3 Days...

Well, the fact that you're reading this blog means that you're still supporting me in my quest to do the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer.  With your help, I raised over $1800 dollars (I'm at $1840) and I am beyond thrilled to be able to participate in this event. 

I've continued walking around Arlington (even walked home from work a few times) and am anxious to begin bright and early on Saturday morning.  Leo has been a trooper, ready to go on a walk at a moment's notice and I've been lucky to have him as protection on the streets (yeah, right!).  His basset hound nose suddenly started working (it's about time!) and he continues to search for snacks and other snack-like substances he can munch on while we stroll.  Yesterday morning he found a delightful hamburger bun behind a tall patch of grass.  That was his appetizer, I suppose, because later on he enjoyed some mulch, which he then proceeded to wash down with some tasty pebbles.  (Yum?)

Unfortunately Leo can't participate in the Walk, but he'll be cheering me on internally as I know many of you will be!  Below, you will see him wearing his "Luck of the Irish" hat that he wore on St. Patrick's Day weekend.  He'll probably have to wear it again to send some more luck to the AVON Walk participants! 

• (By the way, if you are in the DC area, you can email me and I can provide you with a list of cheering spots along the route!)

***

I am anticipating some pretty intense and overwhelming feelings this weekend.  Just thinking about the event fills me with emotion.  As I mentioned in an earlier email, on May 2nd, 2005, I lost my Godmother, Aunt Pat, to this disease.  I know that she will be with me the whole way and guiding me towards the finish.  I am walking for her, for my Aunt Yo, for my friend's father and for the countless others who have been affected by this disease.  Here's to hoping the money raised this time around finds the cure.

Thank you for supporting me.

Fundraising Goal Reached!! (and Other Exciting News)

Leo chews his ears. I don’t quite understand this and I’m not sure he knows exactly what he’s doing, either, but he still does it. Does it hurt? I have no idea - but probably not. He doesn’t howl in pain or cry crocodile tears… the action must be similar to fellow canines who chase their tails (something Leo also does in his spare time), but this lucky little guy has some additional appendages to chew. And he doesn’t even have to run in circles to catch them. What a treat.

Leo and I have been walking. We’ve been exploring new places in the area and revisiting old ones. We’ve been walking up hills, down hills, through busy sidewalks and across crazy intersections. My fancy pedometer has let me down, so it’s a true question as to how far we’ve actually been traveling. We’ve met many people, dogs and puppies on our travels (including another basset hound, finally!) and figured out that the water fountains in Crystal City are up and running and offer a nice place for Leo to get himself a drink. I don’t know how good of a mother I am letting Leo get so close to the edge, but if he falls in then I’ll be able to see if he enjoys taking a swim (something he’ll get to do when we visit NY this summer! Hey Peggy!) I also don’t know if he’s actually allowed to be swigging the water – the plaza says “Water Park,” but I don’t think it’s meant to be a Darien Lake water park knockoff, where the public can don swimsuits and lounge in inner tubes with a nice, cold one. I think it’s meant to be a park to enjoy visually. Well - I guess we’ll just have to see what the Arlington police say the next time they stop us!

Yes, the reason that I’ve been able to walk so much is that my fundraising goal is now complete! I’ve been able to take time off from blogging and sending emails and concentrate on gearing up and hitting the road. But, of course, my fundraising goal isn’t just complete, I raised (with your help) OVER my goal of $1,800. I’m at $1,815 and so excited that I will be walking in May. The actual walk is just 19 days away. We start bright and early on the 1st and travel throughout the day, 26 miles until we reach the tent area and then another 13 miles May 2nd. Friends and family can cheer us on from designated areas, but since I know many of you are in New England and New York, you can cheer me on from home! (And a little prayer won’t hurt, either!)

In other news, Leo and I have said a very sad goodbye to Lily and Teddy. I am no longer a zookeeper and I don’t think I will reopen the Arlington Zoo anytime soon. The decision to take Lily and Teddy to the shelter was not an easy one and I hope to never have to be in that situation again. (Sorry, Bubba – you’re stuck with me!) As of today (4/12) it looks like Lily was adopted from the shelter and Teddy is still in need of a forever home. I may have a big heart but I don’t have a big apartment (or unlimited funds) and so this decision was for the best. The apartment seems quiet and it’s odd to look at the dining room chairs and not see a big lump of fur snoozing away. It’s also sad to look at the windowsill and not see the cats relaxing in the sun or Teddy with his head in the water fountain, sound asleep. I miss hearing their purrs and waking up to a cat beside me in the middle of the night. I can only hope that their new families enjoy their company as much as I did.

For now, I have Leo to keep an eye on (actually, that should be EYES) because goodness knows he is quite the troublemaker. At the beginning of this blog, I filled you in on his weird ear chomping. He also enjoys snacking on the wood from the boxspring. And the “bitter apple” spray that is supposed to deter your pets from chewing household items? – well, Leo enjoys gnawing right on the bottle, too – Yum?

When Leo is not chewing hazardous or dangerous materials, he can be trusted alone for a few hours at a time. That’s right, Bubba Gump has been allowed to roam freely for a few hours when I’m not home. (Of course the bathroom and bedroom doors are shut, but still…) He’s been wonderful (not quite Lexi-status, though) and it’s nice to have a little greeter when I get home. Sometimes he’s allowed on the couch and the bed, although his 60 pounds do make him difficult to move…

We haven’t had any “stuffing in the poop” incidents – thankfully - but Leo is, sadly, not allowed to consume Milkbone brand products (use your imagination as to why…) and therefore gets to enjoy lighter and healthier options (carrots and vegetarian dog treats from Whole Foods). Frankly, he’d eat anything put in front of his face (including his monthly Heartgard medication). No need to slather the pill in peanut butter or roll it up in turkey. Straight up, please.

