The Brown & White

Mine are in front of the fridge.

This week is literally my week from hell, and I'm sure you can probably relate. It's as if all my professors got together and planned all of their due dates to coincide with one another. You think I would have noticed this earlier and tried to get some of my work done early. But, like any other senior, I've been reveling in my first chance to do nothing - until recently.

I don't like to think of myself as a complainer, but I have to admit, I've been doing a lot of it lately. Then again, most people in my position right now would probably be pretty bummed out, too. For the past few days I have been locked in my room, deprived of social interaction and nutritious meals, working hard in an attempt to survive this week. When I needed a break from one paper, I started the next. When I needed a break from that, I worked on my upcoming presentation. When I was sick of that, I studied for my math exam. And the only reason I left my room was to go to training for my new part-time job. Am I the ultimate nerd? I think so [insert embarrassed face here].

So, how do I deal with the stress? A nice, strong Screwdriver usually does the trick.

Just kidding.

I play with my dogs. Anyone who knows me knows I have four great loves of my life: Astro, Elroy, Buddy and Kira. Astro and Elroy (names inspired by people mispronouncing my last name as "Jetson") are 3-year-old Cockapoos who live at home with my parents. Buddy, a 6-month-old Labrodoodle, lives close by with my grandparents. And Kira, an almost-2-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback/Pit Bull mix, lives with me at Lehigh.

So why do I love them so much? They don't hold grudges, they forgive your mistakes, they think you're the greatest when no one else does and they seem to know just when to come and curl up in your lap (no matter how big they are).

They love me. The moment I step through the door - every single time, without fail - they knock me over with love, literally. I could be gone for five minutes to take out the trash, and they will act as if I have been gone for a year. If you don't own a dog (and you're responsible enough to take care of one), you should consider adopting one. The greetings you get are reason enough - it is one of the most amazing feelings of the world.

The smallest, simplest things make them happy. They don't need money, good grades, an impressive resume or a stable job; my dogs need tennis balls, laundry and water bottles. Anyone who has been to my house knows that Astro and Elroy love tennis balls. If they find a ball during their walk, it's as if they found a million dollar bill. Astro and Elroy know exactly where the tennis balls hide (on top of our refrigerator) and at exactly 8:15 p.m. every night, it's ball time. They could be fast asleep on the couch, but at 8:14:59, their eyes pop wide open and they run and sit in front of that damn fridge - don't ask me how they can tell the time. Everything stops for those 30 glorious minutes of ball time, and Astro and Elroy will make sure everyone in the house is involved in the game. Buddy's favorite thing is laundry. He will grab a pair of my grandfather's boxer shorts and parade them around like he has discovered something amazing, while my grandfather frantically tries to chase him down. Kira's favorite thing (besides people food) is an empty water bottle. Give her one of those (without the cap and plastic ring, of course), and she's in pure bliss.

They teach me about life. Have you ever seen a stressed-out dog? 'Cause I haven't. And even though some people (usually cat-lovers) make dogs out to be dumb oafs, dogs are actually some of the smartest creatures I have encountered. What do dogs care about? Meal time, nap time, play time, friends and family. And that's what really matters in life (not necessarily in that order).

Yes, they are dogs, and I am well-aware they don't have to worry about the consequences of failing a final exam or calling out of work without an excuse. But, when I play with my dogs and see their carefree spirits, they remind me to keep my priorities in order. So, am I worried about my upcoming week of hell? Of course - but you can be sure that I won't spend it locked in my room anymore.

And if you're feeling stressed to the max in the weeks leading up to finals, give me a call, and I will let you play with Kira. You'll be surprised how happy it makes you.