A Solo Date

I've never been one to be self conscious about doing things alone.  I have no problem dining alone, and in fact, I actually relish the rare opportunity I get to sit at a bar with a book, an appetizer and a glass of wine.  I also really enjoy going to movies solo, if not for any other reason than my husband hates going, and I am a hard core lover of buttered popcorn.

As you can imagine, solo dates don't come often for me anymore.  And of course, that makes them all the more appealing.  The fact is, I am generally constantly in the company of someone (my kids, predominantly).  And while I'd hardly call myself a loner, the idea of some time to myself - just by myself, for just a little bit - is somewhat of a luxury.

For the past week I have been with my kids in Wilmington, North Carolina, visiting the grandparents.  It's fun and great, but also exhausting and stressful to be out of our fully childproofed environment.  My parents are always offering to give me some time to get out by myself, but I usually decline.  To be honest, I'm usually just so exhausted I don't have the energy to venture out of the house when I have the opportunity.

But last night I mustered the energy, and I indulged.

A few days ago I had read a movie review on CNN of the movie, This is the End.  I had never heard of the movie, but the review was stellar.  I mean, in the I can't remember the last time I've read such a good review of a movie stellar.  It stars Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and James Franco. Given the great review and the weird connection I have with James Franco, I had a sudden urge to see it.  (I should clarify - I don't directly have a weird connection with James Franco, but my sister does, so close enough.  See picture from TMZ below).

That's my sister in the red with the glasses, three people down.  I've felt close to him ever since.  

I decided to forgo dinner so I could indulge in a small popcorn and Raisinets.  I got a great parking spot, arrived just in time to watch the previews, got an aisle seat, and put my feet up so no one would sit in front of me (and it worked).

And the movie?  The movie WAS FREAKING FABULOUS.

I'm not any good at writing movie reviews, so I'm not going to attempt to.  But suffice it to say, if I was 18 or so, in college, and smoking pot (not that I would ever do such a thing), this would probably be the kind of movie that I would watch over and over again, and it would get funnier every time. (Probably like A Very Brady Sequel, circa 1996).

I was by myself, mind you, and I was laughing out loud so hard that I was covering my mouth so as to not bother the people in my vicinity.  It's vulgar, it's stupid, it's genius.  I want my husband, my friends, my family, and all who I care about to see it, so we can discuss it, and then watch it over and over again together.  (A warning though, it's not for the prude at heart.  I saw at least two people walk out of the movie).

Here's the trailer. (Please note - I'm not being compensated or receiving anything for this post. I just loved the movie that much.  And I wasn't even on any mood altering substances.  I promise.  I'm pregnant, remember!)



A highly successful solo date.  Thanks, James Franco, for the memories once again.