Need to get out more often

Do you need to get out more often? Or are you so busy that you don't even have time to think about it? Something has happened to me in the past few years. People have tried to tell me, and, (she said guiltily) I have pretty much blown them off.

I started writing novels and it has changed me. There was a time that I used to know how to have more fun than almost anyone. I loved being social, going to parties, out to dinner, to the movies, dancing. I loved taking my kids to the park, going to their ball games, their school events.

Granted the kids are older now, and so am I. When I started writing, I became so engrossed with it, so in love with it, that at times it seems to have taken over my life. Some where along the way writing has become my life. Not just the wonderful part of actually getting to write the stories, but the business of making a career out of it. It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort. But this article isn't about a writing career. It's about life. And remembering to really participate in it.

My husband was off today, and out of the blue he asked me to go to the movies. Usually I don't go because between my husband and sons, they want to watch movies I don't really care for. Movies that are mostly nothing but special effects bore me. I want a good plot, an actual story to go with the effects. Or at least something that will make me laugh. Not bathroom humor but something really funny.

But today, it was just me and my husband. I realized it has been over a year since I had gone out to a movie. We went to an AMC theater, one that I have been to many times before. As soon as we walked in, I knew some things had taken a drastic change. Oh My God! The first thing I noticed was... a BAR. An actual bar, with liquor, wine and beer.

Usually we go to the concession stand to get drinks or something before we go in to get our seats. It felt strange today when we just walked right past it. Instead we went in to the semi-darkened theater and were seated by a young girl. And talk about seated, these were no ordinary movie seats. We sat in wonderfully plush recliners that were electric and you could actually lay them back almost into a bed, plus the arm rest in the middle could be put up and out of the way, so that it was pretty much like a double bed. Oh - so - comfortable! But I couldn't help but think that it could have been a little bit dangerous if we were still young and uh, getting to really KNOW each other. Luckily we've been married for 24 years and have learned some restraint. (Grin)

Anyway, there was also a swinging table that you could put right in front of you or move over to the side. The girl handed us a menu and asked what we wanted to drink. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon, and added to that I have been on a very strict diet for months. As soon as she asked for our drink order, I blurted out, "A margarita, on the rocks please." At 4:00 in the afternoon - in a freakin' movie theater!

I didn't even give it much thought. And that is when I realized, "I need to get out of the house more often!"

This was so cool. How long has this been going on? Wow. I had so much fun just looking around even before the movie started. We also ordered an early dinner. I cheated on my diet - Big Time, and enjoyed the hell out of it. I even ate - (ooh, just had my first pang of guilt), I even ate French Fries. (GASP) Never mind, I still don't care. It was too much fun to pass up.

Two Margaritas later and the comedy we had chosen to see was even funnier than I thought it would be. We had so much fun. I admit to being a work-a-holic, but thank God the fun loving part of me is not just in my books. I didn't even think (well, barely) even think about work the whole time we were there. Kudo's to AMC Theaters! I know it won't be another year before I go back this time.

Now, I'm not totally out of the loop, I knew there were places like this in Dallas. The Big City. But we live in the burbs. And when I had heard about the other places, I thought it was a dumb idea. What could beat a movie and popcorn? Boy was I naive... and I think the Margarita's helped. And that is just today's story.

A few days ago, I had really been working long hours and knew I needed some exercise. So I tore myself away from the computer long enough to go get in the pool and swim and stretch my tight muscles. It felt great, but I was still thinking about my manuscript.

Then one of our sons joined me. Then another one did. Then my husband and finally, our oldest son. We played water basketball, keep away and dodge ball. For hours. My arm has really been sore - I have a wicked throw when I want to, but the soreness has been worth it.

I love writing and making a career out of it. But I love having fun and, even more, I love spending time with my family. I'm going to make a point out of taking breaks more often, out of having real fun more often. And you should too. I know I can't be the only career driven person out there. So please think about it. Do YOU need to get out more?

All the Best,

KT Banks