long day

Today was a long day. Not all of it was bad, not all of it was great either. Mostly, it was just long.

It started about 4:30am when I woke up with a bad stomachache. Apparently, I had eaten something that didn't entirely agree with me. I spent the next hour and a half trying to convince myself that I would not get sick and then resigning myself to the idea that I would be sick, and then feeling disappointed when I wasn't sick - because then, I could have at least felt better. A little after 6am, I finally started feeling a little better - at least better enough to relax a little bit and let exhaustion wash over me.

But, umm, it was 6am and I was already going to be late for work. I had to get up. I texted my intern and told her I'd be a little late and decided to take my time getting ready. I didn't quite feel 100% when I left the house, but at least 85%.

Today, my intern and I had to drive down to an elementary school where we're helping cover cases for another psych who's out. It's about a 30 min drive. We got there and we did most of the testing we needed to do. I still didn't feel well, I really really just wanted to go home and curl up on the couch, y'know? I'd been up since 4:30 in the morning, and my body was protesting. But, no rest for the weary.

We headed back to our school and had a quick lunch. I decided that I would be a bit of a rebel and allow us to leave work 15 mins early (gasp!). We'd done our work for the day, and all I could think about was napping. Mmmm. Nap.

Once I got home, I remembered it was Wednesday. This means Kyle has class and I drive him from work to school. I had about 10 minutes at home before I had to go get Abs ready and load us up to pick up Kyle. It was at least enough time for me to change into some scrubs, an old t-shirt and flip flops. So much better. We took Kyle to school and headed home. Then something strange happened - I suddenly didn't want to go home. I knew that if I did, I was probably going to let Abby watch a cartoon while I dozed, and I decided I didn't want that to happen. I only get a few hours with her everyday, so I decided to make them count.

I took her to the mall by our house instead. This mall is pretty nice, kinda upscale with a bunch of snooty stores. I was amused that here I was in, basically pajamas with crazy hair, no makeup and not a care in the world about it. Sue me. Abs and I played for about 45 mins in their indoor playspace. She had so much fun, and she navigates and interacts with other kids really well (knock on wood) She's a little timid around bigger kids still, but you can tell she loves the company nonetheless. She laughed and squealed and jabbered the entire time. Several people commented on what a talker she is - and I laughed and agreed, but secretly my heart was feeling very proud of her. When dinner time rolled around, I decided I was going to do the irresponsible thing and take my girl out to dinner. Just the two of us. Girls night out. Mommy & daughter time.

We went to Bertucci's in the mall, no crowd, no wait, good food. And you know what? It was kinda fun. I actually enjoyed having a dinner out with just me and Abs. Nothing against Kyle, obviously, I don't mean for it to sound that way - but it was kinda special to be just the girls. We played and chatted and ate. We shared soup and salad. I ended up ordering Abby an entire bowl of tomatoes and black olives as that's all she was really interested in.

It reminded me of when my parents would order me a bowl of black olives when we went out to eat at Olive Garden growing up. As I watched Abby clean out her bowl with big smiles and audible "MMmmms" I thought to myself "Geez, she really is my kid, huh? That's utterly amazing"

Anyway. Abs was good for me the whole time we were out. I didn't even bother with a stroller, she just walks beside me. She holds my hand when I tell her to and follows close by my side when she isn't anyway. It was a really nice evening - even if it meant I spent $12 I probably shouldn't have.

We got home and I did let her watch an episode of Mickey while I tidied up things. Then it was time for a bubble bath, books, and bed.

And now, 15 something hours after I woke up, I'm finally relaxing and am very much looking forward to going to bed early tonight. It's been a long day, not bad, but long for sure. I try to remember to be thankful for all my days - even the ones that start out rocky and seem insurmountable. We always get through them don't we?

Anyway, thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a great tomorrow.