Tag Archives: Motivational Interviewing workshop in Los Angeles

I’m Still Good for SOMETHING…

IMG_5705Mom had to do something called a WEBINAR for those trying to learn that language she teaches called Motivational Interviewing.  I’m not sure how this is helpful since all I saw her doing was talking to a computer.  Even I can do that without too much effort but if that’s the way people learn I guess it’s a good thing.

IMG_5700

Apparently the organizers of the webinar did not want her to use some of her pictures so I had to step in and make it right.  In motivational interviewing you are supposed to be dancing with your clients versus a tug of war.  Since I frequently dance with Dad that’s a no brainer and I have been known to have a tug of war with him now and then.

We all know dancing is so much easier than fighting but sometimes people forget that concept and resort to trying to tell people what to do.  So if you truly want to learn how to help people this is the language to learn.  Unfortunately it does not seem to work on canines but I’m happy to help out where I can.

Cheers!

Perry

Election Stress Disorder?

img_5167Yes, folks this is a REAL thing – I even heard it on CNN.  Dr. Heather Silvestri was being interviewed by @alisynCamerota on @NewDay and I realized why I’ve been MIA.

She suggested we take a #socialmediabreak so that’s what I’ve been doing the last few weeks.  I’m not sure it’s helped much but at least I’m not hearing the arguing from the #PresidentalDebates.

Instead, I made my appearance last week at Mom’s Motivational Interviewing trainings and it helped her with helping the participants be at ease.  After all, it is stressful trying to learn a new language – at least for others.  I only know dog speak and that’s good enough for me. The one exception is when the Parentals make me mind – then I share my grunting which they equate to sassing.

The parentals have been busy with Thanksgiving cards for clients and I’ve been staying clear of all those envelopes so I don’t make a further mess of the living room.

Although it is SUPPOSED to be fall we’ve been having summer weather in Santa Monica with high’s in the 80’s.

Let’s all pray for cooler weather and calm for our country.

Peace!

Perry

Perry the Paparazzi

IMG_0565No, I am not talking about Lady Gaga and her Paparazzi song, or Perez Hilton gossiping about things you might see on TMZ. I am just spending a little time discussing as my human counterparts might do on occasion…those occasional “water cooler” conversations.

Yep that’s right folks…the parentals went to the south for a MINT (Motivational Interviewing) Conference and I went to the country. However, since I am the weather Weimaraner I thought this week I could be Perry the Paparazzi.

Let’s get to the good stuff. Now of course I am reporting this via osmosis since I was not there in person, since as of yet I’ve not had the luxury of airline travel. But you know if I were there the celebs would have found me so irresistible and would have wanted a selfie with me. Sorry no photos this time but maybe next time.

Anywhoo…sources close share that the Hartsfield-Jackson ATL airport was a buzz with celebrity sightings this past weekend and two stand out.

Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominated actress Joanna Cassidy was spotted chatting on her phone in the Delta Lounge. The Simpson sisters, Jessica and Ashlee with their entourage, took flight from the ATL to LAX late Saturday evening. With both sightings no real fan fare but it was a sight to be seen.

As for the weather it was a hot one last week here in Santa Monica, currently are at a pleasant 75 degrees.

I do hear Halloween is coming soon. Do you think the parental units will make me wear an outfit? You be the judge.

Be safe people and stay out of trouble or at least don’t caught by prying cameras.

Peace out!

Paparazzi Perry

News Report from Santa Monica

IMG_9552Hello People!

What a crazy week and boy am I glad it is over. So many things happened and I want to share it all so I will try to be brief.

The weather in Santa Monica was so hot, it broke records and it made me crazy. I am blessed that I have no hair compared to other canines but this was even a bit much for me.

It was especially challenging this week because I had to spend extra time at my club while the parentals worked away. Little did they know I just lounged and did not exert myself too much until I got home, and then expected Dad to play with me.

It’s mostly Mom’s fault since she had to do a Motivational Interviewing Workshop in Long Beach for Memorial Care and Dad went with her so I was at my club for 11 hours and that made me crazy. I let Dad know once we got into the house by running and grabbing him to come outside and play.