Well, those are my Virginia updates for now. I will continue to keep you posted on my training as Leo and I hit the roads and prepare for the AVON Walk. Thank you all, again, for your continued support and love. It means so much.

Enter Spring

I realized today that I should spend a little more money to get myself a decent umbrella. I don't want to be that person whose umbrella ends up inside-out as they are walking through a crowd of people. I saw it happen to someone this morning and I felt bad. This random person's misfortune has caused me to realize that I'm done with $5 drug store umbrellas. Those are no good! I also realized that when I use an umbrella, it seriously affects my line of sight and I have a difficult time seeing traffic lights and the "Walk Now" signal (I don't see them at all, actually). Because of this, though, I think people stay out of my way because as they walk towards me, they're thinking to themselves That girl's umbrella is so low. Where are her eyes?  Oh.  She can't see. She's going to walk right into me. I better move. And they do!  See, I use my umbrella as kind of like a shield.  I can tilt it forward into oncoming crowds and it's as if they part to let me through.  Pretty, cool, huh?  :)


Tourist season has started down here. I realized it on Sunday when the weather was beautiful and I headed out to Arlington Cemetery - very impressive. Tourist season means that DC Metro "outsiders" will stand on the left side of the escalator and not move, blocking those walking up the escalators. These people are called "escalefters," as noted in Urban Dictionary. The definition of an escalefter is as follows:

• A person who stands on the left side of the escalator instead of the right. This prevents people from descending or ascending the escalator if they don't want to stand on their way up/down.

Yes, there is metro "etiquette" people should be aware of. I quickly learned when I came to visit Katie during my job interview.

And now, I too, am a DC Metro Snob. For more information on the "DC Escalefter," visit this blog: http://dcist.com/2006/05/02/add_one_more_wo.php  

Training News:

I am doing an 11 mile training walk on Sunday (sans Leo). Will be joining some other AVON walkers in a trek around Arlington. I'm pretty excited for this. I bought some new (kids) sneakers from a running store in the area a few weeks ago in addition to some "wicking socks." Fancy, I know.

Leo & I have been doing our morning walks, except today because of the rain. I realize I'll have to walk rain or shine in May (and on Sunday), but I gave my buddy a Friday morning rest. We do at least 1 mile each morning (depending on how much time we have) and then a few more in the evenings. Leo has been a real trooper, but unfortunately has been leaving some "less than desirable" gifts in and around his crate. I'm not too sure about the digestive system in bassets, but his isn't very good. Remember those snacks in the grass? Well, I'm pretty sure one of them is tearing him up. Because of this, he continues to enjoy rice and chicken for dinner. He may be a little too spoiled, but we all know I'm not the greatest cook!

Leo reluctantly wore a leprechaun hat for St. Patrick's Day and I'll post pictures soon. He also reluctantly said goodbye to a few more of his animals - Monkey Man and Gorilla. Both had limbs torn off (Monkey's face was non-existent, poor guy) and stuffing was sticking out... and we all know what happens when there is stuffing...

Fundraising News:

I'm pretty excited that my fundraising total is up to $1640! Can you believe it?  Thank you so much to my cousins; Jeff, Nikki, Maggie, Annie & William - also to my Aunt Yo, Mrs. Currie, Carl & Steve, Lauren, Laura and my neighbor friend, Liz.  You are all amazing.  I actually also mailed in a $50 offline donation and am waiting for that to show up online (Thanks, Aunt Susie!) I'll also be making my own donation, so really... just $60 to go! My new goal is to raise $60 by Monday... can you help?!

Thank you cards have been slow to come, I realize. I'm hoping to send you all some written correspondence over the next few weeks and then again when the walk is over to let you know how it went, because at this point it really looks like I'm going to be walking! Yay!!

To make an online donation, please visit:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Nope! I'm not Irish. Neither is Leo...

... but we will be.  Just for this weekend.  Leo will be sporting a very fashionable Leprechaun outfit and hopefully getting some donations for the AVON Walk (time is running out!)

Here's some non-Irish Basset Hound History, though, as an FYI:

The recorded history of the Basset Hound dates all the way back to a 16th century French text about badger hunting. The Basset Hound was developed by the friars of the French Abbey of St. Hubert, who wanted to breed a dog that was similar to the Bloodhound but smaller and slower moving, allowing humans to follow it on foot. The term "Basset" is derivative from the French bas, meaning "low" or "dwarf." At the beginning of the 18th century, these dogs were extremely popular in France. Legend has it that Lafayette gave a pair of Basset Hounds to George Washington, making him the first man to introduce the breed to North America.


The Basset Hound was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1882, and the English Basset Hound Club was formed in 1884. The American Kennel Club followed suit in 1885, accepting the Basset Hound as a breed. The Basset Hound Club of America was founded in 1935, and breed standard was created in 1964. In the US today, these dogs are primarily used for rabbit hunting, but will hunt and track just about anything. The breed’s ubiquitous appearances in books, magazines, movies and even as the mascot for Hush Puppies footwear is a tribute to their continued popularity and admiration.

http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breed-history/100/basset-hound.php

~*~*~

So it looks like Leo may somehow be a descendant of our first president's pet bassets.  Hey, you never know... :)

My walking buddy and I have been hitting the pavement in the mornings again, as the weather has gotten much better.  We've enjoyed visiting Pentagon Row and Leo has enjoyed being able to sniff out snacks in the grass.  I completed the 5 mile walk last Sunday and was surprised at how fast it went.  Then I realized that 5 miles is only about 1/8th of how far I'll have to walk on May 1st and 2nd.  Yikes! 

