Day 6

This morning, I thought that I would try something new. The sun was shining, breakfast was done, and 2/3 of our kids were napping. I'd been reading quite a bit about barefoot running, and how it's supposed to be so much better for the runner, as well as a much more ethereal experience than running in your Nikes (I am a reformed Nike lover). I didn't pack my running shoes this trip simply because I have packed them on every other trip I've been on, and never, ever, use them. I headed out for what I thought would be a quick 20-30 minute excursion. The beach was fairly empty, "Tiny Dancer" was first up on my Shuffle, and I felt great. I ran for 15 minutes up one end of the beach, turned around, and expected to end my run 15 minutes later. Only problem: at the end of my run, I had no idea where our house was. They looked all the bloody same! I continued running, sure that my pace had slowed significantly, and there was no way that I had already passed it. After 45 minutes, the bottoms of my feet felt like I was running on razor blades. I started walking. After 15 more minutes of walking, I completely alone, completely lost and starting to get quite dramatic (in thought). I walked to the road, and realized I was two miles past our house. I trudged home, and after two hours of being gone, I was back home again. One of my special talents is getting lost easily. Remember, I was on a beach. A g-d beach! I walked in the house and started sobbing that I wasn't sure I'd see Ryan or the kids again. Ryan said he saw me run by, and he thought I was feeling energetic and decided to keep going. I was parched, burnt, and sore all over. My feet are now peppered with blisters, and every joint in my body is screaming...oh, and that thing about me not burning? Well...I'm redder than a tomato. Apparently 2 hours in the sun without sunscreen is a one-way ticket to burnsville. I will definitely try barefoot running again. Just not here. Only once my feet have healed. Or maybe not ever.

In other news, Angus was a bit under the weather today and was indoors for most of it. Henry wins the team-player award today. He was game for going out in the water, going for a wagon ride, colouring, and just being cute. At one point, I noticed that it was a bit quiet in the kids' room, and walked in. Angus had Henry pinned up against the wall in the closet, and had both of his hands around Henry's head banging it repeatedly against the wall. The kicker? Henry was just looking at Angus in hopes of seeking acceptance. Not crying, not telling on him...just happy to hang out with him. Sigh. Oliver had his first smile today! Then he barfed, and so it wasn't a real smile after all.

Ryan cooked an amazing steak dinner, which we enjoyed once the kids were put to bed ("Ok, boys! It's 6:00 pm, but you're really tired, right? Good night!"). Angus finally stopped sneaking out of his room at 8:00 pm. He liked the steak, too.

TODAY'S GRADE: B