Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Asking For Help is Strength

I have always considered myself to be an athlete. Yes. Really! In high school, the 400 meter relay was my favorite event and my first attempt at it was at age 14. I also ran the 400 meter hurdles and the open 400. Right from the start I was hooked on running. Now, some 30+ years later, I still enjoy the runner’s high aka “endorphins.” I consider myself to be an athlete because of my passion for exercise, for competing, and even more so, the sense of accomplishment from completing every run.This morning I read a sad story about professional athletes who don’t ask for help. The story was a "ah-ha" moment for me, which leads me to conclude that athletes are not always taught to ask for help and… neither are mom! The story’s headline reads, “Despite resources, players reluctant to seek help.” Most of us know at least one person, include ourselves, who have needed help, may or may not have had the resources, had but did not ask for help. The story resonated with me because the two athletes discussed, Pro-Bowler Barret Robbins and Kenny McKinley appeared to live the all American athlete’s dream. A great salary,professional football career, fame, and more, yet both lives have taken a downward spiral. McKinley’s story tragically ends with suicide, reportedly caused by depression from injuries that kept him off the field.  Robbin’s professional career is over. Perhaps there is still time for him. According to reports, Robbin was diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, served time in jail for attempted murder and probation violation, was ordered to receive treatment in a substance abuse treatment facility, and in 2009 was moved to half-way house. I don’t know, we can only hope and pray that he recovers. And recovery doesn’t necessarily mean a return to his professional football career, but more of a resuscitation back to living a healthy and productive life.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Alex Update

                               
I'll be the first to admit that I love the blazing summer heat, but the fresh cool breeze of September is refreshing and I can honestly say that I'm enjoying it.

My son is back to school and both hubby and I are back to work.  And- I'm missing Alex!!  He's still with us, I just miss him when I go to work.  Never thought "it" would happen so quickly, but "it" has.  "It" being...  I've fallen in love with our little pooch!  If I thought that I could sneak him in to work and get away with it, I would.  Ha! Ha!  He is just so adorable, I'd do just about anything for him.  OMG!  Do I sound like a new parent or what?   It's hard to believe that I was the one resisting a new family member, but it is true.

Truth of the matter is that, I am so glad that we waited until school let out.  We've had a solid two months to get adjusted and to find a system that will work for our family.

Alex is being trained using the crate method.  Yeah, I know.  Some people have a problem with this method, but I'm here to tell you that it's working!  It's not error proof, but it's consistent and everyone is happy.  We've had accidents and there will be more, but everyone, including Alex is okay with the crate.