That's the GOOD news I have to report for this week.  The BAD news is that Leo has realized that the stuffing inside his animals is a tasty little indulgence (cotton candy-ish, perhaps?) and our most recent evening fiasco included the exiting of excrement that included the stuffing from both Mr. Raccoon and Mr. Cow.  So, on Tuesday night we said a solemn good-bye to the dismembered animals as I dumped them in the garbage, unaware that we would be soon seeing them again as last night I had to, very unfortunately, pull their remains from Leo's bum. 

I know.  That was a disgusting story and I'm sorry you had to read it.  At least you weren't there!

Cheers to digesting things that we were meant to!

Have a great weekend!

To make an online donation, please visit:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Operation Slobber City

I knew it was going to happen eventually.  I understood that one day my dog would rest his snout on the furniture and gobs of saliva would leave their mark on my new JC Penney couch.  I knew that one day Leo would shake his head in revolt, rattle his face in excitement, and eye my food hungrily as drool escaped his little doggy lips.  And that day, my friends, has come.

Am I sad about this?  A little.  But not because it's pretty disgusting or because I'm embarrassed when we go to the vet and he leaves his saliva trail all over the Veterinary Technician.  But because this means he's growing up.  His puppy eyes have begun to droop.  His belly will soon touch the floor.  His wrinkles will need to be cleaned out and his mouth will fill with massive amounts of spit that will slowly cover every inch of my apartment...

That paints a nice picture of my life, now doesn't it? 

In all honesty, I have to say Leo is still just as beautiful as he was when I first adopted him.  Once you get past the drool, he really is a handsome dog.  He's clumsy and continues to pee on the floor for no good reason, but he sucks you in with his eyes and the don't you want to love me? expression on his face. 

We've been walking more now that the snow has melted and the salt is gone.  In fact, we walked all the way to the vet yesterday due to an incident that I will not elaborate on due to its graphic and stinky nature (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!)  Leo has enjoyed chicken and rice meals for the past few days and I think he's really loving watching me cook just for him.  He's a very gracious canine to cook for!

I'm planning on doing a 5 mile training with fellow walkers on Sunday morning.  Unfortunately Leo won't be able to make it since he's not allowed on the Metro.  Yes, I've seriously considered disguising him as a "Guiding Eyes Dog," but I feel like he won't necessarily be able to take on the role in a very convincing manner. 

I received a donation from a former college-mate (thanks, Laura!) who I miss.  Her family also had basset hounds so she shares my love for the breed :) 

Until next time!  Have a wonderful weekend!

To make an online donation, please visit

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Yes, I talk to my dog.

I got caught talking to Leo the other day.  It's true.  We went out at about 6:45am and Leo proceeded to do his business.  I have attached the doggy bag holder to Leo's leash so that I'm always prepared to pick up a little poo, and that I did.

Well... as is generally the case, Leo's potty contents stank (stunk? 'smelled awful,' however you want to phrase it).  And I chose this opportunity to tell him so.  The conversation went as follows (is it still considered a conversation when the other party does not respond?!) -

Me: "Bubba... you made some stinky poop."

Leo:  No response.

Me:  "I don't understand.  What did you eat?" (as if I didn't know - dog food, probably some dropped cheez-its & most definitely cat food)

Leo:  Tail wags.

Me:  "You are a very handsome guy, but you made some yucky doodoos.  Why is your poop always so..." Oh, hello, neighbor!... 

... It was at this point, when we rounded the corner, that we ran into a guy - probably thinking he'd heard the voice of someone who was:

a) talking to another human

or

b) talking on the phone

Our usual morning banter begins as soon as I wake up and say good morning to the little guy.  As we walk towards the elevator, I always ask Leo how he slept.  Why?  I'm not sure.  He's not going to open his mouth and give me a complete play-by-play of his dreams or the comfort level of the towel in his crate.  I know how he slept.  He snores like an old man.  He tosses and turns and wakes up sometimes.  He's been known to "run" and bark a little, but usually he sleeps through the night. 

I also ask Leo other day-to-day questions like, "Why did I put this here?" or "What should we do?" as if he has the answer for me.  (It would be great if he did!) 

When I'm not asking questions, I tell Leo things that I feel like he should know, such as, "Puppies don't wear make-up," "Doggies don't eat paper towels," or "Please calm down.  You are being naughty." 

I realize it's very natural to talk to our animals. I just want to make sure I'm not crossing the border into Crazyville!

Thankfully (for Leo) I don't engage in baby talk.  I think my days of working in an early childhood program where baby talk was deemed inappropriate have aided in my ability to talk to Leo like a grown-up - which of course, is odd because he's not a grown-up.  Heck, he's not even a person.

***

I know you're all wondering how our training for the AVON Walk has been going.  Again, I have to say the weather has put a damper on any outdoor training.  While we don't have the snow everyone up North has (YAY!), it's still chilly - funny how fast I've turned into a wimp - and pretty windy. 

This is not to say that Leo and I don't walk - because we do!, we just haven't done any long distance walking in awhile.  Instead, we take our daily trips around the building and Pentagon Row.  We throw the tennis ball up and down the hallway and Leo continues to spend time terrorizing the cats and getting smacked in the face. 

I'm almost to my fundraising goal - 65 days left and I'm hoping I can gather the remaining funds to walk in May.  I'm also on the prowl for some new sneakers  - any suggestions?!  

Well - until next time!  Enjoy your weekend and enjoy all that snow up North!  I'm thinking of you all :)

~*~

To make an online donation, please visit:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins 

Tuesday Updates

Well, it's been a week since my last posting and there hasn't been much news on the fundraising front to report.  I sent out some dog bandanas and Leo and I are hoping they made it to their final destination! 

Speaking of Leo, here's a picture of my little guy relaxing, something he doesn't do often!

