Carpe diem

Little things that make my day.

Teaching Vinyasa II with all Teacher Trainees in the class: Fun!

Having a bowl of authentic Shanghainese Wonton soup: Yumm!

Planning for my Evolution Yoga Conference schedule: Psyched!

Teaching yet another kick-ass yoga class with enthusiastic students: Cool!

Then, stepping out of the studio to find hubby waiting for me in our ride: Charmed!

And finally, strolling in the neighborhood with the kids: Precious!

Everything that could've been just another Friday.

Yet, cherished and held dear to my heart.

Living my everyday in celebration of "spanda", the spark of life.

Om namah shivaya,
AM

Gratitudes

Woke up with a bloody stiff neck this morning. Must have slept entirely on one side the whole night through. Darn.

Dinner with Philip again last night, and got quite drunk. Three bottles of sake over a three hour long dinner. A much appreciated get together, after quite a tiring day with mixed emotions.

The day that my dear teacher Pete and his family had to bid farewell to their Golden Retriever, Mark.

Tried to carry on my day as usual, but there was this cloud hanging on the back of my mind all the time, wondering if they are doing OK, and wishing them well.

I was scheduled for a training session with Lucky in the afternoon, but I was slightly hesitant as I wasn't really "in the mood" and felt a bit unstable, energetically speaking. Almost changed my plan, but I pressed myself to go through with it. For better or for worse. What the hell, stop hesitating, just go and do it.

My teacher should be proud. Of me. And of himself.

Lucky has improved a lot since his last lesson. It has been difficult for me to get through to him before, as it would be almost impossible to snap him out of his "rage" once he got into it. Our last lesson was a real breakthrough as Pete showed me how to breach through his raging and help him to his senses. This time, with a better sense of our energies, I was able to curb his reactions before he could develop into a rage. We could then enjoy a quiet and non-eventful walk with him trotting nicely by my side. He could even walk by other dogs without acting up at all. Whatta boy!

I then asked my friend and her mother to come and join us for our training, and both of them were pleasantly surprised at Lucky's calm demeanor. They took turns walking him and were both amazed at how well he behaved. It was so good to see my friend's mother walking so proudly with Lucky by her side. Hard to imagine that she was the same nervous lady who was holding on to a wildly raging Lucky just a little over a week ago!

Shortly after, a Golden Retriever came into sight and Lucky started yelping and charging. For some reason, he has this fixation and always reacted extremely adversely towards them. I immediately took over, corrected him, and kept walking alongside the other dog from across the pavement. It did take a while, but slowly, Lucky recovered and ceased panting and charging. In the end, both dogs were able to sit and watch each other peacefully from across the narrow street, without ever a slight growl or yelp. We then continued down the road and passed another dog without even a glitch. My friend and her mother were totally stunned.

Imagine how proud they were when they walk home with a calm and quiet Lucky, under the amazed looks from the guards and neighbors.

I was humbled. Humbled and gratified.

Humbled because my teacher has indeed taught me, and Lucky, really well.

Gratified because I have the chance to learn from him, and from Lucky, as well.

Thanks, Pete. Even though you may feel really shitty right now, please know that your efforts and teachings were not in vain. You've been helping so many much needed souls, saving many lives. One huge big hug with a heartful thank you from your student, and on behalf of all those you've helped.

And thanks to Steph, for giving me the chance to work with Lucky and Yoda. I promise I will keep up my standards and will not fail you, nor them.

And last but not the least, a big hug to my dear friend Philip for taking me out and keeping my spirits uplifted, for being there and for....akem...supplying the "spirits".

Thanks all,

AM

One calm Lucky heeling his proud human:

From Mark

MISS ME - BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little -- but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me -- but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me - But Let me Go.

-- Author Unknown

For Mark

THE LAST BATTLE

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and sufferring I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close --we two-- these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

--Author Unknown

Meet the Munchkins: Part I

SEEKING LOVING FAMILIES:

Atlas - male
St. Bernard









Ben - male - 4 yrs old
Golden Retriever









Bindi - female - 4 yrs old
Miniature Schnauzer

Casper - male - 1.5 yrs old
Schnauzer-Spaniel cross








Custard - male - 5 mths old
Retriever-Lab cross









Cyclops - male - 5 yrs old
Mixed breed







Frenchie - male - 2 yrs old
French Bulldog


Plus many others! Leave me a msg if you're interested in giving them a new home!

