Out-Numbered

During the week, before I take my daughters to school, I spend about 15 minutes feeding our pet Bearded Dragon, Cookie Monster. Our mornings are naturally a bit hectic, due to the usual muss and fuss. Nothing out of the ordinary. But there is something about those 15 minutes I spend with Cookie Monster that takes me out of the chaos. It provides me with a bit of serenity. I don't know if it's the connection I have with the lizard, his calm demeanor or the opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature. Whatever it is, I'm truly grateful. Today was different. 7:46 am Out-Numbered - Hey buddy. Who's a hungry lizard? Cookie Monster - no reply. Out-Numbered - That's right. You are. Cookie Monster - no reply. Out-Numbered - How about Daddy gets you some crickets? Cookie Monster - no reply. Out-Numbered - I thought you'd like that. Cookie Monster - no reply. Out-Numbered - Yes you do. I walk over to the plastic holding tank where I keep the cricke...

Ring... Ring... "Come on, pick up." Ring... Please leave a message after the beep for 867-5309. "Shit. Answering machine." Beep! "Um, Hey. I hope you don't mind me calling this number and I don't have your cell. It's kind of an emergency. Not like somebody was shot kind of emergency but I just haven't heard from you in a few days and I was getting a bit restless. Damn, now I feel like I'm being selfish. I'm trying to be patient but It's not as easy as I thought it would be. Lately I've been feeling kind of shitty and I have no idea why. It was going so well the past few months; feeling good, taking it one day at a time and all that crap. I was feeling pretty hopeful and believe me, that's saying a lot. I'm trying to do what I'm supposed to do. I'm trying my best to be diligent. Everyone says, "just keep your side of the street clean and everything else will take care of itself." Honestly, if I hear someo...