Beach, Ice Cream and Insight...

Despite having originally planned to had north for the weekend, I was happy to have stayed in the city.  Monday morning started with an amazing 10km run down the waterfront with Jenny.  We beat our last run, and enjoyed good conversation and the warmth of the sun on our backs as we ran. Music in my ears, the burn in my lungs and thighs...my happy place. Funny now a good run while exhausting leaves me in the best mood and excited for the day.  After a quick shower, I thought I might catch up on some chores then enjoy some quiet time on the waterfront. 

While I was making breakfast Mike called. He was bored. On a whim I invited him to join me on the waterfront.  He had a better idea.  30 mi uses later he picked me up, brought me a tea and we were enroute to The Beach. As you might expect, the entire community was busting at the seams with locals getting out to enjoy the weather and a day on the beach. We parked and walked a good 20 minutes before claiming our spot in the sand. We sprawled on our towels in the sun, and found time slipping away as we were engrossed in Great conversation.  Mike is a stable guy with a solid sense of himself and a balanced sense of generosity and self-preservation. I'm always fascinated by his insights and stories.  We both felt relaxed. There were no clocks in sight.

Fortunately Mike and I operate on the same 3-4 hour food windows, we found our way back to the bustling Queen Street East in search of a patio and a late lunch.  Conversation continued.  I always find myself contemplating my goals and future after hearing Mike's stories of rags to riches to rags to riches. He has seen it all.  His life has humbled him, yet continues to drive him to maintain his success.  He values people and taught me a thing or two that afternoon about what people do for people they care about.  

Before we could call it a day, no beach day could be complete without some ice cream. We found a Marble Slab a few blocks down, and marvelled in our first experience at the ice creamery, watching them mix incredible concoctions of ice cream and candy right before our eyes.  We indulged. The day was complete.

I had much to consider about the things I wanted in life, especially where a relationship was concerned.  I concluded the day with a sense of fullness, worthiness, and optimism. Initially I dreaded the thought of spending a long weekend in the city...but this one was everything I could have asked for. And a welcome break from the chaos of my dating life :)