Date: 2009-11-28 12:04 Subject: Friends... Security: Public

Posted via email from dancingdogs's posterous

Date: 2009-11-28 11:50 Subject: My Dad is Old... Security: Public

It seems my Dad's 59th year has started out a busy one as I have not been able to get a hold of him either one his birthday, the day after his birthday or indeed, a few days later on Thanksgiving. What was he up to? Well the same thing he has been up to since he was a teenager, Fencing.

Since I am far away from home, and because it is difficult to ship things from so far away, my dad got his birthday present about a month ago when I visited for my sister's wedding. A pair of dark brown New Zealand Wool slippers. I hope they have been quite comfortable! But this is my other gift.

The Things I have Learned from my Dad.

Dedication- Did I already mention fencing? My dad has taught me the meaning of the word,dedication, through his actions. Because of this I have always held to the idea that if you really enjoy something you should never give it up for any reason.

Patience- Seemingly the most patient man in the world. When I get frustrated, I remember my Dad's ability to be calm in any situation no matter how infuriating. And then I take a deep breath and try to be more like him.

Wit vs. Timing- His dry sense of humor is only made funnier by the carefully thought out comments, made possibly minutes after a topic of conversation has ended. In the end his wit makes up for the late delivery of his most hilarious comments.

The Ability to Apologize- Apologizing for anything I was at fault for was never my strong point as a child. I was more of the "hide and take a nap until the whole thing blew over" type. It was because of my dad that I finally realized how far an apology can go to mending hurt feelings. And that apologizing for something did not make you a lesser person, but in fact a much better person.

That is what my Dad has taught me; how do be a better person, how to deal with tough situations calmly, the importance of doing something that you really believe in, and
that a cleverly though out line does not necessarily have to be delivered exactly on time, as long as it is funny in your own head.

I owe you a lot (not just for the cars you bought me) but for where I am right now. Starting my own business, staying calm under pressure, and the ability to laugh with myself even when no one else gets the joke.


Thanks Dad! Happy Birthday! (maybe next year I'll get you a nice watch).

Date: 2009-11-05 15:47 Subject: Super Ears! Security: Public

Super Ears!
Originally uploaded by msbell

We are enjoying Spring here in Wellington now. I will ceratinly make a note to start inviting people to visit us any time from November through February for the best weather Wellington has to offer!

I bought my Turkey for Thanksgiving already and I am hoping to have some friends around for the feast!

So much has happened this year. Its been pretty crazy and fun! I spent January and february with no furniture save a bed and a Giant TV. Then I started volunteering at the local SPCA's and worked on getting my Business Visa through. Then I got to have my mom come and visit for a month, got my visa and adopted a new member of the family!

As the year is winding to a close I got more visitors (Sunday and Mike). I started getting paying clients for my business and My sister got married! I really wonder what the last two months of the year have in store...

Date: 2009-10-28 16:38 Subject: Napier Security: Public

Icecream Yeti
Originally uploaded by msbell

Its been a ton of fun having Sunday and Mike here. We always see more of NZ when we have guests and this time we went up to Napier in Hawke's Bay. This is one fo the major wine regions in NZ. We spent the night in a little motel much like th eones Mom and I stayed in when we went on our little road trip.

Napier is a cool town that is right on the water. In the earl thirties it was hit by a major earthquake and the resulting fires completely raised the town. The entire town was rebuilt in the thirties and followed the asthetics of the time which was Art Decor. So the entire town is a collection of amazing art decor buildings and community structures that really are something to see!

So after spending saturday wondering around we went out to Craggy Range Winery for Lunch then headed home (with a case full of wine of course).

Date: 2009-10-19 22:14 Subject: The Kiss Security: Public

DSC_4091
Originally uploaded by msbell

Finally getting some of these up, btw so jealous of how Anne's hair looked:) very nice!

Date: 2009-10-15 03:03 Subject: You Talking to Me? Security: Public

You Talking to Me?
Originally uploaded by msbell

Had a fun time out at Cape Pallisar again... so many seals so little time.

