Slice of Life: Live First (30 of 31)

It's the 30th day of the March Slice of Life Challenge.  31 days of writing.   Thanks to the amazing Two Writing Teachers team for all of their support in this event.

This morning I awoke at my daughter's apartment to the sound of an unfamiliar bird singing outside of the window.  I pulled the blind open to try to spot the bird, but couldn't see it anywhere though its song was clear, strong, and unknown to me.  I looked at the flowering dogwood across the street thinking the bird must be somewhere in there and sighed.  Today was the last day of my spring break.  In a few short hours we'd be on the road home and back to the busyness of life.

Though I looked forward to seeing my students and hearing their stories tomorrow, I lamented all I had not accomplished.  I still didn't have my taxes done.  My daughter's graduation invitation wasn't done.  My house was clean, but the windows, closets, and drawers looked just as they did a week ago.  The sign turned heavy on my shoulders and caused a certain uneasiness.

Soon we left the apartment after thank yous, goodbyes, and hugs.  Knowing my husband would drive the route, I arranged myself in the car with my computer and coffee.  There are some things I could get done on the drive.  I decided to start by reading a few slices of friends and headed to Stella's blog.  Stella is my virtual life coach.  I love her optimistic outlook on life, her energy, and her ability to put everything in perspective.  Her post today, Sweet Spring Break, made me smile.  As I read about her fabulous week, I realized I had spent my time doing exactly what I love to do.  During the week I had arranged time with family, friends, reading, writing, and relaxing.

There's nothing like a little time for food and friends.  Spring break allowed time to catch up with friends for lunch.  Oh, the joy of a little free time for conversation.

I was finally able to try Dirty Frank's.
I also enjoyed a little home-like cooking
at Der Dutchman.

There was time for coffee with my dad and dinner with my mom and Jerry.

Love Stauf''s!

There was time for prom dressing shopping with Cassie and her friend.  I was also able to travel to visit my oldest daughter, Cortney, in the Carolinas.

There was time to play with a few new recipes.  Over break I made my own meatballs, tried two new chicken breast recipes, and discovered some new side dishes to add to our menu.

There was time for reading and writing.  During break I read The Invention of Wings (my review here),  The Longest Ride (audio), Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy (audio), and One Crazy Summer.   There was plenty of time to write and enjoy the Slice of Life Challenge.  

There was time to study for the big family fantasy baseball draft.  I'm not sure the studying really helped me much, but I had to try to outwit my son and nephew.  If the draft is any sign, I think I still have A LOT to learn.

Spring break provided the time to visit Franklin Park Conservatory's exhibit of Bruce Munro's light art. While in Greensboro we were able to visit the International Civil Rights Museum.  It was interesting to hear the story of the Woolworth's sit-in and its part in the Civil Rights Movement.  

There was plenty of time for dessert!  Lots of dessert!

Le Chocoholique

Driving back through mountains still covered in snow and brown squiggly branches waiting for warmth, I realize how wonderful the break was.  I spent the time doing things I enjoy.  Thanks, Stella, for once again helping me to see what's important.   The best lists aren't the "to do" lists or the "it's done" lists, but the lists like these of the times I left my lists behind to enjoy life.