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!