Live~Learn~Laugh~Love

 

Maybe...we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift. Maybe...when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but too often we look so long at the closed door that we never even see the new one which has been opened for us. Maybe...it's true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives. Maybe...the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have. Maybe...the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can't move forward successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures and heartaches. Maybe...you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of. Maybe...there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child -- sooo much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real; so that once they are around you appreciate them all the more. Maybe...the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've had in a long time. Maybe...you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too. Maybe...you should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone. Maybe...giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours. Maybe...happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives. Maybe...you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile. Maybe...you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

 

So here's the really fucked up thing about living in Flagstaff this time of year when you are the owner of a dog (or two, or three):

 

In Flagstaff, it snows...alot...but between snow storms, there is typically a stretch of nice, sunny weather. Great if you spend all your time up on the slopes...really shitty if your afternoons usually include a hike with the dogs. Why, you ask? Because during those stretches of nice weather, the snow melts...and turns to MUD! All the hiking trails: MUDDY. The dogpark: MUDDY. The back yard: FUCKING MUDDY!

 

You might say, oh well, just give them a bath. The bitch of that is...it stays cold enough that you can't really use the outside hose. And even if I do manage to get some water through the icicle that once was the hose, my dogs are way to smart for that shit. That water is COLD! Of course so is the water in every single mud puddle they so happily roll in during our hike...but turn on that hose during the winter and watch those dogs fly! Go figure.

 

Today was no exception. Except now, I have an almost full-grown Newfoundland. And I thought Rocky was bad! If I was ever lost in the desert with these dogs, trust me they would find us some water! And then roll in it. Anyhoo, we went on our hike...a nice long one today...and they actually only found two big mud puddles to roll and splash around in. By the time we got back to the car, they were fairly dry, if not a tad dirty. But both of them b-lined for the nearby dog park...and Molly soooooo loves the dog park how could I deny? I should have known better.

 

The second I opened the gate, mud puddle central! They played and they played and they played...for at least another hour...while I chatted with some friends. By the time I dragged them out of there, they were both head-to-toe covered in mud. Fuck. Not that it matters to my new car anymore. What used to be a gray interior is now a lovely shade of brown. So we get home...I try the outside hose thing (not a chance in hell that's gonna happen)...so in the house we go. I put down towels and dog blankets in a path all the way to the master bath, and then proceed to drag Molly Brown into the tub. Rocky is, by now, hiding in a closet somewhere.

 

Unfortunately for me, I have a really nice master tub...with the oil-rubbed bronze "rain-bath" shower head I so carefully chose and just had to have. Bitch of that is, a "rain-bath" isn't worth shit on a muddy Newfoundland. And how are you suppose to get the underbelly of a squirming 100 pound dog clean with a plastic pitcher? I have spent the last hour and a half trying to just get her wet! It's so cold here, she has the thickest winter under coat I've ever seen! Which makes it damn near impossible to ever get her totally wet.

 

Mitch never got around to building me that outdoor dog shower I kept asking for...so I am cursing his name the entire time I am washing these muddy-ass dogs in my now muddy-ass master bathroom. I swear to God, they are never leaving the house again. Except, if I don't run the shit out of them most every day, they make my life a living hell. OCD Rocky and bounce-off-the-freaking-walls Molly. This is my life. God, I miss California. When the worst I had to worry about is was a little bit of sand. Those were the days.

 

Right now, I'm laying in bed...exhausted, dirty, completely beside myself over the mud puddle that once was my lovely bathroom. There are sheets and dog towels and dog blankets covering every inch of my beige carpet...so of course they are both spread out on my bed, snoring happily, and dreaming about rolling in those wonderful mud puddles.

 

I wonder how early the housekeeper can come tomorrow?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you've been gone five minutes, or five days, your arrival home is always a reason for celebration.

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When dogs try to act dominate, you can take them for obedience training.

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Dogs are comfortable and secure with a routine.