Leo and I haven't been out too much.  The snow is melting, which is great, but Leo uses this as an opportunity to hydrate himself throughout our walks.  :(  He gets extremely dirty also, and throws a "doggy fit" when I try to wipe him off once we come inside.  His doggy fits are comparable to a temper tantrum thrown by your average toddler.  I say he's "throwing a fit" because he barks, jumps, runs all over and ends up tearing the wipes apart!  It's very amusing but highly irritating. 

We've gone for a few walks around the area, hitting up Pentagon Row and walking around the ice-rink.  A few times people have said, "It seems like he's smiling at us!"  I don't know how he does it, but Leo has a knack for reeling people in.  One time someone even interrupted their dinner and came out of a restaurant just to see him.  When the weather brightens up, let's see how he does generating funds with his skills!

Leo did get a new leash, one that I highly recommend for anyone with a dog or thinking about getting a dog who happens to be larger than your stuffed animal-size dog (aka Lexi, my Bichon Frise back in Skaneateles) and needs extra help on a walk.  They are conveniently called "Two Handle Leashes," with a handle in the normal spot and then one nearer to the dog's neck for additional control.  And, take it from someone who's tried harnesses, haltis, regular collars, etc... the two-handled leash coupled with the pinch collar works great!

It probably also helps to have a less stubborn dog (no offense to the basset hound breed). 

For those of you up North who are still experiencing winter at its finest, I'd like to recommend Bananagrams to pass the time spent indoors.  A nifty alternate to Scrabble, Bananagrams doesn't use a board and you play as an individual, rather than building off of other players' words.  (I can't take credit for this game, though.  I was introduced to it over family Christmas in NY by my cousin and her husband - thanks K & J, I'm addicted!)  I've also recently gotten hooked on Sudoku, which I thought had to do with being skilled in mathematics.  It doesn't.  So if you're looking to waste a little time, I recommend those puzzles as well! 

If you'd like to make an online donation, please visit my AVON Walk page at:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Thanks for reading.

Fundraising News!

I am so thrilled to be able to create this post and let everyone know that I'm at more than 50% of my fundraising goal!  If you visit the site, you'll see that it shows a donation total of $995, but in reality it's at $1065, because of two offline donations I put in the mail yesterday!

Recently, I received donations from my Aunt Barbara in New Jersey, my Aunt Susie in Texas, my Aunt Helen & Uncle Andy in NH and my dad.  I've also been in contact with a few people who want some dog bandannas.  Thank you so much for your continued support!

***

I apologize for my lack of "blogging," but I returned to work on Friday after a really long commute into DC.  I waited for over an hour for the train but was one of the few who was actually able to make it into the office, and here I am again.

This past weekend was uneventful, thankfully.  Leo & I walked alot, avoiding areas with lots of salt and unpaved walkways (which severely limits how far we get since most of the sidewalks remain untouched).  He has been great during the crazy weather and I enjoyed spending all that extra time with him while I was off. 

Leo continues to jump in the snowbanks and eat as much snow as I allow when we head outside.  One lady even told him to "have a nice meal" when I told her he loves to eat the fluffy stuff.  :)  Leo also continues to help me bake.  We made mom's Magic Bars (aka Hello Dollies, for those of you who aren't familiar with my family's terminology - see below for the recipe) and Leo plopped himself right in the middle of the floor.  My kitchen is no bigger than most people's powder rooms, so you can imagine how much room I have to scoot around.  Leo ended up eating an enormous amount of graham crackers.  He's now a whopping 53 pounds (not only because of the graham cracker consumption, he just keeps growing!)!

MaryAnne's Magic Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed - Honey Maid brand only (accept no imitations!)

1 cup chopped nuts - walnuts usually

1 cup chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, M & Ms, etc.

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

Directions:

-In 9"x13" baking dish, melt butter in oven as it preheats to 350 degrees

-When butter is melted, put crushed graham crackers in pan and pat down
 *(feed Leo extra crumbs that fall onto the counter)

-Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips & whatever else you'd like, pat down

-Pour sweetened condensed milk over ingredients, covering the whole pan

-Add flaked coconut

-Place in oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown

On our Sunday morning Valentines Day Walk, Leo and I met a couple who said they have a basset named Linus.  Supposedly, Leo looked like Linus' identical, but smaller, twin.  Guess how much Linus weighs?  80 pounds!  Yikes.  And Leo's only 8 months old.  I'm definitely in trouble!

On our evening Valentines Day walk, Leo and I came across a man with 9, yes, that's right, 9 dogs.  It was like straight out of a movie and I was super impressed at his ability to control each of them, while I have my hands full with one.  (Turns out only 3 were his, the other 6 he was sitting for).  I wish I had taken a picture, it was pretty amazing.  Yes, I was totally jealous. 

I have not returned to gymnastics.  My arm is feeling great, but my dad told me to try again when I'm "more in shape."  :)  Jeez, thanks.  And that I will.  For now, I'm anticipating doing some 5Ks in the area to get back on track.  No, Leo won't be joining me.  He's mellowing out and I think he'd be too much of a distraction for fellow runners.  Additionally, he has a tough time just walking in a straight line - I can't really imagine him running in a straight line.  I shudder at the thought of Leo causing many-a runner to fall and break something due to his clumsiness.  :) 

*

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your continued support. 

To make an online donation, please visit:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Snowmageddon 2010 - We're Alive!

Before I begin my Snowmageddon blog, I'd like to thank Uncle Ovide, Aunt Lucie & Uncle John, and Pat for their generous donations.  I'm so extremely thankful to you all for your support... I'm at 40% of my $1800 goal and the amount keeps growing!!

***

Remember on Friday when I said I'd be snowed in for the weekend?  Well.  I was.  Turns out when I moved down here, the WNY weather decided to follow.  Unfortunately, the WNY snowplows, salt trucks and DOT workers didn't.  I haven't been to work since Friday afternoon and we're expecting more snow tonight through tomorrow.  (I really do have a job here, I swear!)

