Sorry folks, I have been MIA on the blog front for about a month. Not exactly sure how that happened, except that I got REALLY busy, and then when I wasn't busy, I couldn't find the motivation to write. I am on day six of a ten day vacation that for a brief time, I wasn't sure I was even going to be able to take, so I finally have some time and energy to sit down and type.
I believe the last time I wrote, Xander and I had spent the weekend camping at the Palmetto trial. That seems like an eternity ago, as we are on an extended agility break at the moment. Actually, we did quite a lot of agility between the end of September, and the beginning of December, so we were in need of a rest! We hadn't been out to train in months until this morning, our outlet for a while was solely competition. I am extremely proud of my now mature, handsome man, who was the only dog to qualify in Advanced Standard both days at the Dog-On-It trial in November. We were the only Q on Saturday for the entire class, and one of only two Q's in Standard on Sunday. They were not PRETTY runs, but they earned us our long awaited Advanced Agility Dog title, finally!! We also earned our Advanced Jumper title that weekend, and picked up our first two Master Gambler Q's, another Steeplechase Q, a Master Snooker Q, and a Master Jumper Q. It was such a fun, relaxing, beautiful weekend in Winter Park.
Our last trial of the year was the Pals and Paws USDAA trial at the beginning of this month. It was our first time completely in Masters, which was SO much fun! In spite of working myself to death with three days as chief course builder, we picked up another DAM team Q with a bronze medal! My awesome partners, Terri and Vetter, and Sylvia and Oddysey were so great. Team was completed on Friday, which I thought was a fun way to start the weekend. Over the next two days, we got a Master Standard Q, our third Master Gambler Q, our first Master Snooker Super Q, and our first Master Pairs Q (thanks Mike and Dani!). We also had our best Steeplechase Q to date, with a 4th place in round one, and one stupid bar down in the finals that kept us from placing in round two. Overall, a great way to wrap up the 2011 trial season. We are taking January off, and will return for the Pals and Paws trial in the beginning of February.
Apart from agility, life has involved finishing up my six month certification program. I took my last final today. Things at work have been a little crazy, with ups including positive experiences teaching EPIC training classes, and downs centering on a threat to have our hours cut, or for people to be laid off. What will happen remains to be seen. At one point I was prepared to forfeit my vacation in order to offset a loss in hours, but once this decision was revoked, I went ahead with the much-needed break. This may come back to haunt me, but I feared that without the time off, I would not have been able to face another day in that place. We are also on the hunt for a new place to live, as our apartment decided to raise the rent well above our perceived value. A house with a yard is the goal now. Additionally, we are one of five finalists set to play the Nearlywed Game on January 12th for a chance at the $40,000 wedding package being given away by Jacksonville Magazine. If we don't win, we have decided to significantly simplify our wedding plans, which is a huge relief to everyone involved. Or at least to me!
So here we are, almost one year since I began this blog, and I have written at least once a month. I was significantly more prolific in the earlier months, but I am still proud that I have made it this far. It's been a year of many changes and a lot of growth. I feel like I am getting the hang of the whole "being an adult" thing, and even refinanced my car yesterday! I saved myself a lot in interest by lowering my rate and payments, and even got $100 cash back! I spoke to my mother for the first time in about four years, so that was pretty significant, but an entirely different story. We have plans for a low key New Years Eve with friends and family, and I am excited to see what 2012 will bring. When I write next year, I will be married (whoa!) and hopefully living in a house with a yard, have less debt, and be making more money. Here's hoping! Happy New Year to you all!
