The little things

Good late afternoon/early evening,
Today I went for my very first outside run of 2011. I am ashamed to say that I haven't done a legit run, in I don't know how long, I would guesstimate maybe over a year or more....Dumb. Today was more of a walk/run, I pretty much interval trained for about three miles. OH MY GOD, it felt so GOOD. I mean it felt awful too don't get me wrong... My ass muscles and calves are throbbing intensely and my right hip is apparently pissed off because it keeps pinching sharp and sudden, like a quick I HATE YOU !!!!
Too f'n bad hip, you've been lazy too long.
While I was out and about in the hood today, I was meditating in my head on how much gratification I enjoy from the simplest things in life. Today I found it in working muscles, Jason Mraz on the pod and the sunshine bathing everything in the most perfect golden and sparkletastic light. A bonus as I walked/ran, I couldn't help but notice Willoughby's big furry ass a few paces in front of me just jiggling away. This sight was laugh worthy enough all on it's own, but when I realized that his ass cheeks moved in perfect syncopation with the Latin beats of the song blasting in my headphones, I was flooded with so much joy that my reaction was to stop and hug my dog.
An elderly man fetching his mail, looked at me rather disapprovingly. His face read, "you have a screw loose", but I paid no matter because my big, beloved fur ball was hugging me back and all you need is love, love is all you need....
As I approached this new year and thought about resolutions, I spent a lot of quiet contemplative time in my head considering SIMPLICITY. I also pondered how I could acquire a state of mind that would keep me from wanting THINGS that I don't really need and instead choose to be mindful/appreciative of what I already possess that is satisfying.  On January 1st, I set forth with a strong ambition to love my life, simply because I HAVE one.
Today I was super successful in that endeavor, finding a walk outside with my dog and lunch at school with my kids has left me feeling serene.
I hope I have good health this year and I hope that I live to see 2012, because if I am fortunate enough to enjoy the next 359 days, I am feeling confident that my enjoyment level is going to be off the hook....