Weekend Recap - Atlanta

In the middle of last week my good friend sent me a text to let me know he was going to Atlanta for the weekend to see Othello at the Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern and he asked if I would like to join him.  I had previously considered running away for the weekend alone since I knew I would be grieving the loss of my father but then I decided it probably wouldn't be best for me to be alone.  I figured I would just cry the entire weekend with no one to distract me so I said yes.

Friday morning I was to be at his place at 8:00 AM.  I packed and left my place at 7:05 AM.  Normally the drive to his place is around 25 minutes but it is time for rush hour traffic so I left a little earlier.  Holy hell was there a lot of traffic!  As soon as I got on the interstate the traffic STOPPED!  It took me 20 minutes to get to the next exit a mile down the interstate.  I pulled up to his place at exactly 8:00 AM and I had yet to get my coffee or any breakfast. 

Luckily Paul is a nice guy and very accommodating.  On our way out we stopped at Starbuck’s to get me a coffee.  I used the restroom, bought my coffee and then went to the serving area.  I waited… and waited… and waited some more.  I finally asked the barista if she had forgotten my order.  She asked, “What order?”  I just stared at her incredulously.  How can this happen?  I got upset and told her my order.  This is going to be a great start to the weekend.  *groans*

After filling up the gas tank Paul drove over to Chick-Fil-A.  Oh how I love Chick-Fil-A and I just couldn't resist.  That 440-calorie chicken biscuit was calling my name and I knew how delicious it was going to taste.  Since Paul usually makes me walk until I break something, I figured I would burn off the extra calories at some point today (we walked so much in DC last month I developed a stress fracture in the metatarsal bone in my foot.  Thanks Paul!  *kisses*)

Off we go, heading north to Atlanta.  I forgot my ear buds so rather than listen to my own music I listened to an audio book Paul had picked out called BelowStairs by Margaret Powell.  I don’t usually enjoy non-fiction that much but this book was interesting.  Being in service during the 1920’s was a true art form and the servants of that time proved how truly dedicated they were to hard work and surviving through adversity.

We got to Atlanta and immediately hit traffic.  My anxiety flew through the roof.  There was a lot of traffic and too many lanes.  Thank goodness Paul was driving.  We found the hotel and rested for a bit before heading off to dinner at Ray’s In The City.  I ordered the filet with mashed potatoes, ceasar salad and a shiraz.  Paul had the barbecue shrimp for his appetizer and the scallops for his dinner.  I finished my meal with an Irish coffee and he had a praline bowl with ice cream.  It was a relaxing dinner and nice conversation. 

We walked back to the hotel and as we approached the elevators there were far too many people in such a small place.  I immediately put my hand out to stop Paul and waited until the people were gone – just a few seconds.  I was afraid my anxiety would blow if I were surrounded by a large group of people and figured it would be best to wait.  Again, Paul being accommodating didn't even ask.

We stepped into a less crowded elevator and I sucked in close to Paul’s side (I hate elevators…and small spaced for that matter).  Paul started doing what he does best to keep me calm, he started petting me.  Oh how I adore when he pets me.  He ran his fingers lightly along my scalp and in my hair.  Then, out of the blue, he took a small handful and tightened his fist pulling my hair lightly.  I about blew apart with joy.  Later, he admitted he did it to distract me and it worked.

Back in the room I curled up with him for a bit.  He read while I relaxed in his arm with my head on his chest.  Again, doing what he does best, he ran his fingers up and down my back comforting me.  The feeling is exquisite and I cannot get enough.  I could curl up with him for hours, if not days, and never stop cherishing the feelings he gives me.  Since we were in a room with two double beds, I had to make my way back to my bed to sleep for the night.

Overall, it was a pretty good day and my anxiety was kept to a minimum.