Crackly head, sniffle, Ironman

My doggie had a loose tooth, and a crackly head.

Turns out the loose tooth was a minor thing, and the crackly head was subcutaneous emphysema which means that air got under his skin from some tiny hole somewhere on his head.

The vet, who is the nicest man, brought in some shiny pliers and in about three seconds had that tooth out. Very little bleeding, and Ollie was good as new.

Very small fee as well. Had been prepared to shell out much more.

A while after we got home, Ollie was acting low and bothered, hanging his head off of the couch. I called the vet at 7:55, and he said if I could be there in five, he'd give me a couple pain pills for him. Again, how cool is my vet?? Super cool. Ollie is resting now, hopefully not in any pain.

On the sickee front, I'm feeling better today. Still coughing some, and wheezy and stuffy, but overall don't feel like a truck rolled over me.

Ready to hit the gym tomorrow and bust out Jeremy's workout, and am going to bed early so I can fit everything in tomorrow.

Also, I have a new tri buddy and am learning much in the way of nutrition, gear, training, etc. Always glad to have the support and the insight, especially from a seasoned racer. My swimming is sub-par, I need all the help I can get. Lol

So these things....my dog being okay, me feeling better, workout help...are enough to make this girl happy.

Deciding to be happy, to find the good in almost any situation, takes little effort. And the end result is darn fine.

These things are good.

Pirate aspirations.

Surfer dudes with hatchet skills.

Long gazes, no words.

Double features, one ticket.

Getting here to there without stopping.

A good mix of intensity and duration. Often.

Colin Ferrell movies.

Burning calories the old fashioned way.

Matching socks.

Long, happy makeout sessions.

Sigur Ros.

Having a conversation without speaking.

Really deep, satisfying laughter.

Brutal, painful, look-in-this-mirror-and-face-the-fire honesty.

Chinese takeout jammie carpet picnic.

Catching a good B&W movie with the right person.

Breakfast for dinner.

Taking the leap.

Worn-soft sheets.

River sounds.

Playing records long into the deep, dark night.

Tonging - opposite of spooning…sleeping back-to-back but touching. Very intimate but yet, you also feel you have your space…

A trickling down...

...can bring about spilleth.

I think a lot. Most days, I make a concious effort to live in the moment, because you cannot rely on the future and the past isn't an option.

I do my best not to overthink, which I find to be exhausting and a waste of time, and the challenges I encountered this year helped me to realize my ability to and the beauty of spending mental energy on things I have (some) control over and not to worry about that which I cannot control.

Lately, usually during the wee waking hours, thoughts creep into my mind relating to my purpose. Thoughts of how to live a fulfilling life, give back, realize the value of time and kindness and act accordingly.Forgive myself and others the pitfalls, mistakes, and wrongs which were done not out of malice but of ignorance and move forward in a positive way.

So on this day before Thanksgiving, I decidedly take a moment to pause and reflect upon that for which I am grateful:

1. Family - near and far, here and gone. I'm gthankful for the time I've had with them, and for what time remains.

2. Really, really good health. Aside from the not-quite-perfect vision which makes me bespectacled towards the end of the week, I take no medication, I have no pains, and I am clear-headed. And it's about time I started appreciating that on a larger scale...

3. A job in which I'm thanked almost on a daily basis for how much I contribute, and I know I'm a cog in the wheel of making a difference for generations to come.

4. My many years of education. My most recent degree, in Professional Counseling, was not only an education but almost three years of therapy due to the practicum, the research and generally being a guinea pig for my classmates and vice versa.

5. Straight teeth - thanks to my mom and two years of orthodontic hell.

6. My best friend, Oliver. It's all about timing, and the April day when we found each other is the day I, for the first time, invested wholly in another being. I will only have a few years left with him, and I will strive to make each of his days as happy as can be.

7. Friends - mine are amazing. The most amazing on the planet. And I strive to be equally amazing for them. My friends come in all shapes and sizes; they were made during my childhood, my college days and my adult years at work, in play and in passing. Some are brand new, others were on my 2nd grade kickball team. From wherever, whenever, I hold them dear.

8. Love - I have been blessed to have known true love a couple of times in my life. It's an amazing feeling, and my memories of the good times I shared with these people have taught me the importance of being in a relationship built on trust, respect, deep friendship and shared values. Shared musical taste is a bonus.

There's so much more I'm thankful for - French cinema, live music shows, cycling, running outside in any season, guiding my yak through various waterways, mediation - but there isn't enough time or room to list it all.

I leave you with this - whether you're celebrating big or small, alone or with many, here or away, I wish you a safe, celebratory and savory Thanksgiving.