9999

The good boys over at ASAPScience took some time out of their day to compress the evolution of all life on our planet into a relative 24 hour time frame. Also, they did it with a little over two actual minutes of video. If that isn't all the lead in you need, you are a moron.

The joys of living with Shetland Sheepdogs can be both strange and simple. One of the things I love so much about the breed is their abundant fur. I love the luxurious feeling of running my fingers though Sasha’s sable coat, and caressing the top of her head with my face, feeling her ears flicking against my cheek. When you have a Sheltie, even with minimal grooming, you’ll always be able to drink in the sight, and feel, of beauty. 

Shetland sheepdogs usually have loyal hearts, and they love their families like no other. You can be gone for two minutes, two hours or two weeks, and you’ll get a joyous greeting when you return, making you wish that you never need to leave again. 

If you live where the weather gets wintry, you can start enjoying the cool nights when you have a Sheltie or two as foot warmers. They are the perfect size; large enough to be warm, yet small enough that they can fit on the bed with you. And you might even get some sweet and gentle Sheltie kisses when you awake. 

The simple act of walking becomes more interesting when you experience it through the eyes, (or should that be nose?) of your Shetland sheepdog. Watch your Sheltie sniff the ground and imagine what wild animals she may be scenting. 

Even housework can become a new experience, if your Sheltie likes to herd the vacuum cleaner as mine do. I whisk it around the room, and they circle around the vacuum’s head, occasionally dashing in to take a nip at that noisy beast. 

So simple, and yes, strange, but Shelties can bring joy to your life in many ways. 

Buy an MP3 player inspired by Apple for just $5, a savings of 90%, with this online deal. Shipping not included. Up to five devices may be purchased. Colors available include pink, silver, blue, red, and green.

I awoke early, bizarrely early for a weekend. Feeling a sense of apprehension, if not out-and-out dread, I drank coffee laced with coconut cream, and packed a lunch of steak salad. My stomach was a bit unsettled and eating breakfast did not appeal, yet I forced myself to eat some turkey roast and fruit.  I knew that I’d need energy for the morning ahead. 

Several months ago, I had signed up for non-refundable CrossFit level one training, and after I did it, I wondered why. True, I love the sport, but I haven’t had a burning desire to coach others, although I realized it would help my gym out if I could pick up classes now and then to give the regular coaches an occasional break. The sad fact is though, that I’m completely un-athletic, and uncertain about training others. 

The seminar coaches were all excellent, and offered great opportunities to learn and observe movements, and then make coaching tips to help the athletes improve form, efficiency and safety. Under their tutelage, my ability to see movement expanded. 

One of my favorite parts was learning how to coach the elements of the infamous benchmark worked called “Fran.” Inspired by the seminar staff and the fellow trainees, I set a personal record (PR), and was able to bask in the glow of “Fran Lung,” which seems to be a type of exercise induced asthma.

Now that I’ve completed the course, and I’m back at the gym, I find myself looking at athletes’ form, and being able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. I’m also better able to correct my own form, and I better understand how good form will help over time. Now that I’ve experienced the intensity it took to PR Fran, I crave that feeling again. I may not ever coach others, but I’m improving as an athlete.