Kallik, mid-week, Week 2

So it has really been a bit of a whirlwind ride over the past week and a half. Getting to know Kallik, monitor his behaviour and interactions with Aana and Tuvaaq, and get an action plan in my head.
At the end of last week it was clear that he is an energetic little thing, and needs to blow off steam before he calms down and walks nicely. That's fine, we have ways and means around that, and today was one of the exercises I had in mind to achieve that.
Once he is drained of energy, training can begin. No point before hand right now.

Last week we realised that Kallik has a dislike for things being placed around his neck. He has got used to the lead now, but the gencon is another matter. But we are getting there. Once it is on him, he walks much better without a shadow of a doubt. Hunters are my preference, easy on, easy off, and greater flexibility and control. The downside, an excited and determine dog coughs and splutters if it pulls too hard. Never nice.

To deal with the energy, and to allow him to play more in the park, but still under control, I bought a 10 metre rope tracking line to let him have some freedom on. When he approaches other dogs, it is gathered in so no tangling occurs. When alone, he can run free (within 10 metres!)

See vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyXhvGFjtn4

Today was the first time using it, and I have to say I didn't think it all out too well. Entering the park the gencon was removed and put in my pocket. As we got to the green I attached the line to his fixed collar, checked it was nice and secure, then lifted the hunter lead loop over his neck. First mistake, the 10m line was running through the middle of it, which meant each time I let more line out, I had to slide the hunter up the line. Doh!

He had great fun, running around, meeting other dogs and people, and slowly the energy level dropped. Time to do some closer lead work. Bringing him back to me, I slid the hunter all the way back down the line, and put it around his neck, then carefully detached the line from his collar. Gathering the line back up, I looked down and saw the handle of the hunter dragging along the floor behind him!!! S***!
I NEVER take the looped handle of a hunter off my wrist, but because of the earlier tangle, I had! Walking calmly after him, I closed in as he sniffed around a bench, reaching down with relief..... he took off!!
Now you see him.....

Now you don't!!
If you look past the two closest trees, there is a orange / yellow looking frame towards the right, he is just beyond that, with 3 other dogs, and 2 ladies.

He sped off across the park, me more mortified that he might scare someone more than anything, keeping calm I walked in the direction he was heading in. Thankfully, he had been playing with two black labs earlier while I spoke to their owner, so seeing Kallik arriving at their feet, will his lead dragging, even before I called over to them, the wonderful lady calmly reached down, took his lead up and walked back towards me. I am SO thankful, and I don't even know her name. But she is most definitely my favourite person in Mayow Park right now.

Other than that, all is going well, he walked beautifully on the lead all the way home, no gencon needed.

They are absolutely amazing together at home when left alone, and I cannot think of a better match for Tuvaaq and Aana. May the amazing times together last for many years.

In the meantime, I am slightly sore at myself for him getting away. It will NOT happen again!

What an interesting week its been.

I have had some busy weeks in my life, some confusing ones, and some ground breaking monumental ones, but this one has taken the biscuit really.

I should start by saying, I am writing this blog while testing some SoundPEATS Q800 headphones, and listening to Years and Years. But I am sure I will mention the headphones again at some point, as I am reviewing them for the company.

Right, back to my week...

My week started with a visit from a surveyor to see how much movement there has been in the walls since the house collapse years ago, and to see about starting to make good the damage caused by the movement of the walls. Some fair sized cracks, but he is happy they are now totally stable and work can commence. So that is now another room I can get on with smartening up a bit, and who knows, I might even put a spare bed in there. Just in case one day I have guests. Unlikely I know!

Tuesday was a little busier with a visit from the gas people to do the annual safety check on the place, which I am happy to say was a pass. Last time this guy came to do the check, the cooker was condemned! Doh. Amazingly and almost irritatingly, the guys came pretty early to do the check, which left me with a void in my morning. So I made the most of it and did..... NOTHING!
The afternoon was a bit different, another of my trips to Guys Hospital for another session of ongoing treatment. As its the same ladies I see each time, it makes the visits a little less daunting, and a relationship of humour has been built quickly.