On a serious note the Boles fire in Weed California this last week was very sad and lots of people lost their homes, churches, and businesses.  I know I am narcissistic so my little whines are nothing compared to these people’s tragedies. Please continue to pray for the victims and donate to help. They have nothing left but it is a strong community and they will endure.

However, that brings us to this weekend, which was totally awesome. There was a moment of time out as I was not as perfect as I should be.

The parental units are now recipe testing, and you know what that means? Yeah to more scooby snacks! I get way excited when I see food come into the house.

This weekend was really fun because cousin Barbara came over to help and she brought me a gift from “Mama Tooter.” But before I could have my gift I got into trouble because I chewed on the cousin’s purse while she had it on. Come on she was not giving me sufficient attention and I was selfish. I did get a long time out so I guess I had better be on my bestest behavior the next time she comes.

IMG_9617But, then I got let out and was good and got my cool gift. And guess what it was? My very own handmade afghan made with love. I know it is the bomb because I heard the parental units admire the color and wanted it for themselves, especially since I always steal the one that was made for them.

Rest assured that was not going to happen as I took control of the situation. I would not let them even help me untie it. I took off and ran around the yard with it in my mouth for a while so they would know not to take it away.

Also, my little buddy Zade came over to hang out today. I just love him…he has that new baby smell still …maybe I will even share my blankie with him, but that remains to be seen.  I’m a bit jealous since the parentals got asked to be his godparents but I guess I’ll have to get over myself since it means I will have a little playmate as he gets older.

OK, stay out of trouble or at least don’t get caught like I did.

Love,

Perry the Troublemaker

My Busy Week

photo-2Hello People!

This has been one fun busy week with lots of new people involved!

As you are well aware Mom does these Motivational Interviewing workshops but I don’t need motivation so not sure why anyone else would?? The important thing is she’s meeting all these fun people and I got to visit one group this week at Westside Family Health Center. The best part was Dad and I walked there since it’s close to the house, I got my picture taken with all the fun folks AND of course all pets and loves were abundant so no complaints here.

photo-3Next, I got to spend some quality time with my little friend Miami who came over to play and give me more love and attention. It’s been hot so we spent some time hanging out on the cool floor and I hope she comes back soon with her pretty Mom Jennifer. The little people always have more energy than the older parentals so they are always welcome in Casa de Perry.

And finally the parental units had to go to San Bernardino to do another Motivational Interviewing training at weCare, a group of pharmacists helping people with diabetes. Since it was far and they needed a nice place for the day for me for the day, I got to hang out at the Pooch Hotel. It is a really cool with lots of fun people and fellow four-legged friends. They even have a swimming pool but I did not get to go into that room. Maybe next time.

And finally I watched Dad pack up my crate and put it in the car. I overheard them talk about how him and I were going to go up to SLO to visit his parental units for a couple of days. I’m excited about going up the coast but not about the car ride.

The weather has been humid and muggy here in Santa Monica so nothing all that interesting from the Weather Weimaraner today.

Love and till next week,

Perry

A Lazy Sunday and my Pudding Sample

photoHello Campers!

Today was another fun, filled Sunday at what I like to refer to as Casa de Perry. As with all my summer mornings they start of at 5:30 and I am ready to go. However, the parentals think they can sleep in on the weekends but not on my watch.

Mom was busy as she had two back-to-back Motivational Interviewing trainings, so I had to hang out with Dad every day. I went to Dad’s side and yawned really loud in his ear to get his attention. He got up and I gave him some love and we started the morning. He made me be very quiet as to let Mom sleep in a little this morning. I like to have everyone up but I don’t always get my way!

After I had my breakfast I wanted to snuggle under the blanket in my chair with Dad for another hour. I love my cuddle time but just as I was really starting to fall back to sleep my best friend PITA came screeching. That got me all worked up and the house was fully awake.

Then after my walk and saying hi to all my dog pals on the block we came home and Dad started making something in the kitchen. I was so excited as I saw fun items and pans I had not seen in a long time. Something was up and I needed to be a part of it.

He was making tapioca pudding from scratch and the aromas filled the house. I did not leave his side for what seemed like hours while he stirred white stuff in the red pan.

