This is the kind of post for a Monday evening. While I’m running through a tense stage, at the end of an intense period, in the middle of a stressful phase where I get easily on my nerves and become emotional, trying to re-arrange my present, to plan my future, and there is a lot at stake…I just need to re-discover Tina’s secret sauce to life’s problems (through one of her relaxed moments): lie down and let it go!! Tina was the 9 years old Labrador of my landlords, while I lived in Saint-Omer, and had become such a regular, affectionate presence. Her daily routine consisted of eating, drinking, sleeping, laying in different positions, being cuddled and getting extra food. Gosh, she knew how to enjoy life! The only moments when I saw her emotionally distressed was when the postman would kick at the gate. I look at her and I think: Why can’t I be like her (even though she was a bit overweight)? Well, the good news is that in a week time I’ll be flying off for an early Christmas holidays. That’ s something I am looking forward to 🙂