on the road to ikea

I used to live in an apartment. Alone.

For about five years.

And even though I consider myself an extremely social individual, I really enjoyed living by myself -- for the most part. I enjoyed the solitude after a long day of busyness and interacting.

There are endless things to do. I read. And read. And read some more. I doodled. Wrote letters. Created poetry. Beat myself at Yahtzee and Boggle a time or two. I rode my bike. Went for walks. Frequented the local bookstore. Watched mindless TV with an antennae. Studied. Hobbied. Pondered.

Sometimes I miss that.

Not usually. But sometimes.

I, of course, would never trade the joy of marriage, or children, just for a little solitude. But let's just say -- I enjoyed myself today.

On the road to Ikea.

Forty-five minutes of solitude. Matthew was at school and Nolan was fast asleep in the backseat. My mind was free to wander and breathe and think random thoughts. To simply appreciate the beautiful autumn colors along the freeway. Gorgeous, brilliant reds against the transitional neutrals of greens, golds and browns. To sing along to a CD I haven't pulled out for in ages. Shawn Mullins. I re-fell for his rough soothing voice and the squeak of his guitar. And the precious sleeping face of my baby in the rear-view mirror.

My time inside the giant warehouse was fun, but harried. It's tough to tackle all that space while juggling an active wannabe toddler, a stroller and a large art easel. (Which, by the way, I'm really excited to give Matthew for his birthday next week). But no complaints. I got what I came for. Browsed for our upcoming move. Ate some Swedish cafeteria food. And received lots of comments about my cute baby with the bare feet and impish grin.

The productive craziness inside was book-ended by much-needed, thoroughly-enjoyed, sanity-saving-- glorious -- minutes of peace and quiet on the road.

Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh...

I needed that.