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Dogs are thrilled to meet your friends and family.

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Dogs always appear captivated by your conversation.

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Dogs adore attachment.

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Dogs are easy to please. A few belly rubs and butt scratches will satisfy any dog.

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Dogs live in the moment, unlike humans, who linger in the past or obsess about the future.

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Dogs understand the significance of a good cuddle.

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Dogs do everything they can to charm and amuse you.

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Dogs are always eager to join you while running errands.

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Dogs never reject you if you gain a few pounds.

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Handsome dogs are never self-absorbed or egotistical.

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A dog entering his middle years won't abandon you for a younger mistress.

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Dogs are loyal, and give you lifelong commitment.

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Dogs are eternally grateful for all you do for them.

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Dogs are not threatened because you have a higher IQ.

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When dogs look you in the eye, they never lie.

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You're always number one with your dog.

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Dogs actually act remorseful when they've done something wrong.

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 Puppy love lasts forever with a dog!

 

 

Dear 2008,

How are you? I am fine.

 

Now that we've gotten the niceties out of the way, there are a few things we need to discuss. First, a request. If you happen to run into 2007, would you mind giving it a good swift kick right in its vulnerable nuts? It's true...2007 did bring some good things my way. But as far as I'm concerned, 2007 still has an awful lot of explaining to do — not that I expect it to be capable of speech after the vicious testicular blow I trust you will deliver.

 

But enough of that...let's look to the future. I'm not asking for much my dear 2008. I'll make you a deal: I will eat more healthy, live more green, go to the gym more often, and vote democrat. In return: I'd like an amicable divorce, healthy & happy fur-babies, a big fat raise, and way more laughter than tears. Oh, and if you could throw in a really hot fireman for good measure, I'd be ever so grateful.

 

You might be asking, "What's in it for me?" I'm not making any promises, but maybe, if you agree to my reasonable request, once 2009 rolls around I'll ask it to go easy on your groin. Yeah, I'm kind of a softie.

 

Now for my wishes on behalf of others. Never let it be said that I am not a giving, caring person and shit. For those who are grieving, comfort. Clarity for the confused. Peace for the conflicted. Health, prosperity, joy, and a better year all around for each and every one of us. Is that too much to ask? Hey, if I'm running up my tab, just put it on my bill. I'll settle up with Visa later.

 

2007 left behind a pretty awful mess, and I'll leave it in your capable hands to clean it up.

Cheers,

Nicky

 

 

Just home from Thanksgiving holiday at mom's. Going to my mom's house, or being around her anywhere really, is always a blessed event for me (in a totally secular way of course). Ungodly amounts of love and pampering; sleeping in late with no morning responsibility other than brushing my teeth; lively conversation and lots of laughter; Schramsberg ('nough said); and the food....oh glorious food! I'm still coming down from the high. Now that I am home, and wonderfully rested, I have a very hot date tomorrow with the aerobics instructor at the gym I joined. Sigh, back to reality.

 

Everything else is status quo. Still hoping for an offer on the house...still plugging away at work...still seeing Dr. BlueEyes (my shrink). I have my dogs, my friends, my work, my art: all to keep me preoccupied while I count down the days...nay, the minutes...until I can file for a legal seperation. This is the route that we (oh, how that word "we" turns my stomach these days) decided to take given that financial detanglement hinges on the sell of the house...and with this shitty real estate market right now, that day could be way off. House selling - paying off debts + splitting assests = DIVORCE

 

Not that I'm in any big hurry to jump back in the dating pool again. In fact, the lack of romantic entanglement at the moment is a good thing in the world of me. Anyone who has been around for awhile, knows that there is rarely a long stretch of road between men for me. But right now, the only men in my life are Dr. BlueEyes and my Rocky (hey, ---> dogs are men!) and that's just the way I want it! Other than a few late-night, long-distance phone calls with an ex or two, I haven't wandered anywhere near man-land.

 

I deserve some much needed focus on me rather than us...

 

...for now.