Romeo is continuing to be very shy, not something I’m too thrilled about at all. A rat’s personality and habits don’t usually change and so I’m not sure whether or not to bring him back or get him a roommate or what. I don’t want to bring him back but I also don’t want to be saddled down with a pet I’m not happy with for the next two years either.

Meanwhile, with or without Romeo, it’s another dry, warm day of mutts and motorcycles. I even heard sawing for a few minutes yesterday but that could’ve been coming from anywhere. It’s going to be cold and rainy by the end of the week, but since it mostly rains at night here whenever it does rain, I’m not counting on it quieting Jesse. The rain will keep him off the bulldozer, but once the sun rises and the rain stops, in and out it goes on its motorcycle. I cannot wait to escape that little cock someday. That leetle weetle cock.

Now it’s time to eat, work out, shower, then get to work. I’ll take breaks here and there to work with Romeo and see if I can pry him out of his shell.

Really can’t wait to see if Maliheh remembers my birthday next month. Yeah, I really can’t wait.

Later…

Most rats are brave, curious, friendly, smart and playful. Sadly, this rat has got to be the shyest we’ve ever had. When I first took him out he was so scared I could feel his whole body vibrating in fear. After a few minutes, though, the vibrating stopped and I thought he would be fine after that. I mean, you would think he’d remember that nothing bad happened to him the first time he was out, right? Wrong. The second time he not only “vibrated” but he shit in fear, too. That’s something they usually only do when you first handle them in the store.

So… he’s turning out to be a real disappointment, I’m sorry to say, though he’s definitely no biter as timid as he is. He usually stays still and allows himself to be patted, too. I’m thinking maybe he needs a roommate to help loosen him up, though they are how they are and there’s not much you can usually do to change that. Still, Tom and I agreed we’d look for a younger buddy next weekend.

I was looking at a list of countries whose population is dropping. Nane’s is one of them. She’s lucky. I’m sick of not being able to go to a store or a restaurant and eat and shop in peace. I miss the days when kids were taught manners, respect and discipline. Ever since the 90s, though, it’s been quite a circus out there. What made so many parents decide it was ok for their kids to be so loud, rude and obnoxious?

My right hip continues to give me trouble at times and doesn’t have as much mobility as the left one. I guess I’m getting a little arthritic, though I thought I was a bit too young for this sort of thing. Some days it’s fine and other days it really hurts whether I’m sitting, standing, or lying down. It’s definitely not an injury, whatever it is, or else it would have healed by now.