Seems like it was just yesterday that I was anxiously awaiting my dad's visit.  He is now retired and lives in our family home in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  He doesn't like to travel anymore, most likely because he is afraid he will have health issues.  You see - he had a heart attack at an early age and has continued to have health issues ever since.  A few years back, he had stints put in his legs to help with the circulation so that he would be able to walk without pain.  It worked for a short time, but now he can only walk very short distances.  My parents were both heavy smokers since their childhoods.  My mother passed away due to chronic pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, etc.  It was horriffic to watch the pain she endured during her final years.

Mom was always my best friend and my biggest champion.  I am a night owl just like she was.  We would both sit up late at night, play blackjack and talk about everything for hours.  Our relationship was finally starting to change before she passed from that of a child, to young adult (with all the challenges that presents), to us both being able to relate beyond the mother/child constraints.  I miss her everyday, think of her often.  Luckily, she does come visit me in my dreams.  Usually, she is giving me a life lesson.  I know she is with me on my journey and think she would be proud of the work I do with the animal rescue group.  She was an animal lover who always brought home stray dogs and cats.  I can't imagine my childhood without pets.

My dad and I had a great visit.  As a child, I believed he liked my older brother best and I'm pretty sure that I'm not making that up (of course, my brother was the first and the oldest son).  That does not mean that my father didn't love me - for I always knew he did.  As a small child, my father was an umpire for softball games.  He did this after he broke his wrist and was no longer able to play himself.  He loved the game and this gave him a way to still be a part of it.  He also did it for necessity.  The family needed the extra income that he made from his second job.  Whew - what a remarkable man to be at his first job by 6:30, home by 3:30, help with most of the household chores, and then off to his umpiring job several nights a week and all weekend long.  I remember fondly the times that I would ask to tag along.  I would watch him umpire (letting him know that  I agreed with about some of the controversial calls during the game) and would go off to the park and play.  Of course, those were different days - when a parent could let a child go play by themselves without the worry of being kidnapped or molested.  After watching him work, he would always treat me to an ice cream cone - our little secret : )

While he was here, he got to see all my foster dogs and he was amazed at how well-behaved they were.  I got a call to see if I could go pick up a new one - Brenden from the vet.  Within minutes of coming to my house, Brenden settled in.  He especially liked dad's lap.  I let dad sleep in on Saturday and I went to Adoption Day.  I was very lucky - Tiger the 8 year old who's picture I turned into a cartoon for my photo on this website was adopted.  It was by a young woman who actually came an hour early so that she would be the first to put in an application on him.  He has a little bit of a temper which I told her about and she got to witness.  She still wanted him.  He is now in his forever home with her.  She has sent me pictures of him wearing an outfit she picked out. 

I also received notice that another dog had come in.  I sent the leaders of our group that I could handle another if we couldn't find a volunteer since Tiger had just got adopted.  Earlier in that week, though, several volunteers had expressed that they may be able to foster again.  I wanted them to have first shot.  A few days later, I received the call and asked if I could still volunteer to foster him - as we got bad news - he was heartworm positive.  Unfortunately, this is very common in rescue.  Treating the heartworms is very hard on the dog and something that is totally unnecessary if they are given a cheap pill once each month.  The dogs are not allowed exercise for 6 weeks after the treatment - they need to be kept calm and are only allowed to sit still and be petted, go outside on a very short leash to go potty, and be crated at all other times.  Of course, I agreed.  I can't get him for a while, though.  First, we have to have him neutered and have to give him antibiotics just in case he has kennel cough.  We can't have a dog sick before the treatment begins.  I hope to get him early this coming week. 

Okay, so I'm rambling today.  While my dad was here, we watched lots of football, ate lots of comfort food, and basically just hung out.  On Sunday we we went to brunch and then up to Zilker Botanical Gardens.  The City of Austin has some beautiful parks and this is one of my favorites.  From one point in the park, there is a clearing and from the hilltop of the park you can see all of the downtown skyline.  It is amazing to be surrounded by all of God's beauty and be so close to the economic hub of the City.  On another days, we drove around town.  I showed him all of the new construction and cranes in the downtown area.  I think he was amazed.  I also took him to a new development that I had not even seen, yet.  It is called the Domain and contains a bunch of "high end" stores - Neimann Marcus, Tiffany's, and the like.  These are stores that I would not normally shop at and my dad would never have shopped at.  We just drove through and looked at the shops.  It was very nicely done and would probably be a good place to take the dogs for a walk and get a cup of coffed.  It sort of reminded me of Aspen.  While I am in the commercial real estate industry and love to look at these new projects, I fear that Austin will soon become unaffordable to the everyday person.  I sure hope that something can be done to keep some of the "old Austin" and some of the old Austinites.  I believe in 50 years that it will be just a memory.

