Another Road Trip - By MYSELF!

A very dear friend of mine was celebrating her 50th birthday with a bash in a neighboring state - about a 4-1/2 hour drive - on Saturday night.

It was a busy weekend for us. The boy had a baseball game scheduled early Saturday and another late Sunday. And he was asked to play with the band in church on Sunday - a first, as he usually plays with the youth band off in their own building.

I was torn, as I wanted to see him play, but this party meant a lot to me, as she is a good friend, who I don't get to see often enough.

I decided to go, leaving the husband and the boy home to go on with the schedule.

I drove down in sunshine - the sunroof open, MY music playing as loud or as quiet as I wanted. I have to admit, it was pretty peaceful.

I stayed in a hotel - by myself. While it was weird at first, I decided to embrace it, and relished in the ability to do what I wanted, watch what I wanted, take as long in the bathroom as I wanted, take as long a shower as I wanted. Nice! I could have danced naked, and no one would have been the wiser. I didn't, but I COULD have.

The drive home wasn't quite as fun, as it was raining - hard at times, and there were at least three traffic jams. But I had my music, so I sat tight and powered through. The drive home is never as much fun anyway.

The birthday girl cried when she saw me - she didn't know I was coming. That right there made it worth the trip.

Oh, and a friend of hers said I looked younger now than I did in an old picture taken 20 years ago. And an old guy asked me if I was a college student. Dude, I am reveling in those flattering remarks!!! Even if they are easily explained by bad 80's styling and senility. I'm taking them as compliments!

I have to say, I'm now entertaining thoughts of by-myself-getaways. Not often, but maybe every once in a while. It's kind of refreshing to just be alone with your thoughts in your own head. A little scary at times, but good, all the same. Try it - you might like it!

***Ally