Last week I spent over 10 hours in the car and never left Indiana! This week was shaping up to be the same, but a last-minute change saved me roughly two of those hours.
Between driving to and from Bloomington to finish out the semester and to a new contract job site, I basically lived in my car the past two weeks. But most of that came to a glorious end with the conclusion of the semester yesterday. Thank goodness. This was a particularly difficult one.
We’ve had so many changes in the past few months. The past year, really. It’s been a rough one. I strive to be a positive, grateful person, but I gotta say… I’m glad 2015 is coming to a close. I think the boys are, too. The last month has been odd for them, and we sort of think they’ve finally realized Lucas isn’t coming back. Plus, with John and I both having shifts in our work schedules, we’ve seen lots of anxious behavior that we haven’t seen in years: accidents in odd places at odd times, chewed-up stuff, strewn trash, scratched door frames, and so on. Oh, and clingy behavior to an epic degree. Emmett and Cooper have always been shadows, but it’s gone beyond that to a new level. If I happen to shut the bathroom door without anyone sneaking in with me, I open it to find Emmett, Cooper, AND Newt waiting outside. It’s not enough for them to be near us anymore, either; no, they have to be on top of us. Arthritic Emmett who hasn’t gotten on the furniture in well over a year has been climbing on the couch, on the armchair, in bed… it pains him to jump down, but he keeps doing it. (We tried to train him on a set of pet steps. Tried. Sweet Emmett. Not the brightest crayon.)
This is usually my favorite time of year. I love Christmas lights and hot chocolate and chasing Cooper around in the snow then warming by the fire. Of course it’s been in the 50s so none of that (except the lights) has actually happened. Decorating was hard. Unanticipated, actually. I don’t know why I didn’t think of all the little things, like Lukey’s stocking and his Christmas ornaments, or the things that completely floored us, like opening a box of decorations to discover that it was sprinkled all over with Lucas fur. (Honestly, his fur is still everywhere!) I think that’s why I haven’t been posting lately because everything feels sad and stressful and a bit, I don’t know, heavy for this time of year.
All that said, there are good things, too. A new project I can’t wait to announce. A food Cooper can eat that has actually helped him GAIN WEIGHT (I’m putting together a post about that soon). Time spent with good friends and wonderful family. So much kindness and generosity and love. And, of course, the end of the semester.
With that, just wanted to wish you all a happy weekend! We’ll return to real life sometime soon. Promise.
Had to laugh at the “clingy” actions. My Justice is just like that!! He follows me everywhere. Back and forth in the kitchen, down the hall to the bathroom. Honestly it gets a bit annoying at time!! And Milah can hear every stop the big brown truck makes up and down our street! Enjoy your weekend!!
Haha! I understand! I’ve actually tripped over Emmett several times and stepped on Newt a couple times… yet, they’re not deterred! 🙂
Those are the eyes of a pup that loves you dearly! Great photo! I hope the next couple weeks of this holiday season are more relaxing and joyful!
Merry Christmas to all of you! Glad your semester is over, and you are going to get a well-deserved break.
2015 put you all through the wringer. We hope that you find much joy with family and friends over the holidays, and that the new year is MUCH calmer and filled with all kinds of joys. Peace be with you all (especially in the bathroom!).
PS – We lost our dear Bandit sixteen month ago. Somehow one new Aussie hair appears somewhere in every meal, as it did when he was alive. We now laugh about it, and assume he’s somewhere watching over us, shedding. One might suggest that it’s a border collie hair from Habi or Obi, but we prefer our story. Perhaps Lucas is doing the same.
Oh Maggie, I understand the “everything feels sad and stressful and a bit, I don’t know, heavy for this time of year” part sooo well! I try to be cheerful for Shadow and Ducky’s sakes; but it’s just so hard at times. We bought a little potted cypress tree with a set of twinkle lights and tiny ornaments the other day and haven’t even felt like doing anything with it. We still have cards to write and mail. Even that doesn’t feel right.
And then there’s poor Shadow. She was always my Velcro dog to some extent, but now it’s like your crew…if I don’t look before I step out of the bathroom door, I’ll either step on her or fall over her. Thankfully, Ducky has adjusted pretty well to Callie’s absence. But I really wonder if all of Shadow’s issues aren’t still related to her deep grief.
Oh well, Christmas is less than a week away. I hope that you, Johh, and your furry crew have a wonderful Christmas full of family, friends, and love!
Sending you love during this difficult time. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and hoping for a brighter 2016!
Glad to hear from you! I hope that your holidays can be as happy as possible, and that 2016 is far less stressful. I remember the Christmas after Kobi died, opening up those decorations and seeing the ones with his name on them…it’s always tough. Heck, it’s tough every Christmas…not just the one right after, but it does get easier I guess.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Glad to see a post from you. Somehow the holidays always seem to sneak up on me even if I feel prepared. Hope your holidays are great and that you truly enjoy the love and light of the season. Glad your semester is over so you can enjoy them. After tonight I am off for 3 beautiful days and hope to enjoy them too!!! This warm midwest weather has been great for walking the dog!!!