Last week I decided that I’d be using my last personal day from work on the final full day of the school year with my students.  I didn’t want to let that precious day go unused.  I declared Friday, June 9th, 2017 “Treat Myself Day!”  I’d focus on nourishing my inner self.  Up first, sleep in a bit.  I’ve been battling finding restful sleep nightly.  I stayed in bed a little longer, until 5:45 before rolling out of bed.  Let me tell you.  It felt glorious.

Next up, marathon training.  I got myself dressed and power walked the 3 miles that were on the schedule.  I was proud of my 13:47 minute pace.  Not too shabby!  I felt energized as I walked.  Maybe, it was because I didn’t have to rush to get home and get ready for work.  Maybe it was the blue sky filled with happy, puffy clouds.  Whatever it may have been that put a little extra pep in my step, I soaked it all in.  I concluded my walk with a short stretch and foam rolling.

Waking up my two boys lacked the edge of rushing to get out the door.  I jumped in each of their beds, gave them several hugs and kisses, with a whispered reminder that it was time to wake up, and then I headed for the showers.  I didn’t worry about actually seeing them get out of the bed.  They had opened their eyes and that was enough to let me know that they were awake.  Since they are 7 and 4, I have no worries that they’ll fall back asleep.  My shower was extra long and delightful.  I took the time to enjoy the scent of the soap and shampoo as I washed my body and hair.  (I NEVER wash my hair before work.  I don’t have the 45 minutes  needed to tame my natural hair, but that was a luxury that I afforded myself that day.)  I then quickly twisted my hair and threw on a scarf so that we could head out the door.  We three enjoyed a breakfast of  pancakes and then we headed out the door to school.

My two minis were very disappointed when they realized that Mommy wasn’t going to work, but they were going to school.  I reassured them that they’d enjoy a similar feeling when they didn’t have to go to school Saturday morning.  Dropoffs went smoothly, because I wasn’t rushing to get to work.

I headed to my favorite vinyasa class that I rarely attend because it’s held on Fridays at 10:00am.  I got there early and settled into a spot that called to me.  That class had me sweating and testing my balance in ways that felt awesome!  I love being challenged and led in new asanas and sequences that I hadn’t considered.  Erik always gives me fresh inspiration for my Monday night vinyasa classes.

The next stop was a local burrito spot for lunch.  To my surprise, I’d have to wait fifteen minutes for them to open.  So I took a seat at one of the outdoor tables and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine on my skin.  The time passed quickly as I began writing on my laptop.  A waiter came outside and I placed my usual order of vegan tacos and a bottled water.  Shortly after, a gentleman parked next to where I was sitting, blasting Khalid’s “Location.”  (I sang along as I wrote.)  He exited his car, but left the radio playing.  Since I was the first customer of the day, and my order was simple my three tacos arrived in no time.  I enjoyed my food while enjoying the tunes that had been left on….for me I can only assume since the car was empty.  I finished up my meal and left.  As I headed back to my car, my path crossed with the gentleman from the car.  I thanked him for my lunchtime music and headed to the movies.

I was a little nervous to go to the movies because this would be the first time that I’d be seeing a movie alone.  My apprehension to going to the movies by myself is that I feared strangers would judge me for being by myself.  But guess what, I have no idea what the four other people in the theater were thinking about me, and frankly I didn’t care once I got there.  I went to see “Everything Everything.”  I enjoyed it.  Amandla Stenberg portrayed Maddie beautifully and I got used to and eventually liked Nick Robinson as Olly.  It was peaceful sitting in the dark watching the big screen.  It was a little strange not to have someone to whisper to throughout the movie, but I think I paid attention more because I was there alone.  The movie gets my humble approval.  I loved the book and the film adaptation was equally entertaining.

The movie ended just in time for me to go and pick up my two boys from their schools.  The day flew by and I relished every second of it.  We ended the day by going to the park and playing on the jungle gyms and in the splash pad (a fun sprinkler system).  My boys then begged to go to Applebee’s, which I grudgingly obliged.  Finally, we headed home, showered and then got in our pj’s and watched a little Netflix before going off to bed.  This personal day was EVERYTHING!  I was able to recharge before heading into the homestretch of this final week of school.  In the words of Ice Cube, “Today was a good day.”