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.

Signs of Summer

The sun is shining and we can actually feel the heat from the rays. Driving to and from work I open up my sun roof and let the fresh air fill my car. Capris and summer tops are becoming my work outfits instead of pants and sweaters.

More importantly, I can now utilize my year round addiction without freezing to death while I do it. What would this addiction be you ask? POPSICLES!!!! I'm pretty sure I just ate 4 in less than a half hour. They are so yummy. It's a good thing I bought a new box today while grocery shopping even though I wasn't completely out. Now that's something you don't want to go without...even just for a day.

Today, I also bought a watermelon. Haven't cut it up yet, but just looking at it sit on my floor all green and round makes my mouth start to water, just imagining how delicious it will taste.

Then, tonight after I fried up some steak, my apartment had that nice...well steak smell. While it's a good smell for a steak house, not for my one bedroom apartment. But when I opened up my window and turned on my fans, the wonderful scent of a nice spring rain begin to fill the room.

I love summer. I love spring. I enjoy seeing the newness of life through the buds on the trees and the tiny little critters (referring to the cute mammals...not insects and creepy crawlies) scamper in the grass. The bright colors burst into the horizon. I like having daylight when I go to work in the morning and when I leave the gym at night. I like spending a few hours outside and having my cheeks and shoulders become rosey in color. I love life.