You guys always praise my outlook, my disposition, whatever you want to call it…but you always say how positive and upbeat I am. Well I’m here to tell you what makes me cranky (like WAY cranky).
Heat.
I am so not a hot weather girl. My dream vacation is Alaska, not Hawaii. I love winter. Not once did you hear me complain about the snow drifts over four feet tall, never did I utter a negative word about the well below freezing temperatures. But today? When it is 81 degrees in my house at 10 PM? Entirely too fucking hot.
[Small interjection to say that I might blame the heat for pushing me over the edge when I went to comment on my friend Adam's blog the other day. I seriously lost my shit on the poor man. Sure, I feel passionately about the subject of water and recycling, but still, this not-a-rant-kind-of-girl *totally* went on a rant. Sorry about that. And I still love you, Adam! Especially when it isn't 80+ degrees!]
Normally I would crank my air conditioning down to 68 and be happy, but dammit, I refuse to turn on the air in early April. Especially since tomorrow is predicted to be a comfy 66 or so. Instead of turning on the whole house air conditioning I have three ceiling fans and two large box type fans going. And I came here to bitch.
Which just somehow reminded me of the other things that make me cranky: being hungry or being tired. And woooo, child, Lord help you if there is any combination of hot, tired and hungry! heehee
BUT…and here’s the thing…this post isn’t about me being hot (thankfully I am well rested and just had a fantastic dinner excursion). This post is about something that IS making me crazy happy: Coal Miner’s Granddaughter, Heather.
Friday morning I’ll head to the airport entirely too early and transfer planes in Charlotte so that I can arrive before 11 AM in Atlanta, GA. I have business there, but thankfully will have some down time on Friday to enjoy the company of one of the most interesting and amazing women I know. I’m thrilled. And willing to brave the Atlanta heat for the pleasure of Heather’s company. Best part? I won’t even notice the heat. THAT should tell you something about how incredible she is.
If you follow me on Twitter you know that Monday night I took the dogs for a walk. Well, actually I took the German Shepherd for a long walk as his vet says his hips need the exercise, then I went back to the house and swapped Ludo out for Reilly as his beautiful little self loves to explore. After that, when I knew the novelty had worn off, I went back to the house and got Lou again so that all three of us could get out together. It was wonderful. And I learned a few things on this little adventure.
First, if I ever want to pick up men, just take the German dog with me. Not sure what it is, but damn, guys love a shepherd.
Second, not only am I out of shape, but so are both of my boys. Sheesh! All three of us were panting by the time we made it home. That photo up there is of them collapsed after our adventure.
Third, Pittsburgh is damn hilly. Ok, I totally knew that one already, but did I mention the heavy breathing? Yeah, there sure as shit was a reason. After the flood in 2004 that forced me to move and get new shit I looked for a place that wasn’t in any valley or near a creek (pronounced “crick”) and lemme tell you people, I fucking succeeded. If water rises enough to get me at the top of this hill, ya better have an ark.
Fourth, Finn also doesn’t like the phrase “you people” and it now makes me smile to sneak it in places. Like in that last paragraph. You should see the smile on my face. (Sorry, pretty lady!)
Fifth, the not quite all there/mentally disturbed guy that I was so happy to Tweet about the other day is friendlier than I imagined. While he smiles and waves when I do as I drive by, I have also seen him yelling at cars as he sits on the curb and smokes hand rolled cigarette after cigarette. Ludo and I walked up that far so I smiled and nodded hello as we approached. He smiled back. I stepped off the curb so as to not shove a German Shepherd in his face, but he held out his hand while still seated and asked if he could pet the dog. “Sure. Lou, be good, be nice. And behave, dammit!”
Dog made me proud, even extending a friendly lick hello. The guy remained seated, still smoking an unlit, half gone cigarette and complimented Lou’s behavior. Then he reached into one of the several bags beside him and pulled out something small which he held out to me. Looking down into his kind eyes I took the offering. It was a medallion, not even an inch long, made of a thin silver material and stamped “Italy” on the back with Mary on the front. I believe in Jesus and basic Christian principles, but I never could get into the whole pray to Mary thing…I talk to God, thanks. Regardless, I smiled and commented on it being Italian.
The guy was really nice, didn’t try to preach to me, didn’t ask anything of me, just gave me the small medallion and said that he hopes it brings me miracles. I went on my way with a little extra bounce in my step because some strange man wishes miracles for me. So I guess I am saying I also learned that strangers still can happily surprise me.
(medallion is now attached to Ludo’s collar)