Pardon the short blog, I just wanted to let everyone know that we're all okay down here!  Avon Walk training has taken a backseat to other activities (excessive amounts of TV watching, pee clean-up, sudoku puzzles, baking, following Leo around with a camera, reorganizing closets, etc...)

I've also been nursing my arm - an MD diagnosed case of tendinitis.  I've been loading up on Aleve but the pressure, pain and tingling hasn't gotten better.  I've never had tendinitis before, but the supposed culprit - you guessed it - GYMNASTICS!  While I really want to go back, it looks like my days on the cushioned floor and uneven bars are over - for now.  Maybe I'll give it another go-round over the summer.

So, when I'm not doing these mundane things, I've been crossing the street into Pentagon Row.  Thank goodness for the presence of a Starbucks, home of the most expensive and disgusting coffee in the world - at least it's given me a way to get out and be with fellow humans!  (& I love tea, so it's still a win-win.)

Check out some pictures from my last 4 days at home... 

The line at Harris Teeter (the VA version of Tops) on Friday 2/5, a little after noon.  I stood in line for 30 minutes.  Care to know what I stocked up on?  Bagels, waffles, cheez-its (the party mix), milk, and frozen pizza.  Of course when the power went out on Saturday, much of my goods went right up to the rooftop to stay cool!

  

Leo in the snow on Saturday, 2/6.  

  Leo spent our time in the snow running up and down a hill at the back of the apartment.  I think his tunneling instincts kicked in.  :)

This is a night shot of the Pentagon Row Ice-Rink.  

The first of many shots of Leo I took while stuck in the apartment.  I think he enjoys modeling.  This is his Are you talking to me? face.

Act natural, Leo!

This is the Adorably Confused look.  I think he's perfected it.

For those of you who actually had to go to work this week, tomorrow is Wednesday, so only a few days left!  And, well, I can only take hearing Cupid by Sam Cooke for so long so I'm heading back home!  Will I return to work tomorrow?  Who knows... check back to find out!

Don't forget to make an online donation!  Visit

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

    

A Morning in the Life of America's Favorite Basset Hound - by Leo

Since my Mom is super busy with training for the Avon Walk (I've been temporarily excused from my duties because I get salt stuck in my paws), she wanted me to tell all of the blog readers what a typical morning is like for me, your favorite basset hound.  Read on to find out what my mornings are like!

Put Yourself in His Paws

A Morning in the Life of America's Favorite Basset Hound 

composed by Leo, typed by Mom

Between 5:30-6:30am -

• 
  
  At these early hours of the morning, it's long-awaited potty time.  To stir Mom, I stand up and start scratching my paws all over the place.  Sometimes I pick up my bone and thrash it against the sides of the crate.  This gets her moving.

Somewhere between 5:30 and 6:30am -

• 
  
  When Mom gets up (yay!) she usually looks at me and says, "Hi, Bubba."  (I think that's her nickname for me because I remind her of the mildly slow but sweet character from the movie Forrest Gump.)  

Still somewhere between 5:30 and 6:30am  -

• 
  
  Mom opens my crate door and sometimes I still feel groggy.  It takes me a minute to get out and then I scretch for a real long time.  Mom struggles to put my leash on because it's usually dark and I'm so glad I get to tinkle I can hardly contain my excitement!  
• 
  
  When we walk to the elevator, I sometimes have a hard time slowing down.  I have been really good about sitting and waiting outside of and in the elevator until I get outside, but once in awhile I still pee in the hallway and a little comes out in the elevator.  Oops.  When this happens, Mom has to go to the basement and get a newspaper to clean up the mess.  One time an older lady was so angry that I peed in the elevator that she wouldn't get in for the ride.  I don't know why.  Everyone pees. 
• 
  
  Outside, I pull hard until I get to my potty spot.  I sometimes find snacks in the grass and I like to try a little bit of everything.  That's proper manners, right?   

6:30 - 7:30am -

• 
  
  When we get back upstairs I know it's almost time for breakfast.  Lately, Mom has been letting me roam while she is in the shower.  Before, she used to put me in my crate and I didn't like this.  I'm older now, though. 
• 
  
  I love water and I am pretty sneaky.  Sometimes I poke my head in the shower and drink as much water as I can.  This means my whole head gets wet and sometimes Mom yells.  I don't know why.  It's very important to remain hydrated.
• 
  
  When I'm not sneaking water, I sometimes sneak cat food and drink all of the cat's water from their flowing fountain.  It's very tempting when nobody is watching.  When I get caught, though, I get "the Look."
• 
  
  I also like to sneak up on the cats while they rest.  They hit me in the face alot with their paws and their nails scratch me and I bleed.  They make terrifying noises that I've never heard anywhere else!  I'm pretty sure they like me.

  Between 7-7:30am -

• 
  
  I am very good about sitting and waiting for my breakfast.  I help Mom get it by sitting in the middle of the kitchen, almost right at her feet.  Usually she will say, "Do you have to sit right there?"  Of course, I do!  It's my job as your assistant!  That way, when she falls over she can land on me for cushion! 
• 
  
  I drink my water first and I usually do this as fast as I can.  I am timing myself to see how much I can drink in the shortest amount of time. 
• 
  
  When I'm done eating, I help Mom make her lunch for work.  For this, I sit directly in front of the refrigerator.  Sometimes when Mom opens the door she hits me in the face with it.  I know she doesn't mean it and so it's okay.  I like to help.

