To be honest, I tend to overcompensate when Hala isn’t around. Usually, it’s just to take care of the house, Heart, and myself but this time, I also made plans almost every night she was gone to keep myself from getting too lonely. To be even more honest, my social battery doesn’t have the capacity to do that and now I am drained. Give me a day with my books and music and I’ll bounce right back.
Meet Lauren! Her and her partner, Chelsea, moved to the Hudson Valley a couple of months ago and Hala and I are THRILLED they are here! I don’t know enough about Lauren yet to write one of my thoughtful entries, but I can share the following facts: She creates playlists with her whole heart (the order of the songs is important, of course), she’s a baker, writes thoughtful cards, and she’s deeply, unequivocally in love with Chelsea.
Today has been a good day.
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate this view. I stare at these beauties every time I drive home from work and they are a sign that I am almost there. Sometimes, they are silhouetted against a brilliant sunset as I drive over the bridge in awe. Other times, they are peaking behind the fog and teasing us to stay and watch them slowly come into view. Today, their details are accented by the white snow, creating depth we don’t often see from this distance.
Second, let’s take a moment to appreciate Hala - she’s back from her work trip and we had such a great day together. My favorite moments were teaching her how to pump on a swing set (and feeling our stomachs drop at the top) and how to jump rope, which was a humbling experience for her.
No matter how long we were gone for or what kind of of day we’ve had, this little face always greats us with with the utmost joy. The moment she realizes we are home, she runs up to us with her ears pulled back and her tail wagging - her little body bursting with love. How can we not give that energy right back to her?