Back in the saddle?

Today I could have slept in. My husband was at an all day training session and our son was at his aunt and uncle's house. I had nothing to do but clean and errands. I could have slept in. I normally would have slept in. But I did not sleep in and I feel so proud.

Instead I got up at 6:30 and went for a bike ride. It was a short ride, but it was the first time I had ridden my bike other than up and down my street.  And considering I really haven't ridden a bike any distance since high school (which was over 20 years ago) this was a big deal!

It was 6.44 miles from my door to the return home and it included time riding on the street. I was so nervous, I almost backed out. But that is why I got up and out by 7 am - I wanted to do it before a lot of people were on the road. 

I rode downtown to one of the rail trail entrances and I rode two miles on there. It was great to see so many other people riding, walking, and running. My town really appreciates the residents and maintains that trail well. Other than the middle aged couple having a rendezvous on one of the benches, it was a very uneventful ride. But it made me feel empowered. When I hit the town line I backtracked and headed home. I was on the street a little longer this time, but it was still early enough that I didn't compete with too many cars. 

I am quite sore right now, but happy. I did something I have wanted to do for years. I conquered a fear (my last bike riding experience when I was a teen is not a pleasant memory). And I want to go out and do it again tomorrow. I want to get back on track and start back with my fitness routine. I fell Off the wagon HARD, but today gave me a taste of what it feels like to do something for myself and I want to indulge in it more. 

Baby I am back!!!

I suppose I could have smiled so I wouldn't look so confused in this selfie. 

Just one of those days

Some mornings are just hard.  We may only have one child, but that doesn't mean parenting is any easier for us.  My six-and-a-half year old son is VERY strong willed, always determined to get his own way, and he has our sarcasm down to a T.  These things do not mix well for an easy morning to get out of the house.  By the time we need to leave in the morning my husband has already been out of the house and at work for at least five hours.  If things start to go downhill, they go down very quickly since I do not have another level-headed party to step in and calm us down.  And today was just one of those days....

Things were going great this morning and we were even downstairs for breakfast early.  Then the subject of today's school book fair came up and that's when it all unraveled.  Last year I sent CD to school with money to get a new book and he came home with something way under his age group.  He was in kindergarten and this book was definitely something for a preschooler or younger.  But he loved it and I allowed him to keep it, but I insisted that he had to read it to me instead of the other way around.  And reluctantly he did (reading was a new skill at that time).  This year I asked him to get a book more age appropriate.  "But I love touch-and-feel books!"  I don't care....they are for three year olds, not six year olds.  And if I'm spending MY twenty dollars on a book, I want it to be something less juvenile.  

Oh, how the morning fell apart.  He became disrespectful.  I took away the money.  Voices were raised.  Tempers flew.  A plate broke (completely by accident, but it really did not help my anger or his need to poke at the bear).  Tears were close to being shed (mine, of course).

We finally got through breakfast in silence and when he politely asked if he could have the money back, I caved in.  But I stuck with my condition that it had to be age-appropriate.

As we pulled up to school I apologized for losing my temper.  I hate being away from him all day and feeling like we parted on bad terms.  I told him that I loved him, and when I saw the sign for the fair I added "enjoy the book fair."

He got unbuckled, grabbed his backpack and said "I can't wait to get my touch-and-feel book!" Then he gave me a smirk and leaned forward to kiss me on the cheek.  In the two years that I have been dropping him off at school that boy has never kissed me on the cheek before exiting the car before.  And that's when I knew for sure that kid was a perfect mix of his parents.  Sarcasm and all.