Just Me

Yesterday, I finished work early and was surprised to see a big, bright afternoon
unfold in front of me.  With Isabelle off at school and Brees with the babysitter,
I uncharacteristically decided NOT to hurry home.  With my windows rolled down
and Mumford and Sons singing sweetly in my ear, I drove around town and enjoyed
a vanilla milkshake all to myself.  I didn't have to worry about feeding anyone or cleaning
up the aftermath.  I just sang along to the radio and enjoyed me shake.
Just me.

I went shopping for a bit, bought my first pair of jeans since before Brees was born.
Strolled through the racks, admired all the pretty things, read through several
books before picking out a new selection.  I didn't chicken out and put my purchases
down the way that I usually do, deciding to instead buy something for someone else.  No,
I bought myself a pair of jeans and a book.
Just me.

With the weather warm and the sun bright, I took my dogs for a long walk in the
woods behind our house.  We admired the pond filled with bullfrogs and the
blooming wildflowers in the field.  We listened to the horses grazing through the long
grass and the hummingbirds flapping their wings.  We walked as far and as fast as our
hearts could take us.  The dogs didn't have to share their mama, no little girls to pull their
hair or climb on their backs, no slowing down to accommodate short statures.
Just me. 

I met Isabelle at the bus stop, dirt on my knees and leaves in my hair.  She was her
usual after school ball of energy and run on sentences: "Hey Mama how was your day
mine was great I painted you a picture and got an A in spelling oh wow you look really nice
did you do something fun while I was gone?"

Yes, I did something really fun.  I took an afternoon all to myself, spent time with my
heart and allowed myself the space to breath.  I enjoyed a few hours of simple treasures.
Just me.  Just because.