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.

Where did it go?

I haven't decided yet. Are weekends supposed to be relaxing, productive, busy, on the go, what?
This weekend was a whirlwind of everything!

Friday I wish I would have taken pictures. My parents and I made a mad dash down to Iowa to see family and wish Dale a safe and quick deployment for the Army. He is back at Ft. Brag and we wish him all the best and God's safety. We played beyond balderdash, which we have found to be a GREAT Crabtree game, as many of the members of that family have thoughts and ideas that are off-the-wall enough that it just might work. Dale made a-m-a-z-i-n-g ice cream and Brenda complimented it oh so nicely with wonderful brownies. I hadn't seen Amanda in a long time so it was great to get her back nearby to hug another one of "us," (you know, the less that 5'4"ers =).

Saturday was great to sleep in...well lay in. Friday got to be a late night and with a mind just spinning falling asleep wasn't the easiest and my darn body is so used to getting up early. I still woke up at 7, but stayed in bed until 10 and I can't tell you how wonderful that felt. My lounging in was pleasantly interrupted by my "cousin" Jess, who was in town for her college 5 year reunion. She called to plan a Sunday brunch with her and my parents - yay! Since it was ten, I figured I should get up for the day, and good thing, as my Uncle Ross and his family were in town to go to the musical/play Sweeney Todd. We met for a quick lunch at Applebees before they had to make the 1st act, again, family I haven't seen in a while, and so nice to see their smiles again.

Like I said, on Sunday my parents and I met Jess and her mom, aunt and boyfriend for a nice brunch at Spezia's - an upscale artsy restaurant. Great food, great company and lots of laughs. Nothing can fill the room and be as contagious and Jess's unhaltered laugh.

In between all the meals, I had some nice quality time with my parents, which we haven't had in a while, so it was great to catch up and spend time with them...although all the shopping really started to wear on me. No offense mom, but I'll be happy if I never have to look at another piece of jewelry in at least a little while.

After sore feet, full bellies and tired eyes, the weekend was well worth it. And I can't wait to see what next weekend will bring, I have an extra day, so who knows what I can stuff that full with!