Other things this week.  The City Council voted on moving the shelter.  They voted to move the shelter, but to keep the old shelter as a Satellite Adoption facilty.  I think this was just a way to shut up the animal advocates like me and will be a short-lived solution.  I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see how they will be able to staff/afford having two facilities or how logistically they will be able to do intake, medical check-ups, etc. and then move some dogs to the current facility to be adopted.  I have already had to wait hours to do an adoption as there was only one clerk available.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.  Again, 10 years from now, I bet the current facility will be closed and that the City will sell the land to a developer.  The only thing that may slow down my prediction is that real estate is starting to slow down.  However, this land is some of the most prized land in the City.

I also attended the BOMAloha.  This is the annual party for our trade association.  Cindy and her committee did an excellent job.  It is so nice to be able to just sit back, chat, and have a good time with the people that I get the opportunitity to work with and volunteer with all year long.  The food, music, games were wonderful, but the comraderie was the best.

Oh, I also entered two of my buildings into Energy Star.gov.  One of them is very close to being able to qualify for Energy Star designation.  The other did qualify and I need to get an engineer from the City of Austin to stamp my submittal.  l may be the first to be able to show how our new program and cooperation with the City works.

Toodles.
God's Peace.

On Friday, I attend an all day retreat of the Building Owners and Managers Association.  The retreat was planned by Mary Harrington.  She did an excellent job planning.  The moderator was Charlie Dissmore.  Charlie is a member of our group and is also a nationally renowned speaker and educator.  His skills as a speaker and his knowledge of our issues helped the day go along very smoothly.

We were able to get through three very important issues - the transition from our current management structure as our Association Director will not be renewing his contract for his current position.  Our other Director will move up into this vacancy nicely, but we found that she is working 50-60 hours per week.  We will work on a plan to lessen these hours by finding an additional part-time administrative support position.  The second issue we discussed was the need for a Legal Director.  This issue has been near and dear to my heart for quite some time.  While I had anticipated some hesitation by our Board, the atmosphere surrounding recent City of Austin policies actually made this an issue that had no opposition.  Finally, we again talked about our Energy Conservation initiatives.  I am very impressed about how enthusiastically this group embraced our goals.

On Saturday, I just spent a day of relaxation.  I took two of my foster dogs and one of my dogs to the groomers.  Once they were dropped off, I headed to the wellness spa.  Although I didn't have any spa appointments, I walked the grounds, enjoyed the views, and spent a day without television or any thoughts other than what a wonderful world we live where the most wonderous of things were created by God, not man.  It really gave me time to unwind from all the work-week activities.  I will have to do more of these type of things for myself.  It really put a smile on my face and a skip in my step.  On my way home, I picked up the dogs.  Groomingdales does such a good job on them and always treat me so well.  After feeding the dogs, I went over to a friend's house for dinner.  I didn't have to lift a finger.  They had everything ready.  I did bring a nice bottle of wine that we drank while we were eating appetizers and catching up.  I brought another bottle of wine for the actual dinner. 

On Sunday, I went to the gym and met with my trainer, John.  We had a really good workout of 50 minutes and then another 15 minutes on the treadmill.  John is a really nice guy.  He's fun to talk to while I rest between exercises, although he tries not to let me rest too long so that my heartrate stays up.  On Sundays we meet at his gym since the roads aren't crowded.  On Tuesdays, he brings his gym to me and we work out at my house.  He has met my brood.  John was a vet-tech earlier in his life.  He always tells me what a great thing it is I'm doing and how I will be rewarded for doing this.  After my workout, I grabbed two of my fosters to take to Wimberley.  We had an applicant who was interested in our breed, but didn't want to wait until our next Meet and Greet or come into Austin.  It was a beautiful drive out there through the hill country.  She and her husband live on two acres with a creek running through the property.  There were deer everywhere.  This was obviously the first time the foster dogs had seen a deer.  They actually didn't seem to be too impressed and were more excited about the playmates at the house - Milo, a Jack Russell and Samson, a lab.  There was LBK, a cat, but she didn't want to get in on the excitement.  To my surprise, the couple were interested in both dogs.  They had originally only wanted one more dog, but when they saw how cute both of them were and how well they got along with each other and their dogs they couldn't resist.  I am so happy they are going to such a loving home.  I'm especially going to miss Joey.  He had quickly become one of my favorite dogs with his puppy-like exuberance and excitement for life.   It is something I need to make part of my lifestyle - investigate, play when I'm ready to play, and rest when I'm ready to rest, but make most out of every minute.  Not only can an old dog learn new tricks, they can be teachers to their masters.

