My Bad

Well, I promised "more to follow", and then didn't follow through.  My bad.  I guess I need to fulfill that statement before I move on, and not be made out a liar by my own writings.  Sometimes, I just get myself in trouble.  sigh.

The week was one of the most stunning in weather I have experienced.  The wind was mild, the sun was clear and bright, the morning overcast was almost non-existent, and my tan just glows.  I got the absolute joy of having about 5 hours without children, husband and responsibilities on Tuesday, and I spent it worshipping the son and the sand.  It was delightful.  I must admit to not quite reaching the middle of my unprotected back with sunscreen, and paying the price for the rest of the week.  Truly my bad!  I did enjoy finding myself with a pillow under my head and an adventure book in my hand...cold soda beside me.  The picture of contentment.

While I missed my sweet spouse, I must admit to stretching out fully on the bed each night to sleep undisturbed.  No dogs to tend.  No children to fuss (they were both snoring quietly from the moment their heads hit the pillows until about 7:30 each morning) no blankets for fight over.  I have to admit to tremendous loneliness the first couple of days, though.  My honey was at work and my best friend was taking care of visiting relatives.  I don't usually get lonely or depressed..it was quite startling when I identified the emotions.  Thankfully, my phone worked for outgoing calls and the kids kept me well entertained.

Heather decided to go visit her cousins who live over an hour's drive away during this week.  Another great surprise.  She has never driven this freeway, much less alone.  She is surely gaining in confidence and wisdom!  I am so proud of her!  She went mid-week, then joined me at the end of the week for the last beach-trip before school started.  She's such a great person to boogie-board with, I really missed her.

Speaking of boogie-boarding, I must confess to really enjoying myself out there now that I own a wetsuit.  Such fun!  I actually rode, for the first time, a wave that I think surfers set their sights on.  I hit a huge wave just before it broke, and rode the ensuing 3 breakers behind it all the way into shore.  Exhilarating!!  Faith has become quite the boogie rider, herself.  She will spend the whole day out there riding in various waves, on various vehicles (boards, rings, whatever is at hand) completely forgetting to come in to eat.  or drink water.  It's amazing.  She used to be so afraid of the waves.  Of course, she is still cautious about depth and needs to build up her swimming skills.  She is still such a joy to watch.  She, too, makes me proud.

By the time the week was over, I was ready to come home.  I felt that I did all the things I wanted to - a bike ride to Starbucks with the girls was our finishing hurrah.  I look back fondly, and look forward to going again.  We each grew this week, and we are the better for it.