I am feeling so great tonight! I was Little Miss Socialite today, and it was awesome!

First, I got together with Beth for lunch in the city, which was so much fun! I never take BART unless I'm going to the airport, and I rarely go into the city by myself. But today, I did both, and felt very independent and proud of myself! Also, I was confident enough to try walking up the hill two blocks, and my feet actually did really well. I've been pushing myself a little more lately, and I'm happy to report my feet haven't fallen off. They were a bit swollen when I went to bed on Thursday. That was freaky. But this morning, they were fine again, and right now, they're a little sore, but otherwise great!

Also, I had forgotten how nice it feels to take even short walks. Even though the JRTs make me slightly crazy, I actually really love walking them first thing in the morning. It gets me outside and moving, right in the midst of trees, sky, fresh air, and occasionally even some sunshine.

Beth and I were fortunate enough to be treated to some sunshine and a gorgeous view of the city as we sat under the heat lamps on the patio outside. On her birthday, no less! We had an amazing meal, which wasn't too surprising. The Cheesecake Factory has yet to disappoint me. We even shared a slice of strawberry cheesecake. Delicious!

After I came home, I took a shower, and headed out to my meditation class. It was wonderfully relaxing and invigorating at the same time! Since it was the last night of class, many of us went across the street to a restaurant and hung out for a bit. We decided we're going to get together on a regular basis. They are such cool and fun people, too. So, overnight, I've got myself my very own circle of friends to hang out with. How amazingly cool!

I stayed slightly longer than I should have, and I was thinking as positively as I could about the JRTs, saying out loud in my car, "Don't pee, doggies! I'm coming!" as I raced over to see them. (I tend to over-worry about them, which seems to be a trend with my pet-sitting clients!)

I was struck with the wonderful idea of getting them to their back porch (which is like a mini backyard where they're allowed to relieve themselves) as soon as possible, instead of trying to get their collars on for a walk. And sure enough, it worked! No accidents! I was so happy!! I know what you must be thinking, but hey, it's the small victories in life that are most meaningful, right?

I snuggled them a little, promised them a longer walk in the morning, and struggled for my life under their smothering kisses for a few minutes before heading on home.

As I rode up in the elevator, I was thinking all these excited, positive thoughts. Mostly just simple things like playing my flute and decorating my home. One person on a message board I frequent recently wrote that once you start feeling great on the inside and outside, you start wanting to treat your surroundings well, too. You want a clean and pretty home, and once that's done, you expand to treating the earth well, too. It makes sense, because how can we care for other things and people if we don't take care of ourselves first? We need to fill up our own well so it can overflow to others. That's how I see things anyway.

Today really was magical and fulfilling and overall, extraordinary. Here's hoping tomorrow brings more of the same!

~~Meg