Visiting Guy's is a bit love hate for me. Each time I enter the building I see the signs for Tabbard Annexe and cringe slightly. Remember the many visits with mum during her fight with cancer. The staff in there were always amazing, but I guess it's memories like that which provoke the sadness of the whole matter. Even walking across the car park reminds me of having to rush into the hospital on the day mum collapsed getting out of the car. A trip which resulted in her going through a whole load of tests. Amazing place all the same.
Anyway, thankfully I am NOT visiting Tabbard, so it's not so bad I guess.

Tuesday was also the day that Florida was finally cancelled. Since splitting up, I guess I have always just wondered when the trip would be cancelled, and maybe would have liked it to have happened sooner, but hey, it was hardly unexpected. So no hard feelings or anything. Sure its disappointing, and strange not going to see The Gabbay's for the annual food and insults even of the year haha, but I am sure it will happen sooner or later. It's for the best, and all part of moving on in separate directions, so all is well. Shame British Airways are so harsh with their cancellation fees. 60% 30 days before really takes the biscuit. Not like re-selling a holiday to Florida is exactly going to be hard now is it?

Wednesday was weird, I got up, walked the dogs, went to work, came home and didn't really do much at all. After doing so much on the days prior, it was nice to not have anything to do. Catch up with Gotham which I have been meaning to watch for ages now, do some stretching for my back and achillies, and an early night.

Thursday was an unexpected trip to the vets with Aana. Having gone last week with concerns about her breathing, and being so lethargic at times, a week of antibiotics had not had an effect. The dogs had got into a couple of fights this week too, with the changing behaviours and moods of both causing clashes. One with a very near miss to Aana's eyes. Her leaving her food on Thursday morning was enough to trigger another call to the vets to get her seen asap. A short notice evening appointment was arranged, and I have to be grateful to my work and a colleague for being kind enough to make arrangements allowing me to make the appointment.
Getting Aana in the car raised more concerns on the way to the vets. Her usual playful excited bound to get in the car is gone, and replaced with a hesitant, jerky rocking trying to get in the car.
Arriving at the vets it was nice to see Rafa, the amazing and ever caring man who takes such good care of the dogs, and has a wonderful bond with them both. Aana immediately relaxed as he examined her. Thankfully within a minute of walking in, she presented her symptoms clearly, coughing and choking in the examination room in front of Rafa. So at least he knew exactly what I was trying to explain.
Sadly the examinations were inconclusive, so bloods were taken to check for a few things. I should add, on mentioning that she licks her paw / leg when shaved for a blood draw or cannula, Rafa suggested drawing from the neck, and as quickly as it was said, it was done, no fuss. Accompanied by another of his great stories of being in Spain, and how he drew blood from large flocks of sheep up in the Spanish mountains when he was a young vet. No sheering, just line up and hit the vein.
Another course of antibiotics have been given, and we are back in on Monday to follow up on her progress, and admit her for sedation and proper checks on her throat if needed. Its gonna get expensive, but hey, she is worth it really. The stinky, psychotic little furball.

Friday, I was back in hospital again, so another day off work. Which was nice timing really, as it meant I could keep an eye on Aana too, and see how she is getting on with the antibiotics too. The trip to the hospital was a nice one, out of rush-hour for both trains and the lifts at the hospital. It is strange having to factor in lift waiting time, into your travel time to appointments, but it is a reality.

So, that was my activity for the week. But of course that gets mixed in with a whole load of other stuff, so lets cover that off too.

First up, I should go back to the headphones I am still listening to the Years and Years album on. Midweek I was contacted by someone via twitter, asking if I would be interested in doing a review of their headphones, and writing a blog about it for them. Strange to be approached that way, and no idea why I was selected like that, but honestly, I was grateful for the opportunity, so after doing some checks and speaking to them about it, I accepted. There is a possibility when I am done with the review, that I will be able to arrange a giveaway of another pair of them. So watch this space for the chance to win a pair. I have to say, early days, I'm honestly surprised and pleased with them.
When I got home yesterday evening, the box from Amazon was at my door, and the testing begun.

