a sunny day off

Today I took the day off. Besides not being in the office, another benefit is the slower pace and all the things one doesn't notice on a typical, hectic day, One example is other people. Also, the sun was really shining for the first time in a long time.

I was able to drive my daughter to school without cursing every slow or imcompetent driver on the road. Just every other one.

I went grocery shopping at 8:30 AM instead of after work. The store was much calmer and I sensed less stress in the air. Also the cashier was folksy unlike the night cashiers. I guess it's easier to be that way because your customers have nowhere else they need to be.

Speaking of folksy, the lady at the McDonald's drive thru window was downright giddy. Her window was facing east.

I was stood up for lunch (OK they honestly mixed up the date) and I didn't really even care.

I got my haircut and the comely stylist turned out to be a big microbrew drinker. She really pepped up when we started talking about beer.

On my second try for lunch the cashier at the nearly empty Mexican restaurant walked over to my table to chat about the Olympics. That wouldn't have happened at rush hour because he mentioned they were really busy.

I went for a 5 mile walk/jog.

To top it all off, when my daughter and I were shopping for sporting goods the R.E.M. song Shiny Happy People was playing in the store.