Get-A-Way

What's your sanctuary? You know, the place that you go when you've had enough of the world surrounding you. The place where you feel ultimate comfort and an escape from reality.

With the pressures of the world getting heavier this past week, that's what I needed this weekend. I needed to find my sanctuary. Actually, I know where mine is...I was there last weekend with many people that I love. (That post can come later when I get some of the pics developed). With Bob's cabin on the Niobrara being 4-5 hours away, I needed to find something closer. Honestly, I thought about driving there, time on the road can be therapeutic...or harmful, so I opted to stay close-ish to home.

Yesterday morning, I did my good deed for the day. The local Salute to the Troops committee was having a fundraiser 1 mile and 5K walk/run. With my pending medical issues, I wasn't able to run, but the walk was a blast. I met up with a couple fellow co-workers and enjoyed being outside on the bike trail with some good conversation. It was also satisfying to know that we were supporting our troops and helping a good cause. Next year at this time we will be able to see the effects with the big Welcome Home event by Salute to the Troops.

The morning walk was over...This is when living alone can be the most wonderful thing. I needed alone time. I needed quiet time. I needed to just be with my thoughts. I needed to hide my thoughts. I did exactly that.

This was my view for a while yesterday. Laying in my comfy bed feeling the nice breeze come through the window and listening to the birds sing and cars drive by. There is something relaxing about hearing the hustle and bustle of cars on their way to something or somewhere, and me having no agenda for the day. In my bed, I can let go of worries and concerns and just be content. I can cry out of anger and sadness with no one asking why. The fresh air from the window and the coziness of my blankets and pillows comfort me as I lay back and let time pass.

As the breeze got warmer, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. I got up, put my suit on, grabbed my jumbo beach towel, hopped in my car and drove. Windows down, sun roof open and radio up. I drove until I wanted to stop. Where did I stop? A lake. A place where no one knows me and I can just lay out and be in the sun. Hope into the water when it gets hot, read my book, listen to the wind and the water, eat some fresh raspberries and be me. There is something about being outside, alone and the sounds of water that can melt away anything and grant peace to a restless soul.

Getting home I had quite the redness on my back and behind my knees...nothing a little aloe can't fix. Even being sunburned makes me happy - because I know that I had a restful day outside. Yes, reality will come knocking on my door, but we all need some time away to strengthen us and prepare us for that fight. And now I'm prepared.

Something About It

Friday was a wonderful day. Why you might ask? If you were to ask, I'd tell you this:

Fridays are usually my clinic day at work, but for some reason we didn't have any veteran's scheduled. Because of this it was a huge catch up and documenting day. I even got to be a little proactive - which is VERY uncommon for me, at least at work. There is usually too many emergencies walking through my door for me to be able to look ahead. Anyway, I had decided that I was going to take full advantage of my no clinic Friday - and leave early. When there is clinic, we don't really know when it will get over so it's hard to leave early - at least planned.

But this Friday I could. I put in for a couple hours of comp. time and it was approved. Next task, to make sure NOTHING comes up to get in the way of me leaving early - which is a regular occurrence. 1:30: my phone rings...I have a half hour to go, I have to answer, but please be a simple question. It was, whew. 1:45: phone rings again...just a fellow co-worker just scaring me knowing I want to leave early and checking to see if I'd answer...how kind.... Now I just pray it doesn't ring again. If it does when I'm in my office, it would bother me all weekend of not knowing how urgent the call was. 2:00: no more calls and I'M OUTTA HERE!

I already had planned to work out today, and now I could get to the gym before everyone else takes up the treadmills. Especially on cold days like this, I change at work so I don't lose motivation between work and the gym (this is something I have learned to do from experience...) I hurry to change and sneak out the back door to the parking lot to make sure no one stops me in the hall because they "need something." Safe!

As I'm driving away and to the gym, I have a weird sense of accomplishment. There is just something about not being at work when you "are supposed to be" and when everyone else is working that just feels glorious! Throughout my whole run I just kept thinking, this is so great - I'd be sitting at my desk and here I am, running.

It's not like I did anything fun or special. It was just a much needed, yet little, break from the regular tasks that can begin to haunt a schedule. Once in a while we all need little breaks like that and this one couldn't have come at a better time.

I ran three miles and still got done over an hour before would have actually been outta work. I was home, showered and relaxing on the couch when I would have just been locking my office door. My puzzle has come a long way. It's a slow process starting as OCD can get in the way of enjoying puzzles, but once you get moving, my organizational skills make it much easier and faster. Then off to a great night of eating at Olive Garden and bowling with friends.

Low key and relaxing - couldn't have asked for better.