Happy Things

1. The sound of helicopter rotors starting up. I don't even have to be on the flight. I have come to love that sound.

2. Bald eagles. My God, they are amazing.

3. That 10-20 minutes between the time the night shift mechanic leaves and the other day shift pilot gets home. Technically, there's nothing different about that time. We don't do anything that we haven't been doing while the mechanic is here or we won't do once the other pilot gets home. There's just a difference in the quality of the silence.

4. RuPaul's Drag Race. Pure, over the top, draggy, queeny, bitchy fun. The rest of the world can have Survivor and American Idol. I'll take RuPaul any day.

5. Nasal spray. I know ~ it's supposed to be horrible for you. I know ~ it's supposed to be addictive. But it is allowing me to breathe right now and I'll take that.

6. Coffee bags. They are great for allowing me to have coffee on the road. And you know I love me my coffee.

7. My "I've Got Great Hands" and Steel Workers Local 19 t-shirts. The first is from Bil. He gave it to me last time I was with them (The Ugly Times, as it's been dubbed) when I realized I was going to be living with a 13 year old and didn't own appropriate pajamas. When I tried to give it back to him as we left this time, he looked at me and said "Nope, that's yours." Which is a good thing because the thought of giving it back was making me cry. The Grill Master is a part of Steel Workers Local 19. One year for Christmas, he asked what I wanted from him. He didn't believe me when I said I wanted one of his shirts. He offered to get me a new one but I didn't want just any Local 19 t-shirt; I wanted one of his. So I got it. Carrying pictures of everyone I love and miss isn't realistic. Instead, I carry articles of clothing. These are my two favorites.

8. George. George is my leather duffle, named after George Bailey of It's A Wonderful Life. In some ways, he's totally impractical. He's heavy empty, doesn't have wheels, and is only so big. In other ways, he's the most practical piece of luggage I own. Because he's hard leather, I don't have to worry about anything doing it damage. It won't rip; it won't be punctured; the seams won't pull. He is virtually indestructible. Plus, he harkens back to the days of Indiana Jones and adventure travel and everything inherent therein, which doesn't suck.

9. The way Lithus reaches for my hand when we are walking. Every. Single. Time. it makes me feel loved and warm inside.

10. My lopard print coat. These days, most of my feel good, kick ass clothing are in storage. But not my leopard skin coat. My leopard skin coat is on my back. And I feel great wearing it.

Those are happy Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.