most days

After I rush around in the morning and get the kids off to school, I drive a few minutes to our local beach for my morning walk.  I usually bring my cell phone to make calls or listen to music, or inspirational talks.  Sometimes I just walk in silence and listen to the waves as they crash against my feet.  Some days the ocean is loud, and the wind is strong and the person on the other end of the phone call can't hear me well.

Sometimes my husband joins me, or one of the girls if they have a day off.

I walk and walk and walk until it's too hot to walk anymore.

Then I jump into the cool, crisp sea.  I tread water and stretch my back, and do a few back floats and a handstand or two, happy to have a healthy body that can do these things.  I don't swim too far out.  I think a little bit about sharks and stay close to shore.  I stay in the water longer when I am with Skylar.  She never wants to get out.  But eventually either way, I get out of the water.

Then I gather my belongings and walk a short path to a public shower.  I rinse the sand from my feet, keeping my sandals on.

And then I drive home, and begin my work day.