Full Speed Ahead

With all of the unpacking, reorganizing, cleaning and of course, keeping up with two very hyper youngsters, my stress level has been skyrocketing. 

While this is just a part of the package when it comes to moving to a new area, it still can be discouraging to try and balance everything. 

Within the first couple of days of our arrival, I sought out a couple of stress relief options. First, I found the closest Wine and Spirits store in case I really needed a nice bottle of Pinot Noir after the girls went to bed. Second, I made sure to find a local park within walking distance, which just happens to be —two blocks away.

I’m not sure if it’s just because they’ve been cooped up since we’ve moved, but the girls have not been transitioning well at our new place. They’ve been whiny, irritable and easily bored and entertaining them alongside unpacking has been pretty near impossible. I remember the move to Rhode Island took a good month and a half before everyone started sleeping normally and smiling on a regular basis, but getting our schedule straight just can’t seem to come soon enough.

One afternoon, my husband Erik came home to a not-so-appealing sight. Clothes were strewn everywhere, toys covered every last inch of the floor and my curly hair was sticking straight out like Medusa—just to give you all a good idea of what Erik’s field of vision encompassed as he walked inside. Later, after I had calmed down, Erik did make the comment, “If looks could kill, the glare you gave me as I walked in would’ve done it!”

After taking a second to view the calamity that was our apartment, Erik offered to watch the kids while I went out to do something—anything that would keep me from breaking down. I couldn’t get my jogging shoes on fast enough after that! I didn’t even take the time to lace them up until I was on the front porch and away from the whining that was coming from our one and a half year old. 

I took off without even hesitating or pacing myself. I’m usually much more controlled than this—warming up and then stretching before I go right into a run—but not that day. I went full sprint and arrived at Frick Park.

I don’t know if any of you have ever watched “Friends”, but I’m a huge fan. As I think back on my run now, I was actually running in a comical sort of way that reminded me of an episode. The episode I’m thinking of is when Rachel runs with Phoebe for the first time and finds out that Phoebe runs crazily—legs and arms flailing as if she’s having spasms.  Rachel takes a stab at running this way and then runs into a horse, hops up and with arms waving and feet going every which way, continuing while everyone stares at her thinking she’s a little strange.  I, myself didn’t run into a horse, but I did almost trip over a Great Dane that was as big as a horse and kept going—arms and legs flailing as I ran away from my home in Point Breeze.

All I can say is that it felt good to get out and run! Frick Park is beautiful and full of trees, people and dogs—loads of dogs actually.  From what I’ve experienced in the cities I’ve been in, finding a park that actually feels like you’re in the country is a rarity. I’m a huge fan of this park and I have a couple more yet to see.

I’m sure as Erik’s classes pick up and finals approach, I’ll burn off some extra steam by taking a longer run and checking out those areas!