europcar are untrustworthy ripped me off

I may get some interesting feedback on this one. The reason I havent made this crap public until now is because I had given them the opportunity to fix this crap up.

This is my experience & how I feel as a result of how I was treated.

About 6 months out from the Croc Trophy last year I secured a sponsorship deal with europcar. Quite simply they were going to provide a 4wd vehicle for the period of the race & a couple of days either side.

Once a month leading up to the event & every week for the last 3 weeks up to the event I contacted them to ensure everything was good to go. The feedback was always yes, everything is good to go. Even when picking up the vehicle they were aware of the sponsorship deal as it was typed into the notes on my booking/account.

A few days after I returned the vehicle in immaculate condition (the comment made by the europcar staff in Cairns was "This is clean enough for me to hire out straight away") the farkers charged my credit card for the hire of the vehicle.

When I contacted them to ask WTF is going on, they tapped danced & said that things had changed.

Read More..

Caffeine has been poisoning me

A couple of health issues have popped up recently. After an unrelated visit to a doctor, it was suggested that my maximum limit for coffees should be 2! "What!? do you need me to chop off a few fingers also?"

There is no way I would go from my excessive daily caffeine consumption to zero. I dont care how nice cold turkey is on a sandwich.

Heres the plan. Alarm 3am. Coffee number one. Get on bike. 2 hours+ later coffee number two. Thats it for the day!

I tuck into a few decaf coffees during the day. No other caffeine & guess what? My general day to day health is the best it has been in a long time!

2 weeks till we head to Cairns for XPD. I have kicked the caffeine addiction.

Until next time, Smash em

dog

Read More..

Everyday Things That Make Me Smile

I have to admit Im having a bit of a weird day. I woke up from a nightmare last night and it set my anxiety off, big time. So there I was at 5am crying to my poor fiancé because I was panicking and couldnt stop it. I was upset because I hate the way anxiety makes me feel, like I have no control over my mind and body. So when I woke up this morning I fully expected to feel OK again, after all Id managed to calm down and eventually get some sleep. However thats not the case and its the first time since the beginning of the year that Ive truly felt down in the dumps. So I thought there wasnt a better time than this to share with you the little things that I come across daily that make me smile. Sometimes we just need a reminder of the little things we have around us.

My Pets

I wont lie. They can be a nightmare in the morning, if youve read my previous post about my pets youll know that Zeus is a little bugger who has been known to shout in my face until I wake up. But after the initial irritation and by the time Ive come round. I look at him and he instantly puts a smile onto my face. I get up and feed them both and theyre both so happy and eager to see me how could I not be happier for having them in my life.

Theyre also ridiculously silly at times and have me in tears over their clumsy and daft habits.

A Warm Cup Of Tea

I LOVE tea. A cup of tea always makes me feel just a little bit better. Its like a damn hug in a cup! I get my dressing gown on or a throw and I curl up with a nice hot drink. And suddenly the world just doesnt seem like such a bad place.

Walks With Kai

I am very lucky to live by the sea, even if it is FREEZING for most of the year. Walks in the fresh air and the beautiful scenery with my favourite puppy are always guaranteed to put me in a better mood. Even if its raining, weve gone onto the beach with only one or two other brave souls and weve had a blast just being silly in the rain. I definitely wouldnt do these walks on my own as much. So thank you Kai.

My Favourite Cartoons

Yes Im an adult whos favourite shows are mostly the animated kind. But sometimes Im just really not in the mood for some serious drama. Especially when Im feeling down. So classics such as The Simpsons or something new such as Bobs Burgers always take my mind off of things. And make me laugh loudly. I make a habit of watching one episode before bed because I just sleep better because Im more relaxed.

Being Creative

When Im being creative Im well and truly in my happy place. Ever since I was little I was always happiest when I was painting, drawing, watching art attack etc. It makes me feel productive and its just good for my soul.

Others little things that make me smile:

• A warm towel after a shower
• New pyjamas
• A freshly made bed
• My Fiance 
• Cooking a favourite meal
• Watching the birds in the garden
• Snuggling up in my Fiances dressing gown at the end of the day (sorry Rob...I kinda stole it)

Making this list has already made me feel a little better. Its so easy to take things for granted sometimes. 

What makes you smile? 

Read More..

Me Mout Mee

.


It has been a few months since visiting Mount Mee. So off I trundled to check out the view. I started at the top of the mountain this time. I have found this a great trick to get one more repeat in. Its the little things ;-)

It was bloody cold with a strong, icy wind on top of the mountain. It was more comfortable at the bottom. Anyway a few downs & ups the the day was done.



It was a great feeling having my legs smashed to pieces in under 70kms!

Alberto & one other were spotted doing some secret training on the mountain too.

.

Read More..

Marley Me Press Release

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers States Marley & Me Highlights the Positive Impact of Training

Professional dog trainers agree that upcoming movie is a wonderful opportunity to promote the benefits of positive, science-based dog training. Working with a professional trainer and learning about your dog’s physical and mental needs can eliminate potential behavior problems in the home.

