Long Distance Date

My girlfriend and I had the fortune to meet and fall in love while residing in the same state.  Not too uncommon! you might think.  But we have also had the misfortune of, after a year and a half living together, being forced into statewide separation due to our respective professions.  While I’m spending time getting acquainted with the soft southern drawls of Savannah, GA…my girlfriend is stuck in Misery (aka Missouri).  Now, I’ve been to St. Louis and I can say without hesitation that it’s a great town with lots to do! Who wouldn’t be impressed by the Arch in all its silvery, sun reflecting glory?  However, gf doesn’t live in St. Louis.  She lives in a town where Wal-mart is the local hangout and Applebees is the most happening kareoke bar around.  Don’t get me wrong, I love me some kareoke…but at Applebees? Annnyywayyy….

So last night, in valiant attempt to overcome the miles between us, gf and I did what can only be described  as well…gay.  We went to the movies… long distance.  I’m sure most of you are having the same reaction that a couple of my friends had when I told them.  After the giggling stops there’s an “awww” like you’re looking at a stray puppy (even my grandmother reacted this way when I told her).  I care not what you think! (inverted syntax for emphasis!)  Romance must be kept alive!  Ok, so actually this whole thing was gf’s idea and I was quite hesitant because what kind of weirdo goes to the movies at 8:30 on a Friday ALONE?  I knew there would be crowds of snotty teenagers just waiting to mock me while tossing popcorn at the back of my head. But who can say no to the sweet voice of their amour?  It also didn’t hurt that she shrewdly chose the new AJ movie (that’s Angelina Jolie for those of you not ‘in the know’) to finally persuade me to give up my death grip on the couch.  I sucked it up and went.

I was hoping to arrive at the theater close enough to showtime when the lights would already be out in the theater, and I could just sneak in ALONE without being noticed.  No such luck.  I forgot I’m from NJ and therefor have a lead foot.  There should definitely be “Jersey driver” mode in the GPS to provide me with a more accurate ETA.  Clutching my nachos and Cherry Coke, I tried a full on sprint to a seat in one of the first few rows in hopes that no one would notice me entering.  Alas! Whispers! I waited for the popcorn throwing to start.  Surprisingly, I felt no warm, overly buttered kernels pinging my skin.  It took me a few minutes, but I finally realized why.  I was not the ONLY person in the theater ALONE. In fact, there were three of us and we had somehow all gravitated to the same area of seating.  It was like being a member of a secret club and not even knowing it! We acknowledged each other with the “cool guy” head nod and went on munching our refreshments.  That’s right world! We see movies ALONE! so, what?!  Then gf sent me a text message: “I’m in my seat with my icee 🙂 love you.”  Cool guy persona – gone.  Instantly, I’m a total goober typing back: “Nachos and cherry coke for me! love you too.”  Yes, I’m a dork. For my girlfriend 🙂

The new AJ movie lived up to expectation – by this I mean it was an action film and it entertained. Don’t expect your soul to be moved or spend hours discussing philosophical world views. However, watching AJ wield weaponry and kicking ass just never seems to get old to me.  And it was an added bonus to get to hear her speaking Russian – HOT!  Who doesn’t love a good CIA/Russian spy flick?  And what better way to watch it then with the woman you love…