GUS (Gave Up Smoking) is a community support diary for Kossacks in the midst of quitting smoking. Any supportive comments, suggestions or positive distractions are appreciated. If you are quitting or even just thinking of quitting, please join us! We kindly ask that politics be left out.
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Greetings, GUS people! I know I've been a little scarce since this weekend and even more scarce since Monday...there were two postponements of the doggie transport, and then a delay on the day he finally arrived. Between helping the new guy settle into his new space that first night and meeting a new dog buddy (CSM and BiPM's puppy Haley) last night, and some lingering confusion over housetraining and not getting to sleep in the big bed---plus, y'know, my full-time job---I've had my hands full.
Actually, the hands-full thing is literal, too...I'm not used to have to juggle my usual stuff plus doggie accoutrements like a leash and spare poo bags and help a slightly wigged-out and skittish little guy get over his oddball fear of Things On Wheels (shopping carts, bikes, mobility scooters, traffic) and his equally strange fear of going in and out of doorways (including the one to his own crate and the one between him and potty time). I am juggling a lot of things right now, and keep having to apologize to folks for dropping the ball.
The little guy kinda/sorta trusts me, but I'm the latest in a long line of people who are taking care of him in recent months so I'm not sure he knows he's done with being shuffled around. He's nearly as friendly and submissive to total strangers on the walking path as he is with me, so that tells me he's not really trusting me 100% yet, even though he looks like he is (he doesn't snap or bite, and he'll lick and cuddle, but he won't always come when called, even if his tail is wagging...and his face looks anxious, not playful or stubborn).
On the other hand, he seems to play well with other doggies, so that's one less thing to worry about. Given his recent history, I know that he just needs time and patience and practice.
I actually came close to bowing out on hosting tonight...as it is, I'm not sure how much time I can stick around to host and it might be a little hit or miss tonight. Since the housebreaking thing is not 100% I kind of have to keep an eye on that (on the agenda tonight: hauling the jute rug out to the garage - fun!). Just giving you some warning in advance! I'll post early so at least people have a chance to find this.
But y'know, I'm not the only one with my hands full. Lots of people have busier schedules, harder things to juggle, and fewer resources or time than I do. Some of them are in the midst of quitting (or staying quit under duress) and we all know how hard that can be. effy's got school and home and kids; gchaucer2's got critters and a suddenly-big caseload...a lot of our regulars have a full plate and other stuff going on; I'm hardly a special snowflake this in regard.
So why shouldn't I accept that this is one of my regular Things To Do, and therefore just one more thing to juggle? I might do a lousy job of hosting tonight, but hey---worse things have happened, right? Hoping folks will forgive me if I fail to be the most scintillating host and I'll return the favor the next time you've got a lot of things to juggle! Deal?
p.s. So sorry, but I just don't have it in me to post a lot of photos yet. I've taken a couple with my little point-and-shoot (no smartphone) but it takes a while to transfer the photos onto the computer and upload them to a photo sharing site. I have a feeling my hands will be too full to manage that tonight. I promise I will bore you guys to tears with photos eventually (he is a very handsome little guy) but not right yet. Hope you understand! :-)
But here's one! Aw. Look at that face.
Who's Your Li'l Buddy?
1BQ, 3rdGenFeminist, A Man Called Gloom, Abra Crabcakeya, Actbriniel, addisnana, AfroPonix, aishmael, Alise, Alpha99, ambeeeant, American in Kathmandu, amk for obama, andsarahtoo, angry marmot, Anne933, anodnhajo, aoeu, AoT, aquarius2001, arcadesproject, Archie2227, arodb, Arthur Wolf (in memoriam), assyrian64, Aunt Acid, awkawk, b4uknowit, bamablue, BARAKABETH, barnowl, b barrie, bdizz, beatpanda, beefydaddy18, BFSkinner, bgblcklab1, BigAlinWashSt, Bike Crash, BirderWitch, BJKay, bleeding heart, blingbling65, blue husky, Blue Intrigue, bluedust, BluejayRN, BlueJessamine, Bluerall, bluestatedem84, BoiseBlue, boudi08, Brahman Colorado, breedlovinit, BrenP, BrianParker14, Bronxist, broths, BrowniesAreGood, bsmechanic, buddabelly, bumbi, BusyinCA, cactusgal, Carol in San Antonio, CathiefromCanada, CathodeRay, CDH in Brooklyn, cee4, Cen Den, ChocolateChris, ChurchofBruce, ciganka, cinnamondog, citizenx, ClapClapSnap, claude, Cleante, Code Monkey, codobus, Coldblue Steele, Colorado is the 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love OCD, I said GOOD DAY sir, Im a frayed knot, imisa, Indexer, indubitably, indyada, Interceptor7, Inventor, Isaacsdad, itsbenj, Jahiz, JamesEB, janl1776, Janeo, jarbyus, JayinPortland, jayjaybear, JBL55, jbou, Jeffersonian Democrat, jillwklausen, jmadlc55, jmonch, Joes Steven (aka Steven), john07801, johngoes, johnny wurster, jsfox, JVolvo's Mom (in memoriam), jwinIL14, Kai99, kailuacaton, Kamakhya, kat herder, katchen, Kelly of PA, khloemi, Khun David, Kitsap River, kittania, KrazyKitten, Kristina40, Ksholl, labwitchy, ladypockt, Lahdee, langerdang, LarsThorwald, LA rupert, last starfighter, LaughingPlanet, Laurie Gator, Leo in NJ, Lipstick Liberal, litoralis, lmdonovan, lockewasright, Lonely Liberal in PA, Lonely Texan, longislandny, Lorinda Pike, luvsathoroughbred, maggiemay, magicsister, mango, Marc in KS, MargaretPOA, Marjmar, Mark E Andersen (Kodiak54), marknspokane, marsanges, maryabein, Matt Esler, Maxiemax, MBNYC, mdemploi, Meteor Blades, Micburke, michael1104, MillieNeon, 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Dragon, wolfie1818, Wordsinthewind, Wreck Smurfy, x, xopher, yet another liberal, Zotz
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