Trying to nap

I injured my shoulder last weekend and have been in a lot of pain.  It's a recurring issue so I didn't bother to go to the doctor.  

But the pain has been very wearying.  I came home from work on Thursday, exhausted. 

I fed the dogs so they wouldn’t interrupt me.  Then I laid down to nap on the couch.  

Angel put her wet nose in my face as soon as she was done eating.  I petted her a moment, but she was in a playful mood, doing spins and wanting her butt scratched.  Finally, I told her No and pushed her away. 

She decided to get her attention from Bogie.  They wrestled.  Right next to the couch, bumping it repeatedly.  And Angel was happy, her tail thumping the couch right below me. 

Bogie laid down in front of the couch.  I assumed playtime was done and closed my eyes.  Only to be interrupted once again.  This time by Angel breathing heavily into my face. 

I opened my eyes and she was staring right at me, a big grin on her face. 

Sighing, I pushed her away.  

I moved to the opposite end of the couch, hoping Bogie’s bulk would be a barrier to Angel.  Not so.  

She climbed over him, onto the couch, and sat on my head.  Seriously, on my head. 

I pushed her onto my chest, petted her for a bit, then gave up, and got back up.  

Total elapsed time: ten minutes.  

Total minutes of sleep: zero. 

Angel

Bogie

I found my tribe.

I spent my high school years feeling like an outsider.  Maybe everyone does.  I don't know.  I was too busy acting like I didn't care.

But the people I work with now?  Well they just seem to get me.  There is no pressure to be something you aren't.

It's the first group of people I've ever belonged to that don't judge.  There is a good percentage of people with no kids and no plans to have any.  But one guy has five kids and another has four.  Gay, straight, unattached.  All represented.

It's all good.

Love your dogs like fur children?  They get that.  (Or your cats)

Are you a Tolkien freak, a car geek, a Disney aficionado, a Lego builder?   Cool.  Tell us about it.

Church, no church, different churches.  None of it is an issue.

It's an environment where what you know or can learn, and your willingness to pitch in, counts more than any label society attaches.

There's a lot of good-natured razzing. But if you did a good job, they'll tell you.  You fucked up. They'll tell you that too.  But nicely.  And help you fix the problem.

They make going to work a pleasure.

And I am ever so grateful for that.