getting you back to you

The first weekend in August we went to Belgium to celebrate our anniversary and hang out with some friends, it was truly a great time. We took the Eurostar so there was no pain and stress from the airport and air travel, which was a welcomed change after our slew of flights. We got home not all too late as we had been getting home from holiday at one or two am.... so our 9 pm return was wonderful. We had decided to have a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese left by my mom when she had come to visit. As I made it Alex made the comment of how it must bring me a bit of comfort to make something so familiar to me, a food which should be accredited for the main source of my nutrition growing up (sadly enough).

When he said that something in me clicked, ya, it is comforting, it is familiar. The up and coming Twinings adverts have the theme of getting you back to you... when Alex said to me what a comfort making the meal must feel like it clicked, it in a way... got me back to me... I then began to think of those other small things that are just me. When they happen, we I do them, whatever the case may be, I just feel at absolute ease, comfort, familiarity. Some, I can do anywhere, others, are specific to location, then some, sadly, will probably never happen.

Running to the left from the sequoita park, parking lot, the route to the school and back, four miles in total, ear phones in and the promise of a wonderful sonic vanilla diet Dr.. pepper awaiting me for reward... maybe a McAlisters chocolate chip cookie if I am feeling extra generous. Then there is the sushi take away ritual, this is the one I am quite sure is  not replaceable. Part of what made it so wonderful that it was just me, going home, to my apartment, all alone, spreading out my feast on the coffee table (now gone as well) and watching some favorite programing. It could be Nakatos or Ocean Zen, but to do the job at it's best, it would of course be Nakatos. I am ok that this can never happen again, It is sad to me but I will get on. Other such things are going to the Plaza for a day of shopping in Kansas City. Again, for the greatest effect it would be me by myself, alone, on a days get away. There are several others, going for a walk in the park with Carrie, or Ashley (or at the Y), eating banana surprise while sitting on my couch and relaxing which I haven't had here in London as they don't have mini chocolate chips. Having the chocolate chip cookie dough concoction made in the microwave with ice cream and berries... this is best enjoyed with Molly... then there is often ache and complaints of our overfull overly indulged stomach.

In London I haven't found as many of these special rituals, I do feel at absolute ease when visiting whole foods in South Kinsington, I feel a special ease roaming the high street of Hampstead or Crouch end. Snuggling with Baxter, that is pure wonderfulness.

These are the wonderful things in life that go un-noticed, the things that you don't think about, you just do, they bring you comfort and peace on ordinary days and in times of distress and life's trials and tribulations.

I encourage everyone to look into the things that get them back to themselves, relish those moments, and realize the great value they really have.