LA weekend-NOT!

I got as far as my gate at LGA last night for my weekend trip to LA. Because of the east coast snow blizzard all flights were delayed and my connecting flight in Milwaukee was not going to wait. I waited about 4 hours in the airport, most of it at the bar wondering if I really was going west.

I took a cab back home around 7:30 and realized I was a little sad. You see at first I didn't want to go away for the weekend. I was missing my kids, wife and family a lot lately (we've been so busy) that I wanted to spend quality fun time together. But as the weekend approached everybody was getting on my nerves! My wife Jen and I are out of sync; Cole is incredibly whinny; Sebastian is gloomy; Emma is surprisingly nice to me this week; and well, Suz is calm. So, as the weekend was approching I was NOW looking forward to a mental break from the family and responsibilities. Alas, it was not meant to be.

I pulled up in the cab at home and by now it was dark out. Jen and the kids were playing out in the snow and met the cab. I had made up my mind in the cab that I was going to Dark Horse, a new pub in the 'hood that I frequent to get a bite and drink. Jen was cool with this knowing that I was disappointed. The kids didn't seem to care-they were playing in the snow. I was only intending on getting a quick bite and a beer or two...

I know most of the folks at Dark Horse: the owners, bartenders, so it feels comfortable. I can go alone and not feel "lonely". I had sent Al a text, but he was unavailable-he is a new Daddy. I walked in and the bar was full but "Josi", the owner was behind the bar and gave me her seat with her mates. I imagined this is how my trip in LA would of begun. Rob the bartender greeted me and we chatted for a bit and of course my sob story came out along with finding out he had just celebrated his birthday; I too had mine...a few weeks ago. So, he set up some shots for us. This is were I should of said no. But, I was in LA in my mind.

I had the burger and curry fries that I hungered for, along with 3 pints and shots. I was ready to go home. But as I was checking my phone, Star, one of the other bartenders sits down next to me. She's got the night off and came in to watch the Olympics. By now, I'm very gregarious. I had just sent Jen a text saying that I was finishing up and heading back soon! (Don't ever do this unless, you're walking out the door.) I got another pint and Rob set up more shots, because it was after all, still our birthdays. I had, unbeknown to me, dialed Jen and the line was open for about 4 minutes. She could hear all the happenings at the bar and most importantly, her husband talking(flirting?) with some women. I picked up the phone when I realized it was on. I couldn't hear Jen on the other line. So, I texted her with a "whoops". She sent back a "making friends?" text. (Again, if you get a text like this, go home immediately.) I didn't. I sent back a "he-he-he" text. She sent back a text "I heard". It didn't register with me what this meant. So, after 1 more pint I excused myself to go home. It wasn't that late, I thought to myself. About 11:30. But 3 hours later than I had expected to stay.

I got home and Jen was really sad. I suspected it had to do with staying out "late". It was not. We're really good about giving each other our space. But it was the phone call. It was what Jen heard. I thought I had done or said something improper but she said, "It wasn't the grumpy Albert I heard, it was the fun-loving Albert talking to people and enjoying himself". I realized at this moment that this was or has been our issue lately. We've been out of sync. Jen's always been part of the fun when we go out. But WE don't get a chance to do that. We take turns with our friends or if we do go out it's dinner and a movie it's not like what we "used to do" when we were dating. I've been trying to steal private moments for myself the last couple of weeks forgetting that I miss my partner in crime. That when I do go without her, I'm usually wishing she were there with me.

So, we got up this morning and decided that WE need to go out tonight. Just the two of us. Suz will watch the kids tonight. This is one of the wonderful perks of our blended family. It helps us stay sane.