An Unexpected Date

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

Of course you know that we don’t need a special day to show love – nevertheless, it feels good to see that love is the predominant feeling today as people go the extra mile to show their loved ones they care. And so, yes, it is nice to celebrate!

I wasn’t planning on a date, but it kind of happened unexpectedly. When I woke up this morning and got wished for Valentines Day, I grinned. I was asked if I had a date planned and I said, playfully, Yes!

I brushed my teeth, and splashing water on my face, I looked in the mirror and said, “Hey, how about a date?” And she said, “yes!”

Once the idea trickled into my head as I leisurely enjoyed my coffee with my feet up and a book in my lap, I liked it more and more. I decided to make it a proper celebration. I felt happy that I didn’t have much planning to do!

First, I finished my coffee, savoring it to the last drop, because it is Sunday and there was no rush to do anything.

Then, I brought in the newspaper and tossed it aside, as usual.

I made oatmeal for breakfast as I listened to music.

I contemplated my kitchen to see if i felt like making any changes – oh, I am wired like that with a mind that enjoys overwork – and made a mental list. When I thought of the phrase, mental list, naturally my mind wandered to The Mentalist and I smiled as I stirred the oatmeal. Then, I enjoyed my breakfast. Slowly, reading. I know! But it was a murder mystery and one of those psychological thrillers and I hated that I couldn’t sit up all night and finish it.

After breakfast, I continued to read and finished the book. Sigh. What joy to relish a book and how sad when it gets over, but again, how wonderful to think that I have a whole stack by the same author waiting for me to devour. Bliss.

Then I planned lunch, which was easy – sprouts, rotis and stir-fried peppers with a big bowl of salad, and a bowl of yogurt. Took me all of half an hour to get that ready.

Finishing a book always makes me a bit restless, as I like to process it in my mind for some time and this is usually best done accompanied by some housework. So I tested the tap water to make sure it was warm and got to work, emptying the sink. I love to do this – so therapeutic. Housework always is – as instant gratification is guaranteed via instant results. Dish-washing deserves to be rewarded with a big mug of coffee and I set about making one.

I sat by my verandah, enjoying the play of sunlight making patterns on the ground as the clothes danced on then clothesline. Even when my coffee cup was empty, I continued to sit, watching the pigeons prancing around, possibly pretending they owned the place.

Laughing at the thought of scraping up the shit – a Sunday job that I postponed to Monday – because who scrapes shit on a date, eh?

I confess I did contemplate turning out the closets but put that thought to sleep – after all, who spring cleans on a date? Heh. Don’t answer that.

I compromised by making a few goody bags to take out later when I went out for a walk – quite a few of the vendors in my area have little ones. Also, a couple of active constructions are in progress nearby – and these people have kids who, I thought, would enjoy some eats and toys.

That pleasant job done, I figured I would wallow in a long bath and did exactly that. I pulled on one of my favorite t-shirts – a bright pink one with “life is a full time job” written across it and headed to the kitchen to have lunch. I don’t know about you, but a bath always sets my tummy growling.

Yes, lunch was delicious and I ate, watching comedy on TV.

After clearing up and putting things away, I thought I’d check email – and did. Answered a couple and then thought of doing one of my favorite things – looking through my photo albums.

I thought I’d lay down for a bit and read some more. I may or may not have dozed off a little – toasting those toes in the afternoon sunshine seeping in through the netted door, watching the criss cross pattern on the wall, accompanied by the pigeons talking can do that.

A good two hours later, my brain nudged me for another cup of coffee. Of course, I obliged.

After a bowl of boiled chickpeas for a snack, I took my giveaway bags and pushed off for a walk around my area. I usually walk on my terrace, but today, I felt like a change.

After enjoying a lot of laughter, smiles and happy conversations with the folks around my area, I came back home, pleasantly tired.

I sat down to sip a glass of water. Sweet!

With half an hour left for dinner, I thought I’d catch one of my favorite programs on TV.

I did.

Dinner was a simple affair – I had everything left over from lunch and had another round of it.

That done, I was ready for another round of reading. I thought I may probably even sleep early today, but that’s highly doubtful because – you never know when you start reading a book!

Oh, my day was sprinkled with some very welcome extra doses of love via phone calls from my son and husband and a couple of friends.

I enjoyed the date with myself very much. It was almost perfect.

Sometimes it is so good to drift along without feeling the pressure of having to do something – or if there is something to do – being able to put it off. Also, it doesn’t really take much to be happy!

Here are some pics from my walk. I love this veggie vendor!

Love their tomatoes – they’re unusual and called apple tomatoes.

The peppers are their specialty.

They also sell fruits

I usually pass a fruit vendor in the corner of the street and like to chat with him. The fruit is eye-candy!

I took one of these babies home to enjoy over the week! And of course, drooled at the masala sprinkled mango slices!

And of course, I took a selfie today, as I thought, why not be trendy!

My gift to myself this Valentines Day?

TIME. Precious time.

So how did you enjoy this day?

I am with the gorgeous Unknown Mami ♥ for Sundays In My City