theo storms the beach, and i'll be there for you

While I gallivanted around New York this weekend (more to come on that tomorrow), not helping the relief effort (bad person), Theo went to the beach for the very first time. Zan's parents live in Rehoboth, and when he decided to get out of the city and rest and relax for a few days, he volunteered to take Theo with him. I don't think he knew what he was getting himself into! He sent me pictures of Theo every day, and I couldn't help but laugh at the pup's antics - even when he was poorly behaved -- like the time a small deer neared them, and Theo went berserk trying to catch dinner. He's a handful. Today, I'm obsessed with those ears. I saved all the pictures to my phone for a rainy day, when my world needs a little brightening, and today is that day.



I got a phone call last night from a close family member that left me upset. My family is small - very small. I can count us on one hand. We've been through a lot in the past few years. My stepfather passed a year ago this December. My mom lost her job almost two years ago. My brother has struggled with herniated discs in his back. I was asked to pay a bill - a pretty expensive one. Last year a similar situation occurred and I emptied my meager savings. It has taken a year to rebuild. Paying the bill would mean losing much of it again. Not paying it would mean, well. I am reading the science-based opinion piece, "I cry, therefore I am." It's fascinating.



I'm currently listening to Jason Mraz's song, "I won't give up." I've had it on repeat for what seems like days. Even when no music is on, I'm hitting "play" again in my mind. The line that sticks out to me most is, "We have a lot to learn, but we're worth it."



I had a rare chance to catch up with my friend Noelle this weekend. We interned together years ago at Ms. magazine. We laughed hard and often, and we hiked a lot. And boy, we bitched about Beverly Hills. I served tables and she served up frozen yogurt, and we stockpiled stories of entitled customers. Today I'm thinking about our conversation from Saturday morning, over bagels and cream cheese and a shared black and white cookie. It's possible to love without guilt, it's okay to put ourselves first, we're allowed to succeed. And also, happy and shit looks good on you.



Tonight is The Who (who?) concert. Zan got tickets months ago. We're going with his brother and sister-in-law. I'm craving bubbles and excitement and pretending to sing along to songs I don't know and most definitely being teased for not knowing. And after that - some puppy cuddle time. I've missed this boy.

ps - did you see that - Zan let him sleep on the bed! SPOILED!