They're Heeeere!

Suckers

Up until now Dave and I have been very good at resisting the urge to rescue all of the rez pups we find who are in need of a good home (well, except for the two we own).

I don't know if it was his cute black ringed eyes or his waggy tail, but this one got us. He was sitting outside of our back fence for a long time and wouldn't go away (or at least, this is the story we tell.... but I think it was all of 30 minutes).

We have been fostering him since last Sunday and need to find a good home for him. He is just too adorable not to post his picture.

Anyone out there looking for a lovable pooch!?!?

Just Move It

The Just Move It season has begun!

Just Move It is a National program that encourages Native Americans to get out and get active.

Our local JMI includes events every Monday and Wednesday from May 3rd through June 30th. The non-competitive 1-3 mile run/walk is hosted at a different community chapter house each night, and covers the Tsaile, Chinle and Pinon areas.

JMI causes quite a stir, bringing out elders, adults and kids of all ages to walk to represent their community. Although I'm sure they enjoy getting out and seeing friends and family, everyone is especially excited to get their FREE t-shirt at the end of the walk. 1 t-shirt per person per season... but many people find ways to break this rule. Apparently, one can never have enough Just Move It shirts ;o)

The pharmacy departments is participating in a Wellness Fair with other clinic departments (health promotions, community nutrition, public health, etc) that is held on site the few hours preceeding each of the 5 events in our local area. I have participated twice this week and it has been nice to leave work early and spend some time in the community.

One of the event coordinators took this picture on Monday at the JMI in Lukachukai.

People watching is always great at JMIs, especially during group stretching!!

I love organized running/walking events!

As the day begins to brighten from a morning snow squall, I'm eating a big brunch that Dave so graciously prepared at my request. I find myself day dreaming of Mexico. Warm, sunny, delicious Mexico.Over spring break, 12 of us enjoyed just the place - Cabo Pulmo on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Although our flight into Cabo San Lucas was a bit depressing as the airport was filled with college aged spring breakers and ritzy golfers, we knew we would soon escape the madness.

After a long trip to the MEGA (gringo grocery store) for supplies, we all piled into our respective rental cars and drove 90 miles to Cabo Pulmo (of which the last 10 miles or so are dirt road...already we were feeling at home). At last arriving at Baja Bungalow's.

The mix of locals seemed to be almost equal Natives and Expats (many of which were originally from Colorado). The pace was perfectly slow. Fish caught on a deep sea fishing trip was eaten all week, fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast, avacados avocados avocados... and of course, a healthy serving of tequila and Mexican beer.

On recommendation from the bunagalows' owner, Kent, half of us took a trip about 1 hour inland to a hot spring near Santiago. The directions read like those we encounter often on the Rez (turn left at the 3rd dirt road, turn right just past the crooked tree, go over 2 cattle guards... etc) and as usual, this type of adventure always ends up being the best kind. The owner of the land the spring was on guided us to the hot and cold springs, then left us alone to play the day away. He had a homestead on a little plot of land with huge shade trees, livestock and an amazing garden. Life was good.

We made some new friends and caught up with old friends we don't see nearly enough.

Before we knew it the week was over and we headed back to the zoo of the airport and a delayed flight in Dallas due to a snowstorm. Welcome back to reality!