NO REGRETS FRIDAY AT LAND’S END
I remember holding my baby girl in one hand in the classic “football hold” designed to keep a newborn secure in your arm. She’s in elementary school now, playing sports afterschool, and growing faster than the Millennium Falcon in the Kessel Run.
One Friday I was working through emails and deliverables, and it hit me that I was wasting precious time on bureaucratic busywork.
Both of my kids have half-days at school on Friday, so instead of letting them go to afterschool care, I decided to shut my laptop and have an adventure with my family. Because if not now…when?
My wife and I packed up and headed to Land’s End—a rugged, breathtaking slice of San Francisco where the cliffs meet the Pacific. We found a parking spot near the crowds and secured our valuables - because if you leave anything visible in your car in San Francisco, even at these beautiful spots in nature, you might as well hang a sign that says ‘Y’all help yourselves.’ I exited the car, the cold ocean breeze hit my face, and the life sucked out of me from office rushed back into me. Waves crashed against the cliff. Cypress trees towered overhead. The Golden Gate Bridge stood strong, and our kids ran wild.
At a scenic overlook, we broke out some simple, healthy snacks: string cheese and pears. It was a far cry from the office snacks my coworkers were probably choking down between back-to-back video meetings. We walked for another 15 minutes, found a tree the kids could climb and play around on, until our toddler told us he was tired, which is a leading indicator for a tantrum, so we turned around at that point and made our way back to the car. Once we started our drive, our son fell asleep.
We weren’t ready to head home just yet, so we hit up the Cinderella Bakery & Café. A spot that’s been serving up deliciousness since 1953. We parked nearby and my wife waited in the car with our sleeping toddler while my daughter and I picked up piroshkis and a Chicken and Sausage Croissant - foods we earned from the week and hike.
Right as we got back to the car, our son woke up with a sleepy grin when he saw the piroshki waiting for him.
We swung by a local playground, let the kids run wild for another 30 minutes, and then headed home for a dinner that I had started in the Instant Pot before we left. We had lentils (protein and fiber for the kids), and sardines (a little delicacy in a tin that is also packed with omega-3 brain boosting powers). Our dessert was banana and good old Costco Peanut Butter. We’ve learned over time that you can eat delicious and healthy meals without breaking the bank or ruining your body.
By the time I got into bed, I felt refreshed, reconnected, and in control. I could have spent my Friday afternoon grinding through the never-ending demands of my boss and office mates, but this time I thought I would feed the demands of my family.
Time is a real currency - my little football sized baby girl now requires a bear hug and squat for me to pick her up. You can always make more money, but you can’t make up the unforgiving minute.
So what’s your no regret Friday?