- It's refreshing to see parts of your friends' personalities that are new to you that amaze you — in a good way.

– Having a dinner party that lasts until the wee hours makes you truly appreciate how terribly lucky you are to have such good company in your life.

– A friendship with someone who you've known for well over 20 years is a special thing, and should be treasured.

– Sometimes, when your expectations are lower than low, you can be surprised, and end up smiling.

Over the past few days, I've had more than one conversation with people I know about what they imagine their future life to look like, either with or without a significant other.  I think about this quite a bit — I see a bright, open apartment with a yard or roof deck, space to entertain comfortably, a kitchen that allows me to cook with others.  I imagine a very social lifestyle, somewhat like what I have now — having people over, going to outdoor concerts, visiting museums, going to restaurants — even when there are kids (hopefully) involved.  I don't see myself living in the suburbs or keeping to myself.  Maybe this is unrealistic with a family, but I don't think so, and it is what I strive to create in my life.

It becomes problematic when there are two people in the mix — if they don't share the same view of their ideal lifestyle, there will always be friction.  It's certainly easier on one's own.  But, what I'm realizing is that, family or not, I have the power and the ability to make my life what I want it to be — so stay tuned, folks, there may be some changes in the works.  They won't take place right away, but slowly and steadily, I will add on the the life that I have to create the life I want to have in the future.

I was just writing to remind you that sometimes I like a quiet night at home.  Maybe just one or two a week. Don't get me wrong — I love getting you through triathlons, cocktail conferences, and your ridiculous work/social schedule, but I do need a certain amount of sleep.  And downtime.  That couch you have is quite comfy, and I know you enjoy cooking meals in your kitchen.

I don't mean to be demanding or anything.  I tried to send you a warning sign earlier this week, with all the sniffling and sneezing, and you let me rest a bit, but then you started right back up again with the workouts and the going out and the not enough sleep thing.

I truly hope that we can work something out on this front or I may just crap out on you altogether. 

Love,

Your Body

PS — Your Soul says hi, and is putting in a request for weekly yoga in addition to more downtime

xoxo