Thursday, September 22, 2011

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.

10 comments:

Lucy The Valiant said...

Sounds heavenly! It's so easy to forget to take time (and Target purchases!) for yourself. But so important!

deanna@delirious-rhapsody said...

it's always nice to take some time for yourself, even if it's just for a few minutes.

i attended a baby shower an hour away a few weeks ago, and i just really wasn't ready to come home yet. (hah.) so when i turned off at our exit, i stopped at a cracker barrel and took an hour nap in my car. :-D it was wonderful.

Tiffany said...

Oh, "me" time is so important for a mom's sanity! It doesn't happen often, but I love the little moments I can get away from it all.

Usually, when I do have me time, Target (with a Starbucks inside!) is my first stop! =)

Sara said...

So important and wonderful. I love that Belle was onto you though. :) How funny.

Nesha said...

Glad you enjoyed your "me time" Oh what I would give to have a little for myself.

Anonymous said...

Sounds divine, and I'm so happy for you!! What a treat to enjoy some quiet "me" time!

Anonymous said...

Always nice to take time for yourself. :) Happy you got to take a breather.

Little Gray Pixel said...

I LOVE THIS POST.
Especially the part about chickening out and putting down purchases for yourself. I do that all the time. I'm always rationalizing that I should buy something for Alexa instead of a dress for myself. I'm so glad you bought your jeans and book. You've inspired me to splurge on myself a little.

Randalin @ Harvesting Kale said...

Sounds like an amazing, amazing afternoon! Isn't it amazing how refreshing just a few short hours alone can be??

Unknown said...

Sounds like an amazing day for you. I love taking a personal day for just me, and I don`t even have kids haha. How sweet that Isabelle noticed too!