Puppies and Resolutions
When I quit my job, my goal was to have less stress and time to really focus on health and my writing. Unfortunately, I did not factor in the holidays and how busy things get. Nor did I factor in the possibilities of adding members to the animal side of my family. To be honest, I’m not really sure what I was thinking, or if I was thinking at all. I blame my sister.
See, it all started with Thanksgiving, that glorious holiday filled with food and family. My husband and I drove to Savannah, Ga. to visit my sister and her family. He was looking forward to the yummy food and hanging out with my brother-in-law and nephew, and I was looking forward to not having to cook and spending some quality time with big sis.
Upon our arrival, we were immediately faced with this:
This would be Murphy, an absolutely adorable English Bulldog puppy. Well, when we first got there, Murphy didn’t look like this. He was very sick. He had an IV and was taking medicine for the Parvo he picked up during his last immunization. It was touch and go for the little guy for a few days. But by Friday (when this picture was taken) he was starting to get back to his normal puppy self.
Needless to say, my husband and I both ended up with Puppy Fever. A nasty little thing that makes you think non-stop about cute, playful puppies that give licky kisses, roll over, love cuddles, and sleep hard. We even got online and started searching for available pups in our area. Yep, we had it bad. Fortunately for us, once we got home we were able to find the cure for this Puppy Fever. His name is Jake.
Isn’t he cute? We think so. But he’s also a huge responsibility. Not only did I have to house-train a puppy, keep the puppy from chasing our kitties (who still haven’t quite forgiven us from bringing Jake into their humble abode), but I also had to finish Christmas shopping, prepare for my youngest daughter’s upcoming visit which meant I had to clean her old room that is now our office and my writing area, and get the Christmas cards sent out. Yeah, my plan for less stress went down the drain.
But I couldn’t have had a better time. I got the Christmas cards sent, the room clean, and Jake house-broken (for the most part). We also have him in Puppy Training at PetSmart which has helped me, and him, adjust to some house rules. My daughter’s visit was wonderful and I got all the Christmas shopping done a week before the big day. I even lost 7 lbs chasing after Jake. It was well worth the crazy, goal-driven stress. Thanks Sis for starting all this!
And now that all has quieted down some I am able to look back at this year and look ahead to
the next. So much has happened this last year. My youngest daughter graduated high school and started college. My oldest daughter had a baby (my darling granddaughter – see right) and moved to Japan. I quit my job, the husband changed jobs, I lost friends and gained new ones, admitted my depression and sought therapy, and we got Jake.
The most amazing part is that for the first time in many years, I’m really looking forward to what 2012 will bring. I’m excited about the possibilities, but I refuse to make any resolutions. I totally fail at resolutions. I have never, in my entire life, met a New Year’s resolution. Not sure if it’s the deadlines I set or the resolution itself, or maybe its my random fear of commitments? Either way, resolutions are not for me. However, a former co-worker gave me a better idea. Instead of formally committing to a die-hard resolution, he makes a “want to do” list. Sort of like giving yourself a goal with a more lenient deadline. I thought it was great because it allows you some wiggle room. And I like wiggle room!
So on my “want to do” list of goals for this coming year is: to finish training the puppy, finish organizing the household, enter more writing contests, and finish my novel. But my main goal for this upcoming year is to be happy and help others do the same.
So what about you? How has your year been? Do you do resolutions or do you have a “Want to do” list for 2012?
December 28, 2011 @ 9:51 AM
Wonderful post! (Adorable puppies, adorable baby!) Having struggled with depression myself, I am so glad and grateful to see you say that you’re looking forward to 2012! I’m setting myself some writing goals to strive for in the new year (post coming up on December 31st, hopefully on my new blog) and some hopes in other areas than writing, but resolutions seem to not be workable. They’re too hard and fast.
All the best for the new year, with all its joyous possibilities!
December 28, 2011 @ 11:11 AM
Thanks so much, Elizabethanne!
