lasts

Last games day at work, last chiropractic appointment at work, last massage at work, lots of lasts. Bittersweet.

sinbad

I fall in love with a new dog every week. This week, it was this guy, and while I was cuddling him, a woman who had been looking around and was about to leave saw him on my lap and thought he was adorable. Her whole family was there in short order, and they became his new family. It's sad to see them go just as I get to know them, but I hope they have such amazing lives and never end up in a shelter again.

perspective

So many things went wrong today, but I just didn't care. Compared to losing my dog, having my parked car get hit by a truck, losing my badge, and getting locked out of a massage room just didn't really matter. It's all a matter of perspective.

more chicago

The rest of the time in Chicago went by in a whirlwind of buying decorations, making last minute arrangements, getting hair and nails done, squeezing in meals, rehearsing, and then finally getting our friends married.

Everything was smooth, and I think the bride and groom were tired (as is always the case at weddings) but not too overwhelmed. I managed not to lose the ring, and not to cry too much when making a toast at the reception, so that was a relief :) It was so much fun to see the old crew from Zurich, and we talked and danced and laughed and celebrated. Definitely happy for my friend (although I'm feeling a little bit wistful when I think about how things have changed and how they might change in the future compared to how they were in the past) and looking forward to Round Two in a few weeks in Zurich.

Boyfriend and I went to a reprise dinner at Alinea last night (and met the chef briefly), then flew back out to California early this morning and came straight into work. It was a whirlwind five days, and it was great to be a part of the excitement. 

blood

I flew to Utah for a quick visit to see my cousin. It's amazing how much blood counts, even though it has been years since we've spent regular time together. I'm really glad I got to see him.

safe

I took my dog to the vet to get his teeth cleaned today. Dogs have to go under general anesthesia to get their teeth cleaned, and you leave the dog there all day. I was a little bit anxious, and felt his absence under my desk all day, especially after the vet called to say two teeth had to come out. I've never been so happy to see my dog after a short separation as when I went to pick him up today. He's groggy and gap-toothed, but he got a clean bill of health and much better breath. Even a few hours' absence makes the heart grow fonder.

puppy love

It's hard to come back from a great trip, but on the way home, I always get excited that I'm going to see my dog again, and it always gives me a big kick when he's excited to see me, too. Rationally, based on the many times that I've left and come back to an overjoyed dog over the eight years that I've had him, I should know that he will still recognize me and love me when I get back, but it's always such a moment of pure pleasure when I do see him and he's all wiggly because I'm there.

(This is a picture that my cousin took while she was watching him for the week -- look at what a sweet old grump he's turned into.)

two words

Brahms Requiem.
It was the first masterwork I sang in college, and we sang through it today at the retirement celebration for my college conductor. It was a perfect full circle, and I admit I got a little choked up a few times while singing it, much like I did when we sang it in Lincoln Center 14 years ago.