I like to have reasons to look purdy

Mr H and I went on a spontaneous double date with an old coworker of his. It was pretty on the fly for us- and it actually we haven't treated ourselves out like that in a while so it was really refreshing

We went to Kyoto that lovely Japanese restaurant across the street from Liberty Heights Fresh in Sugarhouse. We had quite the spread of delicious delights but were a little rushed so we could make room for customers who "actually made reservations" oh well.
We went up to the U to the only building I've actually been to before (When I was with Planned Parenthood we actually rented out the theater for our own thing so I was pretty familiar with it) Where a guitarist named Trace Bundy and songwriter Asher Seevinck were performing. Its a small theater to begin with but we had a very intimate crowd. I would say maybe around 30-40 ish people. Mr H and I realized that this was the very first time we've met an Asher before. Which is very interesting for us, maybe someday you'll know why. He sang five bible songs and I thought he sounded a little like Rod Stewart.

As for Trace Bundy, the main event, I honestly had only heard about 15 secs of his music on youtube before I agreed to go. I must say he was phenomenal. The way he played guitar was something I've never seen before, and I was in the second row so I had a pretty good view. He was also very entertaining with his stories and explainations of things that he was doing and what he likes to imagine while he's playing (ex, Agnes the sweet old organist that goes crazy part way through, LOL). For an audience member like me, were I can't really relate to being so intimate to some sort of instrument as I am musically, and artistically challenged, it was so interesting to see how the guitar didn't seem like some big bulky thing on his lap that he was hitting notes to make a song. It was really an extention of him (cliche probably, but true) everything really flowed for him, even his fingers fanning out when he strummed. Very neat form. Mr H and I were really moved.
I even had an oppportunity to speak with Mrs Bundy, theyare a very neat couple. She gets to travel around all over the world to watch him perform. Her most memorable location Zimbabwe and hopefully someday they'll go to New Zealand. Very Cool.

Check out this youtube video, this was one of my favorite songs that he played, Bristlecone:`

Jake's a Star Student

I am soooo happy that I enrolled Jake and I into obedience classes! We are taking courses over at Brickyard Kennels, with a trainer with Perfect Pooches Dog training.

Clearly he has been trained before so he knows what he’s doing- now I’m just getting my shit together so I can better lead him.In the three short weeks I have been better able to understand his little ticks and neurosis and have been able to work with a trainer one on one to modify his behavior.We are with a real neat group of 8 or 9 dogs total. There are all sorts of dogs from tiny Min Pins and Chihuahuas to Great Danes and also sorts of varying skills and ability. A 6-month old Akita who just graduated from puppy class but is still DYING to play with the other dogs to a Deaf, slightly skittish Albino Great Dane! Jake fits in just perfectly- most of the other dogs are mutts, and pretty much ALL of the dogs are shelter or rescue dogs. RIGHT ON! The Trainer is quite competent and VERY funny. I really like her relaxed cheerful demeanor and her ability to demonstrate complete control with the dogs.

We are half way through the class and we are working on heel. Jake is clearly getting it and is doing a pretty good job. AND I can proudly announce that I no longer need the gentle leader to walk Jake! **** While he still whines out of excitement he is calming down quicker and feeling ok with other dogs around him while he’s on his leash. Many of the exercises we do help Jake work on his attention building and focusing more on me rather than other dogs. I think he’s a very good student.

HOWEVER I’ve confirmed from the last class that Jake’s previous owner taught him through a treat based performance. The Trainer had some treats out so I snagged a couple to use as a reward, even though positive praise has been working well. Jake immediately became intensely attentive to me and that T-R-E-A-T. Even though he would do whatever I wanted him to do his intensity was also a huge distraction. He had to make sure his eyes were on the treat AT ALL TIMES. He started walking backwards or not looking where he was supposed to be going. No way little dude your eyes are supposed to be on me not the treat! Even when I put my hand in my pocket his affect completely perked up. I don’t really like it. It was WAY too Distracting! Although I did like his attitude when he was treat motivated. So now I’m thinking of ways to keep up his high motivation with out having to dangle the sacred T-word in front of his face.

My goal is to practice at least 5-10 minutes a day with Jake, and I've also started them teaching both of them other silly tricks that some of the other Owners have taught there dogs. But I'm making sure not to practice toooo much in one day- Jakey's cute lil brain could turn to moosh and then its no fun for him.

Lastly being in this class has made me realize that Walter would be able to handle it. Especially since he's been able to catch on to some of the tricks I've been teaching him I was initially thinking to put him in a class just for small dogs, but I am reconsidering. I think i might put him in the next basic obedience class that this trainer offers

***The main reason we needed it was because he would pull to hard and I couldn’t control him. While we do not have heel down pat yet I have better skills to control him. He is less whiney at the sight of distractions AND due to the colder weather our walks are significantly shorter.

I have such a talented Family

Check it out, my sister-n-law Mack F is in the papes!

I can actually remember when she was a cheerleader as well as seeing her perform in high school.

Way to go Farnie!

utah liquor law fast fact!

In Utah we only allow sober voters.
All liquor stores are closed today.
Don't want no drunks screwin up the polls!
However you'll be happy to know all the meth dealers maintain their usual business hours.
THANK GOD.

This is what it looked like when we called you

8 years later

Remember those whaaaasup dudes?
Here they are 8 years later.

Dream

So last night I had a dream that I wanted to get a tall stack of pancakes covered in syrup tattooed on my arm. I couldn't decide if it should be on the inside of my arm or the outside. Then I decided I better not, "because what if I regret it when I'm older"

How could I regret something as beautiful as this on the inside of my arm:
This looks exactly what I was imagining in my dream how cool is that!


According to the curious dreamer dictionary:
Tattoo: Consider what comes to mind when you think of the particular tattoo, and of tattoos in general. A tattoo can represent something about its wearer, according to the perspective of the dreamer. Examples include:

• The way the dreamer thinks the tattoo wearer tries to portray themselves to the world
• The particular impression the dreamer thinks the wearer wants people to have of them
• Self-expression
• Belonging to a certain group or crowd
  

Dreaming about pancakes may mean you're hungry for them, but could also represent something in your life that is multi-layered—like a complex issue or problem, or a series of events that happen one after another (or need to do so), etc




And I'll have you know that, yes, I long to be in the pancake gang.