So, today was back at the grindstone.  Luckily, doing something I love and am good at.  I have had a great weekend of retreating, relaxing, and rejoicing.  I hope you have, too.  It is what is called living a life in balance, or as my new friend, Scott Goyette, likes to call it - Extreme Balance.  Put all the things you love and are passionate about in all the things you do.  So much to learn, but I'm still ......recharging my vessel.


God's Peace.

This morning and early afternoon, I just felt numb.

I use to spend lots of days feeling numb, but in the past month or so, I have really been living a life filled with riches.  In the past, I could mope around, not want to get out of bed, not want to take a shower, and not want to be accountable to myself.  Now, I get up early, start my day and pack it full of activities.  I've caught up with old frineds, chatted with current friends, and made new friends.  My family and I have never been closer.  I spent hours speaking with my sister several times in the past few weeks - talking about everything and anything, but mostly about nothing at all.  I have arranged for my father to come visit me so we can spend some quality time together. 

So what was today's numbness about?  Believe it or not, it was a good thing.  I went to the dentist to start work on a broken tooth.  I had went on Monday to have it examined and my dentist, Dr. Black, was able to squeeze me to get the tooth fixed the same week.  Today we cleaned out the broken part of the tooth, completed the root canal on all three roots, and filled in the canals.  I will go back in two weeks to have the temporary crown made, and then again to have the permanent crown and some cavities worked on.  I really like my new dentist and by enrolling in a discount dental plan for $90.00 a year, I was able to save over $1000 on the work I needed done.

This afternoon I was able to work on water conservation issues for the Commercial Real Estate Industry.  I was recently interviewed by a reporter from the newspaper about the City's new ordinance.  While I am totally in favor of water conservation and have taken numerous steps on my properties (installing rain guages to automatically turn off sprinkler systems after it has rained, receiving at least twice daily readings of my water meters to make sure there are no leakages when the system is off and that I'm not overwatering during the nights, installing low flow commodes, having a licensed irrigator check out my systems monthly and report/fix any broken heads, etc.), I do not believe that a one-sized approach is the best approach for Austin at this time.  There needs to be better education on the steps that can be taken, communication with irrigators/landscapers/managers/owners, and a budget and plan of action to reach desired goals.  By taking a systematic approach to the problem, we don't risk the chance of killing valuable plant materials that cannot easily be replaced.  We are making great strides toward starting an industry-wide policy that will be supported by numerous Associations involved in Real Estate.  Hopefully, our thoughts won't fall on deaf ears with the Water Department and City Council, Mayor, and City Manager.

I also volunteered to go to Wimberly on Sunday to interview a husband and wife about adopting one of my foster dogs.  While many people would dread the drive and hate to give up part of their weekend, I look forward to it.  Not only will I have the opportunity to find a home for one of my foster dogs, I will get a nice drive to a beautiful area that I have not visited in quite some time.  I have already set up the appointment with the couple and have spoken to them about their current four-legged familly and what their needs are for a new pet.  I will take two of my foster dogs with me - Joey and Randy.  Their pictures are posted in my photos section.

I guess my thought for today is to live a purposeful life that provides joy to yourself, to others, to your community, and to the world.  Don't go through life numb - that is unless being numb is a good thing.

Today may not have been so much about recharging my vessel, but rather a little maintenance on my vessel.  Although both will help me maintain my health and give me more time and energy in which to serve others.

God's Peace.

A few hours ago, I met a complete stranger who after our brief visit asked me, "Do you know how many blesssings are coming your way?"  Little does she know, I have become highly attuned to life's blessings and I'm embracing each and everyone of them.  Let me share my day with whoever wants to read this.

