YaYa was out of school this week. Unfortunately, the private schools and public schools have not realized the importance of aligning their vacation schedules. I ended up, without childcare, and had no other option but to take him with me to work ALL WEEK LONG.
It could have been hellacious, but he really did a great job of behaving himself and allowed me to do my work. I set him up in an office equipped with my laptop and an connection to Club Penguin. He also brought along a collection of other items to keep him busy. It must have looked like we were moving in each morning when we arrived.
The day started off with him either finishing up his homework, reading for 30 minutes, or working with his math facts (flash cards). After that, he was free to hit the other stuff. At lunch, we either grabbed a bite to eat at restaurant or played basketball in the parking lot.
All in all, the week wasn’t too bad. I got to ride in the carpool lane and, as far as I know, I still have my job. But…
Being with YaYa so much left me itching for some time alone. Although I had originally planned to have him accompany on my bike ride tomorrow (and then meet Mike for coffee), that plan was throw right out the window. Instead, I dropped him at baseball practice and jetted right out of there for an 8-9 mile solo run.
Traveling along the same path as last week only, this week, I hit the dirt paths that paralleled the main paved path. There is just something magical about running the path less traveled. The rocks, roots, and uneven dirt require you to focus on the run. With that intensified focus, I experience an increased awareness of the little things: trees, flowers, or even the texture of the trail. These are the things that get missed if you fall into the mechanical mode that pavement running sometimes allows for.
To top it off, I allowed myself the freedom to run how I felt. I felt fast, strong, and capable — and that is just how my run went. Coupled with the off road experience, I finished feeling AWE-some.
I’ve had to take my daughter to work before too, but never for a week. I think more than two days would be disastrous for us. However, that 17 year old girl also loves to play Club Penguin with her friend, so I smiled when I read that.
And of course you *are* AWE-some.