Hello anxiety, my old friend
Sep. 28th, 2019 09:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
popkin16My store opened up applications for our online grocery pickup. Basically you buy your groceries online, we shop for you in store, and then you pull up in your car and we take them out to you. I put in for it on a whim, because the service desk is making my anxiety and stress incredibly high.
I think I'm going to like the job, but for two things:
one, we're timed on how fast we shop for groceries. They want us to do 100 picks in an hour. A pick is taking an item off the shelf and putting it in a customer's shopping cart. The equipment shows us exactly where the item is located, which helps, but I'm pretty sure I won't be all that fast at first.
two, the hours are crazy. The available shifts are: 5am - 2pm, 8am - 5pm, 11am-8pm. I am not a morning person. And I don't drive, because driving is terrifying and I can't afford a second car + car insurance anyway. So my ride is basically going to have to get up at 4am some days to take me to work, and I feel so guilty. They, at least, can come home and go back to bed. I'm a little worried about my ability to go to bed at 8pm, however. But my boss said - and hopefully she sticks with it - that she'll work with us, and if we have a preference for a shift, she'll try to work it out so we get majority of those. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Also, I'm going to miss a large chunk of training because I'm going to Squee lol. But I put in for that vacation back in March or so, which means there's nothing they can do about it.
This past Wednesday, we were woken up at 5:45am by my sister-in-law, Lee. She had received a phone call saying my brother was on his way to the ER via ambulance from work. It turns out he basically crushed his lower leg. He's already had 1 surgery to install a rod to stabilize it. He needs to have a second surgery sometime in the future. Because of his injury, however, it isn't recommended he go back to his house, because all they have are stairs. We have a ramp at our place from a previous occupant, so Mike, Lee, and my 2 year old niece are staying with us for 5-7 days.
This is going to be chaotic and probably kind of stressful. What REALLY bothers me, however, is their puppy Lucy. She's less than a year old. She's super sweet, but she's not potty trained and she likes to chew up EVERYTHING. My dog is old, and she tore all the tendons in her one leg back in July. With 6 humans + 1 old, injured dog, we're reluctant to bring their puppy over. But the alternative is leaving her alone for those 5-7 days.
I mean, we go over there to check her food & water, and I've gotten my parents to agree to stay at Mike & Lee's for (hopefully) a couple hours a day to play with her. But it doesn't feel like enough. This is REALLY bothering me; so much so I'm struggling to focus on anything else. I plan to stay the night at their place Monday night and hang out there all day Tuesday, since I have it off. But I work the 6 days after that, two of which are going to be 5am days. It's going to be hard enough falling asleep and waking up that early, let alone at my brother's place, so I don't want to sleep there. Plus, I don't want to make my ride get up early then have to drive over to pick me up, THEN take me to work...
Mike and Lee are also low on food, so every time I go over there I'll have to pack my own food.
I'm tempted to say, "fuck it" and just bring her over here. She can stay in my room, my dog can stay with my dad. (Sadie usually sleeps with me). But I'll be expected to help watch my 2 year old niece, so it's not like I can lock myself in my room with the dog to keep an eye on her. And I'll have to be gone for work, so either someone else will have to take on the task of watching her (in addition to watching my niece), or we'll leave her alone in my room, where she'll chew up my books, bite through any cords, etc.
I feel like I'm in a no-win scenario. It's making my anxiety go high, picturing that poor puppy all alone. Maybe I can convince my mom to go over there and stay? But she'll be helping watch my niece while Lee takes care of Mike...
I think I'm going to like the job, but for two things:
one, we're timed on how fast we shop for groceries. They want us to do 100 picks in an hour. A pick is taking an item off the shelf and putting it in a customer's shopping cart. The equipment shows us exactly where the item is located, which helps, but I'm pretty sure I won't be all that fast at first.
two, the hours are crazy. The available shifts are: 5am - 2pm, 8am - 5pm, 11am-8pm. I am not a morning person. And I don't drive, because driving is terrifying and I can't afford a second car + car insurance anyway. So my ride is basically going to have to get up at 4am some days to take me to work, and I feel so guilty. They, at least, can come home and go back to bed. I'm a little worried about my ability to go to bed at 8pm, however. But my boss said - and hopefully she sticks with it - that she'll work with us, and if we have a preference for a shift, she'll try to work it out so we get majority of those. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Also, I'm going to miss a large chunk of training because I'm going to Squee lol. But I put in for that vacation back in March or so, which means there's nothing they can do about it.