Thanks a bunch,
Ann

Atlas: from Big Bully to Big Teddy

Another rewarding day at the shelter.

We were originally going to see a foster family with a German Shepherd, but because of a change in schedule, we ended up at the shelter instead. It turned out that they have taken in a Lab-mix that has exhibited some "serious" aggression towards other dogs, i.e. bit another dog quite severly, so Pete decided to go and see what the dog's about.

The Lab-mix in question wasn't really a case at all - all he needed was consistent and fair leadership and he'll gladly obey. I actually had a great time walking him around Mui Wo - he's so sweet that I almost fell for him too! (I'm not going to say who, but I've already fallen for one of the dogs at the shelter, who has this little soft spot in my heart now.) Anyways, it's still good practice for me as not only that I was getting more "hands-on" experience, I had another chance to observe how Pete assessed and trained a different dog, which actually gave me more experience points. For me, every experience, every observation, really counts.

To be honest, I am very pleased with myself today. It's not that I did everything perfectly, in fact, I did make some mistakes, but I felt that things are finally coming together. I'm not sure how to phrase this, but in the past, my grip on dog training have been inconsistent and sometimes even erratic. It's kind of like walking semi-blindfolded in a supposedly familiar neighborhood - yes, I know the place, but no, I'm not sure if I'm going the right way. It seemed like I'm finally putting the puzzle together now and I'm getting a way more firmer grip of things. I have a slightly better control on my energetic shield as well.

Anyways, before I get too tipsy to write coherantly, I want to post a little note about Atlas the Big Bully: he is now, truly, a Big Teddy for me. He has shown me a lot of respect today - never pulled on the leash and never tried anything funny. Even went down the stairs behind me willingly! I'm so happy and grateful. We have trained each other to be a better handler/trainer, as well as a better dog/follower. Thanks, big boy - I'm so blessed to have you. :)

And of course, one big applaud to my teacher again. You know I'm not kissing your pretty behind and I really mean what I'm saying: Thanks.

And now, I'm going to finish my wine and crash in with a big big smile. :)

Nitey,

AM

P.S. BTW, for those who have been wondering, those disposable dehumidifying tubs do not work in the wine fridge. My wine labels are starting to mold up again and this time I'm going to drink it all up. No more wiping downs for me anymore. Period.

Lucky versus P-1000

Went for Lucky's second training session on Wednesday and took him out for a long walk all by myself, so I could better assess his progress and issues.

Just when I turned the corner from his home, someone familiar walked into sight: Pete. He has just finished a session nearby, and decided to swing by to see how things were going.

Thanks, my teacher, for caring, and for taking your time.

Together we walked Lucky throughout the neighborhood, meeting people, meeting dogs. He did act up at times, but he was at least 30% better than the last time I walked with him. The intensity of his "fixation" if we would call it, was much higher than that of Tinsel's or a lot of other dogs with similar problems. This did not come as a surprise as he's already 10 years old and whatever issues he had, had been accumulating over all these years. He has proven to us though, that he is "curable", but he just needs some time. With persistence and patience, he will eventually learn and change. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen in time.

Lucky, you're not only lucky, you'll soon be Happy as you will now gradually shed all your uncertainties and live a happy, normal life as a real Happy-go-Lucky.

As for me, I consider myself very lucky indeed to have met my teacher who truly cares about how his students (and their students) are doing.

Every encounter, every conversation with Pete is always interesting and inspiring. This time, I finally nailed what Pete's distinctive calm and assertive energy is about. Imagine the T-1000 in T2: non-emotional, firm, and covered with this liquid metal shield that is soft, yet impregnable. It doesn't matter what state the dogs were in, they just know that there was nothing they could do to push this guy over - he's just here, calm, firm, and fair, so they'd better respect and behave.

Not T-1000, but rather, P-1000.

If I could only control my emotions and "energetic shield" just like that.

I'll be working on being the next gen T-1001 and make it an A-1001 then!

-AM

I don't need that hot-bod, just gimme that shield...