Hi Ashley,
I'm taking away the idea, that just because something is new or unknown, doesn't mean it has to be feared. So, I will continue to try new things and not be so concerned about it.
I have apprehension about the Animal Shelter on Monday, not because it's new or that I'm afraid. I'm going to go and see if it's something I can do. I believe I can do it, I just have concerns about adopting which I really don't need to do. I'm going to see if I can help and make a difference. I won't know unless I try. I was also thinking that people without anxiety issues, are probably apprehensive, as well, about trying new things. I heard a great quote, "It's okay to be afraid as long as you don't let it change who you are." That's my new motto :)
So, the last time I heard from Irene was an email yesterday saying to meet her at 10:30 for coffee and I agreed. So, I get a phone call at 9:30, from Irene, stating that she is already at the coffee house. She said she never got my email about me meeting her and I said I never got her email with the time change (she had a meeting at 11 a.m.). I told her to give me 10 minutes and I'd be over there (it took 15 minutes). Initially, I was angry, for the last minute switch, and I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to get dressed and take care of the pets, and my heart was racing. I was thinking, why am I rushing for someone who it not dependable, so I slowed it down a bit, to a normal pace of getting ready. My main concern was that she'd be gone by the time I got there, but she was there with her iPhone and iPad and coffee. I erased my negative thoughts and decided to enjoy the moment. It turns out that I really like her a lot and we have many things in common. I also found out that her boss just passed away and she has quadruple the amount of work that she used to have. And, that she is "on call" for work and conference calls and meetings, so at any time her schedule can change, even at the last minute. So, taking it all into consideration, if I want to be her friend, I need to be flexible and spontaneous, and so the question becomes, do I want to do that. And, to be honest, I really do. After her daughter graduates from college in a year and a half, she is going to move from the area, so at least I'll have a friend till then. Fridays are less busy for her and she also likes to go to Starbuck's and Books A Million, in addition, to where we met today at Panera Bread. She's gone for two weeks out of each month, traveling for business, so the next time she can meet is the first week in February, so I'm going to get dressed early and be prepared for anything and just have fun. I think she's good for me, because I am a planner and I like to know everything, months in advance. She's spontaneous and flexible and I used to be that way when I was younger and had college friends. I'd get a last minute call and was up for anything, so I'd like to do that again. I think as long as I go with the flow and don't take it personally, this will work out fine. It may be that I can't make it sometimes, but the other times, when I can, it will be fun. So, I'm going to lighten up, be flexible, spontaneous and fun. How's that for going outside of the box and my comfort zone :) Come to think of it, I'm spontaneous when my daughter comes for visits, every other weekend. We never know what we're going to do and we just figure it out as we go along and we always have fun. When did I become a control freak and fuddy duddy - ha ha. Well, here's to trying new things, being a free spirit, and having fun and enjoying life. Oh! And, Irene, is a member of two other meet up groups with women our age and she's going to invite me to their activities when she gets back, so I'll have a bigger social network and other people to do things with after she moves. So, my social life is looking up! I'm glad I stuck with it, instead of throwing in the towel. It was worth the effort.
Cheers, Shari
In the States they do have mobile groomers that drive their van up to your house and wash and groom your dog in your driveway, so they don't have the stress of being in a cage at a groomer's all day. Also, they have do it yourself dog washes at many groomers. You can come in and wash your dog yourself and spare yourself a hamster sized hair clog in your own bath tub 
I'm trying to think of alternate ways I can help animals where I'm not tempted to taking them in, myself. I'll keep working on it. I thought about taking George with me to the shelter, but then I thought, we both might walk out with dogs. I'm laughing, but I'm sure I'll figure something out. I just haven't found the right venue. On a side note: I'm glad you spelled purposefully correctly. I meant to spell it that way, but I type faster than I think and some times my words come out in ridiculous ways. After posting and re reading it, I usually wince - oh well, at least everyone knows what I mean. I just thought that was funny.
