Balance

At times when people see Cricket in work mode, I am asked if she gets play time. Indeed. Cricket loves to play.  I have learned with Cricket she is happiest when she has a balance of work and play. I think that is part of Cricket's gift to me. I can't just schedule ten back to back sessions - Cricket says no, take a break.  Let's play.  Healthy for us both.  Today she was able to get some play time with Kashi, a beautiful golden retriever. Isn't he adorable!

Shannon and I ran our 5K.  Loving this experience.   I feel so free and joyful when I am running.  Yes, I'm holding a tether or at times hands free and being guided verbally, but it is amazing.  What a far journey from feeling tentative to walk outside when I first became blind prior to a guide dog.   Before I started work for the afternoon/evening, I had a chance to go to Gateway while Steve was at a business lunch.   I considered calling a friend to meet me, but decided some alone time with Cricket would be nice.  He dropped Cricket and I off to wander.  We had a yummy lunch:   Diet Coke and a Lemon Cookie with Lemon Frosting.  I am sure that is just what a runner should eat!  Sitting outside it was delicous and we enjoyed each bite. 

The weather was beautiful.  Joy and contentment filled our  hearts. 

We did have a chance to stop in and visit Ann (Taylor) my favorite clothing store ever.  The needed item was a pair of black casual pants that would pass the 'Cricket test' - meaning they didn't grab dog hair.  Done. 

My favorite quote while shopping was a little boy or girl (couldn't tell by the voice) said to his mom as we turned into the restroom.  Look Mom, that dog is going to the bathroom.

At the office a very cute 11-year-old, who I am just finishing our time in therapy after several months, brought in a cute pumpkin for us to color.  It had large, bold outline so I could stay inside the lines.  We each colored our pumpkins and talked about life and how she was feeling.    She brought in extra copies and said I could invite other kids to express their feelings while they were coloring the pumpkin.  She said, like you could ask them 'tell me about how you feel' while they are coloring.   As she left, she said I'm holding out my fingers - how many.  (I had used this demo months earlier to explain my vision loss when she asked).   She then asked, what other ways do you have to know and told me it was okay to feel her hands to know the # of fingers she was holding up.  It was really funny as she sounded like a mini Becky.