1.09.2011

January 9, 2011

White Dog warned me before we ever got out of bed this morning that I was setting myself up to be frazzled. It had been a stressful week on many fronts and as a result so many of the things usually accomplished then had backed up into the weekend. As Steve showered, WD and I "languished" under the covers. I began listing off the things needed to be accomplished before Dragon, Gregg and Candace arrived for our usual Sunday dinner. She gave me "The Look" (which I should have heeded) when I said, "If dad hurries up and we get moving in the next half hour, we should be able to get everything done!"

Of course, nothing went as planned, the program we went to Steve's office to use to split some files into smaller pieces took forever. The airport post office didn't open until 11 am. The Christmas Tree recycling location was literally out in the middle of a deserted mesa. Traffic everywhere was heavy and slow. The grocery was crowded and didn't have some essential ingredients needed for the Mexican sausage sandwiches which necessitated a stop at a second market.

My frustration level built. I got testy...and snipey. Back home I looked at the clock as I madly scooped avocados out of their skins. Quinn came over for attention and I shooed him off. There was a tap on my shoulder.

It was WD, sitting next to me, and as I looked over to respond, she licked my face gently. I stopped and started to tear up. She rested her head on my shoulder and pushed herself into my arms. I held her tightly and together we just breathed. In. Out. In. Out.

I felt TOWD return to my side and lay his head on my lap. I was so grateful that he hadn't taken my bad attitude to heart. The longer the three of us huddled together, the calmer I felt. Suddenly I understood that I needed to shed my impossible task list (it would get done when it got done) and simply be present. The budget would get finished...but not right now. Dinner would be perfect...but not by making myself miserable in its creation. Right now, I had White Dogs to love and balance to regain.

Tonight Dragon enjoyed the house special of chicken, rice and vegetables mixed with blueberries and kibble. We humans feasted on garlicky avocados topped with olive tapinade and scooped out with black bean and garlic tortilla chips, spinach and cheese tortellini soup and grilled fiesta chicken sausages topped with sauteed onions and chiles, salsa and farmer's cheese. For dessert, the pups enjoyed some chicken crunchies (without the espresso and apple butter nachos).

The White Dogs were ideal hosts and Steve a master chef. I stayed focused on the excellent conversation and warm company...and didn't think of the "to-do" list once. I whispered to White Dog as we waved goodbye to our friends, "Thank you for helping me see what was truly important."

11 comments:

Teddy Bear said...

The to do list will get done...eventually. There's nothing like the love of White Dogs to bring everything back to focus. What a delicious menu!:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Pepsi Bum said...

The love of the White Dogs, with a lick, and trusting eyes, is everything you need to get snap back to focus. :)

Woofs,
Pepsi

Brian's Home Blog said...

The are very special and knew they needed to give you special advice!

Mack said...

We dogs are experts at that!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Yes White dog worked her magic and you realised in time that you need to go with the flow and enjoy. Can mum borrow White dog please so she can do the same. Glad the day went well in the end. Hugs GJ xx

KB said...

Dog magic... that's what it is. My dogs can do the same for me with a simple snuzzle and cuddle.

Thanks White Dog for being a wonderful canine!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

See, there IS a reason for us pups to be a big part of the humans' lives. The Army did such a great job with you. Mom may need our help destressing as she just got some news about Dad's eyes that could make life around here very stressful:( We will do our best to get her back on track.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Sagira said...

They are always there to help you see what is truly important. :)

Stella said...

Very nice post. I should keep it handy and look at it whenever I get into one of those "stews"!

Thanks!

Jo and Stella

TwoSpecialWires said...

And thank YOU for helping us to see what is truly important. And feeling not only okay about that, but good about that.

More as soon as possible
jake and Fergi and Family

Kari in Alaska said...

Ive been learning to make my to do list smaller. Tackle different things each day rather than trying to do it all in one day

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/