Facebook just to see what was happening today. You see Karen, Elaine and their whole family have been my friends for many many years.  They both have Autistic children, hence the reason for their involvement in the Beast.  And my reason for flying home to support them. 

I started running in October 2013,  mostly to try and loose weight while I was dieting.  By the end of summer I was able to run 10-12 miles. I knew that the running part would not be a problem.  However, you never know your ability until you have to do miles in the sand.  I was most worried about the obstacles.  I had been thru several other mud events, but nothing would compare to this.  In the end- I didn't have to worry about the obstacles, because there was 10 or more of my teammates, or people that weren't even part of our team or the Beauties team that were there to lend a helping hand, a tush push to help me over the wall, or to catch me when I jumped or fell from the cargo crate. I even had people that were watching out for the leeches as we went through the swamp, cause that was my worst nightmare.  There were no leeches seen or harmed during this event, at least not by me :-)

I was honored to be part of this journey.  We were told many times that the enthusiasm and publicity from our two teams made the event one of the best.  I learned that it wasn't about how far or fast I was going, but who i was doing it with.  I had so much fun and learned so much along the way.  I definitely will be back again to slay the Beast!!  Beware Erie, it seems the Krazies and Beauties are putting down the axes and creating a super team for next year!!  Let's do this!!  Let's put Erie on the map with a premier event.

The organizers tried to keep us entertained along the way with crazy signs all throughout the trail.  This one is my personal favorite

The bigger picture was that the whole event supported the Barber National Institute, a place in Erie that helps handicapped and disabled children and adults.  My small part to help the cause has left me wanting to recruit more friends/family to have the same experience next year.  So- for Natalie and Erik, their families, and the many others that this event helps - If you don't have plans next september save the date!!  You won't regret it.  And I don't want to hear you can't!!!  Because you can, together we all can!!  You can email me to join the Krazy team- whatever our "Super" name is next year. huskylovr_23@hotmail.com .  

The event is much bigger than any one person, or team.  It will leave you with a sense of accomplishment like no other race.  

A weight loss journey

It has been a while since I blogged, but I thought this better than a post on Facebook.  I am not as diligent as my friend Eloise, but usually I don't have much to say.  This time I do, I have something to say about myself.  In October Kurt and I started down a weight loss journey.  If you have known me a while, you know- I never had a weight problem.  But injuries, age, and just an over lack of not taking care of myself caught up, and soon I found myself the heaviest I ever have been in my life.  172lbs.  I couldn't believe the number on my scale, I didn't want to believe the number on my scale, but it was true.  Kurt and I started by following the Atkin's new diet, cutting out most carbs, all sugars - (this included wine- which I had grown to love.)  But it seemed to be the best option, we wanted to be bathing suit ready for our trip to Grenada.  I took a lot of will power, especially with all my traveling, but I stand here today and tell you it can be done.  The number on the scale today is 128, yes that is  44lbs I lost since the end of October.  I didn't do any gimmicky pills or fads.  It was hard work and dedication, you too can do this.  We have completely changed our lifestyle now.  I am not going to lie, every once in a while a red velvet cupcake ends up on my plate, or a trip to Dairy Queen is in order, but over all, I still stick to the plan.  Kurt has lost over 50lbs, both of us have added exercise to our routine, me more than him.  I am training to several big races this fall, and I feel the best I have felt in 41 years!!!  they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here you go (the two side pictures are today- the middle was in March 2013) .  I did this for me, I did this to be healthy and strong.

I didn't write this to pat myself on the back, but to encourage each and everyone of you that thinks you can't, you can!!!

He is Risen

I am not a very good blogger, I was very passionate when I started this to get word out there about how Diesel's progress was going.  Mostly I felt like I wanted to put the word out there if only I could help answer the questions of a few people.  I am definitely not as good or as active as my friend at the LampPost, but then again- I don't have all the much to write about.  Someone said to me, you should write about all your travels.  The truth is, as exciting as it sounds- I spend much of my time away working.  Yes I do post an occasional picture by the pool or the mountains, but that really is a rare moment when I am away.  Most of my time working is spent doing just that, long hours (usually starting at 6am, and ending about 9pm or later). I will try to better for all those envious of my lifestyle, which I might add would be much better if I could have one of the fur babies with me.

