I’m having another one of those fantastic Sundays … sitting on the couch, listening to Across the Water, with my kittie, a glass of wine, and a good book. My Christmas tree is up and decorated, laundry is almost done. Of course, the only reason I’m enjoying all this quiet alone time is that Paul is once again out of town, so that’s the downside. But it does give me time to enjoy some holiday hibernation in my last few weeks in my little house, so I’m going to choose to be grateful and happy for this time, instead of being sad that I’m alone. At least it’s temporary. Overall, I am less alone than I have ever been. Or maybe I should say less lonely – because I have never minded being alone. Sometimes I even prefer it.
Like this morning … which was the best part of this day … after nearly five months, I finally got back to the trail. Can you believe I went that long without a trail run? Because I can’t. Especially now that I’ve been back out there. I spent about 90 minutes on one of my favorite routes, and it was utterly wonderful from start to finish. The minute my feet hit the trail and I began to run, it was as if I entered this Zen state. My feet just began to move, as if of their own accord. I suppose that after so much time away, I had begun to question how much I really loved the trail, and just how much I really was a trail runner at heart. Well, questions answered. My soul just expanded, and soared, with every step I took. I hardly saw anyone the entire time, which was perfect. Just me and my trail, getting to know each other all over again. And remembering just how much I love it, and just how much it makes me feel right with the world. Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh.
In other good news, I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. I have so enjoyed the shopping this year. I’ve done some online, but unlike in past years, I’ve really enjoyed actually getting out and going to stores. Of course, this means I’m going to have to ship a bunch of stuff home, but it’s been worth it. I did have one strange experience yesterday. I was at Sephora … where I am a regular customer, but not there THAT frequently. The last time was probably two months ago. I am what is called a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), which really just means I spend too much money there, but again, it’s just not that bad. So I was there, doing my shopping, and when I went to check out, the sales associate at the register looked at me, and said “You’re letting your hair grow out.” Now, I only vaguely remember ever seeing this woman before – and it’s not like I am oblivious to the people helping me. Also, there is not a hair on my head more than three inches long, so it’s not like my hair has changed all that much. But here’s the thing … she’s right. I AM letting my hair grow out. Not a lot, but just enough to work with the veil I have for the wedding. I’m not sure most of my friends have even noticed, but the random woman at Sephora knew right away. I chalk it up to 1) the folks at Sephora being good at what they do, and 2) the fact that I do have a pretty distinctive haircut. Very few people have hair this short. So I’m guessing it stands out. But it was a weird moment nonetheless.
This week I’m looking forward to the start of holiday parties. Actually, that began last night, when I went with Paul to his TACC group’s Christmas party. It’s a lot of fun for me, because I know most of these people, and have for some time, but at the same time it’s not a work party for me. We really had a great weekend. We took advantage of our new membership at the Blanton Museum – UT’s really fabulous art museum – to attend our first B Scene on Friday night – a bimonthly event complete with bands, cocktails, and free tours of the collections, including the excellent current exhibit Turner to Monet – Masterpieces from the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. I even got some more Xmas shopping done in the gift shop. This week there are a couple more parties … that should help compensate for having to spend three days this week at a Tax and Estate Planning legal conference. It’s usually informative, but I wouldn’t really call it exciting.
Actually, that’s pretty much been my life lately … mostly fantastic, punctuated with a handful of things that have just sucked. A member of our trail running club passed away (yes, that’s the second person in a month … it’s just awfully sad); I have some family stuff to deal with that I’d really rather not, because I think a positive outcome is extremely unlikely; and of course, two weeks without Paul. But thankfully, the good FAR outweighs the bad, and so that’s what I’m going to focus on. So many blessings, I feel unworthy. And just enough bitter to make me appreciate the sweet.
