I didn't realize how many animals we have until this morning when I woke up and it downed on me that I had to let out the dog, check Kate's hamster, feed the fish, and I wondered if Dad's birds were all set (knowing Dad, I'm sure they are, but I'll still check). We've always been sort of a pet family... I've had a fish tank, a hamster, a bird and a dog. But in recent years, somehow I'd got stuck thinking we didn't really have any pets except Chewy... little had I recognized them amassing in the rooms (and ponds) around me.. goodness!

I always assumed I'd be an animal person when I got older, but I'm not so sure. I cried way too much over every one of those pets. And I'm not the sort of girl who is happy with a new fish when the old one dies.  Oh no.  I need years to recover, and then, perhaps I'll get a new one, but only with the understanding that he is not replacing the old one.  Then again, I can't imagine not letting my kids have a dog, or a kitten. (The main animal that was always off limits at our house!)  My sister laughs at how strange of a kid I was, and while I don't quite get it... moments like right now I guess help me to see from the outside how strangely emotional and passionate I was... both in my tantrums and my love, lol.  I was an odd child.  I am an odd adult.  And when I feel too normal, I sometimes have a mild anxiety attack (joking. maybe).  ;)