A Perfect Friday

Fridays have this air about them. They make you feel anticipation, frivolous and lighthearted. I just want to throw caution to the wind and do something out of the norm.

For circumstances beyond my comprehension, i had a few hours after work to myself. I know, i know, this is BIG. When you are a mother of two, a 12 year old handican (handicap + can) and a 6 year old, you know what i'm talkin' about. Some days you feel more like a chauffeur or a referee than a mom.

After work i sat in my car and thought, what now? I don't think i can remember the last time i had 3 hours to myself to do whatever i wanted (except for runs of course). Don't you just love the paradox of it all. I want a few hours to myself.. i want to spend some time without my kids... but when i finally get my wish, i have no idea what to do. I hate that!

I threw caution to the wind and went to my favorite cafe in the whole wide world: Cafe Fresh in Orem, Utah. An organic cafe attatched to Good Earth. I've been going there for 3 years and i order the exact same thing everytime (The Garden Explosion). It's better than a Big mac. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Vegetables, vegetables and more vegetables. All wrapped up in a heavenly whole wheat wrap. Mind you, i am a meat eater. I crave it, i need it, i can't live without it. That's why it is so shocking i order this particular wrap. I swear they disguise the carrots as beef.

After i grabbed my grub, i headed to one of my favorite parks in the universe (Nielsons Grove). There is nothing too special about the park itself. It has the usual park accesibles... grass, trees, walking trails, ponds. But what makes it special is the history. About 100 years ago a man from Denmark immigrated to Utah and built a beautiful park for the community. Over time it was destroyed by marshes and wetlands. The city bought the land back from the original family and rebuilt it just as Mr. Grove designed it 100 years ago. When we moved to Utah from Denmark in 07', it was the first park we visited and for some reason, it brings our whole family peace.

I sat on the damp grass, eating my earthy sandwich and thinking what a perfect Friday. It can't get any better than this. Then running popped into my head.

I drove home, put my running shoes on and skipped merrily outside into the cold sunshine and ran 3 miles. Today was suppose to be a rest day, but i couldn't resist. Running is becoming more than a training schedule. Running is becoming apart of my life.

I hope i don't pay for the 3 miles tomorrow. I have sweet 16 and i am wondering if i should have rested instead of ran.

This was no ordinary day. I actually had time to hear my inner voice...

and it said...

run.