I read this on Facebook today and it was just what I needed to see, read and take to heart.

This past year is one I am happy to see in the rear view mirror. It’s been extremely difficult and I’m anxious to move beyond it. Most of the time I feel like I have barely been treading water, keeping on keeping on. At times I have just wanted to give up and go hide under a rock somewhere. But each time, I manage to pick myself up, find something else to focus on (mostly trying to find ways to increase my income) and take another step.

But it feels like a treadmill, not getting anywhere. So the offer to take over a shopify store, something I know how to do, is greatly appreciated! And although it might be viewed as an inappropriate store for someone my age (gay men’s underwear), that doesn’t bother me at all! It’s allowing me to actually be doing something I know, with aspects that I do need to learn and which will pay me each month! What a concept!

And I realize that one of the issues that is making me feel ambivalent about the housesitting gigs, is that there is no real physical reward for what I do for a homeowner. Of course, I appreciate having a roof over my head, but I keep thinking that this is a service business and as a comparison, a waiter in a restaurant provides a service and is rewarded with a tip. But very few homeowners seem to consider that. A couple of owners have given me a gratuity but others make no offers of anything and barely even a thank you, although I know I do a good job for them.

So I get resentful and that’s not a good way to be in a situation like this. The best thing to do is remove myself from it. And I can decide that if I want to take a house sit, it will be one that I am paid for. All you have to do is consider what it would cost to board the animals to see how much money they save. So surely as an appreciation they could give a little? (In San Diego, boarding is a minimum of $100 a day for 2 dogs plus $50 for a kitty, which is the crew I am taking care of at the moment. Do the maths — 150x14 days!)

It’s Not All Bad

2018 hasn’t all be awful! I was able to spend time in New Zealand with family and back here in the States, seen friends in Washington State and locally in Southern California. I’ve seen parts of the state I hadn’t visited before — some I really like, others I have no intention of getting to know better. All the animals I have taken care of have been wonderful. And what a variety! Such a huge range of personalities and breeds. They are what make the house sitting bearable for me.

What I need to do now is get out the calendar, mark important dates, decide whether to bale on some commitments, decide where and when to take the next step into my future. And do what Ryan says, “Mum, do what makes you happy!”

I see more writing and photography, more money and more community, more stability, and less moving just around the corner.

Happy 2019!