Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Blog Hop Challenge

Apparently there is some sort of Blog Hop Challenge happening today to encourage pet bloggers to come out from behind the camera and introduce themselves. Well, for many of my regular readers, you already know that I bare my soul and probably share more than you want (or need) to know about me! But I love a challenge, so here goes:

1. Include a recent picture of yourself.



2. On December 18th, publish a post answering at least five (and feel free to answer more!) of the following questions:

What’s one thing you could do to be more kind to yourself?
I tend to be really hard on myself and have way too high expectations for what can reasonably be accomplished in a day, week, month or lifetime. Hiking makes me slow down and take time to "just be" so that is something that helps me find balance. I would like to make time to do more stretching and yoga-type activities to take care of my mind and body even more.

Other than blogging, what are three things you do that bring you joy?
Obviously hiking! Also being outdoors in nature, spending time with Charlie and enjoying a cup of coffee and a good book (when Charlie lets me!).

If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?
Life has been really good, so this is hard to answer. No matter what is going on (good or bad) I just try to be grateful for what I have. I guess I would like to have a job or career where I could spend time with dogs all day long and never go back to a desk job in Cubicleland, but someone's gotta pay the bills!

What is one thing you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
Since starting this blog, I've become a lot more self-confident. The past three years of my life have been a journey of self discovery and I've really learned who I am and what I want in life. As the saying goes, "the longest journey is the journey inward."

What one word would people who know you use to describe you?
Generous. I've always been a giving person... sometimes too giving. I'm really working on finding that balance between helping others without depleting myself completely.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm typically hiking or playing with Charlie in my free time, but I love that half-hour before bed when I can read a book uninterrupted while snuggling with my sleeping dog. It's a great way to wind down from the day and prepare my mind for a good night's sleep.

What do you wish you were more skilled at?
Sometimes this computer stuff gets a little overwhelming for me. Google is a great source to find answers, but it doesn't do everything. I wish I was better at web design and figuring out all those "codes."

What makes you feel fabulous?
Hmmm... fabulous? I guess when someone compliments my writing or photography, it feels pretty great. I try not to put too much stock into what others think of me, but when my family and friends say nice things about my blog, I just glow!



16 comments:

  1. Nice to meet you - I think this Hop has been a great way to gt to know people better. We know we share or love of dogs, but now we're finding some many other things too. My favorite pre-bedtime - a quiet read and snuggle with Jack & Maggie.

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    1. It's surprising how many things us "dog lovers" have in common! I'm finding a lot of other bloggers who enjoy hiking and reading as well. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  2. Pawsome to meet you and to discover your blog through the bloghop! My human says she loves hiking for the same reasons *Waggy tail*

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  3. This was a great way to get to know you! It is funny that I'm finding that a lot of the dog bloggers out there like to read and hike. Like you I work in cubicle land and wish to change that, but realize its a good job. And it amazes me how hard it is to get to sleep if I can't read for about 30 minutes before bed.

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  4. Great post! I really enjoyed reading your answers. I can totally relate to what you said about generosity - one of my weaknesses is not knowing when to say no.

    So glad you joined us for the hop!

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  5. Nice meeting you, and your hikes look amazing! I can relate to how the computer can drive you mad! I argue with my daily.
    Maggie

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  6. So glad I've found your blog because of the blog hop:) Consider me a new member! Great to read about you x

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  7. Great blog! I totally understand the computer and Google. My laptop almost sighs when I go to Google and type "How to..." : ) Happy Holidays!

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  8. Great to meet you! It seems many of us love to hike (and share a love of CHEESE!) Thanks for participating!

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  9. Love the picture of you and Charlie. What a gorgeous dog. Is he a Lab mix? He looks a little smaller than my Daisy who is a yellow Lab.

    I also love walking and hiking through the woods. I find so much peace there and stress is less. I would also like to try yoga someday.

    Congrats on your journey. I can relate to the blog expanding your horizons (despite my lack of experience or skill with web design and code). Mine has down the same for me. It's also a nice escape from cubicle land. :)

    Nice to meet you!

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    1. Nice to meet you as well! It's been so much fun reading through all the other blogs. Charlie is a yellow lab/golden retriever/border collie mix that I rescued from Craigslist! She's the love of my life and my life literally revolves around her... which I wouldn't want any other way.

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  10. Hey Heather - are you in Wisconsin? I am in MN! Nice to meet another blogger just a state away! I saw the St Croix Falls hike listed in your top 10 and immediately had to stop back. :)

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    1. Yes, we are in Wausau WI - smack dab in the middle of the state! I can't wait to get back over to the St. Croix Falls area in the spring to continue exploring the Ice Age Trail... let me know if you're ever in the area!

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  11. I didn't know you have been blogging for three years. Me too. And both of our blogs, and answers to this challenge, center around hiking. I am so glad I found your blog.

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    1. I've actually only been blogging for a year... I guess that paragraph was a little misleading. My "growth" started three years ago when I got divorced and began living my life for ME, started my own business (Kanine Kitchen) and then a year later, this blog. I think we have a lot in common too... if I ever get out to Seattle I'll look you up!

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  12. Thanks for joining the blog hop Heather, it's nice to 'meet' you. I love spending times with my dogs hiking. We have some nice woods near us and that is where we prefer to take our walks. I think I do my best thinking on those hikes. :-)

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