Bart, the start of a family...

Bryan and I have been wanting a dog for a while. We finally found one that fits, as far as we know, we our lifestyle and work hours. His name is Bart. The name is kind of funny because of Bryan's obsession with the Simpsons....

Bart seems to be a very good dog. Of course it's only been twenty four hours since we got him, and it is the weekend. The week will tell if he will be a good fit for us.

What worries me, however, is that Bryan's allergies have been acting up since we got Bart. I don't know what we would do if we cannot keep Bart because of Bryan's allergies. By no means am I blaming Bryan, but it will be difficult to take him back even after such a short time. I think that we have bonded with him, both of us. It seems that now we have some other creature to think about other than each other, and we have been good at that. So, caring about Bart and then having to let him go will be tough.

Having a dog is such a huge responsibility. It means that you need to be consistent, caring, and psychic! This last part is what creates a little stress for me. Not knowing what Bart wants or needs makes me feel somewhat anxious. I know that at some point I will know what Bart wants and needs, but right now it is a guessing game. I see myself being a little bit taken in by his cuteness, although I am trying hard to make him do what I want him to do, not the other way around. For instance, this morning when I took him out for his walk I made him sit at every corner right before we crossed the street. At some corners it took us about a minute to do that. At some others he sat right away. So, I guess training is important for his own good and our own mental sanity. He sits and waits for his food. We started to work on "come" and "lay down." We have a long way ahead of us.

Having Bart makes me think about people who beat their dogs or abuse them in other ways. I cannot imagine why you would hurt a dog particularly when all it wants is a bit of consistency and love. Dogs don't learn by beating them up. It only makes them more aggravated. I know people who do beat up their dogs. I don't know what to say. I guess it is the same thing with kids. Hurting them will not necessarily teach them anything, although some times it relieves the parent of anxiety and fear (which is not right, but is true).

It's been a month already!

How fast life goes by! Exactly one month ago, at this very minute I was on my way to the church to get married. I haven't really reflected on my wedding day. I can say for sure that it was the happiest day of my life! I had a lot of fun, but then again, I always have fun with Bryan.
I never thought, however, that I would be that much nervous. I slept only three hours the night before the wedding. I was ready for my hair appointment half hour before I had to be there. I was dresses and ready for pictures about twenty minutes before my family arrived at our house! Maybe this is what it means to be ready for marriage! That day flew by like an F-16! I felt its presence, I was happy to be part of it, but it was over in a glance! You spent an entire year preparing for this day and all of a sudden is gone. We only have a sweet after taste and lots of pictures to remind us of it!
Now I feel like something in my suddenly matured. I am a married woman. It's like a feeling I cannot describe. In many ways nothing is changed from the previous two years. Now I have jewelry to prove that I 'm married. Now I have a very long last name! And a husband! But, there is this feeling of maturity. The feeling of family I always yearned for. A sense of security that's comforting.
I now have to switch modes. It's time to go back to work. The transition is difficult, I know that. But, it's something that needs to be done! At least, I come home to the love of my life! And one day I will tell you what that means.