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.

Neglectful

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. Sometimes I find it much easier to read other posts then to type my own. Other people's lives are usually much more exciting or interesting than mine, or so I like to think.
I've tried to enter some new posts the last week or two but don't know where to start. My mind has been such a mess, such a blur, such a jumble. If I even tried to type anything the first thought wouldn't match the next. Heck, that's probably how it is even on a day my thoughts are "clear."
Why so confused? Well in the last couple months, I've made some important life decisions and changes. I've found it's easy to continue on in life as things are and look for the things that make you happy and cover the not so good stuff. However, what's the healthy thing to do? We need to look at it all and decide what is healthy and what really makes us happy. What makes me happy? Being outside with friends and family that I love. Crazily, shopping with my mom isn't as bad as I thought...as long as we avoid Wal-Mart except for the necessities. Watermelon. Standing in the rain. Camping and fire. Hiking. Taking pictures. FAITH. HOPE. LOVE.
In the midst of my struggles and hard times the last couple months, I've found who have been great friends and support. It's so fun to see the family you've know forever be morphed into friends. I mean this in particularly to my parents. It has always been difficult for me to open up to that friend level with them, sharing some of my biggest struggles and thoughts with them. In this time they have become more than just my parents and I'm so thankful for that. All my family has been so supportive and loving and I couldn't and wouldn't want to replace them for anything.

On the up side...I went shopping with Mom yesterday and I got a little Christmas shopping taken care of. Also, I have to work tomorrow, Monday, but then I get Tuesday off for Veteran's Day. Thank goodness for being a federal employee but more importantly, those soldiers who have served our Country to protect my family and myself.