A Perfect Saturday

Ahhh, a perfect Saturday. Started out the day at my friend's Michelle's house (and by house I mean her lovely apartment in Murray Hill) where I spent the night. Friday night I went there for dinner and games with three other friends. Had a blast.

And Saturday morning I spent waking up to a welcoming cup of coffee and a smiling three year old who asked if I wanted to watch the movie Cars with her. Of course I did! Last fall it was Madagascar, this winter Cars. I love to be around little Sarah, she brings so much joy and laughter to me. (And I can never get enough of that! Really, who can?)

But then, the best part of the day...a shopping trip in a car with friends to Target in Long Island! Out of the city to suburbia! A welcome change. And a chance to shop at a store where it's not too crowded and the shelves aren't picked over. Two years ago, I never would have thought that a trip to Target could bring such joy! But a lot of things have changed in two years. Yes, a lot of things.

And the day kept getting better. We went to Panera for lunch. There are no Panera's in the city. There's one in Queens, but it just isn't convenient to get to. I miss Panera. I love their soup and salads. Got my favorite Broccoli Cheddar soup and Fuji Apple Chicken salad today. And even treated myself to a iced green tea! Could this day get better? Why, yes it could! I scored some free chips!

When I got back to Michelle's apartment, I gathered up my bags and hopped on a couple of buses with Michelle, Dave and Sarah: them to meet some friends, and me to get home. I don't take buses often, but it was too nice of a day to be underground. But I haven't even mentioned the day yet! 70 degrees! Sunny and beautiful!

I couldn't wait to drop off my bags and change into my running gear and head off to Central Park. My first run of the year. (I say that like I'm a runner, but really I just want to be a runner. Come to think of it, I guess wanting to be a runner makes me a runner!) I forgot how hilly Central Park is, but I ran/walked (mostly walked) the perimeter, which is 6.1 miles. And I couldn't help but be amazed at what a beautiful day, a beautiful park, really just being amazed at the beauty God provides all around me, and that I don't always see. There were daffodils (yes I had to use dictionary.com to spell daffodils!) crocuses, trees budding, and all types of people, families, running, walking, biking, enjoying this day. Fabulous!

Just realized that today is the first day of Spring. And a perfect first day of Spring it was!

Giving Up Your Seat

I am a woman in my mid-forties. I understand I look much younger...much. But I still know that I look like a woman. So I am sometimes (and by sometimes I mean often) perplexed how I can get on a train with a dozen men seated and not one will offer me their seat. And I know that they see me. How do I know? Because none of them make eye contact! They become so engrossed in what they are reading, or just looking down at the floor, it's almost funny. In fact, I try to stare at them just to see if they'll look back. They never do.

And I just know they feel a little bit guilty, which is why they won't make eye contact. How do I know this? Because I'm a mom and when my son was 4, he'd do the same thing. You know, you're not doing anything wrong if no one 'sees' you.

Now I know many think that it is not fair that men should automatically give up their seats to women. And I can understand that (even though I don't agree.) But what I don't get is the not owning up to the fact that you're not giving up your seat when you feel that you should.

So here's my challenge: Men, look me in the eye as you sit and I stand. Be proud of the fact that you were either on the train before me or you're faster than me and beat me to the seat! Own it! And when you can't own it and stare at your book or the floor so you don't have to see me, know that I am extending grace to you, and not just because there have been times when I have done the exact same thing myself, she said, embarrassed. For the record, I never could look my mother in the eye if I did or was planning on doing something that wasn't right either, and I can't look fellow passengers who may be older and are standing in the eye as I am seated.