Between 7:30-8:00am -

• 
  
  Mom has to put make up on.  She has a mirror in the bedroom and she sits on the floor.  She has lots of brushes and little tubey things that I sometimes take.  I get yelled at for this, but I can't help it.  She usually tells me, "Those are expensive!"  That word must mean they are tasty and fun to chew, which they most certainly are!
• 
  
  When Mom is done we get to go outside one more time.  Sometimes I am ready before she is and so I go to the door and ring the bells.  I love those bells.  Sometimes I ring them just because I like the sound of bells.  I think Mom likes the sound, too, even though she seems to get angry that I ring them so much.  If she didn't, why would she make me use them?!

Between 7:45-8:15am -

• 
  
  Once we are done going potty and eating outside snacks, I know this means I have to go back in my crate.  While I am sad, I am also tired after the morning's activities. 
• 
  
  Mom puts on the radio for me.  She also gives me some toys to play with in my crate.  Some of my toys I can't play with because I ripped them open and I eat the stuffing.  She thinks it's not "safe" or something. 
• 
  
  I don't bark when Mom leaves anymore.  I used to, but now I know she always comes home, to me, at the end of every day. 

Don't forget to make an online donation to help Mom raise money to walk in May!

Visit:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Killer Gymnastics

Well, I'm able to sit and type this posting which means that I survived another week of "Killer Gymnastics."  To be honest, I had to gather the courage to go back.  Not only was I sore, but I was very intimidated and hesitant to "get right back on the horse."  (Is that even the correct phrase?) 

Anyway, I reluctantly called a cab and headed to the fitness center.  To my surprise, this class was much better than last week.  My very creative use of the couch and pillow mountains (and I learned I'm not the only one who uses household items to practice gymnastics!) came in handy as I practiced bridges during the week...  well... I was somewhat able to practice.  Seems that everytime I flipped upside down, a 50 pound dog came and attacked my face...

Speaking of that 50 pound dog... I was looking through my phone and came across the following photo of Leo that I took on our ride home from Connecticut, right after his adoption...

Ugh!  They grow up so fast!  :)

We haven't had time to wear the homemade bandanas, but those will definitely be showcased this weekend during our long walks around the area!  I will let you know how they do generating funds!  I have some small flyers to hand out also, directing people to my Avon Walk website where they can make an online donation.

In other fundraising news, I received an offline $20 donation!  $395 and growing... just 94 days left!

To make a donation, please visit:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Thank you for all of your support this far!

 

Crystal City, the Police & Fancy Bandanas

The weather has been getting nicer down here in the DC area.  I woke up today and it was already 60 degrees!  Unfortunately, the 10-day forecast shows the temperature dropping to the 40s by the end of this week.  Yuck. 

Leo & I took advantage of the weather on Saturday and headed out for a walk around the Crystal City area of Virginia.  Crystal City is a neat little area with lots of shops and restaurants.  (You can check it out at http://www.crystalcity.com/.)  Crystal City is similar to the area I live in, but I prefer my spot on the map!  (This is where I give a shout-out to Katie who found me my current apartment - thank you!)

So back to our walk... we met some people from Minnesota who walked with us for awhile until "nature called" and Leo had to stop.  Then, Leo and I decided (well, really, I decided) to take 23rd Street back home.  After crossing the street, I gave Leo a cookie, which of course he had to consume by planting his hiney on the ground until the entire treat was gone.  It was at this time that the local police drove up and parked next to us on the sidewalk...

Yes, it was at this point that my heart began beating rapidly.  I've had my fair share of unfortunate police encounters and while Leo & I weren't doing anything wrong, I was thinking, Oh shoot - here we go.  Leo isn't licensed in the county yet.  Lovely.  Now, mind you, I had my story all planned out in the event I was cuffed and sent to jail for this  - "No, Officer, I just moved here in November.  I have the paperwork (which I do!) and will be mailing it out shortly."  I'm sure you can imagine.  My face was turning red and I was completely frantic until the Officer said, "I love those dogs!  They are so great!" 

And my coloring returned to normal.

The conversation was brief (thank goodness) but let me tell you, I will be sending out the payment for Leo's dog license this week to avoid any future run-ins like this one.  Sheesh.

~~~*~~~

On Sunday (the weather wasn't as enjoyable) so I took a trip out to Columbia Heights.  I was on the lookout for some bandanas so that as Leo and I train, he has something to wear and help me promote the walk and maybe even raise some funds!

Thank goodness for CVS and a 3 pack of handkerchiefs for $1.  (Still can't believe people blow their noses in these and stick them back in their pockets...)  With some fabric paint and loads of patience, I created something that I hope will help me raise money for the walk!  Look below to see what I came up with!

I will let you know how these work!  I figure they are good conversation starters once Leo has reeled some people in!

Petsmart Graduate of 2010

Alright, I know you've all been on the edge of your seats waiting to hear if Leo passed

Puppy Education Class... and if you look below,

you will see a very happy graduate wearing his super cool graduation cap!

Leo was very excited for last night's "ceremony."  We have been practicing very important commands such as,

• Leave it
• Take it 
• Drop it
• Stay 
• Shake
• Don't pee on the floor  

Unfortunately, Leo was only able to follow some of these commands during graduation (the excitement of the event was just too overwhelming, I'm sure).  That's okay, though, he still received his Petsmart Diploma and had one last romp with his puppy class.

The eight weeks of Leo's puppy class seemed to fly.  Believe it or not, Leo is now 50 pounds (somehow he gained 7 pounds over the last 2 weeks).  He continues to bulk up - must be all that cat food he sneaks in when I'm not looking - and be an excellent walking buddy as I continue on my own "journey."

~~~

I have received 2 more donations!  Thank you to Aunt Diane, Uncle Pierre, Katie, Jacy & Elena.  Your support means so much.  I'm on my way to raising enough to participate in the walk and I'm very excited about this.