My dog behaviour business is in full swing (well maybe half swing) with clients calling or emailing every couple days and freebie sessions already leading to paying sessions! weeee!

Headed out of town to the wine region (Napier) this weekend. Should be fun... not sure what is there but either way there will be wine so can't really go wrong.

Date: 2009-10-09 12:15 Subject: For Dipping in Chocolate Security: Public

For Dipping in Chocolate
Originally uploaded by msbell

Fondue is so great. The only meal where you dip tasty dessert into MORE tasty dessert.

Settling in back at home now. The weather is terrible here for some reason.. its supose to be headed into Spring! It just seems to be getting colder... So its good to note: visit us in November -Feb for the best weather!

Date: 2009-10-08 19:03 Subject: Back home Security: Public

Zoe's Eyes
Originally uploaded by msbell

I am starting to put up the pictures from our trip to MD up on m y flickr account. stay tuned.....

Date: 2009-09-22 17:21 Subject: Summer's Close-up Security: Public

Summer's Close-up
Originally uploaded by msbell

Whats up with all the pet portraits I keep doing? I think if I am not careful I am going to end up with a photography business instead of a training business.

So, Sunday gets here at 8 30 am tomorrow morning... very exciting, gong to have to get up early to walk the dogs and such... The house is kind of a mess but I'll put that right tomorrow...

Date: 2009-09-16 23:56 Subject: Summer Security: Public

Sunset on the Kapiti Coast
Originally uploaded by msbell

Summer is on its way here in New Zealand. Really looking forward to it as Winter here is a bit dreary and wet and doesn't even have Christmas (or my birthday) to cheer it up! On the plus side I get to have a BBQ for my birthday this year!

Date: 2009-09-07 14:34 Subject: Various Menu Security: Public

Various Menu
Originally uploaded by msbell

Returned from Sydney, and had a very nice weekend. Got to see the new apartment which is located in the very handy area of Milsons Point. That is right near the Sydney Harbor Bridge and up the road abit from the famous Luna Park.

It will be a handy place to have whenwe have guests as well because the apartment has a couhc/bed for guests:) So now when you all come visit us in NZ it will be nice and easy to just jump over to Sydney for the weekend and not need a hotel!

Date: 2009-09-03 15:48 Subject: I think I am up for this awar this year! Security: Public

All Countries should have this competition
Originally uploaded by msbell

It's called my yard and only dogs are voting.


Getting ready to go to Sydney for the Weekend. I am a little worried about how Ripley will be around the house sitter. He is very shy of new people and seems to have a mini panic attack if they are holding onto his lead. But he has to get used to it eventually!

The flight from to Sydney is only 3.5 hours so I bought the second Twilight book and that should keep me going if I can't sleep. I plan on sleeping though since its an early flight.

Date: 2009-09-01 14:59 Subject: Home Alone Security: Public

Warning: You will pee your pants.
Originally uploaded by msbell

I left Cooper and Ripley home alone, uncrated while I went out and got coffee this morning. I was gone about 2o minutes and when I got back they were both waiting for me at the babygate. Looking a little worries but not overly stressed. 20 minutes or less seems to be the max for now.

Getting my business marketing in full swing now. I even had 2 work related calls yesterday:)

I am off to the SPCA this morning to halp train the dogs there, the employees there also seem to be my best source for referrals right now. Its nice how much they talk me up to people.

I have also been bringing my camera lately and taking portraits of the dogs. Some of which have been used on the website and will possibly be put into this years SPCA calender! That would be pretty neat. Maybe I'll have a nice pet portrait side business going soon:P

Date: 2009-08-28 23:18 Subject: Pincered Insect Kabob Security: Public

Pincered Insect Kabob
Originally uploaded by msbell

I was thinking of appetizers for my sister's wedding.... or not.

