Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Going Out

Friday night I went out. Like I do most Friday Nights. It is time I get for myself. No Lauren. No kids. Just me. I go out after the kids go to bed. Makes it easier for Lauren and I can stay out as late as I want and they are none the wiser.

I go to the usual haunt. I like it there.

This past Friday was just like the all the rest.

I pulled into the parking lot and recognized a few familiar cars. I turned off the engine and took and a deep breath. I have to switch modes if I am going to enjoy myself. The neon sign from the front of the building gave the interior of my car an eerie glow. I checked my wallet for my cards and I opened the car door. The chill from the cold winter air shot down my neck as I ran towards the entrance. I knew I would find warmth inside.

I walked in the front door and took note of the specials. I nodded to the guy in the staff shirt and I was not sure if he recognized me or not.

The lights inside were bright. That is one of the reasons I like this joint. I can see everyone in the place. The music was playing softly and although I liked what they were playing last week better, what was coming through the speakers was still not bad. It was just enough to keep my spirits high for a Friday night out.

As I made my way towards the back I noticed a couple of regulars. There was Jane and her husband annoying the guy behind the counter. Frank was back and to the left, indecisive about what he was going to get. There were a couple of other folks that seemed to nod in my direction as if they knew me. I like this place because most people that go here are my age or older. I fit in better.

I made my rounds enjoying every moment of the “freedom” I had for the night.

After an hour or two I knew it was time to go home. I walked up to Elise, who works most Friday nights to pay my tab. She looks like she has been there for years. She is older and is the type of person who has attitude, and although management frowns upon that type of behavior, most of the customers seem to enjoy her, so they let it slide.

I stand there somewhat dumbfounded as she tells me the total. I was not really paying attention because I am people watching the other patrons around me.

Elise says something else to me.

“What?” I ask.

“Do you have any coupons?” She repeats.

“Oh.” I snap back to reality from my daydreaming. “Yes. And here is my Super Card.”

I load the car with my groceries and head back home happy with my Friday night out and my savings from shopping at Giant Food Stores.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

HA! Sounds like my husband and I. We love grocery shopping. And truly, if you go the same time every week you do see the same people. Heck, we even exchange Christmas cards with our favorite checkers at Vons & Whole Foods.

I suppose that makes us sound like losers. But we're happy :)

Anonymous said...

You're a wild man!
Actually, I thought it was going to be the Barnes and Noble.

Chris Cactus said...

You rebel.

K said...

Duuuuude! Living on the edge! (My escape is Tar*get.) ;o)

Maddy said...

'Escape' to the supermarket, is an all too frequent occurrence around here too.
Cheers

This is my calling card or link"Whittereronautism"until blogger comments get themselves sorted out.

Anonymous said...

I was ready to bet on a book store! In any case, glad you get some good quality "me" time - even if it's with produce and frozen foods.

Cheryl said...

Funny! Nothing like a walk on the wild side.

Teri said...

WOW, what a party animal you are. LOL

I thought you were at the bar or a restaurant with the boys.

I'm actually shocked that Lauren lets you do the shopping considering the "junk food" you might bring home.

Unknown said...

Hee hee... I thought it was Borders. :)

Very clever, William. :)

Amber said...

Sooo, would you say you're a "Giant" pimp? You know, you like to strut your stuff down the isles, check out the goods....

Jamie said...

I thought is was going to be Home Depot.

But I will say, there is nothing as liberating and grocery shopping sans little people or husband. Especially after hours...or before hours, like at 6am on Saturday morning.

Effie said...

:)

Hi William!

Platypus said...

And there was me thinking it was going to be a Hardware store!

kalki said...

That rocked. Well done.

Although, I have never found warmth inside a grocery store. Why must they be so COOOOLD?

Anonymous said...

We raised you right! I'm so proud of you, giving Lauren some quiet time. ( the kids were asleep,yes?) Doing the grocery shopping! Wow! A chip off the old block! I love it! The Church Lady says, "You're Special"!!!! Love ya! momo9

Anonymous said...

William admit it. You were at Giant because Acme has flagged you for squeezing the melons.

Anonymous said...

looks like i'm the only goofball who completely believed this was a real night out with "da boys," and i was waiting to fuss you for leaving lauren all alone, every friday, so you could go play....

i am so naïve. or slow. whatev.

Anonymous said...

Hysterical blog. As always.
Meanwhile - my nights are the opposite: going out to the bars so much - I forget to do my grocery shopping! haha

Dave Cole said...

How life changes.

eclectic said...

I knew I had finally, FINALLY become a card-carrying grown-up, when my idea of indulgence was going to the grocery store ALL BY MYSELF. Welcome to the club, Bill... here's your card.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! This is the first time I've been to your site (found you through scarlettwannabe) and as I was reading this post I was just horrified and felt sorry for your wife! I was so relieved at the end... only now I am thinking...hmmmmm... how can I get my husband to do the shopping?

Melanie said...

seriously, you brighten my day every time you put up a new post! hilarious!!!!! i totally thought you were having a drink at the corner pub or something. i'm kinda sorry that you weren't! though it is quite nice to grocery shop alone. that's my plan for tonight! :)

Qtpies7 said...

That is totally funny! I was wondering what it could be, a bar, a cafe, a bingo parlor? LOL

I love my nights out, but I take mine with my peeps and we play games until early into the morning, laughing and trying not to pee ourselves. Our bladder control isn't quite what it used to be.

Mrs. Paradox said...

LOL you had me going there for a minute.

N said...

This post was hilarious, and i didn't see the ending coming at all.

it also sadly reminds me of my husband's big nights out.

NH Yocal said...

How cute! You really had me going there...

Judypatooote said...

Oh my gosh I missed you....your such a treat to read.....I was really into the story and though "Lauren don't mind him going to bars?" and then you threw in the punch line....Good boy, but I've heard if your looking for a women or man, go to the grocery store, so maybe Lauren better think that one over.....LOL Personally I've been to the grocery store looking and all I see are OLD men....oops I forgot I'm old too.....oh well..... judy

Unknown said...

Freedom? At Giant?

Cathy said...

Oh My Gosh! That is just so funny...my husband insists on doing the grocery shopping at night after the kids are in bed. Find with me. I just thought he was the only one...

Laura said...

That was awesome; you had me going. I thought you were really out on the town. haha...sounds like our life. ;)

Practically Joe said...

I was in your shoes many years ago ... enjoy these moments of solitude while you can ... soon your boys will want to make that trip to the store with you ...

Then it's "Daddy, I want to push the cart" ... "Max! Push it a little slower, Wyatt isn't wearing a crash helmet!" ... "Sorry Wyatt, you can't push Max around in the cart, he's too big to fit in there with all the groceries!"

Many years later, when the boys are off on their own ... you'll be back again, where I am now ... "Honey, I'll see you later, I won't be too long, I'm off to buy some groceries!" :>)