Easter

     Thank god for my daughter Meagan who saved me this Easter Sunday from being alone. Why am I so concerned about this day? Probably because I know that most people are spending it with family and friends sitting around tables eating, laughing and sharing memories.  My son Brian is with his dad and they’re heading off to see his grandpa and aunt and have a nice day together. This makes me happy.

     Meagan was sleeping when Max and I woke up. I do the usual and take him outside to discover that it’s a beautiful day. I decide since she’s sleeping I should head to the gym for an hour. By the time I get back she’ll be up and we can make our plans.  I have ideas to go to a local park nearby that allows dogs so we can go for a hike, after wards get some ice cream and later head out to dinner.  This is something we’ve never done together before. Sounds like a great idea. I believe today is going to be a wonderful day:)

     As it turned out we had a wonderful day. The sun finally came out, the weather was warm and Max enjoyed the car ride to the park. Meagan and I had the opportunity to do some mother daughter bonding, something we don’t usually do.  After parking the car Meagan needed to change out of her designer sandals (I say this in a sarcastic way) and into some sneakers. One of her sandals wouldn’t unzip so she had to wear the sandals.  The funny thing is that when she bought them I had a feeling something like this might happen. She asked me if I wished this on her and I wondered myself. I admitted that I was thinking the same thing and asked her if she thought maybe that’s why it happened? Not that I really wished it on her but I was thinking of the possibility of this very situation.  Fortunately she dismissed my concern and went walking with the sandals.

     We hiked through the park and on a beautiful road called Rhododendron St.  The smell of spring was in the air. After the hike we got ice cream and found a seat on a curb to eat and watch as people walked by. Max wasn’t as big a hit as we had expected. The poor thing had a terrible hair cut which I had given him. Before leaving we walked over to the most beautiful Golden doodle. He sat like he had just won first prize and was very proud of himself. I wanted to see this beautiful animal before we left and talk for a minute to the owners.  Much to my surprise she loved Max. I say this because several dogs walked by without any reaction from her. She began pulling the leash to get closer to Max when my daughter got uncomfortable and embarrassed that I wanted to talk to the couple. I realized quickly it was time to leave and we headed home to watch a movie I had rented.

     We never made it out for dinner that evening because I had fallen asleep and was too lazy when I woke up. So Meagan made hot-dogs and Ramene noodles.  I felt kind of guilty for having this kind of meal on Easter. I asked Meagan if she minded. She laughed and said she loved this soup. So I promised I would make it up to her. It will be another opportunity for us to spend some quality time together.

 

Max and The Dog Park

     Last October I took my class on a field trip. We had some time left before we were to return to school so we decided to make a quick stop at a puppy store near by. I am not an advocate of puppy stores in fact I feel so bad that I went there, but it sounded like a great idea at the time since my students loved seeing animals. I asked the girl at the store if she had any dogs with poodle in them and if we could take one of the puppies into a room and let the girls pet it. She took me over to an area with two dogs who both looked very excited to see us. She grabbed this little black dog and brought us to a room. He was adorable and I fell in love with him immediately. He grabbed a toy in his mouth and began prancing up and down and was so excited to see the girls. I knew I had to have this dog and I knew my own kids would be so happy if I brought him home. It was the happiest day I've had in a long time. I made arrangements to come back after work and pick him up and I couldn't wait to get home and see my kids reactions.

     As it turned out this was not only a lucky day for me but the luckiest day for Max. I latter learned that he had a bad case of worms and whooping cough. I knew Max was extremely thin but I didn't realize just how sick he was until after he was home with me. It took 2 months of de-worming him and a lot of love and special meals of chicken and rice before he started to feel better. It was a tough time for the both of us because I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to care for him the way he needed since I had to go to work. But between a great neighbor, my daughter, son and I we were able to provide the care he needed and now I am so grateful to have him in my life. He'll be a year old on June 23 and he is truly a wonderful pet. He has brought laughter into my house and has distracted me when I needed it most.

     After a long difficult winter and an enormous amount of snow I was finally able to take Max to the local dog park. Being cooped up for most of the winter our first time at the dog park was an adventure and very entertaining. Dog parks are a great way to socialize your pet, provide them with both physical and mental exercise and a great way to socialize and meet people with the same interest. What I also like about the dog park is that you can get advice and information from other pet owners about your breed, find out about quality pet food or any other dog related question you might have. I enjoyed seeing my dog have the opportunity to interact with other dogs and it also gave me the opportunity to see how different breeds interact. It is a nice way for me to spend time with Max and also meet new people.

Lonliness

     It's difficult dealing with loneliness especially as we get older. I just turned fifty four a few weeks ago. I'm a divorced mom with two children. They are nineteen and fourteen. We are a very small family. My parents are divorced. My dad is happily remarried now for twenty three years. They live part of the year in Florida and the other here on New York. My sister and mom recently moved to Florida to get away from the cold and old memories.

     What do I do to help me coupe? I read, pray, meditate and say positive affirmations. I believe we all have the power to change our lives. I have recently prayed and asked for friendships to come into my life. I believe I'm a loving person, someone who is worthy of positive relationships. Since I began this request I have observed positive changes in my life.

     Before I wrote this blog I meditated and asked for guidance. I recently read Louise Hay's book You Can Heal Your Life. I repeat one of the phrasesI read from her book over and over: and I have found that it helps when I'm feeling melancholy: "I love and approve of myself." When I catch myself thinking a negative thought I repeat this phrase.  I believe we all  have the power within us to be happy. I wish only happiness for you and may you have a wonderful day.

Many blessings to you all,
Linda
 

Getting Started

My purpose in writing this blog is to reach out to those of you who are suffering from some form of sadness. I've spent a good part of my life trying to heal myself. I've tried therapy sessions, consoling friends, reading self help books, immersing myself in school, and work. It's not surprising how many people suffer from loneliness rejection, abuse, poverty and feelings of inadequacy.I am here to tell you that you are able to change your life by changing the thoughts you think.