The Dachshund has landed!

Kipper

A Dream coming true!

Tomorrow afternoon I will become something I have dreamed of for many years--a dog owner! We had a dachshund growing up and I have always loved this breed of dogs. Ever since Tally died in 1977, I have had a dream of owning another dachshund. However, throughout my adult life I have never lived in a place that was "pet friendly" until purchasing my first condo in the fall of 2007. Now I am about to have another dream realized as Kipper enters my life.

He is approx. 4 yrs old and is such a cutie. Thanks to my friend K with her digital camera (mine's not!) we hope to have some pictures on my blog come Sunday afternoon. He's already had one visit here and he certainly won my heart over that day!

Okay, I'm just going to admit up front that I will probably "spoil" Kipper at the beginning as I have already purchased some toys and other things I think he will need! I hope my "sensable" side kicks in pretty soon though because this pattern can't continue!!

I'm sure it will take a few days for us to get to know each other and to adjust our schedules and figure each other out (don't you wish you could know what dogs think about sometimes?) Maybe it's best we don't! I'm sure we're both in for an adventure but I'm sure expecting it to be a most joyful one overall.

You can expect that Kipper will be the subject of future blogs! I'm sure there will be much to write about. Too bad he can't write his own!

Guess I'm stepping into a whole new part of my life now--and there will be 4 little paws following right behind me! Here we go!

Vroom...vroom...vroom

Well, I finally did it! I had my first ride on the back of a motorcyle this weekend and surprisingly I found myself enjoying it! Somewhere inside me I found enough courage to give it a try. Though the distance wasn't very long, the sensation was just enough to let me know that it was actually a pleasant experience! I was proud of myself for giving it a try! Vroom...vroom.

Also this weekend I drove a cargo van around the city as my coworker/friend K and I manned an off-site exhibit for our store at a local church. Though not my first time to drive such a vehicle, it was the first time in quite awhile, but thankfully this one was pretty easy to navigate. Backing up any vehicle is always a challenge to me, so doing so with the cargo van was probably my biggest fear/challenge of the whole weekend. However, God did keep us and the van safe! Not as thrilling as the motorcyle, but knowing that I could successfully drive such a vehicle was a good feeling.

I am not planning to go out and buy a motorcyle or a van, but combining these 2 modes of transportation into one weekend was quite a "trip". Getting back into my own vehicle on Sunday somehow brought me much comfort!

To adopt or not to adopt......

Ever since I purchased my own home, I have set my sights on achieving another personal goal--that of owning a pet. More specifically, a dog. I have always loved dogs, but since leaving the home of my parents, I have lived in accommodations that were not "pet friendly". Therefore, finally securing a place that would allow me the opportunity to become a pet owner brought me much joy.

Recently, I have begun this process of adopting a pet in earnest, which means actually putting action to my thoughts and wishes! I pored over the newspaper ads, went online to various websites I knew and talked with lots of people. However, because my "criteria" is somewhat specific, it has been more challenging than I first thought. Due to my increasing age and decreasing willingness to stay up all night, I do not want a puppy. I prefer to appreciate the ground work accomplished by some other dear soul and benefit from their efforts by adopting an older dog. I also am deeply desiring a dachshund--a breed I have loved since childhood. Our family pet Tally was a purebred dachshund who brought us much love and joy. I still miss her today many years after her death. It is my hope to once again find a loving dachshund who will become part of my family.

However, I am already realizing that one must be willing and ready to be " examined" by entities who are the powers that be in this process. I am totally in agreement that there must be careful consideration for potential homes for these pets because many have already had rough experiences and need a loving, stable environment. I guess I just didn't realize how much would be asked of one seeking to enter into pet owner responsiblities. I have learned alot and am sure I will continue to do so as the process procedes. I can only imagine the questions asked of those wishing to adopt children!! However, if pets are connected to those who best suit their needs and who can offer love and care, then the whole process is worthwhile.

Having friends who are already dog owners has been a blessing also. They have been teaching me many things and encouraging me along in this journey. I hope that when the right pet does enter my life, I can rightfully thank all those who helped make it possible.

Little Blessings

Well, the first little blessing I guess I need to acknowledge is the fact that my memory actually got me back to my own blog! I'm sure that I took the "scenic route" to get here but I did arrive.

Over recent weeks I have been more and more aware of the "little blessings" that God has dropped into my life. Embracing these seems to make each day more full and rich in its living. Part of my Lenten/Easter journey has been to experience a new "change of will" by the Holy Spirit, whose presence is sweeter as the days go by (somebody needs to write a song with those words, eh?). Through the Spirit, God is changing my perspectives and attitudes toward a variety of people and things. I have much further to go on this journey, but these first steps have been such a joy. God is also expanding my capacity for compassion and desire to walk along side others in their journeys. I have a deeper depth of inner joy and peace.

Examples of the "little blessings" include the fact that I saw gas for $3.08 and filled up the night before the prices skyrocketed to $3.39 or more. There was the phone call from a friend who moved away last year saying she was coming back to town for a visit and could we get together.
There was the recent "day off" from work that accomplished my "to do" list and yet added time for me to sit and listen to a friend who needed to talk about some serious issues. There was a good dental report this morning (okay-I did pray alot about this issue) but I was given a more positive report than I truly expected. I am receiving the largest tax refund I have ever had this year! I could continue on but I'll stop--you get the picture.

Isn't God good to insert these types of blessings into our ordinary days? I can't wait to see what God is up to next. Even those times that haven't been the best or the smoothest have been "softened" by the sweet presence of the Spirit and His mighty power.

I hope we always see the "little blessings" sent our way.

Have a "blessed-filled" weekend everyone!