Alone

Tomorrow morning I'm driving to Atlanta all by myself. I'm spending one night in a hotel all by myself. At first, that prospect was at best, boring. I wasn't really thinking about the trip at all. I had already made plans for when I get back. And then last night Dawn said, "Is there anything about your trip that you're excited about?" I quickly answered No.

But then I said, "Well, yes, I'm excited about my new book on CD."

And then perfect Dawn goes on to list things I could do in Atlanta before I come home. The one that really piqued my interest was a severely over-priced Heineken enjoyed in front of the whale sharks at the Aquarium. I said, "I can't go to the Aquarium by myself." She asked why not. I didn't have an answer that made any sense.

I have forgotten how to be alone. And what's more, I feel guilty about needing time alone. I know that They with a capital T say that everyone, especially stay-at-home mothers, needs time away. It just doesn't seem feasible or fair. And now that the time is all but forced on me, I have no idea what to do with myself.

Is this how women get to be so boring? By taking no time for themselves? When asked if I'm aware of a current issue or a movie or popular singer I very often reply, "If it doesn't happen on Dora, I don't know about it." It's a joke, but one that today is striking me as rather pathetic.

So, sweet ladies, here's the question - What should I do with my very short time in Atlanta?

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