30 Day Challenge- Day 2

Only two days into the 30 Day Challenge and I'm really digging it. I love this idea of seeking out opportunities to take care of and be kind to myself. For the past month I've only worked four days a week and I love love love it. It's been great to have this Friday "free" day which I also try to use as a break from technology. I did a great job the first two Fridays, but since then I've cheated a bit by checking email on my blackberry (which I lovingly, refer to as my blueberry, which is what my father in law calls it- honestly). Still, it's not like I'm sitting at home on the computer all day putting in 8-12 hours of work. The days off have been such a great opportunity to recharge, hang out with family and friends who have been visiting, but most importantly a great opportunity to kick back and relax!

Today (really yesterday, because I'm typing this on Saturday) I took my boys (Steve & Clancy) and we went up to Steve's parent's house to take advantage of their pool and the fact that they're not there on the weekends.

Now, I know that I have plenty to say about my in-laws, but I will give them props when they deserve it. Being able to take advantage of their pool perched atop Pacific Palisades is amazing. And I feel like I'm on a little getaway when I do make it up there. The ocean view, on a clear day, is amazing and it's so quiet you forget you're in the middle of a major US city. Steve's parent's have been very gracious about letting us going up there and use their pool and so yesterday when my Steve got home from work, we took some magazines and went up to the pool with our only goal to spend time together and relax.

I feel grateful that we have this little getaway because it's almost impossible to not feel completely relaxed when you're there. I slathered on a combination of SPF 45 and then SPF 30 (when the 45 ran out) and swam, read, played with Clancy and checked out.

Here's how we spent our day:










It was so great that I went back up almost as soon as I got home. Susannah, Bethany and I ordered some pizza and went back up with some beers. The pool temperature is 86* which is not entirely cool enough to keep you feeling refreshed during the day when the sun is out, but let's face it, beggars can't be choosers! And the truth is that during the evening, it's amazing. You almost feel like you're in a hot tub :)

I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend my Friday night. I brought up my iPod speakers and some candles and we just listened to some music, got freaked out by owls (Leah- I was able to tell them about the owls are assholes t-shirt), ate some good pizza, drank some good beer, had a relaxing nighttime swim, read up on Ireland and got away from it all for a little bit.