Ever since I first read the term I have been intrigued by it because it very much resonated with me.
Since we were scheduled to fly back to daily life on the 2nd, the 1st was packing and cleaning up day which meant putting away all the Christmas decorations and leaving the house seemingly dull and dark.
Anticipatory pain seemed to affect my partner a tad more than me as this is literally his second home. And I was missing my kitties and as much as I wanted to stay longer, I just as much wanted to cuddle my boys.
Still, anticipatory pain is supposed to be often more painful than the actual thing. This we cut ourselves some slack on this first day of a seemingly new year and took everything in stride. Just like the real life pros we are… (we wish…)
When returning from my run yesterday afternoon I got a really bad scare as my neighbor called me with the news that another neighbor across the street called him with bad news: She had a dead kitty in the garden and she was afraid it might be Elvis, one of the kitties who have chosen me as their guardian. I took the news pretty stoically as I tend to but decided to walk up to Elvis favorite place, the chicken coop to gather my thoughts and brace myself for the possible blow. And who was there, happily chilling away in the sun with the chickens??!? Elvis!!! I was so happy and relieved I just broke down and cried and cuddled both Elvis and JB, his brother who had followed me up to the chickens from home. Then I sent my neighbor a photo and called him and we sniffled some sniffles of relieve together. We’re so happy to have our fosterlings safe and sound.
Still, my heart is aching for the family who actually lost their kitty today – so very sad. May the little tiger race the meadows of eternity with his furry friends.
This year I’ve seen more young calves out on the pastures for the first time frolicking at their hearts’ desire than any other year.
It is heartwarming to see how much joy they derive from simply being outside, enjoying the fresh air and new sights.
How simple yet joyful life seems when seen through a fresh pair of eyes. Thank you four-legged creatures for bringing your joy to me and letting me in on the beauty of outdoors.
Over the last weeks something was broken. I didn’t seem to process feelings the way I used to. And I’m still not quite back to normal. Some emotions are more intense, others I can’t seem to find anymore. Is the corona virus causing this malfunction? I may have to consider shutting me down for a weekend. If that does not work I will most certainly be forced to run an overnight re-boot.
Maybe all works for naught as I’m not a machine. I’m human after all.
It’s called recovery. Or in my case curling up with the kitties. That’s pretty much all I did last week. Both body and mind needed recovery from the exertion of 42.195km.
So Saturday night I bit off my freshly polished nails. Still, Sunday came and with it a glorious day with many friends and family cheering my dear runner buddy and I on and an unforgettable, long-suffering (17km of stomach pain and cramps…) 42.195km later I was accomplished: I am unofficially but beknownst to my closest people a marathoner.
I’m terribly tired from the lack of sleep the night before the race and of course from the exertion, but also proud, exhilarated, thankful, certainly stronger and – accomplished.
A big shout-out to all dear ones who have supported us by cheering and providing us with sustenance. I certainly couldn’t have done it without you!!
Painted my nails tonight to ease my nerves. Didn’t consider that I might bite them right off once the real nervousness hits. (tomorrow morning at the latest, I reckon…)
Sometimes things go wrong. And they make a huge mess out of everything. Last night I had one of these moments when an olive oil bottle decided to slip outta my hand. And left olive oil stains all over the kitchen floor tiles, cupboards and oven front.
Being in the middle of cooking and as hungry as a bear after hibernation didn’t exactly help the situation.
But alas, I got the mess cleaned up and used the rage to complete a kickass benchmark run – successfully channeling energy. And to end the day my cats eased my strained nerves with lots of cuddles and a load of loud purring 🙂
Q: How do you channel your rage?
Hope you’re having an accident-free day no matter where you are or what you’re doing!
samstarbucks 