What also makes our little ritual so lovely is that we're learning new things about each other. In walking past a home with a patio, I found out that Rex wouldn't mind extending our front porch as well. While stopping to pet a cat, I was almost manically reminded that Rex is not ready for a pet.
As an animal lover, I might have been irritated in the past. But that day I wasn't, for he had also just mentioned, "Your birthday is coming up. We should plan something nice."
The sheer act of something as simple as walking together has united us as friends again. And friends do nice things for each other, like accept that one person does not like felines, or that another person loves to be remembered on her special day.
I wouldn't be honest if I said that I adored everything about our walks. With my daughter home from preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I cherished my long hours of "free time" on the other three days. If I wanted to spend it house cleaning, working or simply taking a well earned nap, I'd do it. Now? I have to plan even my "days off." "What can I make Rex for lunch?" I immediately think post Pipsqueak drop-off. "Can I fit in coffee with a girlfriend or work on that pitch meeting? Hmm... might have to wait a week."
And yet, the benefits of (enter schmaltz - dum dum DUUUM) the bond factor far outweighs the irritation of my new freedom buster. Sure, Rex is a bit on the routine side - same route every day- but there's a beauty in ritual. Like a favorite Christmas tradition, consistency serves as a steadying factor to this crazy world we live in. Or in my case, a crazy brain.
I bet he'd change his route to the upstairs bedroom, however, if he arrived home to find me naked minus some track shoes. If he runs behind schedule (cause let's just say he is more of a long distant runner than a quick sprinter if you know what I mean... and I think you do) I could give him ye' old booty tap with the firm reminder, "Pick up the pace. There's a sandwich downstairs with your name all over it." Grilled cheese - always the great finisher.
Anybody else enjoy some lunch time action?
Posted by Andrea Frazer
Good Housekeeping
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