"Well Done, Sammy!"

"Nobody would believe me if I told them," said Angela, referring to the amazing intellect of my eight year old Poochi (Poodle Chihuahua mix), Sammy.

This statement made after Sammy did his business, which included the use of a poopie bag, right next to a garage can in the city of Maribor, Slovenia. We had just left our Airbnb and were heading down to the river for a stroll and to possibly take part in the festivities of the Lent Festival, a music festival involving lots of street vendors, beer and cocktails which was quite a raucous celebration. Happening just once a year, in this, the second largest city in Slovenia, our timing was just right.

This is the old Jewish center of Baribor

Sammy making himself comfortable at our Airbnb

The day before, at Lake Bohinj, Sammy had proven his intellect, yet once again, after leading us to the most glorious of spots along the lakeside where we enjoyed some downtime and swimming in the crystal clear, refreshing lake water. I think Sammy was simply heading to some shade, and literally pulled us there to get out of the heat of the sun, but Angela was convinced that he knew this was the perfect spot. You know, because he's a genius.

Lakeside

Mt. Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia

I've always thought Sammy was super smart - duly recognizing the Poodle part of him. Back home, I've even kept a record of this which I call Sammy Smartisms. If only I still had the Notes from my iPhone. Unfortunately, that all got deleted based on the technical support of a woman named Makala who was helping me to Unlock my iPhone so that when I got to Slovenia I could switch out SIM cards. What a three hour fiasco that was; three hours of my life that I will never get back. The upside was unlocking my phone, and thus, upon arriving in Ljubljana, being able to receive a new SIM card for the very reasonable price of 10 Euros. This in vast contrast to AT&T's Passport Plan of $40 for limited everything. With my European SIM card, I have unlimited local texts, a lot of data usage and the ability to make local calls. All good. And, if you don't want to hassle with the corporate downside of unlocking your phone, most cafes, restaurants and businesses have free WiFi for your surfing pleasure.

Anyway, getting back to Sammy Smartisms - from what I can remember from my Notes, Sammy has a great memory - if he finds something in the park that he's interested in eating, but I won't allow him to, he'll pull me to that same place, even days later. He's either super smart, or simply desperate for scraps. One or the other. And, he can always spot a pet store. Even if they're closed.

Sammy, wanting to get into this pet store!

Bottom line - Sammy is smart and he's determined.

Conclusion

Lesson learned: Grit and Determination are powerful, transformational forces. Sticking with something, in this case, figuring out how to unlock my iPhone, and taking a leap of faith that getting a European SIM card would be the way to go, was the WAY TO GO. I love the ability to have internet access where ever I go, all for the low, low price of 10 Euros, and without having to pay AT&T a dime.

I'm curious: What have you done that may have required your Grit and Determination? What was the result?

Let me know, if you're willing.

Love,

Lynn