my outfit: ticket for one!

One thing that is weird about having my kids in school all day now is the quiet that surrounds me all day.  Sure I pop over to the gym, coffee with friends, the grocery store and some days maybe even the Target check out lady will strike up a convo with me... but other than that, there is a lot of quiet in my life.  Something that up until now, I would have begged, pleaded or paid for.  I now get it in abundance. (also to note: I'm not a phone talker... so you won't catch me gabbing away on the cell all day)  I will admit that I go through phases of loving it and hating it.  Sometimes I drown it out with Pandora or podcasts (a good This American Life is always great company) or if I am in the mood a little daytime tv (not my first choice though).

If you have kids in your life (or ahem, my kids specifically) you know there is constant chatter, laughing, crying, whining, bickering (I don't miss those last two) or at least just a little background noise.  There is also company.  So if you feel like going to the movies, the botanical gardens or the ice cream shop mid-day, you always have someone to go with you.  I ran into a fellow mom the other day that said even grocery shopping seems a little lonely these days (and in some ways, I don't disagree... although I don't miss the constant "can we buy this?").  In general, I'm a loner, a quiet person and love time to myself.  But what if a gal just wants to have some fun? I realized: I'm on my own.

Sure I can make plans with friends and the like... but my constant company used to be my kids and it's weird that it's not anymore.

For a home-body my first inclination is to just stay home. But last week out of the blue I was in the mood to walk around the local botanical gardens.  And so I did. By myself.  It felt weird (and kind of exhilarating) to say "ticket for one please".  It's teaching me to go outside of my box and to embrace this next stage of life.  Next I may try a movie.  Have you ever gone to a movie by yourself? I think it might be fun and a little scary at the same time.

Details:
Blazer, American Eagle (last season, but this is similar)
Sweater, Old Navy (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Earrings, Dear Prudence (local boutique)
Shoes, J.Crew

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