There have been highs and lows over the past week for sure. Moments of realisation, and a few genuine smiles. Feels strange.
A neighbour I have spoken to for a long time (who now reads this blog from time to time, (nosey cow!) has been kind enough to spend more time chatting, and keeping an eye out for me, so it has been nice to pop around and spend some time chatting with her and her brother (Hamilton fan, poor sod!) about a million and one topics.
I have always been quite solitary, but have always needed a sounding board, an outlet. For years mum played that role, then of course poor Chantal, who was forced to endure my moaning every evening while walking the dogs or watching TV(or trying to). So recently, being on my own has honestly been driving me crazy. All the thoughts, experiences, and noises in my head, trapped there unable to get them out into the open world. Apart of course by blogging them. But that doesn't always work for me.

I have to say at this point, that for a man of my stature, with drives, emotions, and habits like mine, I really do rely on females a LOT in my life. I'm not sure if I trust them more, relate better with women, or its just how it freakishly works out. Either way, I surround myself with women, and some rather gorgeous ones at that. Hopefully, it is a two way thing, and they benefit from me being around too. I would hate to think I impose myself on them, or am a chore.

I do of course speak and socialise with guys too, but I think at some times, rather than opening my soul and revealing the true issues eating away at me, I modify them, and get all testosterone filled, and macho about it, and avoid the issue completely. I have my moments of openness and honesty with some, but that is rare in comparison to how I am in the presence of women. It is almost like there is some male bullshit barrier and awkwardness. Shame really, as when the roles are reversed and a guy wants to chat to me about things, I am usually able to show compassion and be honest about their situation. Maybe it is just me holding back, and making the conversation more awkward than it needs to be. Barriers up, mask on.... Sounds about right for me, but then that is me over thinking things to the extreme, as usual.

Speaking of the women in my life who I find it easy to speak to, respect their opinions, and usually come away feeling better for speaking to, one of them without a doubt has to be Nikki.. Well in fairness there seem to be a lot of people around called Nikki (with that spelling) these days, but I'm sure the right one knows I mean her.
We share a common attitude to everyday life, and find honesty and openness being the best way to live your life. Think it, say it, act on it! So thank you to Nikki for her blatant, say it like it is attitude in our conversations. I would say you have no idea how refreshing and helpful it is, but I actually think you do. Given how frequently the conversations are two way about the same subject and predicaments we both find ourselves in. Last nights brief exchange was both hilarious and grounding, so cheers for that one too.

It has also been a week of realising I'm not as washed up as I maybe thought I was. Broken mentally and physically, it has never been an appealing feature for many, but it would appear I seem to focus on the negatives, and have ignored the positives. Positives others seem to have found in me from our occasional and short encounters. It is quite flattering really, and dare I say motivating too. Inspiring me to think a little higher of myself, and look after myself a bit better. It is probably what I need right now, a boost, and that feel good factor to make me push a little harder to get back into shape, and care for myself, as much as I seem to care for others.
Sure I have physical limitations which I need to explore and push a little to get to where I want, but hopefully a little positive mental attitude will go a long way for me.

The issue I have now is staying in control. Not letting the moment run away with me, not get caught up in the moment, and to take baby steps. Making sure that each step is the right one, a wanted one, and taking me where I feel comfortable and want to be. This is one of my biggest issues. Past being a coward who is too timid to take the first step onto a path. After taking the first step, my brain takes off running. I am miles along the road, and lost inside my head within seconds. Thinking is fine, taking the time to give matters thought is important in fact, but over thinking, obsessing and dreaming up doom outcomes is where my head works best. So if I have darkened your inbox with messages for chats in the past, prepare yourself. Shit might get real soon!

Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say in all this is, after a long, interesting and slightly challenging week, thanks to some great women, I am back up there. In a happy place with a positive mind. So thank you all. Three main ones ;)

And finishing up with this vague little gem. Thank you for making me realise I wasn't imagining things all this time.

7/7/2005

The 7th July 2005 was just another normal day in the office for me. Working for Fedex on Nine Elms Lane in SW8, in the dispatch office.
Nothing special about the day, other than I was having a new windscreen fitted to my Mk IV Golf.

Starting work that day was straight forward, with the AutoGlass guy showing up, and me going downstairs to get him started on the car. Returning to my office, and getting back to work.
Suddenly one of the other guys in the office takes a disturbing phone call, a hysterical courier on the phone, rambling, confused, "its just blown up, in front of me, its just gone!" The line goes dead.

