The third best day of my life.

The best day of my life was the day I married Scott.  The days that Brinley and Nora were born tie for the second best day of my life.  Which brings us to the third best day of my life – this past Saturday.  Why was it so great?  Well, I got to spend the majority of the day ALONE!  You might be confused a bit.  If the best days of my life were getting married and giving birth to my kids then how could the next best day of my life not involve any of them?  Well, it’s because it was a day that revolved totally around me and that has not happened in nearly three and a half years.

I blame no one other than myself for this.  Scott has tried ad nauseam to try to get me to go out and have a ME day for quite some time.  But for some reason I just could not pull myself away.  I feel compelled to be with my kids because, let’s face it, they NEED me.  There isn’t another person who could possibly do all that I do with them and for them in a day, right?  Wrong.  I guess I just like to give myself waaaaaaay to much credit.  I mean I’ve gone out alone since the birth of my kids to do various things – quick shopping trips, appointments, etc – but I’ve never left for an entire day by. my. self.

I started my day by getting my hair cut.  The last time I had my hair cut was in June.  I was long overdue.  It felt so great to be pampered and have adult conversation.  I didn’t want it to end!  When I left the salon I felt like a new person.  I had just lost about five to six inches of hair!  Wow!  I absolutely love my new hair do.  I went from long, straggly hair that ended up in a pony tail every day to actually having a style!  (Check out my “About Me” page for a picture.)

My next stop was the mall.  I typically visit the mall on week day mornings with the girls.  At that time the stores are filled with moms, kids and old ladies.  I’ve gotten quite used to being able to maneuver my double stroller through the stores with my kids blabbing away and spilling their snacks on the floor.  Imagine my surprise when I enter the mall on Saturday to crowds of teenagers, busy women shoppers and just packs and packs of people.  It was sheer madness!  But I was alone.  No stroller, no kids, no diaper bag.  I had the freedom to zig and zag at will to avoid the crowds and bounce in and out of any store I wished.  It was very liberating.  I scored some new bras and underwear from Victoria’s Secret and grabbed a new outfit before heading to the food court to enjoy some lunch.  I didn’t sit in the kiddie area and I didn’t have to search for a table large enough to accommodate me, two kids and all of their paraphernalia.  I left the mall via Target (my favorite place on earth) and grabbed a few quick things.

Here comes the best part of my day… I’m walking to my car and there are eager shoppers in their vehicles stalking me to find out where I’m parked.  I’ve got cars coming at me from both directions and as soon as I turn toward my car, blinkers start flashing.  I politely wave them off saying that I’m not leaving.  I put my bags in the back and got into the driver’s seat.  I did not turn on the car.  Instead, I locked the doors and just sat there – alone.  No radio, no kiddos in the back seat, nothing.  Just peace and quiet!  I sat there for a good ten minutes before starting the car and heading off.

I returned home at around 4:30pm and Scott and the girls were still very much alive.  Shortly after walking in the door my mom called to say that she was on her way over.  When she arrived I headed upstairs, got ready and Scott and I headed out.  You see, it was the night of my ten year high school reunion.  BUT, I did not go.  Instead we met up with some good friends for dinner and drinks.  I had no desire to attend my reunion.  If I had gone, I don’t think I would be able to say that Saturday was the third best day of my life.