The Brightside of the Un-Photographed Park
Back a little over a year ago, my brother, husband, and I went to a park in Kilgore while trying to kill time between balloon race events. (I won’t go into those details now). . . We took a few pictures, rested, and at lunch. But, then later that day, I somehow managed to delete those pictures along with some others.
Monday, I had a surprise opportunity to re-visit the park- and get paid to do it. At work, we had a document that needed signature that night. It was nearly 200 miles away. So, through a series of exhanges, we made plans to get the document to our office. I was the last leg of the documents journey.
Now, when I was called upon to take the duty, even before I knew where I would be going, I had two choices- balk and complain or look on the bright side. Most people that know me know just exactly which choice I took. The Bright Side- it’s something I always try to find.
(Even with all our adoption struggles I try to find some part of the bright side- see a child throwing a fit in the grocery store and despite the fact that I would love to deal with that kind of thing, I can be happy that I don’t have to deal with that kind of thing.)
So Monday, when I first learned about it, I got all the details. How could I make the trip work for me? Maybe Cody and I could make the drive together? Maybe we could eat with some friends that live up north that we’ve recently reconnected with? But, those plans were not to be. There was no time and Cody would have to give notice to be off since the journey would start before we would get off.
So, as it turned out, I made plans with a co-worker to meet her in Kilgore- at the park. . . a great place to be sure we could find each other and avoid traffic. My bright side of thinking was, “cool, I’m getting paid to drive to the park.” The only downside- my camera was at home and home was out of the way.
I used to drive all the time for work but it’s been quite a while. I joke that I knew it was time to move on from my former position when I loved the driving but hated getting out when I got to my destination. It was a beautiful day for a drive. I don’t often get to drive and don’t often go places without Cody tagging along. So this was a real treat.
I got to the park and spent about 15 minutes walking around, sitting, and enjoying the weather. It’s only been in the 80′s for highs this week. It’s unseasonbly cool! In the shade, with a breeze, it was beautiful just sitting beside the water breathing in the cooler air.
And, then it was time to meet my co-worker and head back. I wound up with about 1.5 hours of overtime (or time to adjust) on a night that the change in plans really didn’t hurt anything.
What did I really have to complain about? Nothing. Sure my schedule changed, Cody and I had to make arrangements for his return home, and dinner was pushed back. But, in the words of some football folks, “Come on man!” On a beautiful day with wonderful weather, I was paid to take a little drive, go the park, and earn a little time I can take later. That’s a real treat!
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- The Morning Skies Taunt Me
- Swimming
- Flashback Friday: Balloon Races- July 2008
- If I Had Only Known
- Mad Cow Disease? Not Enough Beef?