The Perils of Honey Bunny

I returned from California on Wednesday, September 7 at night, and Honey met me at the door and was so happy to see me she almost jumped out of her skin. However, she would not get on her hind legs to greet me, which she always has done.

I took her to the veterinary doctor on Thursday, who said Honey was having trouble with her hind legs . . . and it might be either a pulled muscle or the beginning of arthritis. She's 9 years old, and she's getting on in years. The doctor gave her some meds, and we proceeded to get home.

My car had broken down, and in order to get to the vet (a whole couple of miles away), I had to walk with Honey, in the Texas summer heat, to the vet and back. By the time we were halfway back, my poor doggie started limping.

It took us three times as long to get home, because we took constant breaks so that Honey could continue walking . . . and I ended up carrying her during the last quarter mile.

I left for my vacation to Walt Disney World on Saturday, and I had to drop off Honey at my friend Heather's home on Friday night. I felt like a complete heel for leaving my sick doggie and going on vacation. However, I didn't feel too bad because I knew that Heather, as a certified dog lover, would care for her in style (which she did).

Honey and I got reunited on Friday, September 19. She was jumping and getting on her hind legs to greet me! She has not left my side since I returned from my vacation.

To say the least, everything is fine in her little world. I might have been gone for long, she might have spent a whole week with someone else, and she might have been sick, but now that I am home, all is forgiven and everything is fine.

Doggie perspective . . . it's a good thing.

No Gnus Is Good Gnus

I have been away for a few days. Between wrapping things up with my parents before returning to Texas, doing some work, and going on vacation to Florida, I haven't had a chance to sit down behind a computer screen and update my blog.

I will do more entries this weekend, so I can share about my trip to Florida.

My Extended Family's Dynamics - Dad's Side

As most immigrants, I have extended family in the United States. One uncle of mine lives with his wife in Upland, about 40 miles from my parents' house. I also have two aunts (one single, the other married) who live in South Pasadena, less than 5 miles from my parents' place. They're all my dad's siblings.

My dad's family is very much into the family dinners where one of them shows up with a dessert and an unresolved childhood issue. As a result, I never get to see all four siblings together. My uncle has had words with my aunts at times, and they've also have had words with him too . . . so that they don't see each other very often.

My dad and mom have learned to be neutral and play the role of the Swiss in the family dynamics. After much trial and practice in the old country (where the dynamics were the same with the other siblings), my parents discovered the secret: Keep It to Yourself.

This simple policy allows them to visit everyone, share with them, enjoy great times of playing dominoes (a favorite of ours), and leave without leaving behind bruised egos or hurt feelings.

It's a good thing for all.

Less Than a Week to Go

I will leave Los Angeles for Dallas on September 7. Ron, my roommate, tells me that to this day, Honey still prefers to sleep on my bed and wait for him there (she can see the outside from my bedroom window). I think she misses me some. I can't wait to see the little lady, as I know she'll be twice as happy to see me as I'll be in seeing her. I also miss hanging out with Ron. We've talked on the phone a lot while I have been here with my parents, but it isn't the same.

I am torn between returning to Texas and staying in California. These five weeks have opened my eyes to how much of an Angeleno I still am. As the day to board the plane gets closer and closer, I keep wondering how I will manage to get on board. But I will get on board, as it is time to return to Texas.

A big factor in that ambivalence is leaving my parents behind. They are managing fine, and they will continue to thrive even with my dad feeling as sick as he does. The chemo is tough on him, but it hasn't thrown him completely in bed yet. I will have a hard time returning because I will not be here to be available for them, but if anything, I know they're resilient. They will call me if they need me, but only after they've done all they can on their own.

On the other hand, there's my home in Texas. I am very fortunate to have Ron as my roommate. He is my best friend, and I am his best friend. We get along real well, and for a pair of bachelors who are getting set in our ways, we do pretty well. Our likes and dislikes, our quirks and habits overlap enough to where we really don't annoy each other much. In a way, it's almost like the Odd Couple, without the comedic situations. Honey, of course, rounds up the household . . . with Fish playing a small part. Can't forget about Fish, the resident Betta. He plays a minor role since all he does is swim in his tank, eat, and sleep.

I am very thankful to be able to work where I do. They have been very gracious and allowed me to work remotely while I was in California, so that I don't burn through all my vacation time. As it stands, I will have eaten away some of my time, but it would be much less than what I originally thought.

Going back to work will be good, but I will only be there for a couple of days. I start a vacation the Saturday after I return. The tickets and reservations were bought and confirmed months ago, so I will not be missing that time. I will miss Honey and Fish, but they will manage.