Greenville, SC (PRWeb) – December 19, 2008 –The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest educational and professional association for dog trainers in the world, believes the movie Marley & Me is a great opportunity to promote reward based training for all dogs. The movie, based on the bestselling book by John Grogan, opens Christmas Day and depicts an exuberant Labrador Retriever whose behavior creates turmoil in his owners’ lives.

Dogs with the size, energy level and behavior issues of Marley often end up in shelters because their owners do not know how to work with them. Labrador Retrievers are one of the top five breeds that are relinquished to shelters. This belies their image as a favorite family dog. Working with a trainer and understanding your dog’s physical and mental needs can go a long way toward keeping dogs in their homes.

Some members of the APDT have provided tips for living with “unruly” dogs on the APDT’s Web site, www.apdt.com.

Some highlights include:

1. Crate Training – Teach puppies to love their crate. Crates prevent dogs from engaging in destructive behaviors around the house when owners are not at home or unable to supervise them with their complete attention.
2. Reinforce for Calm, Quiet Behavior – Trainer Tayrn Hodge recommends reinforcing your dog for calm, quiet behavior and to have them “sit or lie down to get everything – sit at doorways, sit or lie-down for meals, sit for petting, sit for getting his leash on, sit before tossing his ball.”
3. Use Proper Equipment for Walks - There are a large variety of new products on the market that can assist with making your walks with large or unruly dogs more pleasant. Some of the new products you can try are head halters and front clip harnesses which prevent pulling without choking your dog or causing discomfort.
4. Understand Your Dog’s Breed Tendencies – Learn about the type of dog you’re bringing into your home before you do so. Paul Owens, author and trainer jokes, “…in my 35 years of training, I’ve met maybe two Labs who aren’t constantly self-employed as gardeners, home decorators and official bull-in-a-china shop court jesters.” You can find breed information through breed clubs, breed rescue web sites, and from trainers and shelter workers.
5. Provide Appropriate Exercise and Outlets for Play – Kellyann Conway, President of the APDT, says, “Exercising your dog is important but making time to *play* with your dog is vital to developing and maintaining a great relationship with him. Actively playing with your dog will keep him fit both physically and mentally.”
6. Environmental Enrichment –Trainer Teoti Anderson says, “Dogs need outlets for their energy. Some dogs would be just as happy munching on your sofa as chasing a tennis ball! It’s up to us to teach them what’s appropriate.” There are many toys today that are designed to stimulate your dog’s mind and keep them occupied for.
7. Recognize Behavior Problems –It isn’t always an obedience problem—unwanted behaviors are sometimes brought on as a result of fear or anxiety. These behavioral problems can only be solved through a behavior modification plan under the guidance of a professional that takes these issues into account. Visit the APDT’s Trainer Search at www.apdt.com to find a professional in your area.
8. Try Fun Outlets for Your Dog’s Energy such as Dog Sports –Many destructive behaviors stem from a lack of a “role” for the dog to perform. Finding things to engage your dog’s mind and physical energies can provide a positive outlet. Trainer Laurie Williams suggests looking at dog sports such as agility, Rally, Frisbee, and flyball. Laurie adds that teaching your dog a sport “…will definitely be much more productive than rearranging your landscaping!”
9. Make Training a Part of Your Life –Trainer and author Nicole Wilde recommends, "Incorporate training skills into your everyday life. For example, practice down-stays during television commercials and while youre eating dinner, and have your dog sit to greet visitors."
10. Work with a Qualified Trainer – A professional trainer can help you communicate effectively with your dog to create a harmonious relationship. Whether through a group class, or sessions in your home, working with a qualified trainer can make life with any dog go smoother. Visit the APDT’s Trainer Search at www.apdt.com to find a trainer in your area.
    
    CONTACT FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS:
    Mychelle Blake, Communications Director
    1-800-PET-DOGS
    Direct: 702-966-8060 or 866-245-2742
    MBlake@apdt.com
    
    LOCAL CONTACT:
    Tonya Wilhelm, Training Director
    419-699-7785
    Topdog@ToledoDogTraining.Com
    www.ToledoDogTraining.Com
    
    * * * *

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

Read More..

Everything I have ever done has lead me to this moment

.

I recently watched the film 127 hours. In brief, it is a film about a free, adventurous and happy dude that got his arm jammed between a rock face and a large rock that dislodged. Trapping him. 127 hours later he came to the conclusions there was only one way out. So, he broke his forearm bones and cut his own arm off, escaping and was able to get help.

During his time stuck between a rock and a hard place one of the realisations he came to was this. 

Everything he had ever done in his life led him to the situation. The rock that had spent millions of years doing its rock thing had been waiting for him and that very moment.

Today is 2 years to the day that everything I had ever done led me to meeting the woman of my dreams.

.

Kirstie. Thank you for taking such time & effort to put together such an amazing, wonderful & complete woman that you are today. I love the way you walk. I love the way you laugh. I love your smile. Passion, vision, support, dreams, strength, encouragement, sharing. All this & more we fit into one day. I am so looking forward to smashing out this moment, tomorrow & the rest of my life with you.

Until next time...dog

Read More..