thankful for the “non-work” day

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

I had a really productive, enjoyable, and satisfying Saturday. The tempo was long and steady (like this post).

I woke up at 8 a.m… which is by no means early to anyone who has kiddos or pets who need attention and care way earlier. But I don’t have those responsibilities (yet), so I revel!

I woke up and was instantly grateful that it was relatively early by my standards, and that I didn’t have anyone to answer to but me.

I was immediately aware that the sunlight was streaming through my windows and very bright. I flexed my toes forward and back and in circles for a few moments, and then I stretched my spine. I twisted hips and legs and felt my body waken for at least five minutes before I got up. I wanted to go back to sleep. I really did. But I know me, and if I let myself, I could EASILY sleep until mid-afternoon. Not going to say that that’s never happened… at least once or twice or recently.

But I got up!

I went to the kitchen and made coffee, delighting in the fact that I was up and alone to savor the morning quiet. There was something particularly satisfying in being up and alert and ready to tackle the day.

I started a load of laundry, and then I poured a cup of coffee and sat on my front stoop. Outside. In the cooooold. I squinted into the morning sun, watching as it filtered through the trees and cast shadows on my front hedges, still covered in a thick blanket of frost. I watched two male cardinals chase each other from my dogwood tree into my neighbor’s yard. Their scarlet red color shone brightly against the blanket of white snow upon the ground. I wanted to stay out there and watch them, but man… it was ridiculously brisk out. My coffee got cold real quick.

So, I went in and made the mad dash to put on my running clothes. It’s cold upstairs in our little house, and even colder in the basement. But I wanted to get a run in, and I knew I had limited time before my Mom would be over to go run errands with me. Getting myself into running clothes and physically on the treadmill is no easy task. I have to muster gumption and sheer will. I have to be steadfast. Otherwise it’s all too easy to toss myself back into bed and fall asleep.

But I did it. Started a 2nd load of laundry, and then I got on the treadmill.

I gave myself 1 minute to walk and warm up, and then I cranked the speed and incline and went at it. I knew I didn’t have an hour to work out, so I ran at a faster pace for a shorter time and hoped I would make it.

It’s been a tough week for running. A severe lack of motivation and follow-through. I was great last week, but this week I have plain ole sucked.

But I did it. I ran a 5K in decent-ish time. No stops. I watched Talk Soup on E!… a FANTASTIC staple for keeping me going. Really though, any E! programming will do it. Vapid, mindless, but thoroughly engaging entertainment programming. Oh, the hours! I have spent watching Kendra and the Kardashians… thank you for keeping me putting one foot in front of the other.

After running, I went out with my mom and younger sister to stock up on good finds: bulk vinegar, black olives, Clif Kids bars, granola, baked beans, shredded cheese, coffee. I think that was it, and I still managed to spend a ton.

But it was worth it for the bulk aspect. I actually do calculate ounces and prices in my head while I’m contemplating whether to buy. I’ve been doing that for years. I figured out that by buying 5 lbs of cheese in bulk I can save over $3 a month, and all I have to do is split it up into smaller ziplok bags at home. I’ll take the savings where I can get it.

I got home and then hand-washed a pile of pots and Klean Kanteens and wine glasses that had been waiting for me since Thursday. I don’t run our Cuisinart Green Gourmet pots and pans through the dishwasher. Love the pans (wedding present!) — love the eco-friendly materials — but dislike the hand-washing.

Its all too convenient to not wash them right away after using them. Who wants to spend oodles of time washing a pile of dishes when the dishwasher is right in front of you laughing?

But none of that! Got it done! And then I swept the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

After we completed all of our chores (and after many cups of coffee and breaks), Craig and I went to visit his parents. It was so nice just to be able to hang out with them and catch up about the news in our lives. They are always extremely welcoming, and they listen to everything we say. And, well, they feed us graciously. They have the most delicious abundance of food on hand. And woops! suddenly Craig is making us sandwiches chock-full of veggies and good cheese and an abundance of condiments.

And cashews!

And potato chips!

Ah… I love visiting them. I love their travel stories and their take on current affairs. They make me laugh. We hung out for quite a while in their waaaay warmer and toastier house. I could have stayed all night.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. It wasn’t action-packed. But it was productive.

It all started with slowly getting out of bed, making time to get my fair share of Vitamin D this morning, and pausing to take in some rays and wildlife.

Here’s hoping I can spend my Sunday relaxing with a lot more choices and a lot less chores in front of me.

Tags: buying in bulk, coffee, eco-friendly, laundry, running, treadmill
Posted in Let's Get Physical, The Daily Balance | No Comments »