Most of the time, I think she likes being back in Vancouver. Her family are all there, and she is just minutes away from them all. Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it’s an annoyance, but overall it’s good. They love having her back! Also, her new job is just minutes from her home and she loves that. She goes home for lunch and walks the dog, so that’s a very good thing.
Round here, things are beginning to settle down. We’ve had a very busy August, what with T moving and then a family wedding and all sorts of other busy-ness going on. I’m looking forward to things settling down and cooling down as we move closer to fall. I need to get into a new routine and get the feel of it. Right now I feel pulled in too many directions.
But, when I’m at home, alone, my contentment is up and my anxiety is down. You know, as long as I had plenty of reading material, I could easily be a hermit. I have very little need for socializing, and usually find myself to be the best company. I don’t mean that in a ‘I hate people’ kind of way, just that it is so restful and calm, so restorative and serene, when I am by myself.
One thing that has surprised me is that I really miss the little dog! T took the grouchiest of the cats and the dog with her to her new place. I wanted her to take another cat, but she can only have two pets. I don’t miss the cat much at all, but the dog… yes. I haven’t been without a dog for many years. It feels decidedly odd. Plus, last month when she was staying with her sister during the week, I was in the habit of taking him for a brisk 20 minute walk every morning, and a more leisurely one in the afternoons. It was good for both of us. Now, T has to take him out every time he needs to pee, but I don’t think she is walking him for exercise. Oh well. He is happier with her, no matter what. He misses being here, though! Of course, she brings him over whenever she comes, but it’s not the same for him. He has no dog door or his own backyard… I’ll have to think about getting a dog of my own, but I’m in no hurry just yet.
We’ve had conversations with friends about our living separately but still being together. Some people get it, others don’t. One of her friends is sure that this is just step one to a break up. Another friend is quite jealous of the arrangement, but her partner said ‘don’t even think about it!’ That made me laugh! It is a little out of the ordinary, but it works better for both of us right now.
So, really, there’s not a lot to report. Everything is settling down and we are looking to establish our new normal. How are things going in your world?
