Friday, January 28, 2011
Aren't Dogs the Best?!
I think I take one or should I say two of my best friends for granted...most of the time.
MyLabradors , Luna and Gunny (the oldest and blind), love me unconditionally. I know this because they get completely thrilled every time I enter a room, let alone come home from being gone for more than 5 minutes.
I think of this now because some weeks are hard. Let's face it, some weeks just plain suck! And absolutely nothing can be done but survive it. But then again....
Every time I get in the tub to soak, especially if I am depressed, I can't help but smile when Gunny successfully finds me. She knows I'm in the bathroom somewhere. She sniffs and snuffles until she finds my hand. She wags, awaits a lick of bar soap from my hand for a few seconds, then lays right down on the bathmat protecting me until I'm through. She never fails to be there. She is quiet. She's patient. But most of all, she always anticipates my moves.
For instance, she knows when I turn off the shower that I'm getting out, so she'll get up from in front of the shower. She also somehow knows when I'm ready to get out of the tub. She knows if I'm standing to wash or standing to get out. I've never figured out how she knows this blind. But Gunny and her daughter Luna love me enough to know these simple things about me.
I do not walk them enough. I dont brush them enough. I sure am not as good of a friend to them as they are to me. I could do better. I will do better! I will brush them more and feed them less. I didn't mention it but they are both obese. Nevertheless, most of all, I want to learn how to observe my friends as they observe me. I want to be more anticipatory of my friends’ moves and needs like my dogs are to me. But most of all, I want to be as joyful as my dogs are when they see me when I see MY friends.
Thank you Pup Pups for being such loving creatures, and for the reminders with your actions alone how I can be a better person and friend.
My
Every time I get in the tub to soak, especially if I am depressed, I can't help but smile when Gunny successfully finds me. She knows I'm in the bathroom somewhere. She sniffs and snuffles until she finds my hand. She wags, awaits a lick of bar soap from my hand for a few seconds, then lays right down on the bathmat protecting me until I'm through. She never fails to be there. She is quiet. She's patient. But most of all, she always anticipates my moves.
For instance, she knows when I turn off the shower that I'm getting out, so she'll get up from in front of the shower. She also somehow knows when I'm ready to get out of the tub. She knows if I'm standing to wash or standing to get out. I've never figured out how she knows this blind. But Gunny and her daughter Luna love me enough to know these simple things about me.
I do not walk them enough. I dont brush them enough. I sure am not as good of a friend to them as they are to me. I could do better. I will do better! I will brush them more and feed them less. I didn't mention it but they are both obese. Nevertheless, most of all, I want to learn how to observe my friends as they observe me. I want to be more anticipatory of my friends’ moves and needs like my dogs are to me. But most of all, I want to be as joyful as my dogs are when they see me when I see MY friends.
Thank you Pup Pups for being such loving creatures, and for the reminders with your actions alone how I can be a better person and friend.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
What is a Fixer?
That is a very good question. I would have to say that we Fixers are from all walks of life. However, we all have an abnormally strong desire to help others with their problems. For instance;if you were to say "Man, GramE, I can't figure out my taxes!" It would be virtually impossible for me to say, "I'm sorry. I'm sure you'll get it.” Believe me; I am still trying to do that after 52 years. I cannot seem to be neutral on ANYTHING!
If you have a problem, I want to help fix it. I believe I am hardwired that way, since no one or nothing short of disowning me, can prevent me from saying "Well, I did...blah blah blah" To which you might say, "I've tried it, it didn't work." I will worry that problem at 2 am until I can figure out a way to help if I can.
Now, I am aware of those that may feel I am being a Busybody, Know it all, Little Miss Nosey.
I get it. People don't always want you to "fix" a problem that they bring to your attention. They just want to be heard. However, the truth of the matter is I truly can not help it. To love me is to accept sometimes I can't “help but help”.
My adult children are doing fine. My grandbabies are too young to need much help other than cuddles, bottles and diaper changes. So, here I am, this font of information on many topics ranging from child rearing to restoring old homes, or how I think one should kill a copperhead snake.(At least the way that I did it without my dog or me getting bit in the process.) I’ve also learned quite a bit about the sad, disparaging part of human existence and came out with my head help high. I think learning to grieve was one of my hardest lessons. We all have to learn how. It is kind of like learning to walk. Watching others will not help you to learn how, really. No, you have to stand up and do it yourself. But it never hurts to have encouragement.
So, my ADULT children suggested I start a blog. One that anyone can ask for sound advice from the areas of experience from my listed titles, or just plan want to complain and have a Know it all make suggestions for you to think about that you might not have thought of, before you asked a neutral party.
I am a fixer right off Exit 91 and proud of it! Here I am. Tell me how I can help you. In the mean time, I will just keep a running dialog about being fifty something, and all the fun events and not so fun events that arise from time to time.
Thanks for dropping in.
If you have a problem, I want to help fix it. I believe I am hardwired that way, since no one or nothing short of disowning me, can prevent me from saying "Well, I did...blah blah blah" To which you might say, "I've tried it, it didn't work." I will worry that problem at 2 am until I can figure out a way to help if I can.
Now, I am aware of those that may feel I am being a Busybody, Know it all, Little Miss Nosey.
I get it. People don't always want you to "fix" a problem that they bring to your attention. They just want to be heard. However, the truth of the matter is I truly can not help it. To love me is to accept sometimes I can't “help but help”.
My adult children are doing fine. My grandbabies are too young to need much help other than cuddles, bottles and diaper changes. So, here I am, this font of information on many topics ranging from child rearing to restoring old homes, or how I think one should kill a copperhead snake.(At least the way that I did it without my dog or me getting bit in the process.) I’ve also learned quite a bit about the sad, disparaging part of human existence and came out with my head help high. I think learning to grieve was one of my hardest lessons. We all have to learn how. It is kind of like learning to walk. Watching others will not help you to learn how, really. No, you have to stand up and do it yourself. But it never hurts to have encouragement.
So, my ADULT children suggested I start a blog. One that anyone can ask for sound advice from the areas of experience from my listed titles, or just plan want to complain and have a Know it all make suggestions for you to think about that you might not have thought of, before you asked a neutral party.
I am a fixer right off Exit 91 and proud of it! Here I am. Tell me how I can help you. In the mean time, I will just keep a running dialog about being fifty something, and all the fun events and not so fun events that arise from time to time.
Thanks for dropping in.
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