playing

On Sunday, I drove up to St. Louis for a long overdue trip to visit my friend Sarah. She is definitely one of my favorite people and I am so proud to be her friend because I respect her so much. I love being able to reference stories and people the exact same way we did when we were in seventh grade.

We went to the City Museum and, man, was it awesome. I already want to go back. Basically it's this interactive art sculpture/playground. It's been a very long time since I've climbed through plastic tubes or slid down long and twisty slides. I've certainly watched many little people do this, but I have not partaken in way too long. And, I must say, it was great! It's like I'd forgotten my body could do such things! I got scrapes and bruises! I got very dirty and smelled bad! I sat at the top of really steep slides and thought to myself "whoa, this is kind of scary and I'm pretty sure the guy right before had a pretty sweaty back...I don't know if I should do this..." and then I'd lay back, push off, and as I went down, I was truly happy just to be playing. I didn't care what I looked like (or smelled like) as I contorted my body through all the exhibits.

I kind of feel foolish. Here, I've thought I am more childlike than most people simply because I spend a load of time with young people. And yet, apparently, I still have a lot to learn from kids.

Of course, when I got home, I took a massive shower. I'm not that childlike. And, that's okay.