Learning to Exhale: The Essence of Pleasure is Spontaneity

The worst part was the downpours, lasting for over an hour on my way to the lake on Thursday evening. The best part was being surprised by him on Friday evening after a long day of shopping. The rest is pure icing.

Shortly before leaving town on Thursday, I heard from my friend that she would not be able to join me due to a conflict over which she had no control. We were both equally bummed, but without hesitation, we committed to a rain check in the near future. I arrived at the lake house around 8:15 and enjoyed a quiet evening dancing upon thoughts and drifting in and out of dreams.

Friday morning, I woke up early, had coffee and a light breakfast, then began tidying the place a bit. I spent about 45 minutes talking to a neighbor -- another new acquaintance. (It overwhelms me to discover that the neighbors here are incredibly friendly and welcoming.) She was delightful, she and “Penelope,” her poodle mix. They’d been out on a morning stroll when Penelope spied me tidying the back patio and tugged at her leash, heading my direction to introduce her prissy cute self. In an exchange of smiles and pleasantries, I managed to gather lots more need-to-know tidbits of happenings and recent news in the neighborhood. It was a delightful conversation.

I spent the rest of the day in Charlotte in search of The Dress. I’ve lost count on how many I tried on. Landing the right style, but not the right color, or the right color, but not the right size. Up, sideways down and back, I just couldn't get it to work out. Coming up empty, the day was nearing to an end, and with only a few more stores on my list to check out -- at least for the day. I came up with the winner at Nordstrom’s. Charcoal gray, fitted, halter style with a flat, silver chain-like piece laced through the neckline that attached in the back; adorned with a fine, subtle shimmer, casting a gray-navy hue of elegance. Perfect? Pretty damn close. It fit very well, which is the only thing that worries me, since I plan on losing another 10 pounds before the wedding. What if that changes how it fits? She told me not to worry, I could return it for any reason within six months. Works! I’m throwing the dice on this one. Let’s hope it won’t matter. Much.

As I drove back to the lake, I planned to stop at the grocery store to pick up a salad and a bit of chicken breast for dinner. Truthfully, I wasn’t looking forward to dining in -- alone. Solitude is never an issue with me, but for some reason, this night was different. Something in the air? Perhaps. The reason didn't seem important. Orange and pink sprays of color drenching the sky made me long for a quiet sunset dinner for two… You're so hopelessly romantic, T. What IS it with you and the sunset fixations?

By the time I made it back to the lake and had gotten groceries, it was almost dark. As I pulled in the driveway, I noticed the lamplight in the upstairs bedroom. “I don’t remember leaving that lamp on,” I mumbled to myself. Odd.

I opened the garage door and made my way inside with my shopping bags and groceries. As I opened the door, my eyes went immediately to a candle lit on the mantle. I panicked a little. “Oh, no, did I leave a candle burning unattended ALL DAY!!! CRAP!” But as I reflected further, I knew I had not lit that candle before leaving that morning. I felt a little spooked. Was someone in the house? I dropped my bags in the darkened living room floor and walked carefully to the dimly lit kitchen, spying yet another candle lit, and another…and then the bottle of wine on the table, beside a note that read: “A nice glass of red is just what you need after a long hard day of shopping.”

He had driven to the lake after getting off work on Friday to surprise me! He'd even slyly parked his car down the street. He had planned this to a T. A weekend at the lake, just the two of us. No plans, no commitments, no worries. It was the most romantic thing he’s done in -- well, maybe ever, or at least in a very long time. The rest of the dreamy details of the weekend? Let's just say they're committed to memory?

Isn't it what every girl wants? Sweet. Thoughtful. Romantic. An unexpected surprise.

AND
SO
WHY

THE

HELL

NOT?

The essence of pleasure.

What is the last spontaneous thing you did?

A weekend to remember.