I love being outside. Though my fair complexion often betrays me, my ideal day would be spent in the sun, playing sand volleyball, hiking around trails and getting some fresh air. I must say, the whole working thing sometimes cramps my style. My desk sits behind two huge windows and I often find myself lost in a gaze outward, jealous of the walkers and bikers taking advantage of a beautiful day just feet from my perch beneath artificial light. 
Thus, I relish my lunch outing--and not for the reasons you might think. While I do make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I enjoy my lunch break because I have found the perfect park bench.
For a while, I spent each day testing different benches. I first tried a bench by the steps past High Cotton and Starbucks. That day was marked with an unusual event. While I was gabbing with a friend en route to my destination, I thought I heard someone yelling my name. Unfortunately, "Kate" sounds a lot like "Hey" at really high volumes so I ignored it, doubting I would know anyone who would yell at me on the street and assuming the cries were meant for someone else.
I continued on and sat down, eating my lunch and chatting on the cell. A few minutes passed and a man I had never seen before looked me straight in the eye and said, "Kate, I think someone wants you up there." At this point, I began to feel a little freaked. Was I in some alternate dimension where everybody knows my name? I still wondered if maybe I had heard wrong.
A few minutes later I received a text message and realized that it was a good friend of mine who is hostessing at High Cotton and saw me walk by but could not get my attention fast enough. Despite her best intentions to just say hello, I have stayed away from that park bench due to the uneasy feelings I encountered when a stranger called me by name.
After numerous attempts, I found other benches in highly congested areas that offered plenty of chances for people watching but did not provide the rejuvenation I sought. Finally, after much searching, I have found my bench. I won't tell you where it is because it is too perfect to share. Nestled beneath a tree that provides enough shade to keep it cool but not too much that it blocks all of the sun is my little oasis.
The bit of respite and refreshment I receive from this spot serves as a constant reminder to me of how important it is to value the environment. If not for its beauty, for the rest we receive from being amidst nature. I would encourage you all to take a couple of days out of your week during lunch and try to find your own bench...it will do more good than you know.
Thus, I relish my lunch outing--and not for the reasons you might think. While I do make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I enjoy my lunch break because I have found the perfect park bench.
For a while, I spent each day testing different benches. I first tried a bench by the steps past High Cotton and Starbucks. That day was marked with an unusual event. While I was gabbing with a friend en route to my destination, I thought I heard someone yelling my name. Unfortunately, "Kate" sounds a lot like "Hey" at really high volumes so I ignored it, doubting I would know anyone who would yell at me on the street and assuming the cries were meant for someone else.
I continued on and sat down, eating my lunch and chatting on the cell. A few minutes passed and a man I had never seen before looked me straight in the eye and said, "Kate, I think someone wants you up there." At this point, I began to feel a little freaked. Was I in some alternate dimension where everybody knows my name? I still wondered if maybe I had heard wrong.
A few minutes later I received a text message and realized that it was a good friend of mine who is hostessing at High Cotton and saw me walk by but could not get my attention fast enough. Despite her best intentions to just say hello, I have stayed away from that park bench due to the uneasy feelings I encountered when a stranger called me by name.
After numerous attempts, I found other benches in highly congested areas that offered plenty of chances for people watching but did not provide the rejuvenation I sought. Finally, after much searching, I have found my bench. I won't tell you where it is because it is too perfect to share. Nestled beneath a tree that provides enough shade to keep it cool but not too much that it blocks all of the sun is my little oasis.
The bit of respite and refreshment I receive from this spot serves as a constant reminder to me of how important it is to value the environment. If not for its beauty, for the rest we receive from being amidst nature. I would encourage you all to take a couple of days out of your week during lunch and try to find your own bench...it will do more good than you know.
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