It started out as a slow, lazy Sunday morning - not that I mind a bit and actually like days when I don't have to jump right in, but can slowly wade into the unknown waters.  After a bit of house cleaning - dishes, laundry, etc., I decided to go to the Pecan Street Arts Festival.  I've been many times in the past and enjoy all the artists and other vendors who are taking great pride in their works and their creative contributions to the world.

Today, I decided I would take a few of my foster dogs with me to help socialize them into a completely new environment.  So, knowing there would be wall to wall people (including small children), many other dogs, fine works of art, collectible glass, food vendors, and loud music, I thought which dogs would be best for this atmosphere.  I decided to take three of my more timed dogs and dogs that I didn't think had puppy exuberance.  I grabbed Carla (a 3 year old Lhasa mix who was so frightened for the first month she was in my home had to stay in another room separated by an exercise pen so she could see what was going on but so that the other dogs wouldn't get her), Johnny (an 8 year old shih tzu who some of the other dogs pick on due to his shyness), and Abe (my newest of fosters who's back end looks like a armadillo due to a horrible yeast infection).  For anyone who wants to see pictures of these dogs go to www.weerescue.com.  

Into the car we go and I decide to check out a parking lot that is at only one block away from 6th Street (previously Pecan St) and all the way to the start of the walking area.  I pulled in and overheard the attendant tell the car in front of me that he thought the lot was full.  When I asked him, I was told the same thing, but he told me to check it out.  I turned the corner and right in front of me was an open parking space.  It was a small space, but since I drive a small fuel-efficient car, I was able to park. 

As soon as I got the dogs on the sidewalk, I ran into an old friend, Cathy.  Talk about blessings, Cathy was one of several people who served on my "care team" after my battle with Hodgkins Disease.  They helped get me out of the house, keep my spirits up, provided me with emotional and spiritual comfort.  Talk about blessings.  I have now been cancer free for six and a half years.  More blessings for me.

After a brief talk with Cathy and the dogs politely waiting until we were done, we crossed the one block and got to the Festival.  Within a few feet, I hear a voice yell out my name and it was a friend and business associate, George.  George is a marketing guy for an HVAC company and serves on the Board of Directors and several committees with me for the trade association I belong.  Oh, yeah, he has earned my business as he is definitely a man of integrity.  I got to meet his wife for the first time.  What a blessing it is to work with and have as a friend such a great guy. 

After speaking George, me and the dogs turned the corner for the long walk down one side of the street and artisans' booths.  It was not many booths, before I ran into Julie S.   Julie serves on the Board for the rescue group I volunteer.  She was ready for the visit by many of the dogs that came by her booth and had a bowl of cold water for them to drink.  Julie and her husband Bill are truly remarkable people with huge hearts.  Julie has several dogs of her own and also fosters a couple of dogs at a time.  Not only do they contribute so much of their time and love, they are very generous financially to the group.  To share a passion and get the pleasure of working with someone so compassionate about our mission is truly awesome.  Are you counting the blessings?

Saying our "goodbyes", we walk a little further and I grabbed a freshly squeezed lemonade.  I asked if I could get a cup of water for the dogs, but they didn't have any plain water.  So, we kept on walking.  I was hoping to find an ATM machine as I didn't bring much cash with me. 
I then hear a voice from a doorman at one of the bars yelling "$1.00 beers and hurricanes" inside.  I turn to look and right over his right shoulder was the bar's ATM machine.  As I go to get some money, he tells me that the dogs are welcomed inside the bar, so I went in got a beer, got some water for the dogs, and we rested in the air-conditioning.

We met tons of people on the streets wanting to say hello to the dogs.  I got to spread the word of our mission, met some wonderful people, and the dogs got  to be loved on by all kinds of people - young and old.  Every now and then, the dogs would just need to lay under one of the vendors tents and get some shade.  It was amazing how nice everyone was.  We also met some people handing out flyers and stopped me because "I was obviously an animal lover".  They were from a group called FixIt.org.  I had already signed to become a member of the group months ago.  We are trying to stop the animal shelter from being moved from a convenient location at the heart of the City to an industrial site Northeast of the City.  They reminded me of the upcoming City Council meeting when the final decision will be made and asked if I would call and make my opinion known.
 
After an exhasting day for the dogs (not me, as we really didn't walk that far), we loaded back into the car and headed for home.  Somehow we had managed to walk through all those people, tents, etc. without wrapping our leashes around any unsuspecting people or at all getting into anybody's way.  The dogs each found a place, sprawled out, and fell asleep.

