Things that please me.

Last night I went to this restaurant, owned by the singer in my dad's band. I'm trying to remain slightly anonymous so no creepy internet weirdos start stalking me. Not that it would be that hard to find me anyway, but whatever. My dad has had some interaction with this program, and these kids were performing last night. It was very pleasing to me. These kids are learning instruments, singing, and performing, and having a good time while doing so. I think it's a great thing to encourage, and I think students don't get enough of it in school. It gives them something to do, to work toward, to be proud of. And as my mother *keeps* saying, "not every kid is an athlete."

It also pleases me to see my dad doing something he loves (music) and combining it with his desire to serve the community (which is evidenced, in part, by his committment to volunteer firefighting for most of his life). He is happy, he's using his experience to bring some additional fun to the program, and it's just an all around pleasing thing to see.

The one thing that did not please me is the lack of meaning my life has. Perhaps that's strong, as I do feel that I provide something valuable to my friends, and my family, and my job. But I'm not doing something that really makes me feel GOOD about my contribution to the world. I keep telling myself that this current place I'm in is a means to an end, and I think this is the truth. I will get my new degree, and perhaps that will lead me in the direction I'm really meant to go.

One more thing that does please me is this:

This is Satchel Paige, named, apparently, after this guy. It was his foster name, so I'm not sure why or where it came from, but that is beside the point. My sister has taken over the care of this dog, for reasons I don't feel like discussing right now. Satchel, while really a sweet dog, has some big behavior problems. She is working with him though, and he is getting better and better. They have bonded, and that pleases me as well. I think my sister has a lot of love to give, even if she doesn't always show it, and if anyone is in need of love right now, it's Satchel. Thanks to a collar recommendation from the baron, long walks have become less painful and more pleasurable. AND, thanks to a little daring on my sister's part, and a lack of pedestrian traffic yesterday, she let him off, OFF! the leash. AND he explored, AND when she called for him, he came right back to her. It even afforded her this photo op. This is real progress people. And it pleases me.