Some People Do

5: Crossroads

SOOKIE

I get back to my life as usual. Artis settles in with me over the course of a week or two. We fall into a regular routine of walks and playtime so that she's getting plenty of exercise. The crate turned out to be a good call in the beginning. She didn't know what to do with all the space she suddenly had to roam. Three days after coming home with me she finally decided to sleep on my bed and I let her. That wasn't something I ever allowed with Bear, but then he never lived in a kennel. It makes me feel good to know that Artis feels safe with me.

Getting used to her collar jingling at night has been interesting. I'm grateful for Cesar Milan clips on YouTube because they've helped me to curb her nuisance barking. She doesn't do it a lot, but I would prefer to nip it in the bud if I can. Having her at home means I have to take regular breaks. It's a win/win for both of us.

I keep going to meetings and therapy. I'm making more and more progress with each passing day. I don't put crazy expectations on myself anymore. I've learned that trying to live by the standards of others is a good way to set myself up for failure. My therapist calls it managing my expectations. I'm excelling at it, apparently. Small goals are okay to have. No one becomes a millionaire overnight, right? Not that being a millionaire is the goal.

If I can grow my business enough to sufficiently support myself and maybe buy a house closer to the coast, I'll be happy.

I let Eric slip to the back of my mind and fall off my radar. While I really did appreciate him inviting me to come by the daycare, I'm not convinced it's a good idea. He's got a girlfriend and I don't want to fuck that up. I've already done enough damage where he's concerned. So when I get a message from him via Facebook, it throws me off. It probably shouldn't come as a surprise, but it does. It's been nearly a month since I saw him at the pet store.

Eric: Hey, just checking in to see how you're doing with Miss Artis.

I open my camera and take a picture of her, curled up at my feet fast asleep, and send that to him.

Me: She's sleeping like a furry baby.

Eric: She looks sweet. How are you doing?

Me: I'm just fine. About to get started on dinner. Well breakfast, but dinner. You know how I roll.

Me: Not bad, not bad. I'm having cheesy scrambled eggs with bacon AND a sausage patty on an everything bagel, with hashbrowns on the side because YUMMMMM.

Obviously carb cutting is not something I actively worry about. Life's too short not to enjoy all the carbs. I'm certainly not trying to live forever.

Me: So yeah, I still eat like I'm eating for two. That hasn't changed.

Eric: Good to know. I still cook for 12.

Me: HAHAHAHA and we used to kill it all back in the day. God, we're so fat.

Me: Artis is making me walk more, so that's good.

Me: Oh damn. I just had a thought. Breakfast sandwich on a waffle. *Homer Simpson drool*

Eric: You should come over and we can make those happen lol

Me: Mmm... I don't want to leave Artis alone for that long.

Plus you have a girlfriend...

Eric: Bring her along. You know how much Bear loves new friends.

Me: Yeah, but I don't know how she's going to react. If they don't get along, I can't stay. Besides, we probably shouldn't hang out.

Eric: You're probably right...