Thursday, November 26, 2009

Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Today I woke up and took Fifi out on her leash to go to potty. It was 40 degrees out, I can't complain, it's not Colorado cold. Then we came back in and watched tv in bed. We've all been confined to the bedroom during her recovery, trying to make it easier on her. (Although, I have to admit that being in the same room for hours and hours on end becomes quite depressing.) Exactly an hour later she was wanting her food...she loves her kibble. So Trainer got up, made the coffee and brought in their food. Then we went back to bed, watching tv and being lazy. It was awesome.

I eventually got out of bed and looked at my inventory for the "big dinner" and discovered that I didn't have my turkey bags! For the past 5 of 6 years I have always used one and the turkey turns out really good...so I ended up having to go to the store. While I was there I was happy, not too crowded since everyone who is prepared doesn't need to go to the store. I picked up extra stuff of course and even stopped at the adjoining Starbuck's on my way out to get Trainer and I cappuccinos. Lately I have been filled with happiness, a feeling of contentment, like there is something inside of me that comes out in my smile. Even after I made it to the car and emptied the entire contents of one of the cappuccinos into my center console I was still happy. Still bursting with good feelings. I thought, "Well, at least it wasn't a latte!"

I love to read, I think we've covered that before. About a month ago I finished one of the most impactful books (personally) in my life thus far. Eat, Love, Pray is the name of the book, by Elizabeth Gilbert. I don't usually push books, unless we're talking about the Harry Potter series (love it!!), so it was surprising to me that I talk about this book so openly and literally want everyone to read it. It changed my life, or at least how I was living it. Now, it is not a 'self-help' book. It is a memoir of the author's spiritual journey. The funny thing is that I looked at this book before and had never picked it up, I looked at the back and decided that I wouldn't like it. My friend The Saint gave it to me for my birthday and I took it with me to Mexico.

I was already in the middle of a book when I went to Mexico so I didn't read it on the plane. Towards the end of the trip I decided, 'What the heck' and started reading it. It's not a book about religion or a book about relationships...well, kind of about relationships, but concentrates on the relationship with oneself. One day I was laying out reading it and this random woman, who was probably in her late 50s, early 60s stopped in front of my chair and said, "Oh, I love that book. Such a good book. I even took notes!" I had just started it and was thinking, 'riiight...okay lady' but quickly discovered what a gem this book is.

I can't describe exactly what this book did for me, but it helped me deal with some issues...the lingering issues that no matter how much I said I was over I wasn't. This book helped me find a way, not to get 'over it' but to move on from it, to get beyond and heal completely. Again, the book doesn't tell you 'how' to move beyond, but it tells a story of a woman who has gone there and makes you believe that you can as well. I LOVE this book. I recommend it to complete strangers, to my doctor, I blurt it out all of the time. Maybe I didn't pick it up when it came out because I wasn't ready for it, wasn't ready to be open. Now, like today and everyday, I am filled with this feeling of elation and general happiness, filled with love. And yes, I know how cheesy that sounds.

Enough of my ranting on that subject. I made a good dinner consisting of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing (both in and out of the turkey), canned cranberry sauce, and rolls. Oh, and we must not forget our turkey day tradition of the yellow cake with chocolate frosting. It was a little sad as we always have people over, but in some ways it was nice. We let Fifi out of the room all day to be with us and she did okay. She's starting to lick her wound so we may have to put her in the E-collar. Yikes. Now I'm drinking my glass of wine, watching football and loving my life.

Happy Thanksgiving (again) everyone. I am thankful that I have all of you in the blog world whose words and comments mean so much more than you can imagine. Peace.

7 comments:

TisforTonya said...

I read that book awhile back... and although I agree on some points, it wasn't my favorite...

Happy thanksgiving - our crowd was wishing for a little cake today since pie is not universally loved - should have sent them your way! (how would you have felt about 30 or so guests showing up and invading?)

The Sports Mama said...

I realize I'm a little late to the party here... :)

But I just want to tell you again how amazingly glad I am that you have remained such a part of my life for the last 20+ years!

And I'm glad to hear that your girl is doing better!

fattygetsfit said...

happy belated thanksgiving!!!

Shanna May said...

I'm so happy to read this post, Bec!! Love you!

The Saint said...

I'm so happy that you loved Eat, Pray, Love as much as I did, and that it had such a profound impact on you. It did the same for me as well, which is why I got it for you. ;-) I have a huge smile on my face reading this post of yours, knowing that you're smiling hugely as well. Love you always. :-)

schmitball13 said...

I think I might have to look into this book as well! Maybe I can learn a thing or two about things.

Anonymous said...

It is useful to try everything in practise anyway and I like that here it's always possible to find something new. :)