Atlanta Purple Stride 2010

 We did it! We ran in our first 5k-- the Atlanta Purple Stride 2010. We ran in memory of my Uncle Craig and Jeremy's Grandfather Farist. Both close family members of ours who had Pancreatic Cancer. My uncle lost his short battle to the cancer in January 2010. & Jeremy's grandfather who passed away in 1997.

 The team ProSki was made up of 9 people- 6 runners and 3 walkers.. It was a chilly morning but we were all excited for the event. I could not be more grateful to my close friends who ran with me, Jeremy and my family. Their support means so much.

Team "ProSki"

It was an emotional day for me and my family. My mom and I cried as we posted Craig's photo on the Honor wall, and both of us cried multiple time throughout the event. I think the emotion was a mixture of sadness and happiness in celebrating/ honoring Craig. I noticed Dad a couple of times with red eyes, and could tell he was holding back the best he could.

Jeremy and I weren't quite able to run the entire thing, but we did our best-- running about 3/4 of the 5k and finishing in 40 mins.We crossed the finish line running and holding hands- then hugged and cried together. We can't wait to run it again next year, and hopefully be able to run every last step.

Miss and love you, Craig, so much.

FOSTER MONSTER

Jeremy and I signed up to foster dogs from the Last chance highway-- specifically the Great Pyrenees breed. On Tuesday, we got our first foster Macy, a 4.5 month old 50 Lb great pyr/husky puppy. She is adorable and kind of looks like a baby polar bear BUT she was a terror at first! 50 lbs and a young puppy proves to be a challenge 

We have had some pee-pee issues. Not sure if she was marking territory or confused/scared. For every time she peed in the house we scolded her, put her in her crate, and then after a timeout would take her directly outside. 10 mins later she was peeing again on the carpet..... so frustrating! So, that night while getting ready for bed I had an epiphany-- she was confused by 1. our ways of discipline vs. her past foster 2. she needed positive reinforcement. So day 3 we figured it out! 1. take her out every hr. and 2. constantly baby her w/ no negative tones. So far so good!

She also cries and howls a loud every time you put her in her pin...and don't get me started on the toys she destroys in a matter of minutes.... Frustrated by her energy and toy destruction (thank god not furniture destruction), I ventured to a local feed and farm store and found her a bone the size of her head and couple "tough toys." Worked like a charm! The bone has proven to keep her busy thus far for hours on end-- Thank God!Not to mention she passes out cold when she is done chewing.

As said, it was been a challenge getting used to the new pup, but she is finally (after 5 days) adjusting quite well. Macy & Sakura play great together-- running laps in the backyard. She is a huge cuddle bug -- and I do mean HUGE, & she has become fairly obedient. She has also learned to walk, without pulling, on a leash; which is a necessity to get her adopted. No one wants a 50 lbs puppy ripping their arms out on a walk.

So Cheers to trying new Things, opening up our home, and giving an innocent puppy a chance at life!