I have to be alone very often.

I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel.

Audrey Hepburn

I'm a person who likes to be alone. Occasionally I become concerned that I'm not more concerned about my desire to go solo. Then little pangs of "I wish Mario and Jared were here!" hit and I feel assured that my penchant for solitude isn't unhealthy. I think it's a 60/40 kind of thing. Sixty percent of my life is happily spent with the boys and friends, but I crave that other forty to recharge. To spend some time, but not too much, doing my own thing. I'm a thinker. And although our schedules seldom allow for this ratio, I've come to believe it is the ultimate goal; my happy place. It's actually a good thing I'm this way, as Husband has spent the majority of our relationship thus far traveling for work. If I was a person who couldn't handle solitude, we'd never work. And by alone, I don't always mean alone. I mean unengaged. Walking along the beach, but each at our own pace. Being in the same house, but not in the same room or doing the same thing every second. CrossFit counts because it is just for me. Individuality is a must. I've passed on this trait to our son, I think, as he routinely displays the ability to entertain himself. To make the most of a little quiet time. To just be. 

As I mentioned last week, I made the most of the boys' trip to Washington, D.C. After CrossFit on Friday, I packed a small bag, boarded the dog at the vet, and embarked on the two hour drive to Newport, RI. This mini trip solidified Newport as one of my top five favorite New England towns. It's the off season, so rates are low and the streets are less packed with people. Summer in Newport is delightful, of course, but there is something to be said for the quiet months. It was cold, but not freezing, which made for pleasant wandering.

I stayed at a quaint historic inn across the street from the waterfront. I was given the "Bouquet Room". It was a tiny but cozy space with flowers on every surface. Rain and a howling wind called for a night in so takeout and television ruled my night. No complaints.

The America's Cup Inn is charming. Gas street lamps and nautical art. Sitting rooms. Tea service in the afternoon. Real keys to open your door... not a swipe-y card in sight. There's something to be said for getting back to basics.