Not Much Is Sometimes Enough

I'm writing this while lying down, head propped up on two pillows and computer propped up on teepeed knees. I got out of bed briefly to smooch Kim--he's watching some soccer championship's final matches--and to rustle up a bagel and grapes but thought, "Why the hell not spend the whole morning in bed? I'm just going to read and write--easily done with a mattress under my ass."

First I started and finished Chalked Up, about how "women's" gymnastics chews up and spits out its young competitors. Now I'm ready to blog and catch up on emails. If I owe you an email and you haven't received it by this afternoon, write me to complain.

It's been a strange weekend because I woke up Friday morning realizing I had no plans. That couldn't be right, I thought, scanning the little green book I intermittently remember to use as a planner. I checked the work schedule; no, I hadn't forgotten a Saturday shift. My phone stored no forgotten text messages suggesting drinks or an exhibit or a drive. I'd passed on Jen's half-hearted invite to her sister's graduation in Springfield, and Kim hadn't agreed to travel downstate to an old friend's wedding reception, either. I had no plans. Not a single one, from Friday though Sunday evening.

I immediately saw this as opportunity--I could call Sherri and see if she wanted to go dancing! I could call Kerry and see if she had time for a tea break! I could see if Gary was back from his tour yet! (Okay, that last person was made up, but I like the idea of all my friends' names rhyming.) But something held me back from slapping any last-minute plans together. My friends probably already had stuff to do, or wanted rest if they didn't. They didn't need me accidentally having a crapload of time to spend with them. So I didn't call or email anyone, except Kim. Somehow, I persuaded him to see Speed Racer with me at the Lake after work. We had lamb falafels beforehand and it felt like a big, fat date.

On Saturday, I slept in and read in and only roused myself when Kim asked me to meet him for lunch in the middle of his 8 hours of traffic school. So then we had spanakopita at Artopolis, and it felt like a small, shorty date. I then...had the whole afternoon and evening to do whatever I wanted. I had very little money (a trip to Hawaii doesn't save for itself, I've found out) and was reluctant to bug anyone to hang out with my broke self. So I headed to the theatre again, this time at River East 21, and decided to see a couple movies for the price of one matinee.

Alison had called to say she had a precious day off so I finally folded on my no-plan plan and asked her to join me at the 4:20 Baby Mama showing. First I watched Iron Man by myself, squeezed in-between a bickering couple (the woman hated all the weapon worship--which I understood) and an enthralled group of 10-year-olds needing a bit more supervision.

After watching Tina Fey try to save a movie (and Steve Martin almost managing to do it), Alison and I wandered over to the Fox and Obel. I'd never been there, and was all about sampling a bunch of their incredible hams. Alison bought us cupcakes and we called Kim to see if he wanted to hang out for dinner. He did, so the three of us had pasta and edamame at Alison's after re-arranging all her furniture (which I gleefully agreed to do, of course).

Today I'm gonna try to sweep the floors, sort out a drawer, and help Kim with some picture framing. Other than that, I've got no plans. Though there's a Sunday pub quiz at Fado....

Comments

[kerry]

Wow--I am honored to have been on your catch up list (at least I hope that was me--perhaps you have numerous friends named Kerry). Unfortunately, I have had a full dance card all weekend consisting of non-stop National Board meetings, intermingled with future in-law entertaining. Woohoo! KM

[aubrey]

too bad you didnt have anything planned for this coming weekend...it is my weekend off and i was thinking about traveling up your direction for a bit of a visit...what are your thoughts? love you.

[Alison]

Rory, it was quite a nice no plan Saturday. Thanks for being spontaneous with me. And I really like my new living room set up!