sophie-gardener-blog

[sophie-gardener-blog]

oliverfoley-tsom‌:

Nice to meet you, Sophie. I’ve been here 8 years I think? It’s hard to keep track honestly… Moved here when I was 19? My math may be wayyyy off since it’s definitely not my strong suit… What about you?

Oh, eight years is a long time! That’s okay, I moved here during my late teens too. So, very much in the same boat as you. I pretty much consider this place home. What brought you this way all those years ago?

Oliver & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

zosiasolomon‌:

It says quite a lot of a person’s heart and spirit of those that have special connections and kinships to animals. Hold on to all your ideals and special qualities, the right person for you will be there in time. I find that’s the way it happens, you live your life and as good as you can and the right people will come into it. Just be open to it when it happens —- not that I particularly think you wouldn’t be. I don’t believe that someone as beautiful as you, inside and out, would be single forever. Do you have any romantic attachments? Someone or someones you’re interested in? Not that I am trying to make that what life is all about, as there’s more ways to love —- it is about relationships in general though. The many types. You’re great as you are, though there’s nothing wrong with sharing yourself with another person, whether that’s friends or a loved one someday. I’ve simply learned to never rule anything out and just live, you’ll find things along the path of life as you do. I think I know of a person interested in you though.

Oh no, I mean that I would pay your cost of travel and make the necessary arrangements for you. It would be a blessing to have someone with your heart and skill set apart of the mission. My graduation gift to you, though really you’ll be a gift to something that means so much to me. Very exciting, indeed! It could be a branch out for you as well, for you could make some incredible contacts.

 You’ll be useful wherever you end up. Your work with the organization could possibly help you on where you land as well. I can’t imagine that Los Angeles wouldn’t want to take you on full-time once you have your degree and licensure. The zoo in Washington DC is beautiful, but I couldn’t imagine you living out there. The California sun is beautiful on you, though perhaps abroad options could be worth something?

If it happens I’ll welcome it, but I’m not one to rush, or push. I know very well just how badly pushing someone into a relationship can ruin everything. That being said, I don’t think there are any romantic attachments, but there is interest. There are some incredible people in my life, and I’m lucky they are there. Whether, or not, something comes of it more than friends I will still consider myself so incredibly lucky. You know a person interested in me? Nooooo... are you sure?

Oh my goodness. That’s a beautiful graduation gift, and I have no words to thank you for that kindness. I know you keep saying it would be a blessing for me to be there, but I don’t think that you know how incredible your gift to me is. There are no words to describe... all I can do is thank you, and I hope to make you proud.

Well, Los Angeles would likely keep me if they have an opening, it’s whether there will be an opening. If there’s no room for another vet, they can’t have one, and I understand that. We’ll see, I’m not closing any doors on my future possibilities.

Zosia & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

oliverfoley-tsom‌:

Hey good people of The Network. My hooman and I would like to bless you with his adorable face. I’d like to personally introduce myself. I am Banjo. I’m the fluffy adorable one. My man friend, Oliver is the not so fluffy one. He’s very kind and welcoming of new people so that’s enough from me. We love people and can’t wait to see you!

OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A SUPER CUTE PUPPY!!!! I love it!!! I’m Sophie, by the way. Probably best to know what direction the burst of energy is coming from. It’s nice to meet you, Oliver! Have you been here long?

[sophie-gardener-blog]

ayannahnolan‌:

Guess who booked a Target commercial? Now who is taking me dancing to celebrate? I even have my outfit picked out already! I’m ready to have some fun and get a little wild. Who is with me?

Well, I’m not sure I could go out dancing to celebrate because I’ve got mounds of school work, and other stuff at the zoo to do. However, I’m willing to offer a celebratory ice cream adventure after a congratulations lunch on one of my days off? I know we haven’t really met, but we can meet and I’ll still offer what I said because.. WHY NOT?!

[sophie-gardener-blog]

damienrath‌:

Well I guess I’ll just have to get me a pet tiger then so I can see ya doin’ ya magic. I can see the slackin’ off given how much time people have to put into schools these days… but Miss Sunshine is a trooper. Am I invited to your graduation? 

Hey I got hands I can Google it to find out but fuck it… let’s plan it anyway. I think I’ve seen people doin’ tandem so it should hold me just fine. Surfin’ and go-karts… just need a day and start time. Ima try and keep ya the whole day tho.

Be greedy, I like spendin’ time with ya. We should do a dinner thing sometime if you’re into/interested in that.

Oh my goodness, if you did that I would visit you all the time just to love on another tiger. I don’t suggest it, but you would get all the free vet visits from me. I’m pushing through it until the very end. No stopping until I’ve passed my licensing exam and I have the official paper that says I’m the real deal! Do you really want to go? It would be up in Washington state. I know it’s a long drive to see me stroll across a stage for a second, but if you want to go I would love to have another voice of support. I think only two other people have expressed interest so it’s a small group.