This upcoming weekend - as I continue to mentally and physically prepare for Killer Gymnastics on Tuesday - I will be taking my buddy out on some lengthy treks around Arlington.  There are plenty of trails around the area that have yet to be traveled and hopefully my pedometer will be working correctly by then.

The weather here in NoVA has been decent, although tonight we're getting rain and I'm almost, almost, almost ready to take out my non-winter jackets.  Yes, that's jackets in the plural form.  Within my family, it's known that it's not enough to just purchase "one" of something, you always need multiples "just in case."  (I love you, Aunt Diane!)

I ask you all to continue to spread the word about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and visit my Avon Walk Website page to make an online donation:

www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Thank you!

"Beginner" Gymnastics

Do you see the image of Shawn Johnson to my right?  Yeah.  Last night I figured out I'm not her. 

I signed myself up for an Adult Beginner Gymnastics class through a community education program in NoVA (NoVA is the fancy abbreviation for Northern Virginia).  Anyone who knows me knows that I've always wanted to learn how to do a back handspring.  When I saw the listing for Beginner Gymnastics I figured I'd start at the bottom and eventually get to where I could learn this supernatural human trick.  Is this making sense to everyone?

So, with handsprings in the way back of my mind, I paid the fee, took a taxi to class (I don't have a car anymore, remember?) and well...

Have you ever really wanted to learn how to do something that required training/assistance/special help?  Scuba diving for instance.  You should probably know how to swim before you attempt diving hundreds of feet into the ocean, right?  Basically, last night's gymnastics experience was comparable to being thrown into an ocean without knowing how to swim or use any of the gear. 

I'm alive.  That's the good news.  Gymnastics is no joke.  There are various mats and devices that assist these wannabe gymnast people (like myself) to do back walkovers, handsprings, front tucks, etc.  I just wasn't aware I'd be using them already.  I will continue to utilize homemade "Pillow Mountains" while practicing in the privacy of my own apartment...

While my gymastics classes aren't over (there are 9 left!), I do know that my quest to become the next Dominique Moceanu or Shawn Johnson is officially over.  Sorry.  You won't be seeing me in the Olympics anytime soon.  This, of course, means that I won't be asked to compete on Dancing with the Stars or any other reality TV shows either.  But maybe this means I'll be able to do a few miles of back handsprings during the Avon Walk... hmmm....

***

Speaking of the Avon Walk, I received a few donations already - from Leo's Godmother & Godfather, (Peggy & Ron) and Pam (thank you).  Leo & I traveled many miles on Sunday.  Many, many, many miles.  I have to be vague about the exact number because my new pedometer calculated that we walked about 13 miles in the hour and a half we were out.  (That doesn't exactly make sense, does it?  We are pretty amazing, but...)  Turns out I had to set the "stride" setting so that it can provide a more accurate count of my mileage.  Oops.

The rain kept us inside on Monday (no, I wasn't afraid we were going to melt!) but we needed a day to recoup and prepare for Killer Gymnastics. 

The link for online donations may be found below.  Remember,  I can't walk if I haven't raised $1800!! 

To make online donations, visit www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins.   

Until next time!

It's Friday!

Ahhh, the sweet smell of a Friday morning... or at the very least, the sweet smell of my French Vanilla non-dairy Coffee-mate creamer with a little bit of coffee added. :)

***

I know, you're all dying to know about this morning's walk. Well, unfortunately, it just didn't happen. After a very busy week, I had trouble stopping myself from hitting the "snooze" button over and over and over... It was just too hard to resist. I am including a photo of Leo from his early puppy days, when naps & sleeping were the norm. (In my head I'm hearing, "They grow up so fast!!")


The good news is that this is a 3-day weekend and so Leo & I will have plenty of uninterrupted hours to walk around Arlington and he will have many opportunities to sniff the behinds of fellow canines we may encounter. The weather is supposed to be excellent on Saturday and again on Monday, so our 50 minute walks will certainly be extended to include a few extra miles.

I plan on taking a trip across the street to Gotta Run, a super fancy sneaker store. I've heard that these type of stores in the area watch you walk and run and fit the sneakers to your feet! Other purchases I'll be making to help me train include a pedometer. Does anyone have any recommentations? I had one and lost it (of course) but would like the display to provide me with miles traveled, also. At the meeting, we were told that our training should be similar to the day(s) of the walk, so treadmill training would be insufficient. And, of course, Cesar Millan hasn't been around to teach Leo how to use a treadmill so I guess that means we won't be hitting the gym together!

Here's some information that I think is particularly special... there is a service available to women with cancer that provides free housecleaning services. The nonprofit organization (Cleaning for a Reason Foundation) offers free professional housecleaning, and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer - any type of cancer. To find out additional information, visit: http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Before I end this post, I want to include my Avon Walk website. I'll be including this website in each posting so if you would like to support me & the foundation, you can make an online donation. I actually received my first donation from Pam. Thank you :) Pam also mentioned to me that an online donation will generate an automatic receipt for tax purposes, for all of you who require that information.

To donate online: www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

Thank you for your support.

Puppy School & Avon Walk Page Information

Wednesday nights, for the past 7 weeks, have consisted of a taxi ride to Petsmart in Potomac Yard. Leo has been a student at Beginner Education Classes there in the hopes that his uncontrollable behavior would be tamed. (As I write this I'm chuckling to myself and thinking Yeah, right.)

Well, last night my "walking buddy" and I headed to Petsmart. The command of the evening was "heel" and fortunately for myself, this is one of Leo's strengths (as long as he is in the middle of a wide open field with zero distractions).

