One Year

One year ago Molly, the best beagle in the world, was diagnosed with Addison's disease. You are all probably sick of hearing about her illness and my whining about it. I worked hard to understand the nuances of getting her properly dosed and tested and all of that.

A few days ago, I was outside with the dogs. Some neighbors went by with a little fluffball, and they had to ask me which dog was the "sick" one because they forgot. It certainly isn't evident. Molly is the dominant dog and sucks up to every human she can get to. Someone might feed her. She will get right up to them and whisper that I never feed her and she begs for just some lint from the lining of their pockets. Still, her collar wears a tag that says she needs medication. In 3 days without it, she would probably die.

I am retired, as we all know, and on a tight budget, more or less. Molly's medication is quite expensive. I figure it's vaguely $200 a month, counting tests and all. I also figured I was going to have to make a budget adjustment. First thing to go was the manicures. I figured I could live without that. I can do my own acrylics if I want them, anyway.

Next to go was me.

I decided that I needed nothing new. I have everything I need. So, I made a plan. Nothing new for at least a year. I knew I would be moving anyway, and wanted to cut down on the "stuff." I also knew I had 3 closets of clothes, full drawers, and everything else a girl needs.

I confess to one purchase. When I was in Vancouver, I did buy two sweatshirts. I wanted one red pullover hoodie, but got also hooked on a pink zip hoodie. I figured I could deal with two. I had wanted a red pullover hoodie since my first trip to Toronto 2 1/2 years ago. Other than those two things, I didn't even get myself a pair of socks. No new jeans. Nothing at all, for an entire year.

My friends were astounded. I lost all interest in shopping. This was not a 'bargain' - I didn't make a deal with myself that if I gave up any new worldly things that Molly would be OK. I just had to re-budget and the only other thing I could have cut out would be travel. Let's be reasonable. I only paid for air fare on most trips anyway.

Now that a year is up, I am free to do what I want. You know what? I don't want anything. I still have all a girl needs. I also have Molly. And Baby.

I find that I want to continue to cut down on my possessions, but not on my beagles. Molly can have all the medication she needs. Me? I am happy.