Maggie Thinks I'm Wonderful

.......and I am not sure why. When I get up in the morning, she throws herself at me as if catapulted. A jumping, panting, licking, wriggling, puppy frenzy begins every time I come into Maggie's view, even if she has seen me ten minutes earlier. I love it. 

I hate to admit it, but my ego took a hit when I decided to quit working due to my autoimmune disease. I enjoyed working overall. Of course there were days when I did my share of grumbling, but for the most part, I looked forward to my work days. I worked with interesting and dedicated people and we all enjoyed working with each other. I loved walking in the door of my workplace and being greeted with genuine smiles. 

Things changed after I quit working. 

Initially, I was so glad to have time to sleep and sleep and sleep some more. It took me a few weeks to replenish my energy stores so depleted by trying to work and deal with untreated Sjogren's. Once my new medications began to help somewhat, and I learned more about fatigue management, I became restless and bored. I really missed the mental stimulation and camaraderie in my previous workplace. As I experimented with my body's new limitations, however, it was quickly evident that I had made the right employment decision - for now, work was not an option. 

My ego began to suffer. My kids had the nerve to be independent, well-adjusted adults. My husband, although loving and supportive, went off to work each day suitably dressed and groomed and disgustingly competent. No one needed me anymore, or so I thought. I moped for a considerable length of time. 

Enter Bart and Maggie, two exuberant mini schnauzer puppies. Yes, they are rowdy and yappy and doofus. Good old Sammy, our lab mix of 11 years now, tolerates them with an incredible amount of patience. Occasionally he will look at me as if to say, "Was this really necessary, Julia?" But I am so glad that my furry pack is in my house. Things livened up considerably when each of the puppies showed up. 

So my pathetic ego is being fed once again. I am the recipient of uncomplicated adoration any time I want it. All I have to do is rattle the doggie treat bag or open any door in the house. 

Image found here.