Actually, Leo had a good class. He can't sit & stay (as in a combo. task, he can sit-with the verbal and non-verbal command-YAY!) for the life of him, and I've been told that Leo thinks I'm a plaything. My status as a plaything makes training extremely difficult. Maybe it's my voice? My height? (Leo is almost as tall as me when he "stands" on his hind legs.) The main point is that the hound doesn't take me seriously and this is very frustrating! Next week is puppy graduation... so stay tuned to see if he graduates or not!

We also had a really great walk this morning. Out by 6:30, home at 7:20. This walk wasn't especially noteworthy, except towards the end when Leo decided a two foot long stick needed to be mouthed and carried back to the apartment. :)

***

In other news, I received my Avon Walk website which means I am openly accepting donations online - 108 days left to raise $1800!! Wish me luck and visit my page at www.avonwalk.org/goto/scummins

I am also in need of a walking partner or I'm going to be bunking with a random person during that evening in a 2-person tent (not safe). Many of you have expressed interest but I need a commitment (yes, I, Suzanne Cummins, need a commitment). Online registration information can be found at www.avonwalk.org/ooh. I paid $45 because I went to a meeting, however registration is usually $65. If you live in an area where they are doing a walk, attend a meeting and you'll save $20 but be able to walk with me here in DC!

My Walking Buddy

I wanted to introduce everyone to my walking buddy, aka Leo. Leo will be helping as I train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. As some of you know, Leo is the most recent addition to my "animal" family. He was adopted in September during a trip to Connecticut. I had driven past the puppy store on my way to visit the cemetery where my mother rests, and said, "OH! I didn't realize there was a pet store in Danbury!" (Funny how on prior trips through the town this store was never pointed out - again, thanks DAD!) Well... taking note of the pet store was a bad/good idea - depending on how you look at it.

After visiting MaryAnne Corriveau (another person in the family who had a huge addiction to impulsive buying), I stopped at American Breeders and fell in love with Leo. There he was, sitting in a crate as calm as could be. I asked the woman if I could play with the little basset hound and she put us together in a little room. Of course, within minutes, he peed on me. As if that wasn't enough of a sign of what was to come...

According to multiple sources, basset hounds are rated as one of the dumbest dog breeds. Sad, I know. In all fairness, I was unaware of this ranking at the time I purchased Leo. Knowing this, though, might not have made a difference anyway. While Leo is still a puppy, he brings alot of joy (accompanied with alot of frustration) to my life and the lives of people that know him (Hi, Peggy!) Below is a picture of his lobster costume that he "wore" for Halloween followed by some of his very important stats. Hey, he is my walking buddy and you should know a little more about him, too!

Leo's Stats:

Species: Dog
Breed: Basset Hound
Color: Tri-color (black, brown & white)
Height: Approximately 16"
Weight: 45 pounds & growing
Best feature: Droopy eyes & super long ears
Strengths: Personality
Weaknesses: Nose
Favorite food: Anything on the ground
Favorite pastime(s): Chasing the cats, getting whacked in the face by the cats, peeing on the floor
Most missed human from NY: Peggy (his Godmother)
Favorite song: Hounddog by Elvis Presley

So far, our training regiment for the Avon Walk has included a morning walk (around 6:30). We've been trekking through Arlington, with Leo's occasional stop for sniffing random objects, using the potty, and often times eating the contents of whatever was created while using the potty. Yucky, but this is the truth nonetheless.

Today's walk was no different. We were up and out by 6:40 and home at 7:20. I figure this is about 2 miles - give or take. The training schedule the representative gave me suggested that I be walking 5 miles each day, with rest every few days. So, while I'm not up to 5 miles, the average person walks between 4 and 5 miles a day already and I'm hoping that this will help, too.

As promised, I'll keep you updated on website information and training. Until tomorrow...

I walk for my Aunt Pat.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

So... I somehow managed to start this "blog" yesterday with no clear purpose in mind. However, now I have a reason to write and keep "readers" informed of what's going on in my life.

Yesterday I attended an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer meeting here in Washington, DC. I had seen advertisements on the Metro (yay for the DC Metro!) and was very interested in signing up, which at the end of the meeting, I did. :) Here's the website link, if you're interested: www.avonwalk.org/ooh

I have participated in the Relay for Life at UB with fellow co-workers from UBCCC. (Kelley, was it 2 years or 3?) That event-through the American Cancer Society-was an overnight walk in which one member from our team had to be walking (or running) on the track at all times. We raised over $1000 as a team each year (go us!) with the help of our families, friends, and some fundraising we did at the center.

This time, however, I'm on my own. To even be able to participate in the walk, I have to raise $1,800 as an individual walker. I'm hoping that I can get the word out, and through support of my family & friends can raise enough to walk on May 1st and 2nd, 2010 in this DC event.

When I called my dad I told him this was a 39 mile walk. His response? "That's really far... are you going to be able to do that?!" My answer to him was, "Why wouldn't I?" (Thanks, Dad!) Actually, walkers don't even have to walk that far, the mileage isn't predetermined and I could do as few as 26.1 miles (still alot, I know) but I plan to do the entire 39 mile walk over the course of two days (26.1 on Saturday, 13 on Sunday).

I have a training schedule (this is the big-time, folks) and an incredible basset hound who will be enduring lots of exercise while I "train" for this. I have decided to use this blog as a way to reach out and inform everyone as to how I'm doing with my training and walking.

I haven't received my Avon Walk website, but as soon as I do, I will post it on here. The website allows people to donate money online so that I can raise enough to walk.

Now that thats out of the way, are you interested in walking with me? If you are, email me @ scshorty83@gmail.com. I am very interested in starting a team. I don't know anyone who hasn't been affected (or is it effected, I can never get it right!) by this disease. And yes, guys can walk, too! (I checked since only females were at the meeting.)

For now, spread the word about this "blog" (hopefully I'll get better at this online writing stuff) and I'll keep you posted on my training for the event!

Walking for my Aunt Pat.