Monsoon Weekend

Last night the clouds that had been amassing in the distance finally rolled in and drenched us with some much needed rain. I love monsoons. They're wild and dramatic, with flashes of lightning, violent wind and rain that comes down in heavy sheets. I love the way the streets and yards flood, and the way the air smells first of red dust and hot cement and then of fresh creosote bushes. I love the instant drop in temperature, and the way the desert seems to grow green overnight.

Something about a monsoon changes the scenery enough that I can feel hopeful about the day. Without the oppressive heat, the day's tasks seem lighter. Or maybe it's the promise of a date tonight. My husband and I rarely go out. It's too difficult when the baby is reflux-y and sleepless. Those are the times when we both become stressed and desperate for a few hours away, but those are also the times when it seems inconceivable to leave him with anyone. My mother-in-law is the only one I trust to watch him {and to call if he becomes inconsolable} and it's easy to burn her out. So we don't get out much. 

The goal tonight is dinner and a movie. Dinner, at the very least. We're going to be adventurous and try someplace we've never been. I'm picturing indian food eaten on pillows on the floor. A whole meal without fetching something for someone else! Then the movie. Oh, to watch an entire film without pausing it while the baby cries! That's enough to make a girl feel hopeful about the day, isn't it? {image via}