This past Wednesday, we were woken up at 5:45am by my sister-in-law, Lee. She had received a phone call saying my brother was on his way to the ER via ambulance from work. It turns out he basically crushed his lower leg. He's already had 1 surgery to install a rod to stabilize it. He needs to have a second surgery sometime in the future. Because of his injury, however, it isn't recommended he go back to his house, because all they have are stairs. We have a ramp at our place from a previous occupant, so Mike, Lee, and my 2 year old niece are staying with us for 5-7 days.
This is going to be chaotic and probably kind of stressful. What REALLY bothers me, however, is their puppy Lucy. She's less than a year old. She's super sweet, but she's not potty trained and she likes to chew up EVERYTHING. My dog is old, and she tore all the tendons in her one leg back in July. With 6 humans + 1 old, injured dog, we're reluctant to bring their puppy over. But the alternative is leaving her alone for those 5-7 days.
I mean, we go over there to check her food & water, and I've gotten my parents to agree to stay at Mike & Lee's for (hopefully) a couple hours a day to play with her. But it doesn't feel like enough. This is REALLY bothering me; so much so I'm struggling to focus on anything else. I plan to stay the night at their place Monday night and hang out there all day Tuesday, since I have it off. But I work the 6 days after that, two of which are going to be 5am days. It's going to be hard enough falling asleep and waking up that early, let alone at my brother's place, so I don't want to sleep there. Plus, I don't want to make my ride get up early then have to drive over to pick me up, THEN take me to work...
Mike and Lee are also low on food, so every time I go over there I'll have to pack my own food.
I'm tempted to say, "fuck it" and just bring her over here. She can stay in my room, my dog can stay with my dad. (Sadie usually sleeps with me). But I'll be expected to help watch my 2 year old niece, so it's not like I can lock myself in my room with the dog to keep an eye on her. And I'll have to be gone for work, so either someone else will have to take on the task of watching her (in addition to watching my niece), or we'll leave her alone in my room, where she'll chew up my books, bite through any cords, etc.
I feel like I'm in a no-win scenario. It's making my anxiety go high, picturing that poor puppy all alone. Maybe I can convince my mom to go over there and stay? But she'll be helping watch my niece while Lee takes care of Mike...
no subject
Date: 2019-09-29 03:02 am (UTC)You all will survive. I’m really sorry for your brother. I, uh, certainly knows how he feels.
The anxiety I can definitely appreciate. I can work myself sick over stupid little shit, let alone something important like this. I wish I could help, I really, really do.
The dogs might do better than you think. I was terrified that Dr Son’s dog was going to eat Rufio on sight, but they just ignored each other and with Grrr, who just wanted to play, Toshi would run upstairs and hide.
Stock up on lots of chew sticks. The ones wrapped with chicken, beef and pork were lifesavers when Rufio was a puppy. They are a little speedy, but worth it.
I wish I had more and better advice for you.
Hang in there.
We will be SQUEEING soon
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Date: 2019-09-29 03:06 am (UTC)I know it's family but, well, just say 'no' to taking on too much. And they'll have to manage without you while you're gone to squee anyway... let them get used to that!
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Date: 2019-09-29 05:08 am (UTC)Didn't your brother get a cage for the puppy to help with the training thing. That seems to be what people do these days until they are trained. It sucks for the puppy but it's only for 7 days. It would allow you to leave her in your room while you go to work then let her out to play when you return?
"HUGS"
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Date: 2019-09-29 09:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-09-29 12:15 pm (UTC):hugs:
Date: 2019-09-29 04:55 pm (UTC)I do agree with the person above who said you shouldn't worry about the puppy, though. It sucks for her, but she's not your dog and not your responsibility, and it sounds like you've got enough on your plate right now without worrying about something that is not your responsibility. Trust me, the stuff you've already got going is enough for anyone.
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Date: 2019-09-30 12:34 am (UTC)I hope everything works out with the job. Once you get the hang of it, I'm sure you won't have to worry so much about the speed thing. (Although that does put me in mind of a piece I saw on the Amazon warehouse, which was no bueno.)