Once I got home, I decided I would grab another 3 of my foster dogs (Tiger a 7-8 year old Lhasa mix, Joey a 1.5 year old Lhasa mix, and Randy a 1.5 year old Lhasa mix) and we would walk to the neighborhood restaurant which has an outdoor patio that is dog-friendly.  The owner of the restaurant seated us, came back with a glass of water for me, a bowl of water for the dogs, and some dog treats.  It is wonderful to live in a town and a neighborhood like this.

At the restaurant several people inquired about the dogs.  Lots of children were there celebrating a Birthday and playing on the playground.  The dogs behaved unbelievably well.  Not once did they bark at the kids or try to go play with them, but sat quietly near me.  When some of the kids came over to pet them, they didn't jump or act rambunctious at all.  I was shocked as the two young ones act their age most of the time.  It is hard to get them to settle down when they really get playing.  Before I left a couple of women came over and spoke to me about the dogs and I explained that these were fosters up for adoption and that I had 9 fosters in all - trying to find homes.  They commented about how well socialized the dogs were and how much they trusted me.  When one of the ladies left, she said, "Do you know how many blessings are coming your way?" and thanked me for what I do.

There is no thanks needed.  I love the dogs.  They helped me meet all kinds of people I would never had the opportunity, gave me an excuse that by happenstance I met several friends, and they provide me so much love, joy, and companionship.  Yes, I do know how blessed I am.

In the same complex as the restaurant, is a small farmer's market.  I was able to pick up a fresh canteloupe for breakfast, some tomatoes that taste like tomatoes, and a fresh red onion.  All of the food was grown by local farmers and was 100% organically grown. 

I am truly enjoying my awakening to the world in which I live.  By staying attuned, I can see the blessings I have been given and the blessings that I can share with others.

I had a couple other great blessings this week.  My largest tenant renewed its lease for another 3 years.  One of my best friends and previous co-worker is thier receptionist (I told her about this wonderful opportunitiy for her).  I ate lunch with Scott Goyette (see previous blog "Trapeze") and we discussed his books and his speaking schedule.  He has some very good topics that he could combine for my retreat - Intuition, the 3 R's (Realization, Respect, and Responsiblity), and Extreme Balance.  I asked if he knew of a good place to hold the retreat and that I had somewhere in mind.  He asked where and I told him The Crossings.  He was amazed.  He and his wife, Kim, have a passbook and like to go out there and regroup on weekends.

Life is full of Blessings.  I hope that each of you reading this are paying attention to all of the blessings that are coming your way and wish that you have more and more of them in the future.

God's Peace.

Sometimes it may feel like we are walking the tightwire or about to be dropped while traversing through the air on a flying trapeze, but that's not what this blog is about.

This blog is about The Crossing - a wellness spa outside of my hometown.  I had seen advertisements for the the facility and had bookmarked it as a place that might be fun for an annual retreat I will be planning for September 2008 for the trade association I belong and will become President of in 2009.  I remember marveling at the facility, all its accomodations, the classes, the meeting rooms, the services offered, the spa amenities, the pool, but mostly about the serenity of the majestic hill country views.

Last month, I became a member of Zaadz and one of the advertisers was The Crossing.  I thought this is more than serendipitous, that something is calling me to really check this place out.  Since I am in the mode to do things for myself, I called and made a reservation for a day pass for the fist Saturday I could get.  I will be going the first Saturday in October.

They will have a special instructor there that Saturday - offering trapeze lessons for people of all skill levels (or for me no skill level, unless you count hanging from the jungle gym when I was in elementary school).  For now, though, I just think I'm going to do the Day Pass and get a really good feeling for the place with a day dedicated to being at peace with no schedules and no plans.  However, if I like the facility, which I'm sure I will, I am definitely going to "Fly".

As a matter of fact, I'm already flying in new found happiness, dedicated to taking care of myself first and doing things that I'm passionate about - trying to refill my vessel. 

I have been to the trainer three times, now.  John has me doing this routine he calls the Sparta routine - it is intended to drop all excess bodyweight and get you lean and toned like the men of the movie 300.  I'm not so sure about that, but at least it is helping me get toned and will help with my high blood pressure.  I am sleeping better than ever, getting up feeling refreshed, thinking before I eat and making wiser choices.

