Along Came Charlie

I was - am - heartbroken.

Highly functional by day, and highly dysfunctional by night, I didn't want to go home after work. Didn't want to be home alone, drowning in tears and dark thoughts. Smoking cigarettes and sipping Scotch. Struggling to forget when it hurts to remember. - To no avail.

Then in my occasional, 2-year-long search for a canine companion, I found Charlie. A fully grown, 1-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Beagle mix who weighs 25 lbs. He needed a loving home and I needed affection. Perfect win-win situation.

As with any commitment, a lot of work is required. But I'm ready - and actually looking forward to it. Training classes, walks on the beach, sunny afternoons in the park, etc. Perhaps commitment breeds love - I don't know.

A friend of mine just wished me "Maitri & Karuna" on Facebook.

Maitri = friendliness, pleasantness, lovingness
Karuna = compassion, mercy

How very kind of him. Now - let the healing begin.

Random Things I've Learned

1. Don't be a narcissist, but love yourself.
2. Think positive.
3. Keep an open mind.
4. Be kind.
   
5. See as much of the world as possible. Travel.
6. Have class.
7. Vocalize praise and appreciation.
   
8. Stay curious.
9. Take interest in things other than just yourself.
10. Create win-win situations. Don't build your happiness upon someone else's misery, nor their happiness yours. Neither would be justified or sustainable.
    

Wanna Kiss?

Happy Valentine's Day! I've always found this david & goliath mint tin amusing. Go Miss Metal Mouth! ;)

ArchWired has an interesting poll for February: How has wearing braces affected your love life? View the results here, or vote (it's in the upper right corner of the page).