An unusual weekend

This was the first weekend I had nothing major planned.

It was so weird to wake up and actually have the option of going back to bed. So that’s exactly what I did. I pulled the down comforter over my head and rolled around under the covers like I was six again. I enjoyed being wrapped in the fluffy padding, inhaling the sweet smell of mango-pineapple, and listening to the muffled sounds from the outdoors.

I laid in bed for another two hours before getting dressed and going to the gym. I usually read my British-chic lits (a guilty pleasure), but I was content just thinking. I thought about the boys from my past and if I will ever run into them again. I also thought about my future… but there’s really not much to think about. When I was younger, I used to daydream a lot. But now that I am slightly older and more realistic, I’ve come to realize that some things may never be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a major optimist, but lately I’ve been contemplating the things that could potentially happen and those that could not.

I thought about everything on my drive home, as I took a shower, and got dressed to do the grown up stuff. I took my car for its quarterly check up. By now its become a routine and the people pretty much know what to do with it. Because it took a couple hours, I decided to walk around.

I found myself in a Latino supermarket. The smell of the meat department made me nauseous. But everything else was pleasant. I love observing the Latino community interact with each other. A couple women came up to talk to me, but I just smiled. I don’t know Espanol. I spent a good portion of my time in the bakery. The pastries, cakes, and bread looked so good. Too bad my carb intake is restricted for a couple months. How I survive Cinco de Mayo will be a miracle. Why is it that the year I decide to celebrate this glorious holiday, is the year I decide to stick to my diet? Pathetic.

As I slowly walked to pick up Grace (my car), I thought about the time that I could have had another car. I got into a major car accident at an internship the summer I graduated. My parents were going to purchase me my dream car, but certain convictions at the time compelled me to ask for a more practical one. This was a difficult decision, because it goes against everything else I know and used to. But each time I drive Grace, I am reminded of the importance of that conviction and my relationship with God due to it. He continually challenges me.

This morning I woke up super early, but instead of staying in bed like yesterday, I decided to get up to play tennis. I still haven’t found a partner, but the wall works. I took a break a couple times to watch a father and son challenge. The little boy looks about 8, and had the fiercest backhand I've seen in months. His forehand was adequate, but his backhands kept surprising his father. He also grunted everytime he returned the ball, which was rather cute. After about an hour of hitting the wall, I decided to test the track. It felt so good to be running outside again. I started thinking what a waste of time my gym membership is sometimes. I hate being cooped up indoor running in place. I love the feel of air against my face. I love the smell of fresh grass. I love feeling alive, and free. I love that there was no one else but me, and I can run as fast or as slow as I want and not feel like I’m being watched and critiqued by others.

After the workout, I decided to walk around again and noticed masses of people walking towards something. Curious girl that I am, I followed. There was a swap meet on the other side of the courts. There were hundreds of vendors selling antiques, cheap housewares, imitation purses, and randon materials. Most clothes were only 50 cents or $1. I enjoyed walking around, watching what people purchase. Some people went there for groceries. A man had an entire shopping cart filled with toilet paper, maxi pads, fruit, vegetables, and a couple shirts. Children roamed the area unsupervised. People kept coming up to speak to me, but I was unable to communicate. I must have looked lost or something in my tennis outfit and bag. Next time I’ll come more appropriately dressed.

I also found time to finally do my laundry. I have enough clothes to last me a couple months. The laundromat is an interesting place. I don't think you'll ever see such ecclectic group of people in such close proximity. There was a man doing half a load. He sat on the bench near his 7-series BMW. He was reading the LA Times. I questioned why he wouldn't have his own machine at home; he certainly looks like he can afford it. And why do just half a load. It definitely looked suspect. There was also a couple in their late twenties. They could be living together in an apartment closeby. They weren't speaking to each other, just going through the motions of folding clothes. They may have had an argument earlier and were giving each other the silent treatment. It was just unusual. The best thing though, was a mom and son in what seems to be a little laundry business. They had plenty of loads to do and they kept going. The 8-year old boy was extremely polite and cooperative. He also smiled a great deal and whistled to random tunes. He unloaded and loaded the machine, then helped his mother fold the clothes and place them in neat stacks to wrap and label. The mother kept telling him to take a break, but he just kept on going. I was extremely touched by their actions.