So Jackson had his surgery. I didn’t have a clue how emotionally exhausted I would be from the whole ordeal. I went to pick Jackson up around 4:00PM on Friday - he practically leaped out of the assistant’s arms into mine. I just pressed my cheek into his fur and inhaled. I just held him for 2 hours when I got home - and then we hopped into bed where we slept until around 10:00PM. I signed in for a minute or two - and then went back to bed. I caught a few customers - but not many. Today I went to the gym while Jackson slept - and then the rest of the day was spent yelling at him not to lick his balls - and feeding him small amounts of his kibble while praying for him to poop. He hasn’t yet. I don’t know if I should be worried. He seems to be - at the most part - the same Ole Jackson - minus a few friends. He even humped his stuffed doggy this evening for good measure. I have noticed he is a bit more clingy - and a bit more eager to lay down and just chill - but when he’s “up” he’s running around, energetic, and as funny as he ever was.

I’m not sure if it was Jackson’s surgery and the stress associated with it that did it - or if it was just a little virus running around Southern California - but I got a tiny bit of laryngitis. As you recall I had a little gift that I was planning on giving - but I couldn’t quite get it out. While most of the people I spoke to in the last few days have complimented me on my husky smoker voice - it’s frustrating when trying to speak on calls - and I certainly didn’t want to record anything - not saying that was part of the surprise or anything - but … you know, if I had wanted to actually record anything I wouldn’t be able to because my voice was just not there. It comes and goes and it really doesn’t hurt even though it must sound like it does. Instead of fighting it - I just decided to chill out and spend a little extra time with Jack - and a little extra time sleeping and healing myself, hoping that Jackson would do the same and his little body would return back to normal as quickly and painlessly as possible.

I had no idea that owning a dog would be this emotional, rewarding, frightening, expensive … basically had no idea that it would be life changing. I suddenly feel like taking my parents out to breakfast in the morning and paying for it, even. I should write my mother a lovely letter - that she can frame - and apologize for all the times I gave her heart attacks and didn’t appreciate the sacrifices she made so that I could have a good life, ya know? I don’t know how people do it. I don’t know how older mature people do it - or even the few people I know that had kids when they were younger than I am. I have much respect for them - regardless of whether or not they have all the money in the world - or need help from family, friends, or the government - parenthood is no joke.

So Jackson sleeps… and what am I going to do with my time here? Seems that most of the world is asleep right now but I’ll stay logged on for a bit in case anyone wants to play with a husky voiced braced teenager. I’m feeling pretty agreeable so you could easily take advantage of me. I’m not feeling very dominant, however - so if you’re looking for CBT I may not be the one to deliver it. (lol) - anything else though I’m game for.

Thanks to everyone who sent notes, messaged me, offered up little pieces of advice (the bitter apple worked PERFECTLY, SBJ!), kept me company and told me I wasn’t a bad parent while Jackson was under the knife (Tiffy) and took my mind and heart off of my troubles, cramps, and voice in other ways (Chris, Mike, Doc, Johnny, John, and my little addict - you know who you are! *grin*.) I really appreciate it and I owe you.

Have a great rest of the weekend, everyone. I’ll be on for a bit tonight - will be on for a little bit tomorrow morning/mid afternoon - and then for my normal shift of about 8-12 Sunday Evening. Look for me then!