All By Myself

Take 1 part social experiment, 1 part boredom, and 1 part out of good ideas and you get my July New Thing.

It started with a craving for my beloved Margarita's. The restaurant, not the drink. It's true that I could have easily found a friend to accompany me (I fear a few might be angry I went without them!), but I decided to take this craving as an opportunity. July's new thing would be all about doing things by myself that most people do with others. The first, obviously, was to go to a restaurant alone. I've heard that some people do this all the time. I, however, have always thought it would be strange to walk into a restaurant, ask for a table for one, and just sit in the booth waiting for your food. The experience did not disappoint.

Upon arrival, I immediately found a table where I could have my back to everyone and hide. Just in case someone I knew walked in. I don't know why I cared, but I was so nervous that I would have to explain to someone why I was alone. The chips and salsa and soda arrived promptly and, having been to Margarita's many times, I knew what I wanted and ordered right away. Rather than sit and stare off into space while waiting for my food, I brought along a Sudoku book to occupy me. Not sure if this made me seem more or less pathetic but at least it helped pass the time. And then the food came. A large plate of Mexican goodness. I enjoyed every bite, got the leftovers to go, and got out of dodge. I definitely do not enjoy the experience of eating in a restaurant alone. However, I have to admit, once the food came, I didn't really care. If you haven't been to Margarita's in Holland before, stop reading this, get in your car, and drive quickly to the south side. You will not regret it.

Next up on the list, a movie. Again, I've heard that people go to movies alone all the time. I never have but it seemed like this would be a little more comfortable since it's dark in the theater and it's frowned upon to talk during the movie anyway. I went in the afternoon when it would be cheaper and there would be less people around. My choices for summer flicks was very limited. Cars 2 and Winnie the Pooh was playing but seeing a kid's movie by myself definitely had a creepy factor involved. I had already seen Harry Potter 7 part 2 so my choices were Horrible Bosses and Friends with Benefits. I flipped a coin since I wasn't really thrilled about either and settled on Horrible Bosses. I bought my ticket, popcorn, and, yes, more soda and found a seat in the back. Aside from the fact that the movie was raunchy and not all that funny, seeing a movie by myself wasn't that bad. I might do it again if I'm aching to see something that I can't convince anyone else to go to.

My final idea seemed like a lot of fun. A trip to Craig's Cruisers in Holland for some mini golf and a go-kart ride. I hadn't done either of these things in years. I started with the mini gold and was quickly reminded that it requires some walking up and down stairs and hills and uneven terrain. Not something I'm all that great at right now with my busted up knee. Nevertheless, I powered through the 18 holes. I have to say, mini golf is boring. Especially when you are alone. I couldn't yell or pout when I made a bad shot and I couldn't cheer or heckle anybody when I made an awesome one. I just slowly and quietly hit the little ball into hole after hole. To top it off, it was 90 degrees and humid out. I was glad when it was over.

I followed up my lame mini golf game with a very quick go-kart ride. It was alright. This is a lot like going to the movies, there's no expectation that you should be talking to someone at the time. You just drive around in circles for 2 minutes, pull in, and get out. I do have to say, it was a nice way to cool off after the mini golf. All in all, it was an interesting experience. I doubt next month will be all that exciting since I'll be laid up on the couch after my knee surgery but we shall see.