Finally it was done and because I was so good I got to sample the rich pudding. However, because it was so rich Mom was not going to allow Dad to feed me enough since it has a little more sugar than I’m used to – I guess I have to expect that having a dietitian for a Mom.

As for the rest of our life we are cruising along nicely. I almost forgot the weather as I am the Weather Weimaraner and it was a beautiful 72 degrees today!

Love to you all…

Perry but no longer the Puppy

From Morning Squirrels to Wedding Photos

perry_bride_grmHello People!

Yep it was a challenging start today!

It started off on the wrong side of the bed as Dad put it. My little nemesis PITA the squirrel got me all wound up first thing. The parentals were snoozing away and I heard him calling me from outside the window. He just continued to screech which made me agitated and I knew that I needed to get outside without parental interference. You know there was no way Dad would let me chase PITA and bark at 5:45 AM on a Sunday.

I kept my cool, waited and pretended I needed to go outside. I worked the Mom angle by nosing her and getting her to let me go outside. She loves me so she obliged and I took off jumping 3 steps and the PITA race was on. It was full on barking and I knew I was going to get screamed at but who cares when you can wreak havoc in the backyard before the sun is fully out.

Don’t get too excited folks as Dad came flying out the back door, robe flying open and whispering “stop it,” kind of like that Bob Newhart video Mom shows at all her Motivational Interviewing trainings. If you haven’t seen it, it’s pretty funny!

Of course, this sort of calming voice just made it worse because PITA started to scream at Dad! I was galloping to and fro dirt flying everywhere as I was chasing nature’s alarm clock on the fence.

Now let me tell you…a timeout before breakfast is not that fun. However, it was so worth it because it was all about me as usual.

After this, we all went on a walk since Dad thought it best to try to get me some exercise before his wedding shoot today. Of course it was a walk with lots of birds and squirrels and that just made me crazy hyper and Mom said, “he is off the chain.”

I heard them talk about how I needed to surround myself with healthy friends that would not cause me to get into too much trouble. Yeah right, like they can choose my friends.  Then they said maybe I needed a session with Auntie Chris about choosing safe friends who don’t taunt me.  Like canine therapy could really work? I’m not sure dogs can individuate anyway since they always need their owners for everything.

Anyway the fun was just starting because the bride and groom showed up and it was Uncle Andrew and Sonja. Of course I was banished to Mom’s office while Dad and the crew took photos.

I was irritated because I was not allowed to participate. I don’t understand why? When Dad and Andrew are shooting they let me run and hang with the guys. Now that there were flowers, cake, dress and fancy stuff I was on a tight leash.

Dad said I could be in one of the photos but I needed to pose like a Walter Wegman dog. Not happening as I was frustrated and thought I would do it my way. As you can see by the attached photo – sitting pretty was not happening since lying in the dirt is more my style.

Remember folks I am a country dog and beat to my own drum.  And by the way – the heat wave is gone thank goodness. It’s still pretty warm here but today it’s a beautiful sunny 73 degrees in Santa Monica! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

Perry

The Country Does Me Good

photo-2So I had a fabulous time in the country – after all, I really am a country dog at heart although I live in the city. I got to RUN and RUN and RUN and it did my heart good, especially since the parentals were a bit tired after their trip. I’ll never get heart disease, although it is rampant in our country.

I made sure Mom gave me my fish oil this week since I had been missing it. I love the Carlson lemon flavor and love to lick it off the spoon. It gives my coat that great shine and ensures I’ll be free of Alzheimer’s disease, and lubricates my joints to help avoid hip dysplasia, which is common in my breed.

Dad is a bit cranky as he is has lots of papers and projects to finish in his last 4 weeks of school so he can graduate with his degree in photography to help with all our books.

Mom is crazy busy with her Motivational Interviewing trainings and had 2 this past week. I wonder whether her participants get treats like I do when I get trained?

I’ve been a bit disappointed as no new recipes to sample this week although Mom gave me a good portion of cheese while she was cutting up some for her afternoon snack.

We all missed the heat wave last week thank goodness and it is a crisp sunny 68 degrees in Santa Monica today. I have to admit we do have the best weather, although the drought here is getting serious. I think my relatives back east should share their water supply.