Date: 2009-08-27 14:20 Subject: My pets can't Sense S%it Security: Public

Doubtful Things
Originally uploaded by msbell

I was woken up this morning at 2:10 am (thats 7:10 am for you on the west coast). by a 5.2 earthquake. it moved up from the south and I felt it jerk the house a few times then it rumbled off to the north.

The again at about 3:30 am... a smaller one at 4.3 this time. that was just a bit of a roll of the ground. Like earthquakes I have felt before... the 5.2 was mighty interesting though... something also interesting... all my pets slept through it. No one made the slightest noise and looked quite bewildered when I flipped the light on.

Date: 2009-08-25 19:37 Subject: Dresses! Security: Public

Nov 3rd
Originally uploaded by msbell

The Dress for Annie's wedding came in the mail today! (and good thing I checked the mailbox before it rained!

I love the color and the Fabirc is really nice to touch... the size (10) is a touch tight but very workable. I am not sure the sleaves are supose to fall off the shoulder though :P

I'll take it to a dressmaker I know and see what magic she can work. And I sure hope that A doesn't mind the bridesmaid's boobage showing because good lord, there is going to be A LOT of boobage. Nice cut:)

Fenri is finally out and about (during the day) with Ripley in the same room. A little hissing involved which really sets Cooper into a bark tantrum but overall its an improvment!

Date: 2009-08-24 13:41 Subject: Err... umm... Security: Public

Err... umm...
Originally uploaded by msbell

I will continue to put up my most viewed shots unless I have something more immediate. Thsi si one everyone seems to like. In fact my crazy sign shots are my most popular group. Thsi is a great one I took in Japan.

Ripley is sleeping for about 7 hours a night now. not too bad really but it will be a great releif when he finaly starts sleeping a full 8-10 hours. Cooper seems happy to sleep for a full 12 if given the need.
Ripples is also doing much better in ibediance class, a little hard to handle when we first get there because of all the excitment of the other dogs but by the end he was paying very close attention. Still not fully potty trained yet. He hasn't quite made the outside/inside connection so we have to watch him like a hawk.

Date: 2009-08-22 22:56 Subject: Didn't know Yogurt came in Slow Lorris Flavor Security: Public

Dannon- Slow Lorris Flavored
Originally uploaded by msbell

I know this shot is ridiculous, it doesn't even seem real. Like a cartoon primate...

Saw Inglorious Basterds today... very long winded, funny, and heart pounding movie, typcial Tarantino really. almost 3 hours long though.

Date: 2009-08-21 13:42 Subject: wtf seriously... Security: Public

WTF?!
Originally uploaded by msbell

and a youtube to go along with it... very cool advertising for Dove

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6JvK0W60I

This shot is my 3rd most viewed... just a bit a grafitti I found in Singapore. And if I had had the balls to grafiti in Singapore is is exactly what I would have said.

In puppy news, Cooper is doing really well at agility now... seems to enjoy it more. Ripley is finishing off his puppy obediance class (more for the socializing than the obediance) and then he goes to another socialization group on Sunday mornings. He gets along with other dogs really well. Sadly he is still afraid of big intimidating people....

Date: 2009-08-20 12:59 Subject: Another Gorgeous Day Security: Public

Biggest Rodent Foot in the World
Originally uploaded by msbell

This photo is my second most viewed on FLICKR... 617 views to date. This is one I understand.

It is another gorgeous day here in the bottom of the world. It is also Our 5th anniversaery! We are headed out to Logan Brown (restaurant in wellington) tonight.

Took the puppies to the beach yesterday and had a nice long run. They seemed to have a really good time. and were very tired for the rest of the day:) I forgot how much work puppies are. Ripley still wakes up at about 6 AM , he then goes back to bed for maybe an hour then its time to wake up. I think we will take him for a run at the fenced dog park today then when I get back form the SPCA we'll take him out to the walkway across the inlet to tire him out again before we leave for dinner!

Also this is a youtube clip I found that remonds me how Fenri (my 10 year old cat) feels about Ripley (the 50 lb 6 mo old puppy). please watch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMvCFlIwMas&feature=channel