So I am officially on a "break." Well, for about another 18 hours. I'm currently sitting at a bed and breakfast not far from our house. After a very stress-filled last few weeks and just feeling a bit weary the last month and a half, I finally declared to Don that I was feeling burned out and needed a break. A true break. Not just an hour or two by myself or the three of us together, but actually leaving them and spending some time alone.
So my wonderful husband got the idea and booked me an evening at a very affordable local bed and breakfast and took Brennan for most of the day today and all day tomorrow. We also did squeeze in a little dinner date tonight by the generosity of some friends who took Brennan for a couple of hours.
So after an early baby doc appointment this morning and my MOPS meeting, I was on my own. I told a couple people about my solo adventure and they all asked, "So what are you going to do?" And I realized that I had no clue. It's been so long since I've truly been alone, no little one tagging along, no husband hanging on my every word :0), not even the cat twisting around my legs to get some attention. Alone.
So I began by grabbing myself a bite to eat, then browsed in Old Navy for baby and mommy clothes, then wandered over to Barnes and Noble and got caught up in the latest issue of People magazine. None of these seem like very astounding or magnificent activities, but it was wonderful to be able to do it. Sometimes it's the simple things that are most appreciated.
This evening I've been relaxing here at the B&B, chatting up the proprieter, and now doing some writing (yes, I realize it's been almost two months but, as I said, craziness). After breakfast (being made for ME), I'll do some reading/devotions and just spend some time in prayer before checking out. This is the other thing that I've been longing for. Time alone...with God.
Yes, I know I can have that when Brennan's napping, but when no one has any undergarments to wear, the dishes are going on strike from not being cleaned, and the dust bunnies are taking up permanent residence on the couch to watch TV, my mind gets preoccupied.
So this time away is also time with. Time with the one who I've been missing a lot lately and feeling drawn in to spend that quality time together. Time with the God's living word. Time with God's presence. As it says in Ecclesiastes, "there's a time for everything under heaven." Well, this is now my time.
