My Bundle of Joy

[Valo's Moirana]

With this thread, I'm certainly telling a story that most people experienced themselves with slight variations... but I feel like expressing my pride about my little fid (and my friends already constantly give me THAT look when I only mention the word bird).

First, I want to really thank all you guys for being so friendly and sharing all your knowledge. I admire what a lot of you guys are doing - though I'd love to have multiple (larger) birds, I just simply can't do it at this point in my life. So, thumbs up to all you guys!!!

Chapter 1 - the beginning:
When I first came to the US, I only wanted to stay for 6 mth. Well, things usually end up being different, and on my first stay I remained in Colorado for 1 1/2yrs. During that time I met a wonderful man, which then motivated me to come back to the US from Europe. To make a long story short - he ended up taking a job 6hrs (by car) away from here, and here I was stuck in a long distance relationship. The throughput of students at a college is fast, and if they stick around longer they share my fate of being a graduate student/slave, and have little to no time for hanging out. I kind of always found it difficult to make good friends in the States, and although I like my work I felt lonely and kind of unhappy. After a series of not-so-successful roommate situations, I decided to get my own place.... so, after growing up with 3 siblings, 2 cats, 1 dog and 2 birds, I shared my apartment with 10 fish. I guess I don't need to go into details.....

Chapter 2 - the addition:
I guess for most of you, I got Valo for the wrong reasons... I love birds, and my BF didn't. When we came across that cute GCC, he was all in love and willing to give him a chance. So I thought "well, he's cute and this might be my only chance to have a bird" (which I really wanted)
We thought about it for a little while, then Valo moved in... Did I underestimate the work? Hell, yes - with 3 siblings, the work splits up 4 ways - now it's just me. Was I aware of the time committment? Kind of - but I didn't really realize how much time I'd have to invest, next to school and fencing. I sure don't work the long hours I used to - and in the mornings, I was used to 15-20min and I'm out of the house; now I need 1hr. If I work long, I have to skip fencing in order to grant Valo the attention he deserves (my coach acknowledges this with some disapproval).

Chapter 3 - the conclusion:
I have never been happier during the 5yrs I've been in the US. With my family living across the ocean, my significant other 6hrs away and a constantly growing pile of work on my desk, Valo is my family, joy, fun and distraction. I love coming home, getting up and can't wait for the weekends to spend more time with him. He just makes my life much more enjoyable. I love that little guy to death.... Such a little creature, and such a major change in life! I'm glad I got him!

PS: Now, if I only stopped looking at the clock during fencing practice and instead concentrate on that weapon in my hand and not the bird in my head, my world would be perfect.

[JoanneinNC]

What a nice post,

Joanne :0)

[homebird]

I loved reading your story.

I think we all get pets for different reasons - not completely selfless. I know that most of us end up totally in love - allowing ourselves that innocent pleasure. All my life my pets have brought me out of myself & into a better place.

I totally sympathize about the loneliness of living away from home, in a foreign country - everyone should be made/encouraged to do this - it opens our eyes & hearts I think, like no other experience. It is like a bitter sweet - almost has a taste in your mouth. I'm glad you have so many rewarding things to do & a great pet to focus on. Did you know that looking after another living thing is used in therapy - to connect us & encourage giving of ourselves - even gardening?

In my area there are a lot of immigrants who come from cultures that do not or cannot have pets. The children of these families, when they visited our home were always captivated by our cat. She is a gentle soul & has many times patiently sat still while a child petted her.

Not a lot of people have a bird friend - although coming here to share with you all may seem like there are tons of bird owners. We love our little budgie to bits - but I've also noticed nervous smiles on our friends when we mention him, as if a bird couldn't be that much fun or smart.

Because our bird is so small he isn't as physically rewarding as our cat or a dog. But he sure brings a smile to your face almost all the time. My husband was working the other day & Laker ran across his desk & grabbed his pen & struggled to carry it off - the client on the phone had to deal with my husband laughing unexpectedly; not what he normally does when talking business.
But maybe it will catch on.

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

BEE: That was a very nice post. I can't say I have been in the same situation but since my hubby is hispanic I have seen how hard it is for other people coming into a whole new world. Crystal


HOMEBIRD: Thats funny about Laker & the pen. Bonita does that when I'm on BB & she doesn't have my full attention. She helps me type, throws my pens, cd's, floppy disk, paper, etc on the floor. Rips up whatever she can find, all while staring at me to see if I'm paying attention. Occationally I'll say "Bonita!" & she will respond by saying "WHAT!!!" She has to be a female with that attitude. Crystal

[Maui's Mom]

I loved your story, i actually read it twice. Im glad you found romance, even if it is 6 hrs away .. your baby, well he will always give a kiss when your down, he doesnt know any better than to bring joy.
thanks for reminding me of the little things in life that should matter the most.

[Irish]

Nice story. My husband is from Scotland, and our story involved getting married, living 5000 miles apart while we waited for immigration approval, living in the UK and Ireland away from my children for a summer, etc., etc., etc. That was 7 years ago. On Nov. 17th, hubby will have been here 7 years. At some point, he may even become a citizen (but not while the current administration or any of its cohorts are in power). So we empathise with your situation!

Your story of happiness found with your little bird is heartwarming and inspiring. I'm glad he brings you fulfillment and joy :-).

[Tiki]

What a sweet story! I'm also married to a man who's from a culture that wouldn't usually keep a pet bird. He's from the Cook Islands-Polynesian. They do keep dogs and cats over there, but birds would be extremely rare.