Completely Honest

Last night I took the dog to the vet for his wellness checkup and vaccines. We waited almost an hour to go in because there was an emergency situation with another dog patient. I was completely honest with the very kind young lady behind the counter while asking her how much longer it would be.

I said, “I don’t mean to seem impatient, but it has been a really long day (it TRULY had been) and I just need to know about how much longer this is going to take, because I am tired.”

I was a little surprised at myself, yet I felt better after saying it.

She nodded her head with an understanding look on her face and assured me it would not be too much longer. She also offered a complimentary bath for Oliver’s next stay at the groomer and told me it was up to me if I wanted to reschedule or not.

Ultimately, we stayed because honestly, I did not really have time to come back. Plus, once the preliminary questions were asked about his overall health and the doctor came in and examined my pup, we were done fairly quickly. I refused an extra, unnecessary blood test (because, hello, more money) and was direct about not needing an additional heart worm medication.

I was also very matter-of-fact about them taking the ex-husband’s name out of their system, for reminders for appointments, etc. I decided If I am solely responsible for the care (and cost) of this dog, his name goes away. We also we discussed why I may have missed a few monthly doses of the heart worm meds, and I was very straight forward and said, “I am a single mom of three kids and this dog. Stuff like that gets missed.” I decided to add a reminder in my phone then and there.

For the record the doctor and his assistants were very accommodating and kind about it all and I was nice too. I am sure this is NOT the first time they have come across this situation. It’s amazing what can take place when everyone is respectful, even in truth-telling.

Why do I tell you this story?

Because one thing I have noticed since I have gotten a little older and a lot divorced, is I am much more honest and direct than I used to be. I know some of this is attributed to the fact that I believe there is just no reason to “sugar coat” things. The truth is the truth and I am pretty much all about transparency at this point. Are some things better left unsaid and are we still entitled to a certain amount of privacy? Absolutely. However, I believe being up front about certain things in my life situation gives people a better understanding of what I am dealing with on a day-to-day basis. This parenting mostly alone thing is NOT a cake walk. (Disclaimer: not that parenting with two parents is either, but this single parenting thing is a whole new ball game.) I am also more blunt after learning how to be from Brandon. Again, in a good way.

 

Later last evening my mom called and we talked a bit and I was honest with her about my day. Lately, when she asks how I am doing, I tell her. If I am doing well then I say so and why. If I am not, I tell her that too. I don’t want her to worry about me, but I do want her to pray for me and know what is really happening in my life! And again, there’s no reason for me to make her think things are always peachy. She knows better anyway. 😉

So, if you happen to ask me how I am doing or how my day was, or any such question, expect an honest answer. If I have had a trying or challenging day, I will most likely let you know and if I have had a good one, well I will say that too! I am still my fun-loving, good hearted self, but I am also that person with a little more bluntness.

How’s my day today? Pretty darn good. It’s Friday. 😉