I mapped out a life plan when I was home in December. On a big sheet of butcher paper I drew myself in the center with Loki next to me and then wrote out all of the things that are important to me, what I want to accomplish, or things that I want to have in my life.
Since I did that my stress levels have lowered dramatically and I feel so much more in control of my life instead of feeling like life was just happening to me. Another thing that helped me a lot was talking to my friend Adrianne, who told me to relax and give myself a break because nobody has their s#it together either. It's kind of funny because over the last several months I have learned to just let go of and put my trust in my Heavenly Father, which at first seems opposite of gaining control but in fact it is quite the opposite. By putting my trust in the Lord I am essentially allowing my will to be aligned with His will for me, that is my choice. With that decision comes the peace that He has my back and it's okay that I can't do everything on my own.
My skin has cleared up, I am much more relaxed and happy, and I am enjoying where I am and not worrying about where I want to be or where I am not.
This is the year of giving Cassie a break.
Anyhoo, I was his first caretaker for his first couple years, when I lived at home in between undergrad and grad school, before Dina took over the role of his mom. He was such a pain in the butt as a puppy, I remember one time tying him up to the metal shelves in my bedroom while I took a shower, so he couldn't chew on things. Well the little Houdini got out of the leash and I found him revenge peeing on my pillows and bed. I was so shocked and I had to get away so I wouldn't strangle the precious puppy life out of his precious little defiant puppy neck! I immediately threw him in his crate, tossed my pillows and drove straight to the store and bought new ones. But I really did love him so much.
One of my favorite things to do was to cuddle and nap with him on my lap (keep in mind he was about 75 lbs. not exactly a lap dog). Oh another time he got out of the house and went for a joy run. I couldn't find him for over 2 hours. When I finally did find him, 3 or 4 blocks away, I was so pissed off at him I refused to let him in the car. Instead I made him run beside the car all the way home. Hahaha...yeah we were pals.
After I moved away, whenever I came home for a visit I would bathe both Bowser and his partner in crime, Boston, for Dina. That was always fun because he was such a spaz and loved running around after he got out of the shower.
My dad had a special bond with Bowser, whom he refused to call anything other than Thor. Hence the middle name. One time I overheard my dad softly tell Bowser while stroking his head "If I had a son I would want him to be just like you." I nearly peed my pants from laughing so hard.
Dina took such good care of him and loved him so much. She even bought him special orthopedic beds as he started to age and would even sometimes let him use her special Ravens blanket when they would cuddle. He also loved going on car rides and would often ride in the front seat while my dad was driving!
Baby Bowser, you were a wonderful puppy and I will miss you!
It's 2:15 am and I'm exhausted and don't have time to revise this right now...so here's the entry.
