Ah, summer. A good chunk of the nice weather is already over now that the Fourth of July is fast approaching. Once July is over and August hits, then I know summer is really going downhill. Wow, I guess that's kind of a "debbie downer" way to think about it. But really, the days are technically getting shorter now.
This past week I got out on the tennis courts for the third time this summer. I wish I could get out more, but it usually doesn't work out with my work schedule. It was a great summer night with the perfect amount of heat and the stupid wind didn't get in the way. I even played singles and won a set 6-1. Once again, it was just great to get out there and get a good workout in. It's a much better option than running, which I wouldn't want to do for exercise if a gun was held to my head. (OK, maybe that's being a little too dramatic.) Today, I got out for a nice, long walk. I did make a stop along the way. I hadn't been to the A & W since... well, probably since last summer. So I walked up there for a root beer float and pulled out the latest book I'm reading. I followed that up with a good lap around Mill Pond before heading home. It was a hot one, but I loved it. Ah, summer.
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I've always enjoyed sleeping in on the weekends. For someone who's a night owl, sleeping in after a long week of school or work is just glorious. Lazy Saturday mornings are necessary sometimes in order for you to recharge and not get too bogged down with the daily grind.
Since being in my own apartment in Austin, I've found lately that the best Saturday mornings are when I sleep late, eat some breakfast (or brunch, depending on the clock) and then relax on the couch with a good book and a cup of coffee. Sometimes I switch it up and trade the book for my favorite TV show on DVD. My friend Kay recommended the fiction novels by Jodi Picoult to me a few months back, and I haven't been able to put them down ever since. I've found my love for reading again. It's hard sometimes at the end of a long day to not just flop on the couch with the remote, which is my usual choice. I enjoy reading on the patio outside in the nice weather, or as a break in the middle of a walk around Mill Pond. Or maybe most of all, I enjoy my book on a lazy Saturday morning. It looks like summer can officially start for me now. I've been out to play tennis for the first time since probably last fall. I played last night and the weather was absolutely perfect. The wind even stayed away, which is rare during this gusty spring.
I got connected with a group last year that meets a couple times a week to play tennis. They've played quite a bit already this spring with the weather being so unusually nice and all. With my unpredictable work schedule though, I wasn't able to join in yet. Until this week when I finally was able to leave work at a decent time. I don't think I have ever been so excited to play tennis. With tennis these days, I'm just happy when I can get out on the court, enjoy a nice day and get a little exercise. Last night it was just a group of four of us who played some doubles. None of us had a high skill level, which was probably good for my self-esteem my first time out, so I could shake the rust off. It was a bit of a challenge though. My doubles partner, just an average guy, had no idea how tennis is scored. My play was better than I figured it might be after such a long break, but my serves were terrible. Thank goodness you get two chances. I hope I can get back out there soon to play again. It did feel pretty good. This date is a good one, because it's a fifth Monday of the month. No big deal, really. Except that this means I did not have either a school board or city council meeting to cover for work. Yay! Not that I don't enjoy what I do, but Mondays are usually my longest days of the week. Every Monday evening I have a meeting to cover and then stories to write afterward. Leaving the office at 9, 10, 11 at night can get draining.
So when I left today at a reasonable hour, I wondered what to do with my time. I often feel that way if I happen to get done at around 5ish because it doesn't happen very often. I had been craving a nice grilled cheese from this little coffee shop Gymocha, so I went there armed with a good book. I ordered my sandwich and drink, took out the $5.88 I owed and the two workers went ahead and got my order. They both forgot to take my money, until I had my meal. I made sure to stand at the counter until I could hand over my money. The guy behind the counter said, "thanks for being honest." I actually didn't think it was that big of a deal. I mean, what was I going to do, just not pay? But I suppose there are some people out there that would do that. I'm just glad it didn't even occur to me to be one of them. I'm sitting at the Austin Public Library right now. It's a pretty gloomy and chilly April afternoon. The library here is very nice, with lots of windows for a great view of the Mill Pond.
Sitting in the library can be a good place to people watch. For instance, there's an older woman at a table working on some sort of craft project. A gentleman in one of the rows of books is talking on a cell phone in a language other than English (take it outside buddy). At a table facing the pond is an older guy staring at a laptop with earbuds in. I wonder if he's watching a movie? In college, I went to the library to do homework once in awhile. My usual limit was about two hours before I got so distracted I needed a change of scenery. But to get something productive done, I basically had to kick myself out of my dorm room or apartment. Anyway, the next time you are in the mood for some people watching (and the Minnesota State Fair isn't an option at the time), just head to your local library. You probably won't be disappointed. Well, I already have a sports blog, so why not have another blog on my website?
I'm not sure what this will turn into yet. I'll keep you posted. Maybe something having to do with Twitter. Or just some random thoughts. Or some writing about my favorite televsision shows. Any suggestions? I do a ton of writing on a daily basis, so this might turn into an informal space for me to write. We'll see. |
Heather's blogSome more thoughts. Not necessarily from the stands, just from Heather. Archives
February 2014
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