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Happy Valentine's Day, ya'll. I decided against going to Memphis today to have the day to myself and relax. It was really, really nice. I finished my email to Alissa (just need to go send it), watched 27 Dresses and Waitress, and slept forever. This is the first day in awhile that I've felt truly awake. It was a good call.
Where is the time going? We have three more weeks left in Arkansas. I'm enjoying my job more now that I've resolved to crank my energy up no matter what. I think what I like most about working with children is trying to see things the way they do. It's remembering how to do things just for the sake of doing them, and not worrying if you're "good at it." I like how they just say whatever's on their mind and only smile when they mean it. I don't know how I could have forgotten so much, since it hasn't been that long.
I've spent most of my Saturdays volunteering at the Humane Society. I haven't spent much time around animals, but I love being with these dogs. I'm amazed at how they're like people, and how distinct their personalities are. I didn't know you could get to know a dog like you get to know a person. Last week I fell in love with one, a big black Lab named Sweet Pea (yes, like the baby). She is the sweetest, mildest creature I have ever met. I took her on a walk last week and somehow her presence made me feel like I could breathe again. She took her time, smelling grasses and bushes, and stopped occasionally to peer back at me and wait for a reassuring rub. I went on an extra long walk and just held her for awhile. She is very well-loved at the shelter and exudes peace and joy that transforms anyone who meets her. I hope I can be like her someday.
A huge lanky puppy named Esprit has won my heart in a different way. She is pure joy, racing around the park with a big puppy grin and shamelessly nuzzling any humans in her path. After running around for 4 hours, she'll creep into my lap, tuck her small head into the crook of my knee and konk out. And another, Jasmine, who was abused by her past owner and shrinks away from everyone, but lets me rub her neck sometimes if I'm very gentle and quiet. I am glad to have met them, even the ones that ambush me and cover me in scratches and slobber. They make me feel open and at ease, which is so hard around people sometimes.
I just ranked my choices for next round's project and we're going to find out on the 24th. I really hope I get to stay in Denver doing an educational gardening project. Or be a lumberjack in Arizona. Oh the possibilities.