Complimentary massage? Why, yes!

We/I tend to make spontaneous decisions that kind of overwhelm me, including the beagle that I now spend most of my time with. It has become quickly apparent to me that I'm not a dog person . . . although I'm giving it a try. I live with a dog now. I'm trying to convince him not to be totally dependent on me. He's getting better about being home alone.

I was raised to believe an Asian perspective that dogs are dirty creatures that may be eaten but may not be treated as human equivelants. But the dirty principle I didn't understand has now brought itself to light. We were getting along okay--he's obedient, fun, already housetrained, and sleeping through the night--but yesterday I got really mad at him not just for being difficult on our walk, our trip to the vet, and during his first bath, but because the vet discovered this pup to be an island resort for a rambunctious, hopping flea colony. Um, gross?

Yesterday was the first day then where Sam "was the one who wanted the dog." I abandoned all night to rehearse in Vancouver while Sam did like 7 loads of laundry washing everything the dog had touched, vaccuuming, mopping, and dousing our house in flea-killing insecticide. Sam was so sweet about it. We've put the puppy on a monthly pill (an expense, among others, I hadn't anticipated) that killed his fleas within a half hour, I scrubbed him down with flea shampoo, and the deep sanitation process should now be complete.

So I think Zio and I are back on good terms.

Today was supposed to be my last day at work, but my manager called me yesterday and told me not to come in. So oh well to saying goodbye to my coworkers. Bye guys! I'll miss you! Let's hang out sometime!

The reason I left the quilt shop is a long story which I'll refrain from going into on the www, but it has been a stressful situation for me, especially just as I was getting into the groove in our new locale. Yesterday I cried all the way to my hair appointment with the weight of that whole ordeal and the flea-ridden dog sweeping over me. I thought getting my hair done might help, but I always think I look ugly when I get my hair relaxed and it's plastered to my head, so . . . my feelings about that experience are neutral.

So today I'm taking a break. This is what I recommend: go to a really fancy, wealthy-people gym/spa and look interested in a club membership although you know you can't afford it before you even ask about the price. But maybe they'll give you a free half-hour massage coupon and an unlimited-access week pass for you and your husband. I did this, and today I had some prime relaxation with a luxirious massage from one of the club therapists, a complimentary terry bathrobe to use during my visit, a hot shower in a bathing facility nicer than ours, and a warm toasty moment in the cedar sauna. Too bad I didn't have time to do my hair at the romantically lit vanity. I didn't want to leave the dog alone to long. Maybe he could have waited.

But now it's on to Plan C: I'm waiting to hear back from the creative writing master's program I applied to, which would begin in January if I'm accepted. If I get in, I'll work part time and study/write/read part time. If I don't get in, I'll find another job. Still in the mix is whether or not to pursue music teaching and performance as my primary source of income (there seems to be a lot of opportunity), and how much freelance writing I'll do for the web development company I continue to contract with. This week I also started rehearsals with the Vancouver Symphony, which is replacing my income from the quilt shop, at least for this week (since I'm a sub). I don't mean to talk money. Money is more personal than even relationships, isn't it? Sorry if this is too intimate. I don't know why I feel this drive to make something of myself, and I feel like doing some kind of meaningful work is connected to that.

I'm so enjoying rehearsing with the Vancouver Symphony so far. I'm making new friends, I feel welcome, and I feel back in my element--playing the bass, relishing the challenge of non-mundane, creative work. My stand parter is a great fellow who graduated from high school the same yearI did--he actually was best friends in college with one of my friends from Colorado, which is such a funny connection. It's been such a relief to find a little work that I feel comfortable with, where I feel respected and needed, and where I'm with people who share my interests. I feel very fortunate. I know not everyone has the luxury.

Our concerts are this weekend if you'd like to attend!

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
(Visit the site for ticket/concert info.)
October 24 & 25, 2009
Nancy Ives, cello, guest artist
Requielro - Andaluz C. Montes
Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 - Antonín Dvorák
Pictures at an Exhibition - Mussorgsky-Ravel

Directions to Skyview Concert Hall: 1300 NW 139th Street. Coming from the south on I-5, take the 134th Street exit. Turn left (west) at the light. Follow this street for 1-2 miles past Fred Meyer - Skyview is on the right. (134th Street curves and turns into 139th Street – stay on this main road as the name changes from 134th to 139th.)

Off to get groceries--oh, I'm so behind. We're having dinner guests tonight.