I have also recently attended our first meeting of the Energy Task Force that I belong.  I have agreed that I will go through the formal training to learn how to fill out the Energy Star paperwork to begin benchmarking the Energy Performance of the buildings I manage.  Once I'm trained, I will enter all of my properties into the program.  Then, we will have the training for the rest of our Association's members, and I will be part of the team that will agree to train others.  I have offered to help members like myself who manage smaller-type properties who won't be able to rely upon their assistants, engineers, or other staff to help them out, but who will probably have to do most of the work themselves.

I recently was talking to a friend of mine and I had asked her if her husband had finished the book he was writing, yet.  She told me he had, but wondered how I knew anything about her husband or his book.  I reminded her that I had briefly met him one evening at a happy hour type event and we were chatting.  Somehow the conversation turned to intuition and I told him that I really like Malcom McDowell's book Blink.  Scott, my friend's husband, told me about the book he was writing about recognizing and accepting the gift of intuition.  I have since picked up his book, The MVP of Intuitive State, and read it.  It was a very quick read.  I have also read more about Scott on his website, www.scottgoyette.com.  He is a public speaker and educator.  Geez, how things go together, maybe he will be just what I was looking for as something completely unique for the retreat I'm planning.  It seems like everything is falling into place.  Scott was gracious enough to accept my invitation to lunch on Friday where we can discuss his book, his public speaking, and see if he would be interested in our event.

Along the lines of great news, I finally got my father to agree to come for a visit.  He recently retired and I wanted to be able to spend more time with him.  My hope is that he will like the little efficiency guest house I have and want to come spend the winter months with me.  He lives in Omaha and Austin would be much easier on him.  My father is a proud man and would not just let me send him cash and let him book his own flight out (he doesn't like to take cash from us kids, even though he could use it), but I actually had to purchase the tickets "on hold", pick dates, times, airlines, etc., and then call him to confirm that the arrangements worked for him.  Luckily, they worked fine.  I am so excited to see him and visit - even though it will be for a short visit this time.

You see, I really am flying and I don't even have a trapeze bar.  It's amazing the gifts that are opening to me now that I am ready to accept them.  I really feel like there is no boundary in how high I can fly.

God's Peace to All
Kyle.

Friday was a very hard day for me, two of my foster dogs had to be put down because of aggression issues.  One had bit a person each on the last two adoption days, had shown signs of aggression towards the other dogs, and was protective over me.  The other had bit my friend twice in the ankle, the pant leg of my maintenance man, always tries to bite the yard crew, chases after both people and cars when we are out for our walks, and had bitten another of my foster dogs causing him to have stitches.

Although I know I did the right thing, it was still very difficult.  They were both only in my life for a short time, for the most part were perfect dogs to me, other people who were "masters" and to other "alpha" dogs.  It was still harder than I thought to let them Cross the Rainbow's Bridge.  We make these decisions as a group to try to lessen any of our own guilt about what we know in our brains is the right thing, but can't find in our hearts to do.  The outpouring of support from two of the groups' board members (Gloria and Kathie) was unbelievable.  I also received support from our wonderful vet (Dr. May) and his staff (Anastasia and Marie).  In addition, I received a note from LaVerne.  Laverne is one of our volunteers in the Dallas area.  She runs the hospice for the sick, older dogs in our group who will never get a forever home.  I really don't think they care, because Laverne provides them with the best home any dog could ever want.  I loved on the two dogs all week long - knowing that we had the appointment, brushed them out really well, gave them lots of treats, lots of kisses, and held them and petted them as they drifted off.  This is not the first time I have had to do this, I have had to do it with my own pets and other fosters.  It just never gets any easier.

Since I was going to have room in my home, I had said that I would take two dogs who were ready for fosters, but had yet to have anyone step up to the plate to foster them.  There were actually three at the vet and the 3rd would have had to be there all by himself.  I didn't think that was right, so I went ahead and snatched him up and he is at my house, now, too.

This brings me up to 11 dogs here.  Two of my own - Zip and Jack.  Plus 9 fosters.  All of them are male, except for one girl (she's a love).   One of the new ones is 8 years old and has several medical conditions (mostly skin issues and ear issues).  The other two new ones are young active dogs (with no medical issues).  I rarely get the ones with no medical issues or behavioral issues.  Since I work from home, I have the time to spend with them and take some of the more time-consuming, difficult to place dogs.

