A New Type of Thursday

A change is as good as a rest, so they say. Or others may say, a change is a good as a tiring run around an amazing park with friends.

Usually on Thursdays after dropping Big Sis at school, Little Sis and I begin our Thursday routine: we go for a cup of tea, go to playgroup together, go swimming, then flake out for half an hour before school is over and were back on the school run, then on to after school activities… Not today.

A fabulous friend gathered the troops and suggested we go to the new play areas at Victoria Park in Hackney. Lots of money is piling in, as it’s just next to the Olympic Park and will be hosting tons of public events during the games. Anyway, it was brilliant. The new play things were spot on, and included some wonderful water play, which the children adored. After all the terrible weather we’ve been having, it was a joy to see their little bare feet stomping around in the water, and making footprints on the path.

We had snacks and lunch and we’re back in time for another cuppa (always a good criteria on which to judge how successful a day it’s been) prior to jumping back on the treadmill of the school pick-ups.

But it was more than just a lovely time had. It was a very needed break from the norm. It was a wake-up call for me. Alarm, alarm: you are trapped in the monotony of your own lifestyle! I am very busy and have lot of commitments, and I have responsibilities to get my children to many places by many a certain time. But the routine should not own me, and I must sometimes make more effort to be the boss and take back left field leadership of our days.

Phew, I’m feeling a bit cream-crackered, but I’ve had a lovely morning. And whilst I’m not a feeling like some kind of new woman, I do feel refreshed and revitalised. At least until tomorrow!