Click

Sago is familiar with the clicks of the door and the screech of the gate when they open. Hence every time she wants to step out, she goes upstairs or steps out of our house. Aside from the clicks, her cues that the door or gate will be opened is when I dab a wet cotton ball and ointment on the wound on her right ear (which never heals), she sees me carrying my sling bag, after we take our morning walk, and when she sees me carrying a broomstick.

Likewise, Sago knows I'll be stepping out of my room once she hears me turn the electric fans off. As much as possible, she does not want to be left alone. She's with me or my brother most of the time.

Me and Sago enjoy the outdoors very much that we look forward to our daily walks in case the sun is out. I don't even have to open the screen door for her as she steps out before I do. The same is true when we step inside: she wants to go inside first before I do and she knows I will remove her leash once we're indoors.

She learned all of these things without anyone training her. It has become part of her instinct.

Breakfast and snack foods

My order of instant oatmeal just arrived today.  April 14, 2023 marks the day when I will start taking oatmeal for breakfast and any time of the day when I'm hungry or I don't like what's served on the table.

I've already planned how to install variety into my oatmeal. Crab paste, chicken powder, chilli garlic oil will make my oatmeal a little salty like congee while almond milk, coconut milk, cream, chocolate, strawberry or blueberry jam, purple yam, coffee and yogurt will perk up an otherwise boring oatmeal.

Occasionally, Sago and I will have bacon/canned sausages, spam, toasted buttered bread or with Cheez Whiz and eggs for breakfast. On days when I have oatmeal, she will have mackerel with dog food. 

No more afternoon naps

Sago no longer sleeps in my room during afternoons and that's because I no longer take afternoon naps. I take 2 fish oil capsules at 3:00 p.m. to alleviate headache symptoms then take my prescribed medicines at 4:00 p.m. just in time when their efficacy wears off to avoid overdosage. This way, I won't feel so groggy upon waking up and be more productive during day time. 

Lately, Sago only goes upstairs after we walk so she could groom herself at the balcony. She expects me to open the door for her. Once the door is opened, I leave her alone at the balcony while I get my cigarettes, tumbler of cold water or leftover coffee and cellphone. This is our daily routine in case it's not raining. If there is a downpour, Sago prefers to stay indoors and waits for the sun to shine. On rainy days, it's difficult for me to make her walk outside but we have to, to ensure her bowel movement is regular. 

The bed I bought for Sago is no longer in use. I think I'll bring it downstairs and place it behind my brother's bed where she stays if she does not want to be disturbed.

In the meantime if there are no leftover meats during dinner, Sago and I have sunny side up/scrambled eggs and mackerel/sardines in natural oil dashed with garlic chives and chopped onions.

My energies are directed towards doing house chores and taking care of Sago that I am early retiring from work. I have not heard from my employer and it's been months already. Honestly, I'm managing my expectations but I no longer look for a job. However, I am not complaining that I'm bored because I'm busy with house work and Sago. I just need to reframe my mind that this is inescapable and what I'm doing is a labor of love. Besides I can always learn something new by reading and watching YouTube videos and Netflix.