Things That Are Good

I have quirky tastes. But the things I like, I adore. Here are a few:

• Perrier with ice and lime: I like Pellegrino, too. I don't know what it is about the fizzy water, but I just think it is so refreshing.
• Super dark, bittersweet chocolate: So dark you can taste more of the fruity qualities of the bean itself than the sugar they usually dump into it.
• Sacred Geometry: that shit just blows my mind. But it plays into Art and Nature on so many levels, and adds beauty to the mundane world.
  
• Roses: Of all colors. Not just because I am a romantic fool, but because they smell heavenly and are edible. They also employ sacred geometry.
• Interesting pebbles: I can't resist picking them up and putting them in my pocket.
  
• Opera: Something about the raw power of the human voice, and the sympathetic vibrations it causes in the listener.
  
• Dark, mysterious red wines: For the same reasons I love the dark chocolates. I just like them more complex. Like the people in my life.
  
• Extensive vocabularies: There is something about using the mot juste to get your point across. I like to do it and adore people that can keep up.
• Wild Animals: Don't get me wrong; I love my dog, but that owl sighting I had was just spectacular.
• Art, art, and art: Art really matters to me. Life is just the things we have to experience so that when we look through the prism of art, there is something to see.
• Museums: What did I just say? It is about the art! But it is also about the hush and contemplative silence. Better yet, walking through one with a friend you can hold hands with and whisper to.

That is all for today.

What an Awesome Day!

I have had the most amazing day today. I feel so fantastic right now.

First, I got up really early-the stars were still out-and took a 4-mile walk. It was cold outside, but beautiful clear skies and stars and lightening pre-dawn skies. Usually I don't go that early, but I woke up with a fire in my belly today. I just felt good and wanted to get a workout in before going to class at 9 am.

It must be because I rested yesterday and connected with some friends and family on the phone, because I felt strengthened as I headed off to school after a good breakfast. I felt fortified and relaxed but alert.

School was great and totally stimulating today. I ate a salad for lunch and got philosophical with a classmate who was feeling down. I felt so good it was cool to be able to encourage her. I didn't have to worry about my own stuff and could really listen to her.

I just feel totally spiritual and energized. I'm loving life. Sure, a few people gave me funny looks because I was so cheerful, but how can they really argue with it?

*smile*

Then when I got home, I got a care package from my buddy Ted. It was this Japanese mayonnaise that he is totally obsessed with. He always sends me cool culinary things I can't get in Reno. I'll have to try it and see if I am a convert. It made me smile, though. It is so nice to have such stalwart companions. Just that little gesture made me feel cared for. I still need to drink that goat beer he sent me. That shit is strong, though. He knows I need a stiff belt from time to time. So thoughtful.

Oh! And every song on the radio on my drive home was on my list of favorites! Yay!

Good stuff.

Okay, okay, here's the good things

Photo of beautiful Emerald Bay

Ok, so I got all slappy about Reno in my last post. Now I guess I will show my adopted hometown a little love. I know I am here for some very good reasons, and some good is coming out of it. Here's the goods:

• Proximity to Lake Tahoe: That is some good stuff right there. I love just driving around/hiking up there.
• Little A: I am quite certain we were destined to come here to be a part of her life. She is the perfect kid for me, and I treasure her.
• My school: I probably wouldn't have gone into the nursing program if we had not come here. My job thing lined that up nicely.
• View of the Sierras: They are so pretty. I love mountains. I have no talent for snow sports any more complex than sledding, but it is nice when my ski-crazy relations come to visit.
• Friends: I have made some great ones here, in the little pockets of intellectuals and artists that hide in between all the rest.
• Walking by the Truckee river: That includes the path that is great for Little A to ride her trike. It gets a fresh batch of baby ducks every spring. Baby ducks are good.
• Tony's grandma Helen lives here: She's a total sweetie and a kick in the pants. He also has some cousins here, and we get the occasional family picnic out of it.

See? I am not a TOTAL sourpuss! I am making lemonade, see?