Its has been a long while since I’ve really looked forward to much of anything. But now its like a zing of electricity and excitement for 2012. So many possibilities and lots of fun to come!
I’m looking forward to reading your post.
Have a wonderful day!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 10:55 AM
Awwwwwwww! These ARE cute pictures! Who could work in the face of all that cute? You’re a strong woman, Jennifer!
December 28, 2011 @ 11:13 AM
Its tough, but someone’s gotta do it! hahaha!
Jake and I are finally getting on a schedule of sorts. I take him on a walk and then he gives me time to write. Its all about the compromise.
Thanks for stopping by, Diane!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 10:58 AM
Hi Jen, great post. A word of warning for a woman who has four dogs, “All puppies are cute.” tee hee I am so glad that your world has turned around for you. May the new year continue the upward spiral of joys and blessings.
December 28, 2011 @ 11:18 AM
Prudence,
After seeing Murphy, I think I fell in love with about a billion puppies. Its a good thing I made my husband check out the shelter where we found Jake. If I had gone, we probably would have had more than one come home with us!
Things have taken a good turn lately. I know that I still have work to do as depression doesn’t just go away. I still have days here and there where my bed feels like the best place to be. But I push through that feeling and get going. Having Jake has helped me with that quite a bit. Now if I could just get the kitties to stop tormenting him, we could all live in peace and tranquility! hehehe!
Hope your new year is filled with love and laughter!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 11:40 AM
It’s nice to see that there are people not being hard on themselves for New Year’s. I like the idea of a list of wants. That sounds similar to the goals I set in September every year. I, too, think the most important goal is to be happy.
December 28, 2011 @ 11:52 AM
Hi Emma!
Happiness is definitely not something to take for granted but I think many people get so wrapped up in the responsibilities and demands of daily living that they forget being happy should be a priority as well.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope 2012 is great for you!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 11:43 AM
Cute doesn’t even begin to cover it! And your granddaughter – how gorgeous is she?
It sounds like 2011 was a year full of positive change for you, so I can see why you’re looking forward to carrying that into 2012. I look forward to following along! 🙂
December 28, 2011 @ 11:58 AM
Julie,
Every time I talk to my daughter and granddaughter on Skype I just want to reach through the screen and hug her. She’s so funny and has the best facial expressions. She’s very much like my daughter – both are quite special to me!
2012 just feels like a year that is going to explode with positive accomplishments. And not just for me either. From what I’ve read and heard from others, it sounds like their hard-work may finally be paying off. I can’t wait to hear about all the success stories that I know will be happening.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 12:10 PM
Happy New Year, Jennifer. I am like you – resolutions bring up the two year old in me and she screams ‘no’. and you can’t make me. I do review the past year and then set goals from there but they’re always concrete reachable things. And I am reasonable about reaching them. Life happens. My writing goals are professional goals. and sometimes the personal takes precedence – like when you get a new puppy or a new grandbaby
happy new year
December 28, 2011 @ 3:25 PM
To you as well, Louise!
I’m actually taking a good look at my writing needs and desires trying to make sure I don’t over-extend myself. Hard to balance it all sometimes but it sure is worth it later.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 2:50 PM
Parvo is an expensive illness. We went through one with our pound puppy. But she’s great fun now!
Congrats on the grandbaby. She’s a sweetie.
December 28, 2011 @ 3:27 PM
Parvo is known as the “Puppy Killer.” Little Murphy was so sad at first, barely moving. I was so happy that he came through it though because he turned out to be a sweet terror, er, angel for my sister. (hehee)
I just wish my grandbaby lived a closer so I could teach her all the things her mom used to do to me when she was little. Paybacks, ya know? lol!
Have a great new year!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 3:15 PM
Yep, have to agree with the no-resolution thing, but I guess my promise to myself to ‘be healthier’ is like your ‘want to do’ list. Great post, good luck with Jake! He’s adorable!
