Critter

It's winter, and people are getting sick - even yoga teachers - and so I have an abundance of opportunities to teach.  Last night, late, an email request to sub an 8pm class in Silver Spring.  Well maybe, but I have a class in Takoma that ends at 7:30.  Could I make it?  Check the Metro schedule - yes, just barely.  OK.  Reply yes.  Then email the studio to let them know what's going on and not to panic if I'm not there until right before 8.  All seems well.

Just before class in Takoma, Natalie sticks her head in the room - not looking well.  "Could you teach my Level 1 class later this evening?"  "Sorry, I can't.  I'm going over to Silver Spring to teach Morgan's class.  But I can teach the 10 am class tomorrow that you were subbing for another teacher who is out of town."

Then the hurry after class to the Metro - great, the train is 3 minutes early.  (a little way down the tracks).  OK, not great, the train is stopped.   Then goes.  Then stops.  Then goes.  Then stops.  Finally it pulls into Silver Spring, now 4 minutes late.  I hustle up the street to the studio, arriving at 7:58.  Quick change and a restroom visit, and I'm ready to go - almost on time.

So now it's after class, about 9:30, and I'm walking home.  It's cold, but not unpleasant.  I'm tired - exhausted really - and so I almost miss the dark furry shape hurrying across the street into some shadows.  Cat?  Really fat, furry cat?  No.  Oh.... raccoon.  Really, they waddle that much?  It has been a few years since I saw a raccoon in the neighborhood - but they must always be here - hiding away - and often I suspect - out where they could be seen, but they aren't, because we're distracted, not paying attention, or simply really tired.