miss scarlet (with one t)

whilst i traveled in search of work, miss scarlet stayed with a friend of mine who has two small dogs - one of which is about scarlet's age. my girl was so excited to see her new bffs - henry and maggie, i don't even think she noticed me leaving her saturday morning. and then she went and had such a blast all weekend, going on hikes, wrestling with henry, cuddling with maggie, and playing 24/7, i worried she wouldn't even remember me when i picked her up last eve.

but as soon as i walked in, she ran up to me, jumped all over me, smothered me in kisses, and chillaxed all loving-like in my lap, while henry cajoled her to play. scarlet really is the best thing ever.

she has such a sweet disposition, loves to cuddle and share affection, and is a big fan of kisses. but she's also very sassy, isn't scared to talk back when scolded, and intentionally pushes her boundaries (which means it will be a while before she comes off the leash on hikes and at the park). she loves playing fetch with her little red ball, rolling around in the grass while making weird growling sounds, and sleeping curled up right next to me.

she isn't a big eater, but loves peanut butter, cottage cheese, rope, and the insulation around my water heater. she doesn't beg when the rest of us eat in front of her. she smells everything everywhere we go, including every puddle of pee and pile of poop she can find. she loves other dogs, is very socially adept, and quickly becomes the leader of any pack. because she's smart, confident, and sassy. and tops that package with such a cute face, she is simply irresistible.



and the best part about her is that she loves me best of all. which is the awesomest feeling in the whole world!

~k

the bittersweet taste of beginnings

i'm back from my interviews on the other coast, and whilst nothing is yet written in stone (and until the stone tablet hits my desk, details here will remain murky), i'm about 90% certain that i walked out of LAX for the last time today.

i look all around me, and see a part of my life coming to a close. i'm done here. i no longer belong in los angeles or to los angeles. our interests, hopes, and dreams are no longer sympatico. my friends know it. my family knows it. i know it. and fortunately for miss scarlet and me, we're moving to a city much more dog friendly than this, and into an apartment that will cost nearly double what we're paying now (fer reals- YIKES!).

so, knowing as i do that it's time for me to close the book on this chapter in my life doesn't make it any less sad, scary, or stressful. i'll be starting over. in a new city, in a new job, with new friends, a new nightlife, a new day life, a new home, a new neighborhood, a new everything. and as much as i look forward to the exciting days ahead of me, i fear for my safety, security, and serenity. i fear losing how safe, secure and serene i feel on these music box steps. and i fear the great unknown in my very near future.

it's a taste in my mouth that's both bitter and sweet. it's knowing how sweet it is that i have a new adventure ahead of me, and how bitter it tastes to leave behind so much that i know and love...

but it is what it is and i know i am ready for something new...

~k