First day on the job

The morning started out with a bang. Literally, the AC man had come to replace the unit on renters’ side of the duplex and was making too much noise for me to sleep. Thank goodnesss, because it was already a quarter to 9 and I had to be at work at ten.

Grumpily crawling out from my sheets, I emerged from my bedroom and found my Mom in the kitchen. She was already blabbing my ear off about something and all I could think about was my morning caffeine rush. Too hot for coffee, stupid South Florida, so I grabbed a Diet Coke and went back to the peace and quiet of my room to get ready.

I threw on a pair of jeans and a cute little tank top, thinking that today was going to be easy. Run some errands, feed the animals, chat and clean a little then back home. I emerged again a new person, ready and willing to take on the world. I said goodbye to Mom, hopped in my car, came a little too close for comfort to hitting the AC man’s truck parked inconveniently in the middle of the driveway, and took off.

I pulled up to the beautiful gated house, parked in the grass and left the gate open upon my entry as instructed by Syd. I got to the door and already could hear the dogs barking from the other side. I opened it just enough to squeeze in, but as soon as I set one foot in the door four dogs pushed past me and bee-lined for the streets. Thank goodness none of the cats got out. That would be all I needed.

The portly Beagle was huffing and puffing behind the others. By the time I got to the gate he had lost his ambition and lay down to catch his breath. At least one dog was safe.

Big Man, my nick name for the Anatolian Shepherd; Pippy, the other Beagle and Little Guy, a Shiba Inu, were frolicking down the street. First one I grabbed was Pippy, she was easily scooped up smelling one of the neighbor's flowers. (At least she knows to stop and smell the roses, even when she's being chased.) Acting as a bugle, she sounded the alarm for the others to come back. Thank goodness for the howl of a Beagle. 

Little Guy came running up within seconds and slipped right through the gate. Crafty little pup, I have to remember to keep and eye on him. Big Man came not too long after, galloping like a horse he flew right past me. We played a horrible game of "catch me if you can" as he ran back and forth on the outside of the gate. Finally, exhausted, hot and on the verge of tears, he walked right up to me with that puppy face that can melt the heart of the iciest person on earth, and allowed me to walk him into the gate. 

Syd met me in the driveway and I apologized profusely. Thank goodness shes one cool lady. With her forgiveness and about a gallon of water, I was feeling ready to take whatever she could throw me. Even driving the Hummer.

The rest of the day went smoothly and just like I thought. We ran some errands, got to know each other and planned out the next day's activities. I think I'm going to like working for Syd. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Note to self, wear tennis shoes.