As for the family thing, you definitely all need to sit down and discuss what will work best for everyone. I don't blame you for worrying about your dog dealing with a puppy, given her previous injuries. But I would also be worrying about the puppy. I guess it's all about the lesser of all evils. Wish I had some helpful advice for you. ::more hugs::
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Date: 2019-10-01 04:01 pm (UTC)If anyone would understand how my brother feels, it'd be you. I hope you're doing okay - I think about you every day.
The puppy has a lot of energy. I can see her running up to Sadie, wanting to play, being a little rough. With my dog's age and injury, she could easily get hurt. Especially if she tries jumping up on a couch or something to get away from the puppy. I'd like to keep the puppy in my room, and Sadie in my parents room, but my dad doesn't want to do that *sigh*
I am soooo ready for Squee ♥
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Date: 2019-10-01 04:18 pm (UTC)But mom said something last night that if Mike and Lee have to stay here for longer than a week, she'll go over and stay with the puppy. Mike doesn't need constant attention minute-by-minute, so Lee can watch her daughter. Dad can take care of Sadie.
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Date: 2019-10-01 04:22 pm (UTC)He didn't get a cage, no. I don't think we're comfortable leaving a dog in the cage, especially since she's alone so much. She might be tearing things up in the house, but at least she's free to move around. But it's a good point if she stays in the cage while I'm gone and let her out when I can watch her...hmmm. And if we put her in a cage in my room, people could visit her throughout the day to at least pet her.
I'll price some cages - I'm not sure anybody here can afford one, but it's worth exploring!
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Date: 2019-10-01 04:32 pm (UTC)Thank you for the hugs ♥ I'm certain Squee will help!
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Date: 2019-10-01 04:33 pm (UTC)Re: :hugs:
Date: 2019-10-01 04:34 pm (UTC)The people whose responsibility it is to take care of the puppy aren't in a position to take care of her though, so someone should take over. I don't want the puppy to suffer.
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Date: 2019-10-01 04:37 pm (UTC)I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. I used to push carts, and when I was in maintenance we always had a hundred things to get done, so we'd have to hustle it. I Just have to build that back up.
I am totally worrying about the puppy. A lot. I'm going to spend the day with her today, which I hope will help. It was suggested we get a cage and we can put her in the cage in my room. She'd have to stay there all day until I get out of work, but people could go into my room and pet her a bit throughout the day. And when I get home she'd be let out...but cages cost money.
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Date: 2019-10-03 05:00 am (UTC)Put some wee, wee pads down, giver her food and water and she should be fine while your gone. It's only like you said for a short time.
Pet her and give her a few treats as well...
"HUGS"
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Date: 2019-10-03 11:12 am (UTC)This sounds like a rather difficult situation, but hold onto the thought that you will get through it.
I think if your parents can spend a couple hours a day with the puppy, then it should be okay. That way it still gets time with people each day. Also, puppies are incredibly resilient - and 5-7days isn't too long. It probably seems like a long time thinking about it, but it'll go fast.
Also, I don't know if the puppy has seen your brother since the accident - but animals often have this weird 6th sense about these things - so she might know he's unwell and cope better with the changes than you expect 'cos, just like everyone else, she just wants him to get better.
Wish I could do more to help, but glad you've got a holiday to look forward to!
You can do this!
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Date: 2019-10-03 04:42 pm (UTC)You've got this! ♥
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Date: 2019-10-05 12:39 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-10-05 01:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-10-05 01:22 am (UTC)My brother went to his appointment and he's no longer staying with us. He's not at the hospital either - his second surgery won't happen for another two weeks. No, his wife wanted to stay with HER parents, so they moved out of our place and in with them. On the one hand, this is good for us. But that means they're further away from the dog.
So we're just going to purchase a super large cage and bring her here. That way if she gets too rowdy with our dog, we have a plan. It's the best we can do~
Thank you for all your support bb ♥
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Date: 2019-10-05 06:57 am (UTC)"HUGS"
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Date: 2019-10-06 03:32 am (UTC)I put my cat in a larger cage when I first got her - which was advise I was given in adopting... it sounded a bit harsh, but just as I was advised, it worked really well for her and was the best option. She adjusted so much quicker to my house and to me, even though when it was first suggested my reaction was like, what? isn't that mean?
So I would encourage you that you're doing the best you can for both dogs, and she'll do better than you think.
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Date: 2019-10-06 04:07 am (UTC)