Protect the Good of The Whole

By Cindy Georgakas on August 23, 2024

consistent training
daily attention given
determine outcome

set expectations
praise small steps, make corrections
huge dividends paid

output worth the time
consequences essential
right action follows

love with all you heart
protect the good of the whole
peace for one and all

Happy Fun Fri-Yay Friends and by now Sat-Yayyyyy for some of you!

I think we've turned a corner and are finding balance amongst the chaos, FINALLY! So, let the fun begin!!! Speaking of fun, Sienna turns 1 on Saturday and Narnia is throwing a birthday bash for her little princess and it's a Fun in the Sun production, weaher cooperating. She's pulling out all the stops.

I put the kibosh on a swim party for a 1 year old since she asked if she could have it here. Everyone can have their opinion on what they think about that and believe me we had lots of discussions about it, but at the end of the day, My House, My Rules, or carry on elsewhere. She decided she wanted it here and got a water table and a tiny rubber pool and water "bed". I'll share pictures next week.

I want to minimize chaos with a new puppy and over 20 people coming; Not to mention the liability. Safety first! Drowning is one of the leading causes of deaths with children and when you are having a party, people are distracted and NOT paying attention which is when accidents happen. Not on my watch!

I've been thinking about whether it's an animal or family member that takes up all of the space, everyone pays the consequences for that and it can be stressful and takes its toll on all of the family members and friends mental and physical health.

It could be your new dog that comes sick as in our case with Duke or someone in your that family is sick, stressed either physically or mentally, lost their job, had a break up or any number of issues that disrupt the apple cart.

At times, one person in a family will need to have all eyes on them for a period of time while they put the pieces of their life back together family members rally but it takes its toll on everyone. It's fine for a while, but it can't be sustained long term, nor is it good for the "injured party" and it's vital that each person gets back into a state of normalcy so everyone can have their space.

It turns out the palm tree was not a Sago palm that could have given Duke the high liver count. We have a Dayton Palm. When I think back to him being sick and the amount of poking and prodding, traveling back to the shelter, his foster mom and siblings, then his shots, I can see where there have been some behavioral issues as well as physical. His world has been turned upside down, not knowing literally which door is which.

Setting a clock and getting him out, watching his cues and antibiotics have helped a lot. He usually can sleep 61/2 hours in his crate but we stretched to 7 and I felt so bad he had a peed in his crate. Expect there will be accidents but be consistent and adjust and know that you will be on a path to having a well adjusted puppy or human you can live with in good time unless there is some ensuing circumstance.

I know some things are seemingly impossible but all the more reason to be vigilant and make sure everyone knows the expectations.

It's still hit and miss with Duke and using the outdoor potty but manageable and now Hunter seems to be out of sorts and is demanding his fair share of attention. The party has thrown another monkey wrench into the mix with the balloon ring Narnia's making and stuff everywhere. Last night, Duke had a paper clip stuck in the palate in his mouth, thank god it wasn't down his throat and I was able to retrieve it.

Funny thing about this party is Sienna would be happy with a box and we would have been happy not hearing the balloon machine for an hour and a half. But let's face it, this is a party for her and a celebration for her daughter and everyone honors their child and themselves, the way that makes them happy and that's the main thing. I have to say she's done an amazing job from the invitations, to the decorations, food, etc and she did it all herself.

So, on this Fun Fri-Yay if things aren't so fun in your house, I hope my poem gives you some food for thought and my words inspire you to look into how you might put on your thinking cap and dig deeper into what the issues are at hand

Take the time to put action into motion to and set exceptions and boundaries to clear a path so you and everyone else in your family can coexist copasetic. Demand that everyone do their part to contribute and not drain the batteries of others.

Here's a quick checklist:

Define the problem
Check for physical and behavioral issues contributing to the problem.
Enlist support of others: We all need to have a team of experts and people we can call on to help resolve the issue.
Set expectations.
Be vigilant.
Get time away for yourself.
Make definable deadlines.
Expect everyone to do there part and don't back down.
Walking on eggshells is no way to live.

What about you? Is any of this relatable?

As I'm typing the last words my dentist is injecting me for a crown. What kind of Fun Friday is this? They said they would make it fun. I don't know about that but I do know that I didn't feel a thing with the 3 injections so I'll give him that. Now if I don't bite my tongue off from the numbness, all is good.

And just as I got home to hit send, my daughter and son in law stopped in with JuJu B who has been sick and we visited and then they said "let's go for a walk". I argued and they closed my computer and said really, we're inviting you out and you're going to sit there and blog?!" With that I got my shoes on and out we went. See I do let them win sometimes and some things can wait. I just hope I don't get sick again.

Have a great weekend and honor your truth. The birthday girl just showed up so on with the show.

I haven't read yesterday nor will I today or tomorrow I'm pretty sure but I'll catch up talk to you Sunday!!!

Love and Hugs,