I am blessed and grateful to have the job I have, the life I have feel that God has led me in this direction.  Everything happens for a reason, and that you can't have a rainbow without the storm.  This Holy week has reminded me the the struggles that Jesus went through in his last days and how much of my struggles and storms have made me the person I am today.  The title of this entry and the picture above have a great meaning in my life.  And while I spent most of the first three months of 2013 traveling the western US, Easter seemed to come up quickly and smack me right in the face.  I thought I would take the time to reflect, all the bible shows, all the religious events on TV at this time of year- and yet you look around and it seems this whole weekend is about chocolate bunnies and colored eggs.  The Catholic Church has a new pope.  I must admit over the past few years I have alternated between going to the catholic church and the lutheran church- much of which are the same.  There are many rules the catholic church established that I don't agree with, many of which are what caused Martin Luther to leave the church and the Lutheran religion was born.  But I found myself entangled with the rest of the world as we waited for that white smoke, hoping that someone new would take the church into a new direction.  And there is was, the smoke, a new face, a new name- Pope Francis.  Pope Francis took his name from St. Francis of Assisi, who is my favorite saint-the patron saint of animals.  And then this image arose on the internet- 

He has quickly become my hero.  A simple man, of Italian decent from Argentina.  He paid for his own hotel stay in Rome when he had to be there for the conclave.  I still don't believe in all the "rules", but I feel my faith is strong and isn't that all that matters.  I try to live an ask myself many times a day "WWJD"- yes cliche, but What Would Jesus do?

I hope you all have a joyous Easter or Passover, what ever it is you celebrate.  After all the festivities are done, remember the reason for the Day, for the week- Holy Week.  Remember the simple man, that washed the feet of his followers and gave his life so that we all shall live.

Good Bye 2012

When I started this blog, it was to get information out there to the people that needed to hear about my experience with my dog having/needing ACL surgery.  I was frustrated because I couldn't find the information myself and hoped I could help just a few more people.  But as I sit here on New Year's Eve, watching the time tick away (and inspired by a few fellow bloggers) I thought I might reflect on this year.  And yes, the big 40 birthday last week has had me reflecting a lot.  

The end of 2011/ beginning of 2012 started on a sad note, with the passing of my sister's mother-in-law, Chris Sullivan.  She battled the nasty "C"word for over a year, but in the end it was God's choice to call her home.  I am grateful that my sister and her family did not watch her suffer very much, and in the end she died peacefully knowing that grandchild #3 was on the way.  The hardest part for me was watching my niece and nephew, who didn't fully understand at all what was going on, try to comprehend that Grandma Chris was not around anymore.   Don't be sad Aunt GiGi, Brianna said to me, Grandma Chris is playing with Baby Jesus now.  (out of the mouths of babes to make it all seem so simple).  

The start of January found us all, yes all, in Disneyworld.  A preplanned vacation, to the Magic Kingdom was in store for us all.  A 7 bedroom house awaited the Groner/Shaffer families.  My mom, my brother, my Aunt Jude, Aunt Jane, Uncle Chuck, cousin Heather, David, Melissa, John, Brianna, Zachary, and Kurt & I ( and dad made it for a day) all went on what can only be described as a barrel of laughs for a week in Orlando.  

I also finished my first half marathon.  John, Melissa (and baby Eric was in her belly), and I got up at the butt crack of dawn to compete in the Disney world Half Marathon.  A wonderful 13.1 mile run through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot before the parks opened.  We finished... that's about all I can say.  Unlike my friend Kenyan Karen, who is fast and runs to win, we were just running to finish.  this also left Uncle David and Uncle Kurt in charge of the children, putting them in the chEAR squad at the finish.  Complete with pom poms and painted faces, they were there at the end to give us big hugs.  A Vacation to remember!!

February brought the addition of this guy to the house: Polar

He was previously living with Melissa & John, and they decided he was a little to rambunctious to be around the new baby that would be coming.  I am not sure Kurt and I ever thought we were going to get rid of him, but we took him thinking we would work with the husky rescue to find a good home for him.  He fit in with the pack here on Treaty Road instantly, and soon won our hearts.  Truth be told, he had my heart the first time I met him in Erie, he reminded me of my Ivan so much it was scary. 

March is when our journey with Diesel and his ACL injury started, you can go back and read my other blogs, in particular the first one, that recaps what an ordeal we had for a few months. 

Work took me many places this year.  New Orleans- twice!! Anyone that knows me will say it is my favorite city to visit.  I love the culture, I love the people, but most of all- I LOVE THE FOOD!!  If you haven't been, you should go, not to party on Bourbon street, but to experience it all.  If you need a tour guide, I would be happy to help, because in the midst of this quaint town, on the mouth of the Mississippi, there are a ton of little restaurants that you won't even know where to begin to try your first meal.  It's not a place you can spend a week of vacation at, but definitely make the trip for a long weekend, you won't regret it. 

