For weeks, I’ve felt like I have a giant rock of anxiety sitting in my stomach. Which is sorta funny because yesterday doggy daycare told me that Emmett pooped out rocks. Actual from-the-ground rocks. Which is not funny. At all. Sigh.
Anyway, a smidge of backstory: It’s all about health insurance. I’m a freelancer, so I’ve always been on hubby John’s health insurance. In December 2011, I was diagnosed with cancer. John was finishing his stint at Indiana University in April 2012, so he needed to get another job lined up STAT so that we wouldn’t lose our coverage since I was in the throes of treatment. He found a job. In southern Louisiana. So on April 1 of last year, he moved down there to work while I stayed here to finish my year of treatment. I had my last shot on February 27 – wahooo!!!
Meanwhile…
John decided to stay on in Louisiana. After a hellacious year apart, and since I only have to be here in IN for quarterly checkups, we decided that the most logical thing is for me and the boys to move to Louisiana!
So that’s the big news. We’re moving waayyyy down south! Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper are headed to the bayou! (John assures me we won’t get any alligators in our backyard…)
Since we made that decision, we were frantically trying to find a place to live in LA – it’s not so easy to find a rental that will take 3 dogs (or, more specifically, 2 pit mixes… SIGH) and a cat. But, incredibly, John found one. We move in June 1.
Then we put our IN house up for sale. So for the last two weeks I’ve been frenetic, trying to clean, de-fur, landscape, pack boxes, de-fur, rush the boys out for showings, de-fur, and squeeze work in there somehow, too!
After the chaos of the last year, and now this, I’m looking forward to getting to LA and settling in to a routine. The boys have been neglected for the last year, so I’m going to set all new training goals, which is exciting.
More to come… like lessons I’ve learned from doggy daycare, the start of Lucas’ “reactive dog” class, my new “face full of treats” training plan, and strategies for combating allergy season. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a picture of what poor Emmett looks like after a day of doggy daycare:
Well, there is one bit of good news. Your anxiety is entirely normal given all the craziness going on in your life. Aren’t you glad to know you’re having a mentally appropriate reaction? 🙂
Sorry for all the chaos. But it’s really exciting that your family will be reunited. And that your treatments are behind you.
Look forward hearing more about your big move once you get a chance to breathe.
Oh, my gosh. Thank you for that reassurance, Pamela! And there’s definitely more to come… I’m sure there’ll be some adjusting as the boys become bayou dogs! 🙂
Big news. Moving is the worst, but I’m sure you’ll feel SO much better once you’re all together again. YAY on finishing up treatment.
Thank you, Roxanne!! And thank you for taking the time to leave a nice note… I know how much you have going on, and I’ve been thinking of you!
Great news Maggie. Wonderful when you are all together again. And Louisiana sounds like a great place to me !
I can’t wait to get our family back together, too! I’ve never been to Louisiana, so I’m sure I’ll have lots of stories to share once I get down there!
That’s big news! Good luck! New beginnings are a good thing 🙂
Thanks, Kim! I really think so, too. After the year we’ve had, I’m excited for a change, a fresh start!
Welcome to the south y’all!
That all would have stressed me out as well, so I think what you are feeling is normal! Good luck with the move. My only advice isn’t to worry about the alligators….it’s to worry about mosquitoes!! Bug spray is your friend!
Ha!! Such a good point!! Out of curiosity, have you tried or do you use any of the pet-safe bug sprays on Bella and Daisy?
Nope. For Fleas I spread diatomaceous earth all in the yard. If we are hiking during dawn/dusk I have been known to spray my bug spray on the girls even though DEET is bad. Then, when we get home I wipe them down good with a wet washcloth.
Adding a little garlic powder to their food (if their food doesn’t have garlic) to help control fleas and bugs as well.
Great tips! I’m definitely going to try the garlic. Thank you!!
Good grief – the adventure in your lives just never stops, does it? That is a big deal. Take it easy on yourself and everyone else while you’re going through this.
Thanks so much, Leslie! That is GREAT advice, which I’ll really try to take! 🙂
Congrats, Maggie! Such happy news for your family! YAY~
Thanks, Doreen!! Sad to leave IN, of course, but I’m looking forward to the change!
I have just finished a year that has been so filled with roller coaster events that the quiet is leaving me breathless. Congratulations on your last shot. Yea! for the move!
Sorry for rock pooping problems- but sometimes my guys are very litteral. When they are pooping rocks its because I’m letting go extra worry. May it be for you.
Oh, jeez. I’m sorry you’ve had a rough year. Here’s hoping you can catch your breath soon!
That is exciting news! And I’m sure a bit scary at the same time. Hope everything goes smoothly with the selling of your home, the packing and moving, etc! I’m sure you’re looking forward to getting settled into your new home, and life being a little less hectic. So glad you are done with your treatments too! Looking forward to hearing your stories also, when you have time.
Thank you so much, Jan! It is definitely a little bit scary, or at least overwhelming! There will definitely be stories to come! 🙂
HO-LEEEE COW! Congratulations, btw, on ending treatment. 🙂
Where in south LA? I’m originally from Buras, my mom’s fam is near Alexandria, and my sister is in Baton Rouge. I’ll be driving down in October when she has her baby. Maybe I can come say hi!
You know, I actually thought of you because you commented once before about being from LA! We’re going to be in Houma. I’m not too familiar with the geography of the area, but if you’re nearby in October we should definitely get together!
I will definitely look into getting together with you. Last time I was there, we went outlet shopping, which might work out well, as it shouldn’t be more than about an hour’s drive for either of us. What fun! Be prepared to have soft, supple skin and good hair days! That’s about all I can say good about LA. Well, there’s the food. And the accents. And the laid-back people.
You had me at good hair days! 🙂
Well geeeeeeeee, there’s sure a whole lot going on at your house, eh? But YAY! How exciting that you are done your treatments and that you can have your family back together. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in your story and your new LA stories (and hopefully some local recipes. I’m a sucker for food from the bayou)
YES! The food! I’ll definitely pick up some local recipes for you. I wonder if there are any Cajun-inspired dog treats? Hmm…
when we we’re trying to house train my puppyCappie She would constantly get into my boy’s bedroom and eat legos off the floor! Yikes right? We finally got my kids “trained” to pick up after themselves… or at least keep their door closed!!
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Oh, no. Hopefully they were small pieces that were easily passed! These silly dogs…
You know, Southern LA isn’t too far away from Texas!
Ooooh, you’re right!! 🙂