Time to Walk the Talk

But first, a fit.

Let's start with the juicy bit from yesterday ... 5 hours of driving in pouring rain on Atlanta highways and then on country dirt roads.  Last 30 minutes driving home on a FLAT TIRE.

Did I walk the talk?  Calmly accept my situation?  Not immediately LOL.  First, I had a tired, hungry FIT at all the dang drivers that were not letting me get home fast enough -- don't they know, can't they see, I hate people.  Brain ranting -- my specialty.

I made it home, took a breath and hubby called from his "marvelous" ski trip.  "Offering" advice that he doesn't take himself (shop the price of a tire around, see if it can be patched, don't take it to the dealer).  I "politely" told him I wasn't asking for advice.

A full belly, wine (oops) and a car appointment for today ... and I took another breath and realized how grateful I was to make it home.  Getting stuck on any of those highways in traffic and pouring rain would've been dangerous -- a flat in the country could've taken forever to get AAA.

Took a minute (and some bitching), but I moved to acceptance and gratitude.

Here's a plug for AAA.  I'm calling this morning to get my spare put on -- no, I won't do it myself.  Yesterday after I left the kids, my son's car wouldn't start.  AAA -- new battery, under warranty, fixed in an hour.  It's worth every bit of the membership cost.

I did some problem solving for today.  Switched plans AGAIN with my girlfriend and if all times well, I should be able to do the home check for MiMi later this afternoon.

Here's all the GOOD stuff that was OBVIOUSLY GOOD -- no extra breathing needed LOL.

No flooding on my patio.  There's water, but since it wasn't flash flooding kind of water -- nothing came up to the house.  It's the first thing I checked this morning.  Worst of the rain will be finished by tonight.

MiMi's meet with the other dog (new brother) went superbly.  Her husband is over the moon for MiMi too and has already visited the pet store for all her essentials.  Paperwork is the only step left and then she will be their dog.  Bless this sweet girl -- AMAZING set of events to make this happen.  Fate did her job and I'm glad to have played a part.

Bear is in his new home.  His mama spoils the living daylights out of her little girl (in the best way), but that might be a problem.  Everything is about her little dog.  I set expectations that they might have an adjustment, it might take a minute for her to love Bear like she loves ChiChi -- all the things. She is a little tentative.  I don't mind getting Bear back but I won't do that drive again -- that's on her.  I'll meet her an hour away, but not getting on those big highways.  Fingers crossed for them all.  I think she's lonely and this would be a great home for Bear.

Next up ... Tulip.  I've already decided to call her a nickname ... pronounced "toolie."  In writing, it's strange, but Tulip doesn't roll off my tongue.  Pick up is up in the air.  Maybe tomorrow.  Another LONG drive on THOSE highways.  Ugh.  I'll see what today brings.

I'm back in acceptance mode.  Back to problem solving.  Feeling grateful for all the GREAT things happening this week.  Took a detour for a minute and it felt yucky.  That's a place I lived far too frequently, for far too long -- no wonder I was never happy.  Seeing the practical upside to this work confirms the importance FOR ME.  Experiencing a backslide yesterday was another good reminder that living in that space isn't living.

Arguing with reality never works to solve the situation and never feels good.  Solving the problem with acceptance is more effective, more pleasant and more interesting.  Can I find something good?  Can I make something good?  Today's extra good?  2 hour appointment and I get to read my book.  That feels like an added goodie to my day.  Plus they have a really good beverage bar -- lots of gourmet tea bags and I'm all up for it.

P.S.  Eckhart Tolle uses an example of a flat tire in the rain to talk about acceptance ... didn't have to "imagine" his advice on that one LOL.

I'll say it again ... stay dry, stay safe ... and I'll add (for me), stay PRESENT and calm.  (Also, stay away from the wine.)  Later gators.