Alright, if you’re for it, we’ll plan it! I wonder if it’ll make me feel like I can fly... Okay, day and time how about Saturday? How is your Saturday looking? We can start whenever you like. I’m usually awake by no later than 9 if I’m feeling like sleeping in. So I’m good to go any time after that!

Since you’ve given me permission, I’m going to keep that in mind I hope you know. I’d love dinner sometime. What did you have in mind? Casual, or is this something where I get dressed up all pretty?

Damien & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

Finding My Stride || Headcanon || Sept. 16, 2018

With her semester being a few weeks in, nearly a whole month back, and trying to balance her education with her work at the zoo as well as her personal life, Sophie struggled a little at first. She expected to have a hard time trying to find a good balance between everything. Sophie knew how important it was to give her brain a break in the middle of all the research, the writing, and learning everything she could about the particular animals of that time. The thing was that she always felt like she had to try harder than most because of the fact that she was in this distance program. Everything had been set up for her to be able to do this, and she couldn’t fail and ruin the chances of this potentially happening for someone else in a difficult position like her. Not to mention, she didn’t want to upset the people who had put so much effort into having her set up with this distance program. She knew a lot of work had gone into contracts, agreements, and working out logistics to make this happen for her every semester of this program. It was almost done, and she wanted to prove that she had been worth all the effort.

The struggles of balancing things seemed to go for the first couple of weeks. She couldn’t seem to get an even balance on all things. Sophie had asked for people to help keep her in the social world, but not a lot of people had offered to help with that. Damien had, but aside from him nobody else had even taken her up on a simple chat. She realized she would have to be the one to make all of the effort. As usual, she was going to need to be the only person she could depend on, and that was normal for her. If there was anyone who never let her down, it was always herself.

After all the years of failed attempts at balancing her life appropriately, she was determined to succeed. People might have found it silly for her to want to make such an effort at doing this when it was only her last year, but she felt it was important. If she let her friendships fall by the wayside again then she would have nothing when she finished. Sophie would always have her animals, that was a fact, and soon she would have a great job. Those were things that she would be more than happy to have, but they wouldn’t be the only things that she needed. Relationships with other people were important. Sophie was a positive person, and always felt the need to share that positivity with those around her. It was easier to be happy all the time when you had happiness to share, at least that’s how she felt.

Keeping everything in mind, Sophie sat down with her planner, and began to set out a schedule. She knew when she had to work, and she knew what days she would need to be in Washington to either meet with advisers, or take exams. She knew deadlines for projects and papers, and it helped to see everything laid out in front of her on a timetable. With everything written down in front of her she could plan appropriately. She knew she had to be careful with her free time, and she truly had to have it planned out in specific times. It seemed crazy that she had to schedule time for her to do whatever it was that she wanted, but it was important for her mental health as well as for her friendships. If anyone wanted to spend any time with her at all, she ought to have availability in her day for those people. Once she finished writing everything out, she smiled at her schedule. She was happy with what she came up with. Now with everything blocked out she would be able to be both productive, and still have fun.

[sophie-gardener-blog]

doctor-calebcartwright‌:

Sex, my dear.

That’s an absolute shame, I do have to say. No one deserves to be in a place they’re uncomfortable with, especially when a home is supposed to be the backbone to any safety net.

Oh! I... oh. Okay. I don’t know anything about that.

Well, I sort of ignore the bad stuff around me. I’ve made my little apartment cozy enough, and it’s still fine once I’m inside. Still, it’s what I can afford, and there’s not much you can do when your finances can only stretch so far. There’s no point in being sad about it, it’s just the natural state of things. I can choose to make the best of what I have, and I do. I’ve been fine all this time, I bet I’ll be fine for a while longer too.

[sophie-gardener-blog]

zephyr-dresden‌:

Absolutely not.

I do, too! Ever since I watched this documentary on baby animals I’ve wanted to hold a panda cub soooooo bad. That, a baby lion, an otter, and an armadillo.

Not a chance!

Was it that documentary that’s on Netflix? They have some good ones on there and I’ll sit there and watch the entire thing and my little heart wants to explode from all the cute. Panda cubs, lion cubs, and little bitty otters are all so adorable, they’re even cuter in person, believe me.

Fiiiine we can share that status, then!

[sophie-gardener-blog]

doctor-calebcartwright‌:

Believe me, you are.

If you ever are on the hunt for a place, let me know. I know some spectacular spots that aren’t too terribly priced so I’m sure I could offer some suggestions. Where is it that you are now?

