Light Hearted

Weekends – a brief respite from the daily grind. Most of the time, we find ourselves so caught up in the whirlwind of weekdays that we hardly get a chance to sit back and reflect on how our weekends went. But this time around, it was different. A long weekend with Monday off, a rare treat that brought a sigh of relief and a feeling of accomplishment at the same time. As I sit here reflecting on the past few days, I realize just how successful, or should I say, how relaxing this weekend turned out to be.

To kick things off, we got a head start on the weekend when we were granted the privilege of leaving work early on Friday. While some people might use a long weekend as an opportunity for an extended getaway, my spouse Vani and I had different plans in mind. After enduring the monotony of a five-day workweek, all we craved was some quality downtime to catch our breath. We decided to keep it low-key, eschewing long trips that would demand more energy than they would provide. Our goal was simple: to relax and rejuvenate in our own way.

For us, the perfect weekend meant no endless lines to endure, no hotel check-ins to fret over, no elaborate meal preparations, and most importantly, no crowds to navigate. The weather was on our side, with temperatures in the high 80s and a gentle breeze to keep us company. Getting a healthy amount of sleep was my top priority, and I made sure to achieve it throughout the weekend.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was our daily two-mile walks. While it might not seem like much, these walks allowed me to clear my mind and connect with the outdoors. It’s all about finding joy in the little things, isn’t it? We also had the luxury of not having to cook elaborate meals or deal with extensive cleaning since we weren’t hosting anyone. However, a friendly neighbor did drop by, and we spent some delightful moments chatting, sharing laughter, and discussing the ongoing concerns about inflation.

As for our meals, we decided to explore a couple of nearby eateries within walking distance of our home. These weren’t grand establishments, but they offered exceptional food. One was a Mediterranean restaurant where we indulged in falafel sandwiches – an explosion of flavors with the perfect blend of crispiness from freshly made falafels wrapped in warm pita bread, all smothered in tahini sauce. The second was a Mexican joint where I savored an authentic burrito, complete with a side of chips and salsa.

On Sunday, we decided to drive over to Ann Arbor to spend some quality time with our son. Although I had briefly contemplated a road trip to Toronto to meet friends, I opted for a more relaxed approach, allowing everyone to unwind at their own pace. En route to Ann Arbor, we picked up a delectable pizza deal, a five-topping delight for just $11.99. Pizza, a quintessential American favorite, never fails to hit the spot.

In our own backyard, we have a small vegetable garden where fruits and vegetables are ripening. During the weekend, we enjoyed a homegrown cantaloupe and have plans to prepare a delicious eggplant dish soon.

A weekend without some TV time won’t be as fulfilling. Amid the serene backdrop of our weekend, we found time to complete the Netflix series “The Exchange.” This intriguing Arabic show, set in 1987, follows the lives of two women working in a male-dominated Kuwaiti stock exchange. It sheds light on the formidable hurdles they face in their pursuit of success, making it a wonderful watch.

And that, my friends, sums up my wonderful weekend. How was yours? As we embark on this short workweek, let’s keep our spirits high, knowing that the next weekend – and the prospect of resort-style living – isn’t too far away. Cheers to the simple joys of life!