This post was originally published at Tales From LaLa Land in May. I am reposting it here because who doesn’t love a story about vodka?
Last night I was naughty.
The thought of cooking for myself after a long day sounded about as awesome as a throat-punch.
I started thinking about Salt Creek’s grilled artichokes and then my car just automatically turned into the parking lot.
This is naughty because one of the things that is no longer in the budget is my solo dining experiences while Laef is traveling for work. I did so well during the month of May and figured that because it was May 28, it was technically June 1, and therefore I had succeeded.
It was bustling at the Salt Creek. The bar was filled to capacity with Cougars and Cougar-lovers watching the NBA playoffs.
And, OF COURSE, just as I sat down with my first glass of wine my phone rang.
It was Laef.
Crap.
We had played phone tag all day and I wasn’t sure if I’d catch him later. I had to answer. But, it’s so loud, he’s going to know right away.
Me: “Hello…”
Laef: “Busted.”
Me: …
Laef: “Where are you?”
Me: (whispering) “Salt Creek.”
Laef: “DOUBLE busted.”
I am pretty sure Laef understands the dilemma of not feeling like cooking, and also understands it’s even worse when it’s just for yourself, so he quickly changed the subject and let me know the real reason he was calling.
It is 88 degrees in Eugene.
WTF. It’s raining in LA.
Totally digressing.
While sitting at my table for one at SCG, a group of 17-year-old boys anxiously awaited for their friend to arrive so they could yell, “SURPRISE!”
The boy came. He was surprised. Happy 17th Birthday. You get to celebrate with $16 appetizers, $30 entrees, unlimited lemonade and 10 of your BFFs.
Birthday boy’s mom was taking a bevy of photos, using her gigantic diamond for a flash and his dad was instructing the waiters to “bring them anything they want. Only the best. I’ll come back to settle the bill later.”
And then his parents left.
They ordered 10 lemonades and bacon-wrapped shrimp to start things off.
(BTW, I wasn’t like stalking them from across the room. They were 10 inches from me. And 17. They talk loud.)
I pondered being 17 with rich parents. I pondered being 17 and having dinner with a group of friends without having to worry about bills, weddings, car payments, litter boxes, wanting to have sex every single day without ever being tired, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.
And then a few minutes later, ANOTHER birthday group arrived and sat at a table right next to the boys.
Only this one was for a little old lady. I don’t know how old she was, but it was the opposite of 17.
Then I pondered being the opposite of 17. Retired. Family Raised. Life lived.
Just when I wasn’t sure what would be more exciting, the little old lady ordered Grey Goose on the rocks. Double.
I wish I could be as bad ass as she was. But, my 30-something self could only manage red wine on a Thursday.
Can’t wait to celebrate life with vodka on the rocks.
About Anissa Mayhew
I love that May 28 is June. That’s my kind of thinking.
Twitter Name: alotofnothing
In my mind, if he gets to be out of town, in a hotel bed by himself, with maid service (and a food stipend?) you should AT LEAST get one night out for yourself. It’s only fair.
And that sounds like something my 94 year old grandmother would do. Except she drinks Manhattans.
Twitter Name: AMomTwoBoys
I would have grabbed one of those boys’ lemonades, pulled up a chair next to the little old lady and asked for a splash of her vodka to add to it!
Twitter Name: charmedimsure
Angie: Thank you for seeing things my way. :) What’s two days anyway?
AMomTwoBoys: I completely agree. As does my car, which is why it automatically takes me to places I love.
Jill: HA. Sounds delicious!!
You are SO my people! I hope to be as bad ass as that little old lady too when I grow up :)
Also, my parents would have NEVER left me and my friends at a place to order “whatever they want.” They would have taken us to taco bell and told us to order “whatever we want”off the 59 cent menu lol!
You inspire me.or make me feel better about being a slacker as far as cooking goes…
I never cook for myself. Ever. I only ever cook when someone else is over the house. So I understand the amount of money one can spend on oneself in the absence of company.
Twitter Name: SillyJaime
Ahh yes, I would take vodka on the rocks over being 17 and angsty again any day.
Twitter Name: barefootfoodie
Love this post. Which would you rather? Teen or Retiree? I”d take retiree anytime!! Even though they didn’t have to pay, I wouldn’t want to be a teenager again!
My birthdays are always underwhelming. Just thinking about me makes me want to get my hopes up, cry, and go to bed early.
I foresee a vodka-filled meeting of the minds! and all the youngsters can envy us too
Twitter Name: Anissa Mayhew
Cha-cheers!!! Now that’s what I’m talkin’bout!
at lunch today my assistant and i were talking about looking forward to being that crazy old aunt or grandmother who makes the kids fetch her “grown up water” (ketel one on the rocks). i’m really looking forward to being that crazy old broad.
Twitter Name: hellohahanarf
My party animal grandmother was like that. I started making her gnarly scotch and water’s for her when I was about eight or nine.
Twitter Name: izzymom
Love they opposites in the post with you in the middle.
I want someone to adopt me that will put me somewhere and say… I”ll be back to pay for it later. Just for a day or month :-)