As I stood here yesterday (yeah, I have a standing desk), I reflected on the day before and my wish for a vacation day. I reflected on how long it had been since I took a day and flew the empty nest on a whim.
Other people do it all the time, it looks like fun when they do it. Why don’t I?
I didn’t feel like writing a blog post. Even if I wanted to scream, I couldn’t find any words…nothing came to me. So I didn’t write.
I just stood there and stared at the reflection on the screen.
I didn’t want to read emails either. So I didn’t.
I thought about hiding for the day, but that’s no fun.
Instead, as quickly as possible, so I wouldn’t change my mind, I set an autoreply of Out of Office for my emails at work. I then texted my assistant to tell her I wasn’t going to be into work, aka, the same place I was standing while I typed the message. Ah, the tiniest of curses while working from home.
I took a walk to clear my thoughts while I worked up an appetite for adventure.
Came back, took a shower, got dressed, and headed out the door. I was a timid, yet free, bird for the day. Please, please, please, let there be a parking spot that I don’t have to parallel park in.
I met a friend at a coffee shop, after driving around the block 3 times to find a spot. Enjoyed a delicious cup of seven-spice chai latte with almond milk and two slices of avocado toast for breakfast.
Then went shopping. I scored a few new t-shirts. Now I just gotta part with the old. I also found a great pair of black pants that fit me to a “T” (or glove, I may need to reconsider how tight they fit me today…). I was thinking of revamping my closet with a simple & stylish French look – classic black pants, white t-shirts, and blazers. I imagine that is how they dress, I dunno for sure!?
Put blinders onto those things that conspire to hold you back, especially the ones in your own head. – Meryl Streep
That made me want to go to a vineyard to contemplate my new look or how I could ever pull that off. I went there next. Of course, wine, cheese, and crackers are a must. It was a gorgeous day and a welcoming way to relax.
As I reflect, it was just the kind of getaway day I needed.
Then I went home to find a delicious meal Mr. had made. He even made fresh guacamole that went lovely with my Tostitos. There was a definite comfort food theme going on for the day – I guess. Again…those pants might be a tad tight-fitting today…
I had little intentions for what to do, other than to just take a vacation day. I’m surprised how well that worked out for me. I should do that more often, right?
Post Inspiration: Susannah Conway’s A month of mindfulness #AugustBreak2019 – Intentions.
PS – The poor little Oriole bird hit the window reflection and maybe broke its leg or something? It sat there for a long time, but eventually recovered and took off with its mom. We hope. It was fun for Tizzie, though. What do you do when you take a spontaneous day off?
Your day sounds delightful and the perfect way to recharge your batteries. I’m glad you followed your heart to get to a better place.
Thank you, Ally – it is good to follow our heart :-)!
Nothing like stimulating the economy to recharge oneself! Good for you taking the day for yourself. Ending with Tostitos! Nice 🙂
Thank you – it was a comforting day in many ways. 🙂
You’re welcome. Glad it was!
That sounds like the perfect day off! Good for you!
Thank you – I appreciate you cheering me on!
I find shopping always cheers me up, it’s a pleasant diversion, with lots of creative input, even if all you are doing is looking! And the French look is classic.
Thank you for the encouragement, Joni. I agree, the creative input is a plus.
re the bird: probably just a sprain.
When I’d take a spontaneous day of (i.e. call in well), we’d just kind of hang around, maybe go to lunch or a movie (those were the days we were still going to movies), or both, watch some TV… you know, just sort of exist.
I think it was just a sprain of some kind. He/she eventually took off.
I like those kind of days too – no schedule and just exist. 😉
Sounds like you really needed a break. Glad you did. 🙂
Yes, I did, thank you for the encouragement!
Sounds like a fun day. I’ll have to think about taking one myself. Maybe a trip to the beach is in order!
Yes – and you did just that…I’m so jealous! But, I’m thankful you shared your glimpses of the trip to the beach. Beautiful shots!
Off the point a little: a poem I wrote: O bird, you are twice listened to / and twice enjoyed this morn! My little cat and I are both / enchanted by your song! We both do so admire you / (altho from different points of view) / and we are both made merrier / by your sweet morning aria!
When you’re retired and every day is a kind of vacation day, it’s hard to know when you need to escape from your routine vacation days! But a change of scene in the city for a lunch date with a friend is often just the change I need!
Aw, I love that poem, Ellen, thank you for sharing it.
I enjoy seeing how you find escape from the routine of retirement. The big city offers a lot to see. A lunch with a friend is the best!
P.S. Please let us know if the oriole recovers!
It appears it has, it flew off later that evening. And we double checked to make sure it hadn’t fallen to the ground off of the deck.
Those days are special, Shelley. I’m glad you enjoyed yours. I hope the bird is feeling better.
Yes, they are. Yes, he/she appears to have survived. Those darn window reflections get the young ones often.
Just do it 🙂
🙂 Thank you for the inspiration, Brian!
My pleasure Shelley 👍
🙂
It’s been ages since I flew the coop at a moment’s notice. At my first legal job we got five personal days and ten sick days per year. I would use my personal days because you could schedule them in advance and I would take a long weekend and we’d go to Toronto to visit my grandmother. And so I always gave advance notice until one time when my boss ticked me off and I decided to call in sick – first time I’d ever done so. We had just implemented a voicemail system at work (this was the early 90s) and so you did not have to call in and speak to the H.R. Director, switchboard or anyone, just leave a message. So, on a lark, I told my mom we were taking a mental health day and I called in sick and left my message on the answering machine/voicemail. Off we went, tripping around the mall, having a shopping fest, stopping at the outlet mall, having a nice dinner out. When we came home my mom went in the house before me as I had to lug in the purchases. The phone was ringing and she answered it – a coworker calling at 4:00 p.m. and said “oh, you’re okay – you’re not dead!” My mother was taken aback – she asked what Debbie meant. She said “Linda was a no-show, didn’t call – never did that before and it was the day after Halloween so we were about to call the police if no one answered the phone because we thought someone got into your house and killed you when you opened the door to pass out Halloween candy.” Apparently the voicemail malfunctioned at work and I have never had an answering machine, not now either. I had to say I had taken a mental health day and gone out for the day. Never called in sick again. 🙂 Yes, I always have a story.
Wow – you’re right, Linda, you always have a story – I love hearing them. I’m happy to read your co-workers were diligent in making sure you were okay. And, of course, that you were okay is a plus. Sounds like a wonderful day you had with your mom too.
I am famous for my stories because they’re usually a little off the wall. I’ve got a post in my head for something dumb I did this morning – you’ll know what a dummie I was when you read the post and say “Linda was right – how in the h*ll???” 🙂
LOL! I’ll be by to check it out!