Several other trips were to Florida, Las Vegas, Dallas, Toronto and maybe one of my other favorite trips of the year to Seattle.  Yes, we are Seahawks fans and I really was hoping to bring Kurt on this trip and see a football game, but of course, they weren't playing when I was there.  I got to spend some great time with some great friends at a place a little south of the city called Lake Limmerick.  I also got to catch up with some family I haven't seen in many years.  below is me trying paddle boarding for the first time

This year also brought me a second Nephew, Eric John Sullivan joined his brother Zachary and sister Brianna in August.  I got to spend some wonderful time with all the kids in August and last week on my 40th birthday Kurt and I became Eric's god parents.  Speaking of my 40th birthday, my sister and Kurt were able to suprise me with a party when we traveled back to Erie for Christmas and the baptism of Eric.  I thought the party was just for the baptism, but she managed to work in a surprise, having my friends and many of the family there.  It really was awesome.  (Thanks to everyone that had a hand in in and joined in the fun).  My dad even braved the winter snow, having a terrible travel adventure to be there.

This year my travels also took me to Europe for the first time.  I was in Davos, Switzerland and then a few days in Zurich.  I reminded me a lot of Erie, (minus the mountains) because of all the snow, it only didn't snow one of the 12 days I was there.  I also got to spend time with the family of one of the exchange students we had stay with us- Luana.  

2013 will be 10 years since Kurt and I first left Erie.  We left, came back, and left again.  In April of 2003 Kurt left for Puerto Rico, me and the dogs joined him after the wedding of John and Melissa in late June.  While our time there was short lived, actually if you ask me I would tell you it was the worst year of my life, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.  Had we not begun that journey 10 years ago we would not be where we are today.  There is a whole lot more to the story, some of you know it, some of you may not- so buy me a beer someday and I will fill in the blanks for you.  

If there is one thing this year, has taught me, it is to live every day to its fullest!!  Laugh a lot, love even more and don't waste time.  There were many people this year that I know that passed, or were diagnosed with something real bad, and it has opened my eyes that life is much shorter than we think.  So that's it friends, my reflection on 2012 and bringing in 2013. I hope you all have a joyous New Year, and that the road you travel leads you to happiness everyday.  

The Good and The Bad

Yes readers, it has been a few weeks since I wrote anything.  Nothing new has really happened.  We all survived Thanksgiving in Philadelphia away from our loved ones.  It was very hard, reading about all the turkey and shopping going on.  Thanksgiving has by far always been my favorite holiday, up until about a year ago my whole extended family always got together.  Aunts, great Aunts, Uncles and great Uncles, cousins, grandparents, god parents and anyone else that didn't have a place to go found their way to our house.  It was nothing it cook 3 or 4 turkeys, to play Euchre the night before and drink like crazy, and then wake up for Monkey Tails (yes that is what we call the delicious pull apart bread that became a morning tradition), eat a bunch of food, maybe play more cards all in anticipation for the first store to open for Black Friday shopping.  Everyone asks, why, how can you go out in all that madness. Well let me tell you, there is nothing like it.  We have had a blast, every year, just being together.  So if you are looking for a good time, join us girls some year on black friday, I promise - you won't regret it.

Back to the Big D, his recovery has been going very well, up until about 5 days ago.  He had a 6 week post op visit today, and well there was good news and bad news.  I started to notice the limp, the same limp I noticed last spring before I left for Toronto.  I thought maybe he was stiff from laying around.  We had made it to doing 10 minute walks two times per day, he seemed to be getting stronger.  But there it was, the limp, the toe touching the lameness- only this time it was his left leg.  Yes that's right the other leg, the non operative leg, the "good" leg.  The odds were against us.  I guess it was not a matter of if, but when, only when came way too soon.  After all he is only 6 weeks post op from the first ACL surgery.  That's right, the first because my suspcions were confirmed today by Dr. Dobbins, he has ruptured the ACL in his "other" leg.  That is the bad news... he is going to need the same surgery, all over again and sooner rather than later.  I knew this would be a possibility, all the articles said most dogs rupture the second leg after the first leg.  No one really knows why, is it genetic?  Are certain dogs predisposed or breeds?  Does the over compensation for the surgical side make the "good" leg go bad?  There is no answer, but the fact is out there- 65% of surgeries performed by vets are ACL repairs, 40% of dogs that tear one ACL go on to tear the other.  Odds go up for large and overweight dogs.  (I keep saying ACL, that is the nurse in me- the correct term in dogs is CCL or Cranial Cruciate Ligament, which is the same thing as an ACL in humans)

Those of you that know me, know at this point I am bawling in the vets office.  She wants to wait a few weeks to do surgery on the other side to let his right leg heal.  Good.  but not too long= BAD.  My life, my work schedule for the next few months is crazy, how can will I fit the time in so I can spend time at home with him.  What ever happens, it is another chunk of change from our check book, that really was not anticipated at this time.  Even the vet said, it usually doesn't happen this soon.  I am hoping we can wait it out until mid January when I have at least 3 weeks that I will be home, and maybe win the lottery by then... We go back in 2 weeks to see Dr. Dobbins, and see what she says at that time.  These are the moments I miss my family and friends most, I miss having someone around that could help us out so I didn't have to worry about Kurt home alone while I am traveling, I miss just the support of someone to give me a big hug and say it will be ok.  Life throws you lemons.... I am ready for some Tequila!