I imagine every person has the ability, it’s just whether or not you’re going to actually use it. Some people don’t care about what it is that other people enjoy and that’s a shame.

Now that makes me curious as to what on earth it could possibly be.

I’ll make sure to go to you first if I’m ever needing help with finding a new place. I’m afraid it’ll be a little while before that ever happens. I’m not in the best part of town, let’s just leave it at that.

That’s true, and you’re completely right with that. It’s such a shame. I wish that wasn’t ever the case, but we all know that it is.

[sophie-gardener-blog]

mario-morgan-peretz‌:

Did you know that elephants find us cute like we find puppies cute?

It hasn’t been completely proven, but I think that someone found that their brain reacted in the same way that a human’s would when seeing puppies or kittens. However, I like to think that it’s true. Now, there have been studies where elephants have shown preferential treatment towards specific humans they have special relationships with. Either way, I adore elephants. They’re just fascinating creatures.

Mario & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

marcus-trilling-phd‌:

Coffee is a stimulant and interacts badly with my autism due to my anxiety. I can drink it but I will usually go for a very milky coffee if I can.

Oh, I didn’t know it could interact that way. I learn something new every day, although it makes perfect sense. I’ll be very careful then where coffee is concerned around you or others who may have autism. It’s good to know. I wouldn’t want to cause anyone anxiety, or any other issue because of carelessness.

Marcus & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

marcus-trilling-phd‌:

Just little things. Misunderstandings, people saying stupid things, people hurting those she loves.

Ah, I see. Well, I could see how that would bother her. I hope it hasn’t been too bad for her, though.

Marcus & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

damienrath‌:

I know and I believe ya… I’ve just heard some things of this senioritis or whatever the hell it is. Just makin’ sure ya stayin’ on ya game. Arieh’s gonna need a new primary vet when ya pass next May. Aiight let’s go surfin’ then maybe we do go-karts if you’re not too tired after. I’ve never been hang glidin’… ya don’t think I’m too heavy for that? I’m down to try anythin’ ya know that so whatever ya lookin’ to do most. 

I’m thinkin’ surfin’, go-karts, ice cream but that’s more of a full day thing than a distraction.

It’s when people see the end coming up, and they start to slack on their schoolwork, and put in less effort because they’re just ready to be finished. Well, I’ll be in a zoo as I’ll be specialized in exotic animals, hopefully, but I could always take a look at your pup if ever needed. I don’t know if you’d be too heavy for hang gliding. I’ll look into that for the future. Let’s do surfing and go-karts!

Well, I could always do all of it on an off day, but we can split it up on different days if you’d prefer. Whatever works for you! I don’t want to monopolize your time and be super greedy with hangouts.

Damien & Sophie

[sophie-gardener-blog]

james-cartwright-md‌:

I want a cup of whipped cream. That sounds so good. Im more than happy to have you over. I wouldve shown you the place when I got here. But I didnt have a chance to show anyone.

I cut it my hair. But I kept the beard. Im not ready for people to ask questions about the radiotherapy scarring on my neck. It looks more like a rash than a scar. Im happy to let people think that. It should fade before I start work too. 

Okay, I’ll bring you one too, but only because you deserve it. It’s not going to bother you, is it? Alright, I just have to make sure because I wasn’t even thinking with me just jumping right in. Then I’ll come over with whipped cream goodies for all.

Well, the beard looks good on you, and people will hopefully leave you be about any scarring. When do you think you’ll be headed back to work? Did the doctors give you a date, or restrictions?

Monkey & James

[sophie-gardener-blog]

james-cartwright-md‌:

I know that Im going to end up with gray hair. I look just like my dad. We could call it Silver and Foxy. Youre probably going to be the cutest old lady. Little in size and big in smiles. Youll probably still wear the cutest outfits. All the neighbors will love you. Ill be the one yelling for people to get off the lawn.

I couldnt see myself dropping my friends for a relationship either. Friendship require work too. Maybe most people are prioritizing the health of one for the other instead of finding a balance?

You underestimate my love of climbing and your company. You may be biting off more than you can chew. I have 2 years of eating to catch up on. When are we going? I was hoping to spend some time around Christmas or the New Year in Scandinavia. I want a white Christmas and its not often Im in a position to slightly abuse my parents forgiveness. Normally they would put their foot firmly down about me missing Christmas. But I think I might be able to get away with a trip just before or after given the circumstances of this year. But that would mean we would need to wait a little while for our trip Maybe 3 months after Christmas time. But I could change my plans too if you were hoping we would go then.

Haha, Silver and Foxy, huh? Who’s silver, and who is foxy, though? I’ll be the old lady baking goodies for everyone, and offering tea, juice, and lemonade to all the neighbors too. You’re gonna be the one who has the long stories about how back in your day things were different. That makes me laugh, though, thinking of you yelling at people to get off your lawn.

