It was after the squash attack that I decided that I would not be beaten down. Life sends lessons our way in unique packaging. Gandalf, I decided, is my new challenge to conquer. Well mine and Mr. Frodo's.
I'm not adverse to challenges, eventually. I tend to take them on in two phases. Phase 1 (usually short-lived) always involves a lot of whining and feeling sorry for myself. In this case it centered around the money spent and the lemon of a bird I got compared to all the cute parrot videos. Yes, I've seen Einstein. And I know about the study of the brilliant African Grey named Alex. That was what I was going for - not this, this- anti-social, petulant Beak.
Phase 2 - Fortunately, Phase 2 follows Phase 1 in fairly short order. Time, or a particularly bad incident, brings about Phase 2. (In this case it was watching Gandalf clearly enjoying his violent attack on that innocent squash). It is in Phase 2 that I take up arms (humor) and prepare to overcome through tenacity.
This was the moment I decided that this miserable parrot would not be a mistake. With a new sense of empowerment, I reached into the vegetable carnage and retrieved Gandalf and set him up next to me to share in some relevant entertainment.
And do you know what? He was riveted. He sat and watched an entire episode of Game of Thrones. And following that all he wanted to do was climb onto my finger. That's when I decided to start this blog to share my Phase 2 experiences (with some Phase 1's sprinkled in - because - life is like that). I've got to admit though, I'm concerned for next Sunday night when we may see Daenerys and her dragons. Gandalf doesn't need any new ideas for wreaking havoc.