My Experience of Doing a LIVE International TV Interview. Whew.

Posted by Barbara Techel

My Experience of Doing a LIVE International TV Interview. Whew.

When you are a one woman operation some days can seem a bit hectic. Today is such a day – but it is fun and I’m not complaining.

Last Friday evening I went to Milwaukee and MPTV station to do a live interview with Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Weekend Sunrise (like our Today show).  The producers of Weekend Sunrise saw my article, How My ‘She Shed’ Improved my Marriage that Today.com picked up a few days before that.

You can watch the replay of my interview by clicking on the photo below (not sure how long the link will be up, so be sure to watch soon):

she shed interview photo

It was a new experience for me. While I’d been on The Morning Blend and Fox 11 News a few years ago with Frankie that was live on the set. This was different as it was done via satellite and MPTV as the affiliate station that connected me to Australia.

John, the camera person, clipped a microphone on me and placed an ear piece in my right ear. When it was time for my interview John instructed me to look right into the camera to answer the questions the hosts were asking me.

If felt very odd to look into a camera and see no one there. It was sort of like talking on the phone, yet it was a bit more challenging staring into a small, square lens and not being able to see who I was actually talking to.

Afterwards as I drove home my inner critic was very loud and I thought for sure I’d not done well at all with the interview. I tossed and turned all night long, feeling very vulnerable thinking I may have made a fool of myself.

But alas, my fears were for naught as I watched the replay the next morning and I was happy with how the interview turned out. And it was a lesson in not letting that nasty, obnoxious critic get the best of me!

At the end of the interview I had no idea until I listened to the replay, but I didn’t know what host Andrew O’Keefe was referring to when he said “kiddie bin.” I thought he said, “kitty bin” and I couldn’t understand what that had to do with the interview. But I sure had a good laugh over it once I understood.

Today I’m working on submitting a press release to my local media outlets. But I also wanted to check in with all of you, my lovely readers, and say, all is well– just been a bit busy is all.

But Gidget keeps me centered and looking forward to snuggling with her a little later tonight.

A Magical Spell is Cast

Posted by Barbara Techel

A Magical Spell is Cast

Magicians Gidget and Kylie

What is it about dogs

that just like that

poof!

They can make a chore you don’t care to do

the feelings of ho-hum

just simply vanish

when out of the blue

you turn around

and there they are

looking at you with those

sweet, adoring eyes

as if casting a spell

and making life full of joy once again.

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Chinese Medicine, Dr. Andrea and Gidget: Update

Posted by Barbara Techel

Chinese Medicine, Dr. Andrea & Gidget: Update

Gidget getting her second acupuncture session

Today Gidget had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Andrea of Anshen Veterinary Acupuncture. She practices both Western and Chinese medicine. She is working with us to see if we can’t help Gidget with seizures she has had.

You have to look very closely at the photo above to see the needles along Gidget’s spine. Because of her coloring, they almost blend right in!

Gidget didn’t sit as still during this session as she did the first time three weeks ago. Though it could have been because this time we had a morning appointment verses last time we were there mid-afternoon.

But after reviewing everything with Dr. Andrea since our last visit, I’ve decided to try her on some Chinese herbs to see if that will help with the seizures and imbalances she has.

gidget and dr andrea

Gidget with Dr. Andrea

Gidget’s body being out of balance likely a long time since her diagnoses of IVDD before I adopted her, I feel, is definitely something that needs to be considered.

There are so many reasons why seizures can occur.  Oftentimes there is never a distinctive cause found, though I still have a theory with Gidget. But it’s really still a wait and see.

In the meantime, I’ve heard and read many good things about Chinese herbs helping with seizures so I want to give this a shot. I also incorporated a reading with my animal communicator, Dawn. From that reading I’ve incorporated massages I’m giving Gidget twice a day.

This has been an interesting journey to travel. From the beginning, in January, with her first seizure I just didn’t feel right putting her on medication should her seizures continue.

While she has had a total of six so far and two in April, I’m hopeful we are on the right track and she will be seizure free with the different modalities I’m trying.

I’m a believer in treating myself as a whole person when looking at when something is off in my own body and what could be contributing to an imbalance. And I feel the same way with animals.

Dr. Andrea has discussed Gidget’s diet with me, her personality, her habits, her environment, and so much more. All in an effort to try and determine the best way in which to try and help Gidget.

I’m not opposed to medication, but I also want to be sure that is the best and right route specifically for Gidget. While many drugs have come far in not being as toxic when treating for seizures, I have to follow what my gut is telling me right now.

It’s been difficult at times as I don’t want to cause any harm to my sweet girl. But in my heart I truly believe I’m doing the right thing for her for now.

If and when we need to add a drug, well then, I will surely do that.

But treating her as a whole dog is something I’ve leaned into over the years growing stronger in what I believe and being able to express that.

This is, at times, just as much about me as it is about her. I’m learning once again to stand in my truth and have faith I’m doing the right thing.

Meanwhile, in Gidget’s world, she is curled up under her blanket snoring away as I write this post. This is a good thing.

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