Peace till next week!

Perry

Easter Egg Hunt for Perry

photo-4Hello People!

It’s been a whirlwind week with Dad being gone every day and ME being tired of daycare. I do like my friends there but sometimes I just like to hang out at home and this was NOT an option this week.

I tried one day to hide in my crate and Dad was not going for it – he said I wouldn’t like being at home all day by myself, which was actually not quite right.

I would LOVE to be at home all day by myself but I believe the parentals think I would get into too much trouble – I have been called a troublemaker at times. I’m not sure exactly what that is but I think it’s something close to me being curious and exploring everything in the house. I keep reminding them that curiosity is a sign of intelligence.

photo-3Mom had another Motivational Interviewing training yesterday and this time I got to help with set-up, which was VERY fun. I even got to go say goodbye to the participants yesterday which was great fun given all the loves, hugs and pets I got.

Before Mom left for the workshop she was packing her lunch and cut up a little bag of cheese which is one of my FAVORITE foods. Rather than my usual thievery I decided on a different plan and took the bag to her while she was brushing her teeth in the bathroom.  I plopped it down in front of her and thought she would give me some for bringing it to her.

I’m not sure why but she wasn’t all that thrilled and took the cheese and was out the door.

photo-2Today was great fun in that I finally had my first Easter egg hunt. Mom took me to the front of the house while the Bunny  was hiding the big Easter eggs. When they brought me outside I wasn’t quite sure what to do but with a little help I found this to be quite lucrative and you know what that means? SNACKS! There were quite a few snacks in each egg so once I found one I was keen on finding the others.  As you can see I finally found the one in the pot and then moved onto the one in the bush.

I was a little disappointed there were not more but Dad said I’d had enough snacks for one day. I think he is just referring to himself since he’s the one trying to lose weight. Since I’m insulin sensitive I can eat most anything I want and stay trim.

photoAnd the best part was I got to crunch the eggs after I ate the snacks – crunching plastic is my favorite, which drives Dad crazy. I’ve been trying to quit crunching the pens I steal and have only crunched one or two this month so I guess that’s celebration for improvement, right?

Oh – I almost forgot it is a beautiful sunny 70 degree Easter Sunday in Santa Monica.

Later people!

Perry

10,000 Steps or Bust…

Hello People!

photoOK, here is the 411 in the 310 area code…the weather has been outstanding and I have really enjoyed the fact that it is staying lighter later. I get more playtime outside and also love getting the parentals up earlier because I don’t subscribe to that daylight savings stuff.

As for the parentals it has been quite interesting lately. You see Dad is on one of his OCD things and is determined to get healthier by graduation time. I hear there might be a party, which is awesome, as I will hopefully get some treats.

So he got this thing funny wrist thing called a Fitbit, which calculates his steps. He needs to do 10,000 a day or 5 miles, which means MORE OUTSIDE TIME FOLKS. Our walks have improved and I love that fact plus I get to see more people and you know what that means? Yep, more attentions and affections.

Apparently humans need to get this 10,000 steps per day to prevent heart disease, diabetes and weight issues.  That is a no-brainer for me as you can see I keep my nice trim physique – I don’t need a funny wrist band to tell me that – us canines are a little smarter than the humans but I guess we do need each other.

On a more sober note we need to say some prayers for our friends who had some damage in the latest earthquake, which I slept through. We have been having a lot lately. I don’t like them but am glad to report no one has been hurt.  Auntie Robin lost a lot of her dishes and I offered to go help her clean up but she did not think that was a good idea – I wonder why?  Mom says she’s a smart woman to refuse my help since I’m known for counter surfing in the kitchen.

Mom has been working really hard with her Motivational Interviewing trainings and talked to LA Best Babies this week – have you noticed she helps a lot of people having or who have had babies? Not sure I like that since I’m the baby of the house.  However, I do love laying next to her while she works on her workshop notes.

I have calmed down and am becoming an adult dog. Now don’t get any ideas folks – I still can hang and play with the best of them.  In fact, here I am chilling after my 2 big walks today!

Until next report hang tough and stay out of trouble or at least don’t get caught – I have a habit of being found out as you all well know.

Perry