Monday, March 06, 2006

feeling suburban

I am feeling awfully suburban today. I just finished completing our "puppy application" and sending it off to the dog breeder. So now we have the house, the yard, the SUV parked out front, and yes, in a few months, the requisite dog in front of the fireplace.

Don't get me wrong - I really like dogs - or we wouldn't be getting one.

Its just the whole package makes me feel devoid of free will in some way. As if I am a social lemming, running toward some cliff with all the other SUV driving, dog walking, home owning moms. I swear each individual piece of the package was carefully considered. I fell in love and got married, because I couldn't imagine life without my husband. We bought a house when our tax situation got out of hand, and it just made good financial sense to do so. We bought the SUV because we occasionally drive off-road, often carry 5-6 passengers, and my low-riding Passat got beaten up by city streets.

The dog? Well my son is 11. He has wanted a dog for years. We finally said if he could show he could be responsible, he could have one. So for the last 3 months, he has gotten up every morning and fed the cats (unprompted), and every Sunday he has changed the litterboxes. No nagging necessary, no reminding. This is a huge achievement. And so, the dog.

I guess when I am sitting on the sofa, with the dog curled up on the floor and my family around me, I will breathe a contented sigh. Just like all the other lemmings, in their living rooms, with their dogs and families around them.

3 comments:

RaineS said...

Actually, we gave the lizard to a better home. But thanks -- it helps!

elsie said...

The next time this "normal suburban mom" feeling comes over you, turn your iPod on to shuffle. How many comfy suburbanites would come up with that combination of music? :)

David said...

Break the monotony, get an unusual dog!! I got an italian greyhound to be different plus they are awesome dogs!