Like Prince in “Raspberry Beret,” that feels like how I’ve been spending my time lately. (Go ahead. Watch the video. It’s a great one. I’ll be here when you get back.)
Anyway, it’s not entirely true that I’m doing nothing.
I got a puppy.
Jameson Fitzhaggis-Dogmeat Louis LeChew to be exact, or Jaime, for short. I mean, how could I not name him after this guy?
They have a lot in common:
- Scottish in breeding.
- Boundless energy.
- Rolls around in dirt.
- Has a complicated French-Scottish name.
- Makes women do tricks when he stares with puppy eyes.
I’ve spent a lot of my time playing on the floor, taking mad dashes to the door to avoid potty accidents, and saying, “No. Don’t eat that.” What I haven’t done a lot of is write. I’ve done bits here and there, but not much. I also haven’t finished my Christmas cards or Christmas shopping or holiday decorating or a thousand and one things I thought I’d accomplish once I had more time.
Currently, I am surrounded by puppy chaos and chew toys while he sleeps under the chair in the corner. Peace reigns for now. In these quiet moments, I lament not having done more, being more, accomplished more. But then I’m reminded of all the things I’ve received lately.
What I have gotten is puppy kisses, snuggles, and a reminder how joyous the little things can be. Jaime bounces from moment to moment, just happy to be alive and loved…which is a lesson we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
So, if you’ve been doing nothing, don’t beat yourself up either. Just revel in the moments the holiday season brings.
And here are some gratuitous puppy pics. More on writing next time.
Loves snow. 
Playing cute.
D. S. Dehel 