While the girls are in school I have stretches of time here and there. But for some reason I never feel like it’s my own time. I can’t allow myself to take a deep breath and relax. Instead, I panic. Quick! I only have time to do one load of laundry! Ack! My work! Crap! I need to return that phone call. Oh no! We forgot to return the library books! Etc horrible etc.
Mark and the girls went to his parents’ house today. It’s Masters Sunday dontcha know. (Not sure what I’m talking about? Well, you must not be a golfer. Ha. Neither am I.) The three of them left in the early afternoon. It’s 8:15 as I write this and they’re still not home.
So what did I do today?
I took myself, my camera, and some chocolate, some pencils and some unfinished art and walked to Bridgehead for a long drawn out latte, and a satisfying session of drawing and people watching.
I had a quiet dinner on the veranda. I minced a clove of garlic and spread it on a flax seed bagel. I took some photos. I stared into the backyard. I read the paper – no… wait for it – I read TWO WHOLE NEWSPAPERS start to finish. I completed the art I started earlier. I took a stroll around the neighborhood. I took a bath. I ate most of a box of Jelly Bellies [conclusion: buttered popcorn and coconut are my favourite flavours]. And here I am. And I’m feeling pretty good.
What would make this evening even better? To curl up with a hot vanilla (my comforting substitute for hot chocolate) and a book. So off I go.
If you had the luxury of a half-day all to yourself what would you do?
