A post in which I wax sentimental

I haven't been keeping up with my walking, mostly because the friend I was walking with and I have had trouble coordinating our schedules lately, and it's just not as much fun to walk alone without someone (and adult) to gossip with. So really it's been a question of motivation on my part. I hate the shape I'm in, but apparently not quite enough to do something about it and stick with it.

Anyhow. This morning was one of the three days each week that all but the two youngest kids are in school. Usually on those days I have errands to run, chores to do, and at least (it seems) one doctor appointment each week. Today we had nothing on the agenda. It would have been easy to stay holed up in the house, but on a whim, I decided to get my act together and take Finn and Lilah out in the jogger for a walk. And I'm so glad I did.

It was just that time during mid-morning when there is something pure and crystaline about the quality of the light and air. The neighborhood was mostly quiet, except for the sound of birds chirping and a lawnmower way off in the distance (there is something about that sound . . . hard to put into words, but it always gives me a certain pleasant feeling; it just sounds optimistic, like spring). The sun was on my face, and a soft breeze was on my skin. I walked briskly, working up a sweat, as Lilah chattered away in the stroller and Finn dozed. And I just felt like, "This is perfect. It's good to be alive."