Dreams and Memories

Getting up this morning was even more difficult than usual thanks to a series of increasingly better dreams I was having. The first involved going on a trip with some friends I don't often get to see, followed by visiting Nate at his job on base where his coworkers expressed their respect for me as a world reknowned dragon expert. :) The last dream was one I didn't want to wake up from, however. In July of 2006, Aslan, my gray tortoise shell cat of 17 or 18 years, passed away, and it bothered me greatly not to have been there. And last month, my wonderful cat Dot, whom I only had for two years but who meant the world to me, also died. It's been a really tough time, and I miss them both very much. Well, my final dream involved coming home to my mom's and seeing Aslan getting sick much like Dot did, but when I went to comfort her and gave her catnip, she snapped right out of it, and she recovered, expressing the looks of Aslan and a mixture of both cats' personalities. I never wanted to wake up from that - I'd give anything to be able to hug them both again.

Getting up today also means going back to the drudgery of work again. I wish there were a bit more variety in what I'm doing these days, but at least sitting there gives me some time to think. For some reason, all my thoughts seem to bring me back to Utah. I keep visualizing all of the places I used to frequent, from Zion National Park to Snow Canyon State Park to mundane places like the Walgreens down the street. I'm almost longing to go back, which is weird because I really didn't have the best time out there. I wonder if it's my memories of Dot that keep bringing me back for some reason. I first met her when I was out there, after all. It also may a remnant of a weird longing I used to get as a child. I'd always think back two years and start to miss whatever happened then, even though I usually didn't have much of a good time. Still, there would be some aspect I felt I'd want to re-experience. Looking back, I had a great time out in Cedar City working with the prairie dogs, and my weekend adventures were not too shabby, either. I wouldn't mind hopping in the car and driving 35 miles to see some of the most spectacular scenery the world has to offer!

So today I'll be flying through another batch of extractions. At least I'll be treated to a barrage of hot air balloons on my way to work. Balloon Fiesta is going on, so there is always something cool to see. Jeanine is coming in to see it this weekend, so that should be fun. She's also bringing me another kitty, Jolene, a huge, elderly brown cat that I met when I visited her last time. She is such a sweetheart, and I can't wait to give her a warm, loving home.

Well, it's back to the lab for me!