A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time.” 

Betty Smith

My happiest day

Yesterday was my happiest day of 2015. It wasn't a Friday, or even a Saturday. It wasn't even a day off. It was a Monday and it was the day after daylight savings. I had a good day work. Not spectacular, we weren't killin it in sales,  but it was good. The connections were real, the conversations authentic, and the commitment to be better was all there. (As someone who never thought she'd be working in retail, and has been working in retail for the last year and a half, that is as good a day as ever for me. I am in my job to connect with people- I am not there to sell stretchy pants. That's beside the point though.)

My other half was fortunate enough to have the day off- something he hasn't had in awhile, and something we haven't had together in a very long while. While texting at lunch I through out the idea of an afternoon ride. Fortunately he jumped on my bait, and plans were set for a ride to Davis after work. I have been itching to be getting longer rides in and with the sun shining and an extra hour- the opportunity was right there. As much as I yawned through my drive home, I knew I needed that bike ride and I couldn't have been more right. Through those 35 miles I absolutely found my happy. 

I hate to admit this... But the truth is- I had lost my happy- not permanently, but for a short while, I was bummed out. Changes (and disappointments) at work, disagreements with loved ones, and an overall feeling of unease and uncertainty had been getting to me. Smiles had been giving way to teary eyes, and I hate that. I want to be happy. I do. It's just sometimes things just happen to make that happy a little harder to find. For example- I know that for me, I need to ride. And damnit I tried. But I had a week where things just were not in my favor. I mean seriously- three separate bike rides- one cut short from a bum crank arm, one from a flat tire, and one from a head over handlebar crash... Are you kidding me? Just give me some damn happy and ease already. 

So on Monday I knew I needed something special. I knew I needed not just to climb back in the saddle, but I needed a long ride. I needed to get out on the road. I needed to feel the familiar burn in my quads and wind on my face. Lucky for me, I have a husband who likes nothing more than to ride by my side. So we decided Davis was our destination. An easy 18 miles out, a quick bite for dinner, and a sweet sunset 18miles back home was on the agenda. It was perfect. It really was. In the most simple way possible, it was perfect. All we did was ride and be. We chatted a bit, but mostly we were just together. Riding and enjoying being outside. It was medicine. Not just for my mood, but for Lucas' as well. I sometimes forget how much my mood impacts more than just me. Because I had lost my happy, so had Lucas. But together, with our legs pedaling, and bugs in our face- we found it again. 

With no lights on our road bikes, our ride was cut short--- I so wanted to hit at least 40 miles, but we decided 35 was enough and headed home. After a quick shower and a snuggle with Bob, we put the road bikes away, and we pulled down the track bikes (equipped with lights) off the wall, and decided to ride more. It just felt so damn good outside. That, and I have been itching to check out Motown on Mondays at one of our favorite midtown spots, LowBrau. I am a sucker for live music- DJ's included. It just lights me up. I even adjusted my vision and goals to reflect how much I enjoy listening to live music. (3+times a month... Psssssh... #crushingit). Motown on Mondays reminded me exactly why I added this element to my V&G's. It makes me feel good. Live music makes most everyone happy. Last night was no different. Almost every single person in the place was bobbin their head, movin their feet, and all the while rockin a huge smile on their face as the tunes played. Luke and I each had two drinks- nothin crazy, but enough to feel special. It was a date. It wasn't planned, it wasn't fancy, but it was us. Sitting side by side. Whispering to each other, smiling, and laughing. Just connecting. Being us. And it was everything I needed. We ended up leaving shortly after 11:00, and were still home in our pj's in bed by midnight. 

I know not everyday is going to be perfect. I know that I need some dark, some disappointments to appreciate the light, the sweet spots. What's wonderful, is that I also know that I am so incredibly fortunate to appreciate the simple things. Monday was definitely simple- a day of work, a bike ride, and a trip to a local bar, and damn that Monday was so sweet.

Lukey enjoying chips and salsa at our dinner spot in Davis.Happy girl in the sunshine.