I’d say that’s likely what they’re doing. Either way, I intend on trying to find a good balance because I know relying on one person only is a difficult thing.

Hey, I’ll be more than happy to provide the food, even if you are eating a bunch. I don’t know? When would be a good time? If you’re planning on a Christmas in Scandinavia, I’m not about to stop you. I think I’d be able to swing my spring break for that trip though. It might be too cold for climbing around that time anyway since our destination is Germany. Better we wait for warmer weather.

Monkey & James

[sophie-gardener-blog]

james-cartwright-md‌:

James understood the hierarchy of a workplace. He had found himself at the bottom of one with his return to LA. Micah or his father had pulled their strings to accommodate him into the program. But he knew the cost. It would be grunt work until he could prove he was equally as smart and equally as hard working. James was filled with dread thinking about the 2 years he wasted in San Diego. Though it was not an intellectual waste he knew how competitive it was to get into the programs. And James also knew how much harder it was to succeed and be one of the few that could get a recommendation to a renowned cardiothoracic surgery program. His only hope was that by pulling strings the cancer had not fully uprooted his life.

Though his thoughts moved between cancer, med school and the future James listened well. He wished he could provide Sophie with the job that would keep her in LA. There were fleeting thoughts of the fact that he could financially give her a zoo. And he smiled across the restaurant table at the thought of Sophie with children on her heels while she told them about the lions cubs or watched an elephant spray water at them. It wasnt just the fact that he knew her tragic past. James genuinely couldnt picture anything but a happy future for her. He told himself he didnt notice the blue of his own eyes in the face of those little versions of Sophie that had been biting at her heels. Maybe he did that because he was trying to move past the feelings he had harbored for her before he left. Maybe it wasnt about moving past those feelings but focusing on everything else he had going on.

The cancer talks took as much of a toll on James as the cancer itself. “Im leaning toward radiotherapy after the surgery. I want to get back to work as soon as possible. This isnt as serious as it could be. As petty as it may sound I dont want to do chemo because Ive already lost enough. Physically.” James dropped his gaze and took a deep breath before looking up and smiling at Sophie. “Im going to get through this. Radiotherapy will work.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “Thank you for understanding Monkey. But enough about the C-word. Tell me 3 things you did that were the most fun of your last 2 years and 1 thing you would either change or thought about but havent shared with anyone else.”

Talking about treatments, and everything that James had to go through, Sophie could see a change in him. She couldn’t possibly begin to imagine what it felt like to be in that position, but she tried her best to understand. Strong as he might be handling it all, he would need support and she was more than prepared to offer that. Sophie listened to his plans for treatment, and what he said. The cancer they had found wasn’t as serious as it could have been, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t serious at all. After all, cancer wasn’t something that was easily dealt with.

Sophie nodded and smiled up at him as he looked back up at her. “I understand, and it will work. Absolutely.” She let him take her hand and gave him a small, gentle squeeze. “Okay, no more talk about it. We’ve got all the serious stuff out of the way. Gosh, what haven’t I done that’s been incredible, really? Number one most fun thing was going extreme kayaking with my friend, Damien. It probably sounds absolutely insane, and it WAS absolutely nuts but it was so much fun. Aside from that I’ve gone free climbing on my own here and there to some places close to here, or in between the drive from here to the school’s campus up in Washington.”

The last part of his request was a little harder for her to come up with. “You know, I don’t know. I don’t really think I would change anything in the last two years. Maybe I would change the fact that I would have tried to balance my school with personal life a little better? I didn’t do a very good job of it the past two years, but I’m determined to do better this time around. Not to mention, I’m almost done, but really that’s the only thing I can think of. I like learning from my mistakes, and I don’t really believe too much in changing experiences. I always think that the choices we make are for a reason, no matter the outcome. What about you? Before all of this, did you do some fun things too?”

Back Together || Sophie & James

[sophie-gardener-blog]

james-cartwright-md‌:

He is very big. Ive never given him a puppuccino before. Whats in it? He wasnt shy on treats while Malu watched him. I do need to get him some more food. Ill bring him with me and let him pick a good bone or two. That was a great idea. If youre coming over then you can finally see my house.

Did you like it so much it is your new wallpaper? I need a haircut.

It’s basically whipped cream. They come in tiny little cups. Harmless so long as you don’t give them to your dogs on a regular basis. I think one good treat wouldn’t be bad. He’ll be excited for some good bones though! Oh yeah! Are you okay with that? I didn’t even think and just invited myself all rude-like. 

Maaaaybe, but you’ll never know. If you like your hair the way it is, then you don’t have to cut it, it doesn’t look bad, ya know.

Monkey & James