We endured a brutal weekend. This morning, as the alarm began to glow red (yes, we have a sunlight alarm because our room is like a cave in the morning) I think both hubs and I held our breaths, hoping Eli would stay curled up between us, hoping to keep this little moment of peace sacred.

Luckily, Eli was in a cuddly mood and hubs punted on his first call of the day (8am on Mondays!). Eli stretched and snuggled and gave many, many kisses. The red of the alarm lightened to pink and then bright white, and we finally got up and began our routine.

Every day has moments that remind us of our old life, before moving up here – we are both creatures of habit. But many things have changed. Eli changed us. He changed the shape of our days. He is absolutely nothing like Lucy in any way, other than Lucy was a boxer, as is Eli. He is feisty and loud and demanding. She was patient and quiet (but, to be fair, also demanding). They both reflect us, but in such strange and different ways. I find it fascinating on a daily basis.

Anyway, across our kitchen table are the parts of a cold plunge that I bought about ten days ago and which arrived on Saturday – at the very height of our household discontent. The fact that I managed to get it out of the packing materials is a small miracle. Eli and I did our regular hike this morning (he even found the remains of what I guessed to be a rabbit or squirrel and carried it with us for the entirety of the walk). Now he is stretched out near John, snoring softly. We have a few hours of respite before he wakes and demands more exercise, attention and movement.

I am trying to do a marathon day of laundry and save myself the trouble tomorrow. Mondays have somehow become my most flexible day – no yoga, no chiropractor, no salt cave. Nothing. So I can do whatever I want (within reason – I’m usually pretty tired on Mondays). Today I’m hoping to get the cold plunge up and functional, perhaps find some doctors and a vet for Eli. Maybe transfer the football tickets from my Dad’s name to mine. Who knows. We shall see.

What I do know is that even in the short time we’ve been here instead of there life has changed. We have changed. And that’s so interesting to me. The idea of falling into a routine and then becoming something different … almost indescribable but also true and authentic. A new me has molted from the old me. My life, the mark I’m leaving, is changing shape.

Anyway. That’s me today.

Xox, g