At the beginning of February my calendar reminds me to take my wedding ring to the jewelry store for a twice-yearly check to keep it under warranty. I scheduled the task for today. The store is a half hour away from the house, so I always try to find other things to do in that area to maximize my mileage and my time. When I had the opportunity to accept a restaurant evaluation in Clayton (a city about ten miles further away) I jumped on it.
Clayton is the county seat and has a large business district; I didn't stop to think about how stores in an urban area of government and office buildings don't usually have lots. A quick call to the restaurant confirmed my suspicions that my parking choices were to hope to find a parking meter or pay to park in a lot. Neither option appealed to me, so I decided that since I'd need exercise anyway I could park eight blocks away, just outside the business district, and walk to my destination.
Just before I left the house this morning I checked the weather and based on the temperature I wore my heavy coat but did not bring anything for my head. That was a big mistake. There was a brisk wind that made things feel colder than they actually were. I pulled my coat's hood up, which blocked my peripheral vision and made for some interesting street crossings. I had to stop at many of the street corners, and it took me longer to reach the restaurant than if I was walking in my neighborhood, but I still reached my destination ten minutes too early. Rather than stand outside in the cold I decided to keep moving and walk around the block. When I returned to the open restaurant it felt so good to go into the warmth!
After a nice meal it was time to bundle up again and head to my car. This time the wind had died down somewhat, but it was still brisk. Fortunately I made most of the lights this time. By the time I got done and returned to my car I had a full stomach and was halfway to my goal of 10,000 steps for the day.
Five years ago today: Hop To It
Sounds like fun doing a restaurant evaluation!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun, but still work.
DeleteYou're born efficient, or not. It runs in the women in my family, some of whom were not fortunate enough to marry a like minded husband. My two granddaughters have it in abundance, their two older siblings simply do not.
ReplyDeleteInteresting concept that efficiency is inborn.
DeleteI love puttering around in Clayton ~~ where did you have lunch?
ReplyDeleteNothing to write home about...a chain restaurant.
DeleteI love a good walk after a meal. Good for you to park so far away and take advantage of the step count potential!
ReplyDeleteI used to evaluate restaurants, loved it. Found some really good ones and some I would never return to, as well.
ReplyDelete