It has been about two months since I started my new job. The three months of being jobless were nice, mostly because I got to spend so much (maybe too much, if that is even possible) time with the birds at home! It was wonderful being able to relax with them throughout the day, make toys for them, cook meals for them, without being rushed or anxious. But now that I've been back in the working world, I am beginning to feel guilty again because I don't get home until after dinner time from Monday to Friday. Also, with wedding planning being quite crazy, the weekends have been flying by and sadly, time with the birds have been flying by as well. How do I compensate for this? Well, I guess I try my best to squeeze as much time as possible with them that I can without feeling like I might fall over throughout the day. I wake up while it is still dark outside so they can come out of their cages and stretch, play, and shower with me. It's such a joy beginning my mornings extra early with my caiques head-bobbing with happiness and Daphne trying to start multiple conversations with me as I'm drying my hair and putting on my work clothes.
Another
unhealthy way that I've been "compensating" is spending large sums of money on the birds, whether it's buying tons of food/treats, toys, perches, you name it! Being stuck in front of a computer all day at work does not help this issue at all because I go onto websites and buy whatever I think the birds would love. Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that nothing can compare to spending quality time with the birds. Toys and treats could never replace my physical presence within our flock, even if I'm not giving them direct attention. I know they are much happier when I am in the room or within sight, especially for Daphne, who keeps an eye on me no matter what she is doing. I am, after all, her flock member and best friend! So now, we have an overflowing amount of toys and perches, containers filled with multiple treats and toy parts, that I don't know how long it will be before the birds will have a chance to go through all of their new goodies. I suppose it's sort of a win/win for myself AND the birds, since we both benefit directly and indirectly. The main reason I do this is because I figure that if I am not at home to play/pay attention to my birds, their foraging toys, shreddable toys, and treats will keep them busy enough for a couple hours until I return home. I love it when I walk through the door and they stop mid-play to greet me while holding a piece of wood or leather in their beak from their prior play activities!
This is just a glimpse into our new lifestyle and schedule. I guess we are all still getting adjusted to the changes and hopefully we will find a balance. Thankfully, the birds have already adjusted to my new schedule very nicely. I think I'm the one having more difficulties with it than they are. Typical! =)
