A while ago my Aunt Jeani (mom's best friend) asked me if I would house/dog sit for them while they went on a trip to Costa Rica. I always do this for them when they go out of town if I'm available because they're family and it's always really fun and relaxing. I love their dogs like they're my own, and I feel like I'm home when I'm in their house, so it just makes sense.
They are major dog people, like our family. Dogs in our families aren't just pets...they're part of the family. Jeani's dogs are like two more kids, and she takes leaving them really seriously. She almost didn't go because she didn't want to leave them. To some people this sounds crazy, but I get it. When I moved up to Utah, or whenever I go on a trip, I always feel bad leaving my dogs, and miss them. I even send them postcards. Mmm hmm...I do, and I love it. I don't know, I can't really explain it. It's definitely a characteristic we were born with, and something I get from people in my family. Everyone in my family is like this with their dogs. The way I feel about animals is almost spiritual in a sense. I know I probably sound so weird, but that's okay, because it's true. You know how I get all smiley and a little bit of my heart aches in a good way when I see a baby? Okay well it does the same thing when I see animals, in particular a dog or horse. I just can't explain it. But I love it, and I'm glad I'm this way. I'm thankful I have such a love for something. I want to raise my kids with dogs around. I think it teaches them responsibility, love of a living creature, and shows them the miracle of life and how precious it is. Except I know my kids are going to be really funny and probably a little mischevious-you know in a way where you really want to be mad, but you can't help but turn around and hysterically laugh to yourself quietly without them seeing. So I'm preparing myself already for things like this in our dog friendly, kid friendly household:
But hopefully it'll be more like this:
Sometimes I don't even remember my dogs are actually animals. Example: me and my dog buddy. He's a human. Seriously. I feel like they're people. They communicate so much without even talking, and they're hilarious. I just love them.
Anyways, so this week was great because I lived alone in a great house, with cute doggies by my side, and it was so relaxing and just what I needed. I've been really stressed and just an emotional mess lately so it was perfect timing to detox from my life and just be. I literally lived a dog's life for a week. Eat, sleep, played outside, sleep, watch tv, go on walks, etc. Their life is really good.
Willy
Charlie
I got an e-mail from my aunt this afternoon...so funny...
Honey Bunch, just wanted to let you know that aunt jeani in their language is tia juana. TIAJUANA?! Sucks for me. Love you.
Then this one tonight...
Sweetie, You have helped me check a Bucket List item off by taking care of Charlie & Willy while I'm down here. I've wanted to zipline in Costa Rica for years. Because of you I've done that and soooo much more. Thank you so very much.
Be safe in LA and have a great time. I have a really special something for you that I found down here. It will bring a HUGE smile to your face. (No, it's not a Mormon cabana boy!!!) I love you, Tia Juana
Anyways, being here was just what I needed. It's good for me to get out of the house, and be on my own living alone. I mean, it was one week, but I think before I get married it would be a good experience living alone. Tomorrow I head off to LA for a week for a really exciting new venture. A new chapter is on the horizon, and it's something I'm really excited about. I'll fill you in on how this next week goes. I can't wait.
Long story short, it was a great week of alone time, with my furry little companions, to think and grow a little bit and gain some perspective. Cheers to being your own best friend. And cheers to man's best friend.