A Star in the House

Ok readers, I am going to brag just a bit.  Diesel is a star!!  This picture of him was chosen by MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue www.sibes.com as the cover photo for the 2013 fundraising calendar.  We got Diesel from this husky rescue in August of 2011.  We were looking for looking for a playmate for Rogue, and he immediately fit in the family.  The picture was taken in August of this year, when Meagan Ebersole who is a wonderful photographer (check out her site www.mephotodesign.com) did a charity photo shoot for the Delaware County SPCA and I decided it would be a good idea to try to get a photo of all the dogs.  Why not?  it was for a good cause and Kurt could go with me.  Well let me tell you, even after several Benedryls to all of them, no amount of hot dog treats in the world was going to hold them still.  Meagan having the patience of Job, ended up getting some really great shots, the one above being one of them- and she was gracious enough to let me submit it for the calendar.  Ironically, this is the day we think that Diesel injured his leg for good and we ended up needing to do the surgery.  Either by trying to jump into the car, out of the car, or just trying to pull on the leash to hard while we walked them around waiting our turn for the photo.  You can say I am a proud mommy!!  I will be buying several of these calendars and if you feel like it, you can also buy them, it is a charitable donation for a great cause after all.  They should be available for purchase on the www.sibes.com website soon.  Or let me know....

Diesel is recovering well, everyday he gets stronger.  Somedays it is hard for me to even remember he had surgery.  One day last week, when Kurt and I were busy making dinner, he snuck out of his "apartment" in the closed off living room area, and went right outside to the back yard like there was nothing wrong with him at all.  How he got by both Kurt and I without us noticing... well that is another story.  Luckily the holidays are approaching and I will be home most of this week with him.  However I am in fear of what next week brings.  Tuesday I must leave for Toronto, yes that apartment about the USA, for a week for work.  This is the first time I will be gone since he has had his surgery.  I am hoping that all goes well for Kurt while I am away.  A few prayers to the man upstairs for Kurt would be appreciated. 

I will leave you with a few pictures of Diesel, you can see him walking and standing outside on this beautiful weekend.  I am really anxious to see post operative xrays to see how his leg is healing.  Have a very Happy Thanksgiving all!!

Another Week @ Home

Tomorrow will mark 3 weeks since Diesel had his ACL repair, or TTA Surgery.  As you can tell from this picture he has moved in quite comfortably to his "living room apartment" as we call it.  Him and I, we are enjoying free control of the remote control, one-on-one snuggle time, an easy access to the beer fridge.  We have allowed Polar or Rogue to sleep with us, sometimes one of them, sometimes both of them.  They miss their "big" brother, and it seems good for all of them to have some interaction.

We go for walks 2-3 times per week, just to the end of the block.  The vet says he is allowed 5-10 minutes walks, and week by week we will slowly increase that.  He is getting stronger, that is for sure.  Just trying to hold him back when the neighbors little yappy dogs bark at him, or the squirrel crosses the street takes all my strength.  To watch him walk, you really wouldn't notice anything is wrong (except for the shaved leg), and everyday-he seems to stand a little stronger and put more weight on that leg.  The hard part still, is keeping him quiet.  I have stopped the "doggie valium", the vet suggested that it could be having a reverse effect on him and that is why he was "whigging" out when we left him alone.  So we moved his crate back to his old spot beside Rogue, and he seems quite content.  I guess he missed Rogue, or maybe he feels Rogue is his safety blanket, whatever the reason, I am happy that I don't have to worry about him when I go into the office.  We give him one of the Rimadyl at night, enough to make him comfortable and sleep well, and then I sleep well.  Plus it keeps him from wanting to try to play with the other dogs from inside his compound.

In a few more weeks we will be taking him to the vet for his next follow up, hopefully they will take more xrays so we can see that the bone is healing well.  Until then, we just keep exercising, icing and doing some passive range of motion PT at home.  

And for those of you that are wondering about the other pups, they are not being neglected.  Kurt sleeps with the others, Polar and Rogue have both been to local 5K's recently, and Rogue got to go to a photo shoot :o).  It is hard to keep them all happy, but they are.

Stay Tuned- holiday adventures are sure to be something to write about.  And if I don't get to see some of you, or you aren't on Facebook- Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Love from the Huskies and the Huskylovr!