Love Your Dood!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Slightly off topic, but recent posts have made me want to share the following.

The month of May was an interesting month for me. Let's just say I have not been a happy camper due to:

1. flooding and destruction of many of my friends' home in Nashville area

2. sister (my very best friend) moved to Dallas

3. I have been planning 5 million baby showers for all of my friends (told DH I wanted another doodle and no kids - lol)

4. DH losing his contract attorney position (I know a lot of other DKers are in a similar boat!)

5. planning my high school reunion (I was Pres of the class), having to pay for all of the upfront costs and worrying about head counts, etc....

6. impending trip with extended in-law family next week (any tips for faking illness will be appreciated)

Soooo, I was down in the dumps but realized it is only ME that can make myself happier. Know what I have started doing during the past 2 weeks since I decided to take control and not be miserable? Simple things, like: making up songs for my dogs (one includes "I love you choodle", which stands for chihuahua+doodle), get back into my rigorous workout routine, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, pray and take time to just do nothing whenever I can. It is already making a world of difference and not one thing on that list has changed - it has been my attitude that has made me feel better!

And I must say the thing that keeps me happiest (aside from DH and friends and family) is my Lady Peri and my Taquito Burrito. This is a photo of Lady P taken ALMOST one year ago when she came home to live with us!!! The second photo is a fave of mine of Tacky. The choodles say hello and whatever you are going through, give your dog a big fat HUG and you will feel oodles and doodles better! And I am off to attend the first event of that once-dreaded reunion weekend...now am completely excited about seeing old faces!

[Leigh & Allie]

Great advise for everyone!! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I enjoyed my reunion just because I got to see how much cuter I was then everyone else!! DH even said that before I even thought of it. Way to go, DH! Hopefully your DH is as smart as mine is!!

[Laura & Chewie]

So sorry for all your crummy news, Allyson, but good for you for the great attitude! That is the way to take charge of your life and make lemonade out of all those lemons. I hope everything starts to turn around and look brighter real soon!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hugged them... and gave them one from you too :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It sure seems like you're going through lots of challenges right now. I admire you for deciding to take control of how you are feeling about all of it (I actually think that's one of the few things in life we actually CAN control). I'm so glad Lady Peri and Taquito are there to give you their love and kisses. Have a great reunion weekend!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

You are so right Allyson. I am the President of "Pep Talks R Us" for my younger sister who has been through some rough patches. When ever she is feeling down she will call me up and say she needs to speak to the President. I always tell her "There is a Positive in every single situation" you just need to find it and focus on it. Sometimes it is hard to find, but it is always there. We also say, "Don't think that you have it Bad, or you will be shown how bad it can be", as well as You are the only person that can decide what kind of day it is going to be, so you may as well decide that it IS going to be a good day! It really is amazing how just changing your attitude can change everything! Sounds like you have figured this out ..... now go out there and enjoy your reunion week-end (but give those puppies a big ole hug before you leave).

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have found wisdom with age (LOL) and the knowledge that is that attitude is ALL. I tend to get all wound up about things if I let myself. I can also set my entire family off in negative directions by my actions. Allyson, how did you get so wise at such a young age?

[Camilla and Darwin]

I find the flu works well as a feigned illness. Sick enough to not be able to go anywhere, but not so much that you won't recover... LOL.

I am so sorry that you have had such a rough month. My sister is moving to Georgia this summer, and she is my very best friend, I'll miss her terribly. I also hear you on the baby showers. Three of my friends and my sister are having babies this year, and I'm the person to do the showers for them. I don't have any future plans for babies... but perhaps a second dog... (much to my mother's disappointment.)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you for this blog, Allyson. You made me feel better, too!

[Yvonne N]

Sweet...our dogs are always there for us! And us for them.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Some days the doodles are good therapy, and chihuahuas too.