Over the Wall

Monday at breakfast I said to my husband, "I'm going over the wall."

He's used to these random outbursts of mine and showed no signs of surprise. He just waited for what came next.

"I can't remember the last time I left this house!" I grabbed the calendar and searched for a note of anything that had taken me out. No appointments. Nothing. In fact, due the several snow and ice "events," even usual things like church (we have enough room to sit six feet apart) or visiting the grandbaby. At least the baby's weekly trips here hadn't been affected or I'd be seriously cuteness-deprived.

As far as I could tell I hadn't left the house the entire month. The whole frigging month! I didn't have the heart to flip back to January to find out how long it had really been.

Eventually I remembered that ten days ago we had planned a mini-date. I needed to go to a bookstore. We were going to round out this thrilling event with lunch out, which meant Burger King eaten in the car. The excitement nearly overwhelmed me.

I wanted something specific in the Children's Section and was happy to find someone working there. She was sitting on the floor shelving books. I told her I was looking for Chapter books and she waved a hand listlessly and said, "Down that aisle." Not the reaction I was expecting.

Then I said I 'd like some help and gave her the specifics. With a sigh that was audible through her mask, she got up and pulled two books from the shelf. She practically tossed the at me, then walked away.

I was speechless. Literally. I have never been in a bookstore that didn't have people eager to help, especially in the Children's section.

I was so annoyed that I lost all interest in browsing and the only reason I purchased the books was because I needed them right away. I found my husband and we left. Of course, it was way too early for lunch.

I was so upset by the entire experience that I did my best to put it out of my mind. Apparently I did a good job.

Back to my original story, snow was expected that morning, but I was determined to get out  anyway.  I went to Walmart and spent an entire thirty minutes browsing and picking up a few things. It was fairly pleasant--hardly anyone else was crazy enough to be out.

When I left, the snow was coming down steadily and I watched the streets go from wet to white during my 12 minute drive home.

I didn't go over the wall to get back; I just used the door.

Did it help?  Maybe. A little. I guess.

Wait! Think positively. Yes! Yes indeed, it was exactly what I needed. I'm refreshed and ready to.

I think.