A Dog's Life (June 6th - 12th)

It's been almost 1 week since I touched down in Dallas-Fort Worth. Max, Beth's dog, has come to stay with us for the next week. As Beth and Charlie travel to Costa Rica on their honeymoon, Megan and I are, once again, spoiled with the comforting presence of a care-free animal. Mas has love to spare, and like Buddy, he seems to give it away to those who seek it. Although he's not quite certain of my intentions yet, the gray topped Maltese-Yorky mix has just settled his fluffy head against my foot as I write this thought. He must be confused and a bit scared, as Megan pointed out. Licking his paws, changing positions, and bolting up on the bed to look around the room at certain times; it is apparent he still has to adjust to his surroundings. That's sort of how I feel right now.
When I walked in the door of the townhouse condo that is to be our home for the next year I was bursting with energy. The morning after I arrived I woke nice and early (9:30am, not bad considering it was still 4:30 in Honolulu). We drove Kristin to the airport and when we got back I cleaned her old room. I vacuumed everything. Moving dressers, chairs, nightstands, even her old bed to reach every corner of the dust soaked carpet. Then, I finally texted Megan as I racked my brain over the best possible configuration for the bed, dresser, and TV. The rest of the day I spent unpacking and cleaning the kitchen, my office for the next year. Wednesday through Friday involved trips to Super Target, Walmart, Goodwill, and CVS (the Longs of the mainland). It's hard to believe the number of warehouse sized supermarkets and chain restaurants here. By Sunday (today) my enthusiasm and excitement has wound down. Like Max, I feel anxious. Dropped in an unfamiliar landscape and unsure of what awaits me in the future, I must trust that those around me (Megan) will provide support. But judging by the quality of our care-takers, I think Max and I will be just fine.