Hello, blog readers! Your favorite (okay, *maybe* favorite) storyteller is back after a brief hiatus due to a rogue virus attempting to take me down. But fear not, I’m back in action, clocking in at a solid 75% functionality and climbing! Numbers are my jam, and progress is my happy place.
My week kicked off with catching up with my dad, fresh off his Alaskan cruise. Apparently, the cruise itself was smooth sailing, but the airport experience involved more walking than any self-respecting older gentleman should endure. Sounds about right.
Then, it was time to tackle a new mission: **Operation Housebreak Albus.** You see, while I was out of commission, Albus’s training took a backseat, and it *shows*. I armed myself with a fancy “Fluent Pet” training button, determined to teach the little guy to *ask* to go outside. The only snag? He’d never, not once, pooped for me. With Dave’s impending departure to Saba, this was a problem we needed to solve, stat.
So, I spent the entire morning playing the “take him out, bring him in” game, desperate for a breakthrough. But Albus, that stubborn little fluffball, held it until Dave walked through the door. Then, BAM! Three poops. Inside. Housebreaking: 1, Me: 0. The struggle is real, folks.
Tuesday was D-Day for Dave’s Saba job negotiations. I was a bundle of nerves, waiting for the verdict. To distract myself, I started drafting a scathing (but *eventually* polite) review of my physical therapy experience. Let’s just say, trying to cancel appointments with them was like pulling teeth from a particularly grumpy alligator. Ghosted texts, ignored voicemails… the works! I’m all for constructive criticism, but their communication skills were seriously lacking.
Thankfully, mid-morning, I got the good news: Dave nailed it! His official start date is in November, which means we have a *little* more time to sell our Connecticut house. Cue the sigh of relief!
Of course, victory was short-lived. After work, it was back to Operation Housebreak Albus. Seriously, this dog is a master of holding it in. I’m starting to think he’s doing it just to mess with me.
That evening, we chatted with a realtor about our options, including the possibility of renting our future Saba home until our Connecticut house sells. We also shared the news with Dave’s mom and Kim. My dad’s reaction to the whole “moving to a Caribbean island” thing is still a bit of a mystery. Let’s just say, he’s processing.
Wednesday morning, Albus was *still* refusing to poop for me. So, I called in reinforcements: Samantha! She took Albus for a walk, and I tagged along to the paddock for the first time since my injury.
It was a little nerve-wracking at first, especially on the incline, but once we were there, it felt… good. Strange without Finnegan, of course. I miss that furry, chill bodyguard more than words can say. But as Samantha and I chatted, the paddock started to feel like my happy place again. I’m officially renaming it “Finnegan’s Paddock”, complete with plaque, in his honor.
That night, I had a fantastic dinner with my coworkers to celebrate a milestone birthday. It’s rare we all get together outside of work, so it was a real treat. Plus, Michelle, our resident baking queen, brought me cookies!
Thursday started with a sandwich run to Ayla’s and a detour through some seriously crazy construction traffic. I ended up taking the “scenic route” over a bridge that’s currently restricted to one car at a time due to structural issues. Nothing says “safe commute” like a bridge on the verge of collapse!
Of course, Albus decided that *after* my pre-work walk was the perfect time to let loose, so he went in the kitchen. And by the trash can. AND by the birdcage… apparently, the constipation was officially over.
On the bright side, Dave submitted his letter of resignation, so we have an official end date now. And I got a call from my physical therapist, Logan, who was mortified to hear about my experience with the clinic. He offered to handle my appointments himself and apologized for the whole mess. I told him I’d consider it.
For dinner, Dave I whipped up a batch of Chicken ala Kim (not to be confused with Chicken ala King). It’s basically breaded chicken nuggets simmered in gravy. Trust me, it’s quite delish!
Thursday was also the anniversary of 9/11, and I spent some time reflecting on that day. It’s hard to believe how different we were as a country back then. Now, it feels like everyone’s at each other’s throats. If I’m being honest, I fear the country I grew up in is headed for civil war. I don’t know what that looks like, and I hope all my friends and loved ones stay safe. But I’m so relieved to be starting a new chapter in Saba, away from the political chaos. End rant.
Speaking of Saba, to cap off the week we spoke with our Saba realtor, who delivered some less-than-ideal news: finding a three-month rental is proving difficult. He’s still on the hunt, and Dave’s reaching out to his contacts in the Saba government for assistance. Fingers crossed!
So, that’s the latest from my corner of the world. Stay tuned for more updates on the house selling, puppy training (send help!), and Saba adventures. Until next time!