Today was Adoption Day.  I had interest in both dogs that I took this week.  Although I don't think there were perfect matches.  One couple really liked Carla because she's such a love, but has two dogs that are a bit of rough housers which she doesn't like.  The other interest was in Tiger, by a couple of ladies looking for their parents. 

I did conduct one interview, though, on an adoption that will take place in two-three weeks once they move into their new apartment.  It was a teriffic couple with dog experience.

With all of this I have going on, I also rescued a cat a couple of months ago.  The cat belonged to someone I know.  Somehow it got out and got injured (most likely bitten).  He didn't take the cat to his vet (because he didn't even have a vet, hadn't had the cat current on shots, registered with the City and said he couldn't afford the treatment).  The injuries got even worse and the cat became completely lethargic.  I had offered to help, but was told he was just going to put the cat down.  He called the animal shelter and had them come pick it up.  He turned it in as a stray - which meant that the shelter could not euthanize her because they had to wait to see if the owner showed up.  He told me about this, so I called to the shelter a few days later to see how she was doing.  I was told she was in pretty rough shape and was on heavy pain medication, but that since I was interested they would watch her closely to make sure she was urinating, deficating, and eating.  Four days later, they told me that they would release her to me.  I immediately took her to my vet to be looked at.  If she did need to be put down, at least someone who knew her could love her as she was let go.  This was the first I saw her injuries - she had a huge section of the skin on her back leg missing (about the size of a baseball).  My vet gave me some antibiotics, showed me how to give her hydro treatments, followed by topical sugar for granulation, and told me that the skin would try to come back together, but he doubted it would due to its location by her tail/butt continually stretching it.  However, about 2 weeks ago, the injury finally completely healed.  I spoke to the director of our rescue group about if I should give the cat back to its owner now it was better.  She told me I probably shouldn't and if I did I should demand that he agree to keep her as an indoor only cat, get proper veterinary care (I agreed to pay for it), and proper flea control.  He also had two dogs that were covered in fleas - even though I purchased flea medicines, shampoo, and an all natural flea product for his carpets - not getting heartworm medicine, and also not having been to a vet in years.  He told me that he hadn't even given the medicine or given them a bath (a full month after I gave him the stuff).  I made the hard decision not to return the cat because he doesn't understand that loving an animal means more than petting it and putting out some food.

She now is part of my gang and is doing wonderfully.  She is one of the most loving cats I have ever seen.   She gives the best kisses and is always waiting for me to come though the door or runs to see me (she definitely knows who the keeper of the food is).  If I find someone who would really like a cat and could give it a good home, I will let her go.  Otherwise, she will be with me forever.  

 

As I get older, it seems easier and easier to take my "humanly body" for granted.  I look around at others in my age group and find that I'm in better shape than most.  Of course, this is the U.S. and most people are overweight, obese, or morbidly obese.  As far as me, I'm a little overweight (carried mostly through my gut).  I don't need to be in better shape than others, but I need to be in the best shape I can be in for me.  

I have a family with a history of heart disease and heart attacks.  I am borderline for high blood pressure myself and within the last year got my high cholesterol in check.

In addition, in the past year, I had already lost significant weight by swimming and riding my mountain bike on the hike and bike trails in Austin.  However, I have reached a plateau and have stagnated with my weight loss and have actually gained a few pounds back.  I have reached the conclusion that I must do more to make sure that my "vessel" is nurtured. 

I have to become passionate about exercise and healthier eating if I want to be able to do all the other things that I am already passionate about.  I need to have more energy in order to get more out of each and every day.

To that end, I have hired a personal trainer - someone that is completely passionate about exercise, fitness, and proper nutrition.  His name is John.  We met last week, discussed my goals, and set up my first private training session.  John can train me both in my home or at his club (I don't need a membership if I'm training with him).  I had my first session last night in my home.  It was incredible.

John is a nice guy, but we don't spend a lot of time chatting, it is all about the exercise.  He weighed me, measured my body fat, and connected me up to a heart rate monitor.  Our sessions are an hour long.  I wasn't able to make it the entire hour this first session, but stil think I did pretty well.  We are doing a lot of core strengthening exercises utilizing an exercise ball (I have never done this before).  I was a sweaty mess when we were finished.

John is also the type of guy who isn't going to let me just quit, but push to get the most out of me.  If he tells me to do 12 reps and sees they are too easy, when we approach 12 he will tell me do 3 more.  At the same time, if he sees that I'm really struggling, he will help me get the very most out of the exercise.