Up until this point, we had no real idea what was going on. A few vague reports on the radio about an explosion somewhere in London, but no firm details. Remembering, its 2005, and while the internet exists, and is becoming popular, things like Twitter and Facebook are in their infancy, and social media is yet to blossom. So except for the radio, there is no real news.

With the earlier explosions having been on tube trains, underground, away from the sight of the masses, news is slow to emerge. But thats about to change, in fact it just has. With the phonecall from Daniel being the first clue to what has just happened, minutes later our worst fears are confirmed, and the radio reports a scene of devastation on Tavistock Square where eye witnesses report a bus has been almost vaporised by an explosion.

The pieces are falling into place fast now, and it is clear that something truly horrific is unfolding in London right before our very eyes. Phones in the office burst into life, both personal mobiles, as well as business lines. Couriers trying to find out what's happening, friends and family checking in with one another.... Then silence. The mobile networks, overloaded by calls have ground to a halt, and will eventually be blocked for all but essential calls for the emergency services.

The radio with LBC on, playing in the background almost pauses for a moment, as the presenter composes themselves to deliver the news to its listeners in London. Announcing that a series of bombs have exploded on trains and at least one bus. With new still shaky about exactly where and how many bombs there have been, everyone prepares for the worst news, and maybe a second wave of attacks.

With our office less than a mile from the Mi6 building in Vauxhall Cross, and remembering back to 9/11, how planes were used to attack high profile targets. And also sitting on one of the main flight paths to Heathrow, it would be a lie to say the thought of a plane being used in a second attack didn't cross anyones mind. But for now there are more important things to deal with.

Let friends and loved ones know you are ok, emails flying, forum posts being made, and making contact with anyone you know who could be within a few miles of the situation. Work colleagues, contacting everyone on road to make sure no one else has been affected by the events. Communication is slow, painfully slow, and it takes what feels like an eternity to do a full role call of everyone. Eventually however it is done, and without much consideration to official instructions, workers are told just get out of central London and into safety, or back to base.

Calls are coming in from customers, relatives of workers, and anyone with any invested interest in the people within the company. Customers saying stay safe, don't come, and that they are going home. Concerned family members, unaware the phone networks are down, and fearing the worst as they cannot contact their relative. Calming each caller, confirming we have made contact and that they are alive and well and heading for safety.

The timeline at this point seems stretched and distorted. Memories and recollections of how things happened make no sense. How could so much have happened in such a short time.
Walking downstairs to take a quick breather, I go to see how the AutoGlass guy is getting on, asking if he has heard the news. He looks blankly at me, listening instead to a music radio station which is yet to have a news bulletin. Staring at me he switches stations and looks shocked as he starts to hear the reports.

Looking across the way into another unit on the estate we are on. The London Underground response officers are gearing up. For years now we have looked over as they calmly load up to go out to a job, maybe a minor accident etc. But today is different. Speed is of the essence, everything they have trained for has just happened, all at once, and then some.  Seeing the last of the equipment going onto the many vehicles, and seeing them pull out, reality dawns on you. They are about to enter a scene of uncertainty and without doubt, complete devastation. Bodies, wreckage, hysteria, just some of the things that await these poor guys. Your thoughts go with them as they turn onto the main road and head into town.

As the radio starts to report in detail the sheer enormity of the situation, a chilling sound fills the air. I have gone cold sitting here typing this, just recalling the sight and sound which followed. The air, filled with sirens clearly travelling at speed. We all look out of the windows out on to Nine Elms Lane, and see a huge string of ambulances, some London, but mainly Surrey, pouring down the road, rushing to the scenes of the explosions. To see such a mass of home counties emergency services flooding into London, the penny drops... This is HUGE !

For the next few hours we listen intently to the radio, as the details become clearer, how many bombs, how many missing, helplines launched, appeals for all kinds of help.

Amazingly London has responded on two levels. The first being the petrified and helpless, getting away is the main thing, and every effort is made to help one another get to safety and comfort. And then the second level, unity. An amazing sight as people just forget who they are for a moment and become one amazing unit. Helping, carrying, guiding, volunteering. London has done something amazing, and probably partially driven by the history of terrorism in the capital. Refusing to be scared away, refusing to cower, people stand tall. TV cameras capture scenes as people flood into the streets, companies closing with immediate effect and sending everyone home. The transport network crippled, there is no choice but to walk. But not the usual blinkered London streets walk. But a slow paced, friendly, comforting and engaging way.

