In My Shoes

Well, it's happening again. I believe that my favorite pair of running shoes are ready to go to Sneaker Heaven soon, where all my previous pair of Nikes have gone.

Although there is a new version of my fave pair of shoes out on the market, I'm partial to the older design. They're simple, subtle, and classic. They don't have a lot of flair to them, but they are the most comfortable and durable pair of running shoes. I've tried other brands, but I always go back to my favorite pair of Nikes.

I'm not really the type of person that develops attachment to material things, but there's a personal attachment to this particular pair of Nikes. They've seen me through some rough times in my life this year. They gave me the motivation to start moving on. They make me feel empowered everytime I put them on. They're helping me rediscover (good) aspects of myself that I lost along the way, during the last few years of my relationship with Voltaire. Running is my therapy.

I feel incomplete without them. They provide me with the comfort I need for my daily ritual of solitude. They literally go the distance with me, and don't judge me if I only have enough time to run a few miles. They're always there to support me in my efforts to challenge myself.

Now, if only I could find a man that's just as dependable and secure. I'd be set if Nike started marketing those.

Nerd Herd

Yes!
I got my library card re-newed!
YES!
I can borrow books again.
Oh man.
Boo.
It seems that my books are still "In Transit" to the library.
Oh well.

Charlie and the Geese

I forgot to post something about this a few days ago. Charlie and I went for our usual morning walk on Monday, but the park that we usually go to in our neighborhood was flocked by geese!

I'm not sure what the geese were doing there, but it was really nice to see Charlie being so respectful of them. Charlie was curious, but it was almost as if she was trying to tip-toe past them, so as not to disturb them.

We walked in the park amongst the geese, and she didn't bark once or even try to run after them. She just sat and watched the geese squawk past her. I'm sure it took a lot of self-control for Charlie not to run after them. She is a labrador retriever after all.

We haven't seen the geese since Monday. We're hoping they come back soon so I can take a picture of Charlie and her new friends.

A bookworm. A bookworm. I'm nothing but a bookworm.

Frick. I wanted to reserve some library books at Belle Cooledge, but it seems that I forgot to renew my library card which expired today. Ugh.

So here are the books I plan on borrowing tomorrow:

A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Turning Over a New Leaf

Fall is slowly making it's way in. I was so ecstatic to find rain drops on my window this morning. I jumped out of bed and quickly got ready to take Charlie for her walk.

My dog really does suit me very well. She has been a tremendous source of love through my transition. She enjoyed the cool crisp air as it kissed our cheeks to say hello and introduce the new season coming in. We took somewhat of a longer walk just to soak in the wonderful weather. Even the cats enjoyed sitting by the open windows, inviting the wind to come into the house to let it breathe.

I went for my daily run as well. Granted I was really torn between staying in and watching the film adaptation of my favorite G.G. Marquez book, "Love in the Time of Cholera." But I opted to record it instead. This is perfect running weather for me.

I also had a make-up training session with my dog trainer today. Working with him one on one helped ease any anxiety I had about Charlie passing her puppy training course. According to Devin, Charlie doesn't have any obedience problems because she knows all her commands and follows them quite easily. He reassured me that Charlie is spazzy because she's a puppy. Awww, my little puppy is graduating next week. It's on to intermediate training after that. One step closer to our goal of having Charlie become a therapy dog.

My soccer league starts this weekend as well. I only know one person on the team, but hey, I have room more new friends. Much love to Chuie for inviting me to play. My soccer skills might be a little rusty, but I'm sure I'll be all right. I couldn't do my pre-game ritual of polishing my Copas though. I don't know where the Chelsea leather food is. Time to check out Eurosport :)

I'm just looking forward to the leaves changing color, and surviving the seasons ahead. I just need to make it through, and I know that I'll be allright.

Library Card

So I think I'm one of the last people on earth (at least from my generation) to own a library card.

I love going to the library and borrowing books. There's something about being able to walk into a building full of books, and that old book smell. Haha. Only other bookworms like me will understand the old book smell.

For kids, it's a great way to introduce them to love reading! When I was working as a nanny, I would take the girls to the library to borrow books and attend story time. It's a good way to asses if a child likes the book before purchasing it at the store. A good way to save money. Also, it was really neat for the girls to have their very own library cards. How cool is that?

The libraries in Sacramento also have a little room where you can buy used books or videos. Yes, I said videos. It's a cool reward treat for the little ones when you're potty training them or for good behavior in general. The books range from .25 cents to $ 3.00. Not bad, huh?

I'm going to the library tomorrow to borrow some books by Cesar Millan, the Dog Whispherer. Much thanks to Aleks for recommending the books. I am looking forward to using Cesar's methods on Charlie. Yeah, this mama needs a little help with her puppy. The training classes are going well, but I think I also need to look at other perspectives. After all, I do want her to be a well rounded puppy.

Holla'

I just wanted to say thanks to the really hot guy running with his yellow lab for making my day. I'm sure we'll run into each other again, but thanks for the compliments. Next time, let's introduce ourselves to each other. Playdate with our pups? Let's connect. Haha. You made my day.