December 28, 2011 @ 3:37 PM
Serena,
I think Jake’s biggest goal this year is to keep me on my toes. I see many trips to the pet beach in my future.
My list also includes being healthier. We got a juicer for Christmas that I’m in the process of figuring out. I’m all about eating better and being more active this year. Its all about breaking bad habits and establishing good ones. And boy, do I have a lot of bad habits! haha!
Good luck with your goals this year and be sure to let me know how its going for you!
Jennifer
December 28, 2011 @ 5:07 PM
Wonderful post! Resolutions never worked for me either so you must have inherited it ! Jake is adorable ! The “puppy love” thing is also inherited . Do you remember when we had about eight dogs ( I think “pizza” was your favorite ) ?? So, rest easy, you can blame it all on your mother….lol. I’m totally with you in wishing Cayla lived closer to us. It would be so much fun to watch her grow and explore. Am delighted with what you are doing and wish you joy in every day of the new year.
December 30, 2011 @ 2:59 PM
I think the overload of pets with unique characters made my childhood much more fun! 🙂
December 28, 2011 @ 8:35 PM
Jake’s adorable–and your granddaughter’s precious. I’m amazed at all you accomplished between Thanksgiving and Christmas–and wish you happiness in 2012.
December 30, 2011 @ 2:58 PM
Thank you Pat!
December 29, 2011 @ 1:42 AM
Oh my, you’ve been busy. But Jake is such a cutie! (And the granddaughter of course!) What kind of dog is Jake? Resolutions. Don’t make them. But I love your goals Jennifer. I am trying to write mine down and make myself accountable. So I think I’m hopping over to ROW80. That way I’ll have to work at attaining my goals. Angela Peart wrote a wonderful blog about it btw last week on my site. Come take a peak. Maybe you could join us. That would be fun. Think about it. There’s a bunch from WANA1011 participating. I’ll be looking for you. 🙂
December 30, 2011 @ 3:13 PM
Hi Karen,
Jake is a Potcake dog, a mixed-breed that comes from the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the Bahamas. The local residents would feed strays a mixture of congealed rice and peas, which they called a potcake and that’s where they got their name. They are known to be intelligent, loyal, calm, and hardy. And I can verify that as Jake is pretty much a laid back little pup. He loves the sand and the sun, that’s for sure!
There is such an overpopulation of Potcake dogs on the islands that volunteers have flown over to retrieve puppies to bring here for adoption. They are vaccinated and brought to no-kill shelters. We found Jake at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
I will definitely check out ROW80. Thanks for the tip!
Jennifer
December 29, 2011 @ 2:17 PM
Oh so very, very cute!! (Both the puppies and your adorable granddaughter.)
I’m glad to hear Murphy recovered. I worked at a vet clinic through high school and Parvo is no joke. Part of what I did was care for the Parvo puppies in isolation, and it was so heartbreaking to see them shaking and miserable.
December 30, 2011 @ 3:20 PM
Marcy,
Three of Murphy’s siblings were given vaccinations that day as well and they all came down with it. I’m not sure if all of them survived or not, but we’re glad he pulled through as well. It was really sad to see that little, white mass of cheeks and feet just lying there. According to my sister, Murphy is completely fine now. He is chewing on everything he can, running, playing, sleeping, pooping, and chewing some more!
Gotta love puppies!
Jennifer
2012 Anti-Resolution Revolution « Julie Hedlund – Write Up My Life
December 30, 2011 @ 3:50 PM
[…] Jennifer Lewis Oliver has never made a New Year’s Resolution. […]
December 31, 2011 @ 10:19 AM
This post made me teary, Jennifer. That dog… Aye! I have an American bull dog, who was first my foster/rescue. (She rescued me, in reality.) Congrats on your family’s latest additions. 🙂
I’m planning to spend more time outdoors and with music this year…and continue to learn and grow as a writer, as always. Wishing you a beautiful 2012!