Nothing Matters but the Weekend...

Ahh - the weekend. It's what I live for! Nothing better than waking on a Saturday morning and realizing that I have made no commitment to be here, go there, or do this. Instead, I have a day to relax, tinker, play, or whatever. That's how my Saturday evolved. I slept in for a Saturday. Didn't get up till about 815AM. Sometimes that doesn't sit well with me cause I like to greet the new day before dawn. Guess it helps me feel more in control. Hey, you know when you're talking or writing and suddenly you have this epiphany? Well, just had one! I think that I am a control freak!!! Yikes! It's just maddening to know that I can't control the weather, my daughters, the neighbors yard, and that blonde down the street.. :) Thing is, I am absolutely convinced that I can create /control my future. I wrote a paper once titled "Fork in the Road". It addressed all the choices one makes in their life and how each decision typically builds on the other to ultimately lead us where we are today. Looking back, it's easy to see where a seemingly innocent choice lead us here or there. The trick, of course, is to realize it when we're making the decision. Which one is "the key" decision?. To further complicate matters, choices or "forks", decisions that others make impact our lives too, which may in turn lead us to take another completely different fork in the road. So, consciously or unconsciously, we truly do create our world. And through the force of life, we're all undeniably connected. I decided that today would be the day that I'd drive up to Macy's and finally write that check for the new dining room suit that I bought back in February. I had the cash then but they were offering 6 months - no payments - no finance charges, so I decide to keep the money in MY pocket for the six months. However, being the anal one that I am, I don't know how wise that choice was. I stressed over it countless times, always thinking of the looming deadline and the possibility of missing it by a day or something like that and being stuck paying ridiculous finance charges for the six month span. Done deal though!!! Also, those that read my Thursday entry are familiar with the Spanish Peaks - Black Dog, Honey Raspberry Ale that I raved about. I made a point to find it locally in a six pack. After some exhaustive web surfing, I read that it was sold at Grapes of Mirth in the North Market. So, after leaving Macy's I drove to the North Market. To my dismay, this is the first time that I have ever gone down there during a busy Saturday afternoon. It was exciting! It reminded me of Pike Place in Seattle or Thaniel Hall in Boston. Not quite to the same scale but still the same general atmosphere. To my chagrin, they didn't have it but promised to order it for me if that is what I desired. Hmmm? That was an awesome gesture! Instead, we discussed where else it might be sold. I wanted it NOW. He recommended I check the Viking Carry-out which is located on King ave, east of Neil across from Estrada. Now I was on a quest. If this beer is sold in the City, I will find it! Viking Carry-out was a rather scary looking place, but my thirst for the prize was dominant. They had lots of variety and many many microbrews from all over - no Spanish Peaks, however. Now I could have thrown in the towel, but that isn't my character now is it? So, next stop, Gentiles in Grandview. Gentiles is a Columbus landmark for beer and wine connoisseurs. I could feel success in the air even as I pulled up in their lot. Sure enough, once inside and at the beer cooler, I found the coveted prize!! They had plenty. I bought two six packs. Goal, goal, goal, goal!!!!! Headed home, I decided to stop by and say hello to my Dad. And let me tell you, you just never what you're gonna get when you pull up at his house. As I pulled around their wrapping drive, I caught a glimpse of my dad sitting in his canoe (on dry land mind you) acting out a rowing routine! What in the hell??? He had a sheepish look on his face, too. I guess I would too if someone pulled up and saw me laying in my boat Tube on the front lawn. :) Anyway, he said he was simply prepping it for use and wanted to get a feel for where he should mount the paddle storage clips. Right!! This was a Kodak moment if ever there was one. And guess what? I had my digital camera with me. I quickly jumped out of my car and said, "stay right there, Ive gotta get this picture". He smiled and went along with it. Of all times for my camera battery to be dead. Dammit!. I missed a golden opportunity there! That is right up there with his first iteration of the boat canopy he rigged up for his old Larson back in early July. We chatted for a few then I headed for home. The sky threatened rain and I didn't want to be caught out in my convertible again. Once home I made some lunch and watched the storm roll in. We got quite a bit of rain in a rather short amount of time. It was between 92-95 degrees prior to the storm and in the low 70's immediately after. The heat index was pretty high too. I know it was about 96 when I ran earlier in the morning. Decision time...what do I do with my evening? Had an open offer to hang with neighbors, but opted not. Instead, I decided to stay at home and play. I cleaned, played guitar, organized and backed up my photos to CD's. I sent some photos to friends, updated my Blog, and drank a few of my Honey Raspberry Ales.