Twice every month, something very special happens – I have my Friday off. Twice each month, while the rest of the world hustles and bustles around me, I get to pretend I am a stay-at-home mom – a title I have secretly been craving since the first day I held Joseph in my arms. I pay a high price for this valuable, bi-weekly treat. All other days I have to work one extra hour. This translates to 9.5 long hours at the office, plus 2.5 hours of riding trains and buses. But I don’t want to dwell on those days. Today is one of my Friday’s off and I am living in my imaginary world of sleeping later than 5:30am, leisurely sipping coffee in the comfort of yoga pants and an old t-shirt, watching Rachel Ray, and plotting out a fun-filled day with Joseph. This morning has been especially decadent. I woke up at 7:30am with that fully-rested, been-in-bed-too-long feeling. Outside the skies were gray and the air was gusty– a refreshing break from the heat and humidity of August in DC. Youssou, looking extra handsome in a suit, was heading out the door for a job interview. Joseph was sleeping blissfully in his bed. After putting on a pot of coffee, I curled up on the balcony with a good book. After an hour, I put my book down to check on Joseph, who was still sleeping soundly. Back to the book, with a second cup of coffee in my hands and a grey mist swirling around outside. The tall pine trees alongside my balcony and the large hills looming in the distance behind them made me feel like I was in the Pacific Northwest rather than on the East Coast. Soon it was 10am. Two blissful hours of quiet relaxation. When I realized how late it was, I debated the appropriateness of letting Joseph sleep so late. I mean – what kind of three year old sleeps in until 10am? He did not stay up late last night, but then again, he did have a long and exhausting day at school. Sleep is never bad, I argued to myself. But it was my special day off with Joseph, and I was eager to see his brown eyes smiling at me as we discussed our plans for the day. At 10:15am Joseph woke up and the dilemma was solved. Even though I knew I would not return to my book until late tonight, I left it splayed out on the balcony as a reminder of my decadent morning.
Although I have benefited from Friday’s off for years now, it has only been since this June that they became the delightful days they are now. Prior to June, my Friday’s off were my special time to focus on homework. Sometimes I think the only way I was able to complete graduate school was because I had two days a month to dedicate only to homework. Now that I have finally graduated, I am delighting in resuming old hobbies and passions – such as reading for fun. I almost feel like the real me is beginning to re-emerge after five years of being buried under homework and responsibilities. Does that sound too sentimental? Perhaps. But it feels wonderful none-the-less. Ah – how I love my Fridays off.
My friend Liz and her family are temporarily living in the DC area, awaiting the start of her career in the foreign service. Soon they will be moving to the Central Africa Republic, but for now we are selfishly enjoying their company. In this picture is Liz's husband, Masina, and their two sons. And Joe and Youssou too, of course. What a rowdy group!
Joseph and I met up with a co-worker and her son last weekend at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. Glen Echo Park dates back to the 1920's and is seeped in Art Deco details. I could just imagine flappers walking around, with their bobbed hair cuts and fringy dresses. A must-see for anyone in the DC area. The carousel dates back to 1921 - an original Dentzel piece. It's lovely.
Joseph and his new buddy James are exploring an old trolly car, which used to transport DC residents and tourists to the park.
Elizabeth and her sweet son James.