Drivers offer lifts to those who clearly will struggle to walk long distance, in the face of horror and adversity, the days events have driven people closer together and out into the streets. Not hiding behind closed doors in fear.

As the day for many draws to an end, for a very special group of people, a long day continues. Police, fire fighters, rescue crews, ambulance crews, and all sorts of other public service employees continue their tireless effort to get to the remaining victims. To sweep every carriage to ensure everyone possible is accounted for.

In the years since these events, London has returned to its usual self, and people have put events to the backs of their minds. Much more has happened since that day.

But today marks ten years since it all happened.

So today, whatever your experiences were of the day, however it affected you, let us once again unite, be as one together, and stand strong. Let us remember to those innocent people who lost their lives in such a hateful and tragic event. Lets pay tribute to the amazing efforts of all the emergency, and other services who took control that day, seamlessly springing into action and taking care of everything so well. Selfless, dedicated and committed to the job they signed up to do.

But please, let us not use this day to raise the ugly head of racism, anti religious feelings, or to play the blame game. After all, it is the infighting that the evil minded people who carry out these attacks prey on. So lets not give in. While I appreciate the media feel the need to mark the date, as do we. Reshowing the devastation, the panic and upset it caused on that day is in no way a tribute to anyone. Its cheap television, and something I don't take kindly too. I would much rather the day be filled with stories of how new bonds were made, stories of survival and defiance.

So, remember the victims, think of their families. Take a moment to reflect how the day changed your life, and pay thanks to the brave people who guided so many through the day. But please please please, don't give any negativity or hatred the time of day.

R.I.P to all those who lost their lives in the events of 7/7. Condolences to the friends and families of all those who lost a loved one on this day. My thoughts are with you today.

Random acts of kindness.

Thank you to Ira Jones and the company they work for, Beachbody.com , and Anna, a complete stranger.
Back in Dec I ordered P90X-3 through a BB coach, but in my infinite wisdom I sent the package to the wrong house on the right street.
This wasn't realised until the delivery came and went, but when it was realised I felt that sinking feeling you feel when $200 falls out of your pocket.
When I checked and found out the package went to the wrong address I went through a long process of trying to find a way to get it back. I had the address, but on speaking to my friend who should have received the package it became obvious it was not going to be as simple as you might think.

As time passed I put the matter to the back of my head, but last week it would not let me rest. So after a late night live chat with a Beachbody sales person, I was put on to a way of resolving the matter. However taking a slightly different approach I tweeted at +Beachbody  and @CarlDaikeler the CEO of the company. To my amazement I received an email from Ira Jones from BeachBody Consumer Affairs within half an hour of the tweet, asking how they could help.

Within a short exchange of emails, they had the full tracking info looked into and confirmed, and offered a free of charge replacement of the $200 goods, even though it was 100% my fault. To say I was shocked and delighted is an understatement. I supplied them with the correct address, and vowed that I had not given up the cause just yet. Grabbing the Chromebook I quickly typed up a letter, and on getting into work I Fedex'ed it to the address I had accidentally sent the package to. The letter basically explained what had happened, and asked them to email me, or contact my friend in the US.

The next day as I stared at the tracking screen for the letter to be delivered, I wondered how this complete stranger would feel getting a letter from Fedex, sent from 4,000 miles away by a complete stranger, asking for their help. The proof of delivery appeared on the screen, I held my breath (not literally). A few mins later my phone pinged, and I had an email, from Anna, the complete stranger, from the wrong address. Explaining she had forgotten all about the package, and would take it to the right address asap. My face lit up, I don't mind admitting.

Contacting Ira again at Beachbody, I told them of the great news, and that I would return the replacement they were sending out asap.

Its amazing how the seemingly simple acts of a complete stranger, can have such a profound effect. The kindness of a company, the helpfulness of a stranger all resulting in the release of stress from me, and the receipt of a gift for a friend. Strange how some thing just happen like this, with just a little bit of common sense.

So thank you to Ira, Anna, Beachbody and Fedex for making this crazy little story happen.