Ava Sweat

Would be my name if I were a hip hop artist.  I'm just starting to realize how physically uncomfortable social situations make me.  I sweat.  A lot.  I went to deposit a check at the bank today and I was completely amped because one of the employees showed me how to deposit via their ATM's.  Armpits, groin, upper lip, check, check, check.  I wasn't passing bad checks, I'm not in default, there was no reason at all to be anxious.  To him, I probably appeared gregarious and at ease, delighted to finally have a branch nearby.   I was delighted with being able to deposit the checks but I also wanted to get the heck out of there and end the conversation.  I forgot to get money while I was there and was unwilling to go back because that would mean more social engagement and more sweating.  Parties are just a soaking pitt fest of short conversations and early departures.

I was sitting outside in the warm sun with Baloo on this beautiful fall day sweat free and feeling I could really do alright in a world with just the two of us and my friends.  Even then, some of my favorite memories don't have people in them at all; walking Baloo in the forest one sunny Christmas day, taking pictures of iced berry branches during a bitterly cold night, every single day it is warm enough to nap directly in the sun and having a spot to do so away from the hustle, watching Baloo watch and sniff the world.   I have been known to watch her sniff for 10 minutes at a time.  It's a very zen thing, watching her nose move back and forth, pinch to hold a smell for evaluation, begin anew, the occasional head raise when she catches something interesting.  I'm sure my blood pressure is in near coma stage while I watch her.  When it comes to down time, it doesn't take much to make me pretty happy and content (clearly).  It's nice to go somewhere new and see new things but if we could do anything at all, I'd rather be outside chatting and napping in the sun and if it's too hot or cold, inside watching people or watching a fire.  No sweat.