I can feel my workout today.  I have sore muscles everywhere, but haven't felt this alive in along time. 

I'm excited about our next session which will be Sunday at John's club.  In the meantime, I'm probably going to just ride my bike over to the pool and swim some laps tonight so that I can switch things up a little.

Thanks, John.

When most of us hear the "Beep, Beep", we immediately think of the Roadrunner cartoons.  I hope that soon, that when we hear the word BEEP, we think of the BOMA Energy Efficiency Program.

BOMA is the Building Owners and Managers Association - a trade association for the owners, managers, and service professionals associated with the commercial real estate industry. 

FACT: The commercial real estate industry spends approximately $24 billion annually on energy and contributes 18% of US carbon dioxide emissions.

FACT: Energy represents the single largest controllable operating expense for office buildings, typically a third of variable expenses.

FACT: If only 2,000 buildings adopt BEEP's no- and low-cost best practices over the next three years, energy consumption and carbon emissions will be reduced by 10% which will result in $400 million in energy savings and 6.6 billion pounds less carbon dioxide released in to the atmosphere.

Not only does energy efficiency make sense for the environment, it can make economic sense.  Because of this BEEP was developed.  BEEP's six-course series gives property managers (like me) the information, strategies, technologies, how-to guides and resources needed to reduce energy and costs.  This groundbreaking program has been developed by the BOMA Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR® program and is supported in part by a grant from EPA.

At BOMA International's recent annual convention, its Market Transformation Energy Plan for its members and the commercial real estate industry was announced.  The plan includes a 7-Point Challenge for members to reduce use of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources, and waste production and work in coordination with building management, ownership, and tenants to achieve the following goals:

7-Point Challenge:

1.  Continue to work towards a goal to consumption by 30 percent across portfolios by 2012;

2.  Benchmark energy performance and water usage through EPA's ENERGY STAR® benchmarking tool;

3.  Provide education to building managers, building owners and operators, engineers, and others involved in building operations, to ensure that equipment is properly maintained and utilized;

4.  Perform an energy audit and/or retro-commissioning of buildings and implement low-risk, low-cost strategies to improve energy efficiency with high returns;

5.  Extend equipment life by improving the operations and maintenance of building systems and ensure equipment is operating as designed;

6.  Through leadership, positively impact your community and your planet by helping to reduce your industry's role in global warming;

7.  and Position yourself and the industry as leaders and solution providers to owners and tenants seeking environmental and operational excellence.

My local affiliate of BOMA (in Austin), likewise has announced that it intends to reduce energy consumption by 30% in the next 3 years (http://www.bomaaustin.org/associations/3306/files/EnergyReleaseABJ.pdf).  I am proud to currently serve as the Vice-President of our local association and be a member of the Task Force to help our members begin the benchmarking process, implement stratgies to reduce energy consumption, and work with the City of Austin to come up with voluntary measures to help reduce Greenhouse emissions.

BOMA International has been recognized at the Energy Star Awards (http://www.boma.org/InTheNews.htm#estar), has been named the 2007 Energy Star Partner of the Year (http://www.boma.org/AboutBOMA/pressroom/Estar2007Partner.htm), and has recently signed a memorandum of intent with The U.S. Green Buidling Council (http://www.boma.org/AboutBOMA/pressroom/2006pr/pr120806.htm).

To help us track these strategies/initiatives, BOMA International has set up the G.R.E.E.N. (Green Resource Energy and Environment Network).

Items I have completed on my properties, installed solar screens on east and south facing windows, replaced all commodes with low-flush models, specified waterless urinals for an upcoming restroom remodel, installed some awnings, replaced ballasts/lamps to reduce the total kilowatts from 4 lamp 40 watt bulbs per fixture to 2 lamp 32 watt bulbs per fixture.  Reducing from 160 watts per fixture to 64 watts per fixture, installed compact flurorescents whereever practical to replace flood lights, voluntary "Anything That Tears" recycling program, relamp Exit lights to LED, use watt miser on vending machines.  

I am just in the learning process and look forward to finding out what items can be installed/replaced that will both save energy and help reduce Net Operating Expenses.

Join Me - Give me ideas from what you or your building are doing.  I would love to be able to present to Austin something that maybe we just haven't heard of here.  

Ask Your Building Operator - are they participating in this BEEP program?  trying to reduce their energy comsumption? what have they done? what is in the pipeline?

I'm very excited about this and hope to update this soon.