Heel!

Mrs. Patrick and I had an appointment with a dog trainer today. Bailey has a hard time restraining herself from going completely crazy whenever we see or pass a dog while on a walk. Mrs. Patrick and I have tried different tactics without success so we called in a professional. Danielle from Canine U came to our house and worked with us on how to correct Bailey when she starts to work herself up over seeing a fellow four-legged friend. We saw progress in the hour and a half she spent with us. As we practice, Bailey should be more calm and will heel nicely.

Fore!

and I mean it! Joe, his dad and I went out for the first golf outing of the season on Saturday. It was ugly and there isn't much else to say about it. Everything off the tee was going at a 45 degree slice to the right. I did a have a few good chips and putts. At least I can only go up from here...

WARNING:

My mother now has facebook! :)

Kickboxing.

I have decided to add some variety to my workout schedule. I found a Taekwondo gym close to our house and decided to give the cardio kickboxing class a try this morning. It was nice to have a completely new workout. I like the people and hitting/kicking the bag! Hiiyyahhh!

Bailey #2.

We have found a relative of Bailey's - maybe her mom or dad (don't know the sex of the Bailey look-a-like). It's pretty amazing how similar they look!

Bailey #2.

Our Bailey - aka Bailey #1.

sorry for not posting.

Joe and I have been very busy catching up with the show Chuck. It's a great show that has action, comedy and romance - what more could you ask from a show? We watched the first two seasons and have caught up to the current, third season. A fantastic accomplishment in our minds!

March Madness

And it surely is madness! Who else has a bracket that is not looking too good? There have been quite a few upsets that I did not predict. Then again, most of the people in my pool (Joe, his parents and my parents) did not foresee the upsets either so we should all go down in flames together. May the best of the worst win!

Back to life.

We flew home late on Thursday from Vegas. Friday we worked then went to pick up our daughter (Bailey) at my parents' house. On Saturday, I went to my cousin's fiancee's bridal shower near Erie, PA while Joe golfed his first 18 holes of the season. Hopefully the weather can stay this nice so I can make my debut soon too...

Man Down.

Joe was knocked out in 13th place today. He had kings and got it all in with a guy who had top pair of nines with a jack-nine (J9). Unfortunately the jack came on the turn giving the guy two pair to beat Joe's kings. Maybe next time...

Poker - Day 3

Joe is still alive in the poker tournament. His chip stack is around the average so he's in decent shape. There are only 28 players left and the top 24 get paid. Let's go Joe!

Poker Update.

Joe and his dad are still alive in the Main Event of the Wynn Classic. Joe has 59k in chips and his dad 45k. The average is 48k so they are in pretty good shape and hopefully one or both can make a final table!

City Center.

While the boys played poker at the Wynn, the girls, Mrs. Patrick and I, went to explore the new city center. It was neat to finally see the finished product after so many years of building. Their interactive website is really cool!

You may consider this cruel...

Nice!

Nothing but sun and sixties in the forecast. It's amazing how a little bit of sun makes you feel so happy after a grey cold winter!

Going West.

Joe and I are leaving for Vegas with his parents tomorrow morning. There is a poker tournament going on at the Wynn hotel that they plan to play in. Joe's brother, Jono, was out there this past week for his spring break and won a tournament - it should increase the motivation/desire for Joe and his dad to have a good performance as well!

Congrats, Jono!

Joe's Book.

Joe made me this book of illustrations today at work - I think it tells a very nice story and really showcases his artistic abilities. I was thrilled to receive it!

Rest.

About 3 weeks ago, I was running on the treadmill in order to get in shape for the marathon when the outside of my right foot started hurting. I continued running for another half mile hoping it was just a cramp and would go away - unfortunately it did not so I rested it for a week and tried running again. It still hurt. After seeing the doctor, he said it was probably a ligament and that I should rest and take anti-inflammatory pills - ibuprofen - for three weeks. So there goes this marathon. :(

The worst part is that Suzi will have one up on me now. ;)

Quick Trip to Solon.

Joe and I went to Solon after work on Friday for a quick visit to friends and family. We met up with Suzi and Jon and went to Paladar for what ended up being a very tasty meal - I suggest the "Ocho Hora" Braised Short Ribs and a margarita or two...

On Saturday morning, I went with my neighbors for Nicole's wedding dress fitting. Her dress is gorgeous and looked even better on her! I'd be excited to see it after the alterations.

Click.

I received the iClick in the mail today. I ordered this little clicker because I have heard a lot about "clicker training" and thought it would be fun to try with Bailey. She is relatively easy to train since she is highly motivated by food - especially the little pieces of hot dog that I have started to use as treats.

The clicker is supposed to help me with timing. It marks the desired behavior right when it's done rather than having to fumble for treats in my pocket and end up giving the reward too late after the behavior. After some practice, she should form an association that whenever she hears that click, it means she has done something right and she gets something yummy. Hopefully Bailey will learn some cool tricks that we can show off!

P.S. I got it in green...it was a tough decision!

The XX

You may have heard this song in the AT&T commercial while watching the Olympics: