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Post-Memorial Day Weekend

We took our annual trip to Pittsburgh over this past Memorial Day weekend. We had a fabulous time, as we always do. We missed it last year because of Barcelona, but we would have missed it anyway because of the pandemic. So it was doubly nice to be able to reengage with this lovely tradition. We hung out with our friends, enjoyed their beautiful home and city, and ate so much yummy food. Honestly, my yoga pants are tight today after the long weekend. But believe me, it is worth it. The kids went for a walk on Sunday with our friends' kids, on their own, in downtown Squirrel Hill. It was so nice to be able to give them this freedom. I really wish we could offer something similar here, but we can't. Our town is not set up for walking, whatsoever. It actually makes me mad when I think about it.  There are places we could walk, distance-wise, like the library. But there is no safe way to do it. Why not? Ugh. Why would anyone choose to have to drive somewhere within walking distance? Why are there no sidewalks anywhere near our neighborhood? 

It is always a little bit hard coming home after a Pittsburgh trip. The city is so lively, it makes our regular life feel slow and dull. Yes, are reasons to recommend our way of life, and I'm not completely ungrateful for what we have. But I feel we've settled into a particular location and lifestyle because of our jobs instead of because it's the way we want to live. And a lot of people do that, either because they have to or they choose to prioritize work. But I no longer feel like that's right, at least for me. So I think a lot about what I would prefer. I wonder how healthy that type of thinking is. I think as long as I keep it in check it's okay and constructive. And of course elements of being home in my familiar and comfortable space are really nice too. 

I maintained my yoga practice over the long weekend, but barely. I didn't have my mat and the floor in the hotel was awfully hard. I had to cut Sunday's session short because I hurt my back and didn't feel comfortable continuing on in unsuitable conditions. But because I tried and made it a few minutes, I am counting it. It was a super short practice that day anyway. But it makes me consider the future, especially this summer because we will do a lot of traveling. Will there be days when I simply can't make yoga happen? Or is that an excuse? If I try hard enough, can I always make it happen? I'll have to think more about it and take it as it comes. 

I finished a 30-day mindfulness course today on Insight Timer. It was enjoyable and educational. I didn't get into every session, but the teacher commented frequently that that would happen. Some practices resonate more with some people than with others. But other sessions were thought-provoking and engaging and helpful. I will probably go back and listen to many of them again. This teacher has another, more advanced (I think) course that I might try too. 

That's it for now. I'm too tired to expand on much here tonight. And it's late and tomorrow is another school/work day. There are I think only about two weeks of school left this year. I think we'll make it but maybe just barely!

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