Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Bleu Scale: Life's Stuff Comes In All Sizes

As most of you know, I'm a quiet, unassuming, sweet boy who is high strung on the inside about maintaining my laid back lifestyle.

I learned a lot about Life from my brother, The Luke... some funny stuff, some ever-so-slightly wicked stuff... and a whole bunch about Treasures, because Treasures were his thing!



Like The Luke, I love Life! And when you love it, you must also embrace its Stuff. And lately, I've been given cause to reflect on such matters, and just for fun... I've begun assigning Sizes to The Stuff. There are no calipers, no scale, no higher math... just what I scientifically refer to as The Bleu Scale.


XL


Many of you know that I went to see my The Doctor Mark a few weeks ago, with some very minor swelling in the lymph nodes in my neck. The Mom might also have told you that tests revealed a diagnosis of lymphosarcoma.


I'm not sure what that is, but for me... it sounds like a challenging DWTB [Dancing With The Bleu] dance move. I can meet this challenge... for it is no match for The Bleu! The Mom is far more worried and concerned and far more calculating in her approach, but then... that is what makes her the Mom.


More later on such Stuff, with help from her. Old gal and I are like a loving the mom with her sweet boy and though I view Life as a Dancer...




I sometimes think my the mom views us as a trainer and a prize fighter! It's all very complicated, and I am just happy she is on My Team!!! I pity the poor enemy, that despised and evil c!


L


In spite of all rumors to the contrary... Little Reufus... ::ARE YOU SITTING DOWN???:: ... is set to graduate from 'Beyond Basic' next Thursday night! Picture me, rubbing my eyes and pinching myself... to make sure this is not a dream! Heh heh...



As a review, here is a list of what he has learned:


Obedience/General Training:
  • Self Control / Focus / Pass By. Remain keyed into your person and ignore dogs in your space.
  • Heel. Varying Speeds. Quick Sits. Reverses.
  • Sit / Stay. Lay / Stay. Pretty good in a vacuum. Still hard at distance when distractions are involved. [Reuf grabs the toy on his way to split second recall, every single time]
Agility:
  • A Frame. Agility Obstacle. Left and Right approach, and the ever so hard... call away.
  • Tunnel. Left and right approach.
  • Bridge. Left and right approach.
  • Hoop Jump.
  • Jumps/Hurdles. Bunny Hop. Left and right approach.
  • Tire Jump. Left and right approach.
  • Ladder walk. Varying Heights.
  • Rocker Bar / Boogie Board / Teeter Totter. Maintain Sit until Release.
  • Unstable Disk... i.e. round platform with ball underneath that renders 360 degrees of instability. Maintain Sit until Release.
Tricks:
  • Spin. Spin in clockwise direction.
  • Twist. Twist in counterclockwise direction.
  • Wave. Ain't happening. He is NOT going to wave.
  • Roll Over. He's getting close to being really good at this.
  • Legs. Figure 8 around the legs. He's not great at it, but he will be... soon.
M


Saturday morning, Reufus laid down by the Mom... not on top of her, not pushing her, but just beside her. He was quiet and still. He didn't bite, scratch or bruise the Mom. He didn't chew on the furniture. He didn't try to chew or swallow any other thing. He just laid there, alert... but calm. He acted for about three minutes... like a normal boy!



Now... I'm not sure about how Life's Stuff is sized... This might be scaled M or... XXXL! Perspective is EVERYthing. Just saying.


S


Though I labelled it XXXL then, I give it an S now... Wednesday night was full of thunder, lightning, wind and TWO drops of rain. We lost power at 745pm and it didn't come back on until 115am.



It was hot (though I had a battery operated fan on me). It was dark. And there was nothing to do. The worst part, by far, was being trapped with the manic the Mom. Just saying.
XS


Then, there are the things that seem so XS individually... but are really XXXXL in importance and enjoyment:


Nose Kisses.
Head Rubs.
Ear Skritches.
Berry Treats.
People Food Bits.
Fresh Waters.
Extra Night Outings.
Getting "Tucked In".
Shmuggles and Shpoonings.
Lunch Rendezvous.
Random Times with The Herd.
Overdrive Prayers.
Serious Conversations.
Sweet Nothings.


