The Winter of Our Discontent

November was rough here. It was bad enough that we got 6 feet of snow in a few days, and the roads were closed for a week. But, even worse, during that time my dog's health deteriorated rapidly, to the point that I thought I was going to have to send him off to "dog heaven" by Thanksgiving Day. Fortunately, as soon as the roads opened, I got him into a local pet hospital and he was put on analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to help with what was, apparently a serious onset of arthritis. Unfortunately, I paid out with the money that I was planning on spending to visit my brother and his family for Thanksgiving (as well as much of my Christmas money.) I also had to juggle my finances a bit; some loan payments would have to wait.

My dog was fine for 2 weeks, then the anti-inflammatory drugs ran out, and I couldn't afford to go to the expensive pet hospital (although, fortunately, the analgesics that I had spent a good amount on, were still holding out; as long as I could trick my dog into taking them, those would help a bit.). This week his walks were shortened to about 1/4 of the usual distance, as he slowly and stiffly made his way to the end of the apartment drive and back. He also started to relieve himself indoors at night; I spent the better part of the last two days trying to clean this up, and, today, splurged and got one of those indoor fake grass "pet potties." I am hoping that will help!

Monday he starts with a new doctor (one with a less pricey location.) I have already started to eat more cheaply (ground beef rather than steak or other cuts of beef; more macaroni; possibly some Ramen soup.) I'm trying to lose weight anyway, so, why not? My son's birthday is next week, and he is still getting a present. He has helped me survive the past year; he deserves this.

I know things will change eventually. Some things are changing already that may help. With my son's birthday, he turns 25, so I will be paying less for our car insurance. The loan from work that I have been paying off for the past year comes to an end soon, and that along with my recent pay raise will help. I have to remember that it just takes the little things like this to turn things around. As I have been saying throughout this blog, things can only get better. Right?