I love Life. I know I must fight the bad, while basking in The Good. I'm up for the challenge, and I've signed the best and most trusted agent I could ever hope to have represent my interests... my the Mom. More on the fight later, today I bask in The Abundance of Good Stuff!!!

Before I close, however, my the Mom would like to ask for your prayers, positive energy and healing thoughts. The Love Protocol lives on! Please join Team Bleu!

15 comments:

D.K. Wall said...

Well, you know we are all on Team Bleu. And, by the way, we think that XS list is the biggest stuff of all.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Be sure to count four plus Mom members on Team Bleu. Together we will all pull together and fight together and WIN!!! And yes, The Herd is right, the XS stuff is what really counts.

Hugs and woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

Pee Ess, mega congrats to Reufus, we knew he could do it.

Boondocks Love Shack Pack said...

The Love Shack Pack is Team Bleu all the way. Sending loving thoughts and many prayers!

AROOOOOF!
Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack

♥I am Holly♥ said...

Dear the Bleu...You know we are on Team Bleu for sure!! Please count us in!!! Congratulations to the Reuf for completing all of those tests! Sending lots of love and many hugs to you and the mom and the Reufus....Debbie & Holly

How Sam Sees It said...

You need to add "Good Friends" to your XXXXL category! We are there for you, the Bleu, and the Reufus, and especially the Mom. You're our hero, the Bleu!

You know when you are walking along, and you feel a warm spot in the house, or something makes you shiver for no reason? That's because there is so much love coming your way!

Sam

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

As I said in my e-mail to you a couple of weeks ago (that I hope you got) we're keeping you all in our thoughts and sending lots and lots of good energy, thoughts and prayers!!

Sheila and Bob said...

i Bleu,

It goes without saying that you have 4 members of team Bleu here in Illinois.
Hamish, Sophie & The Mom & The Dad.
The most important thing is a positive mental attitude, we know you have that and so does The Mom. Their is no doubt in our minds that you will beat this and you will come out "Dancing" your cares away.
We are so proud of the Reufus, for all that has been accomplished in such a short time, it shows the dedication of not only The Reufus but also of the Mom.
Your list of the XS IS the most important and it is what makes you The Bleu.
We Love you, think about you everyday, and will be walking right beside you in spirit as you & The Mom team up against the evil insidious "c"


Hamish & Sophie

Scout and Freyja said...

We are on your side, sweet boy. You name what side you want us on and we're there in a heart beat.

Scout and Freyja said...

PeeEss, our momma is thinking that she just night need to make a badge for all to share on their bloggys to stand in solidarity with you.

Stella said...

Dear Bleu:

You can count one serious Mom, one Stella dog, one Zkhat cat all on your team. The Mom and the Stella are good prayers and so count a lot of that in for you too. We will all get you through this, Bleu. We think the XS stuff is big too.

Congrats to Reufus, who'da thunk it?

Kisses,

Your tough Minnesota team!

Maxmom said...

Hey there Bleu,
You have an amazing approach to life. We all learn so much from you doggies each day. Tell your mom she is a star with all that obedience training and tricks...wow! It goes without saying that we are cheerleading you all the way in your big fight. We'll be your mom's crutch too - if she needs us. Go Team Bleu!!!
Sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Conifer Crew said...

Bleu, we have missed you and please know you, the Mom, and the Rufus are in our thoughts and prayers. We are cheerleaders for Team Bleu and just know you will have lots and lots of good things. Hugs, ear rubs and lots of kisses to you (Astro the new little guy sends puppy kisses and is trying not to be annoying!).
Valerie, Greg and the Crew...
Charm, Romeo and now Astro

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

You can also count of 3 Lhasas and a Mama from next door Austinon Team Bleu FOR SURE!! We are sending LOTS of crossed paws and prayers!!

Smileys!
Dory, Jakey and Bilbo

Charlie said...

We love you, Bleu! Good thoughts and golden zen are winging their way from Oregon to you and your the Mom!!
- Charlie & Anne

White Dog Blog said...

Dearest Bleu, the White Dog Army has been on Team Bleu since we met you! And we sure the heck aren't walking away now!!! You need an Army of c Warriors and more importantly, of Postive Energy Guerillas who are grateful for Abundance of Good Stuff that they can share. Sending love to you, Reufus and an extra dose for The mom!