Let's Do Stuff!

So I was thinking the other day about my father's friend George, who rarely made plans and instead would go to his favorite table at a favorite haunt, then call his friends to say where he was, then wait for them to show up. I hate talking on my cell phone anywhere, especially in public, because I have these bizarre fantasies of celebrity couples in dark glasses looking harried and walking down the street hand-in-hand whilst talking on their cell phones to whomever it is they'd rather be seen with.

And I have been known to have a fakeout conversation on the bus or train once or twice before. What I mean by this is I've had conversations with no one, holding my phone to my ear, sometimes practicing a monologue I'm working on, or conjugating irregular French verbs, or having an argument with someone I know when the right comeback just came back to me at the wrong time. It can be very satisfying. And I figure I'm somewhat entitled, given the number of drivers who talk to themselves or fight with invisible people or sing awful karaoke to themselves while on the road. Like so many CTA "patrons" -- which the fuck IS it, customers or passengers?? -- I have no car, so I bring my crazy right onto the train with me. If it's gotta get worked out, if I've gotten bad news and need to sob, if I'm happy and I know it clap my hands, it's all coming on the train with me. I'd rather watch me interact with someone fictional over a phone that's real than listen to one more Trixie wobble on her stilettos, pole-dancing to keep upright, while chirping, "Rieeeeght? Rieeeght? RIGHT! Yeah! Yeah? NO! I KNOW!" for 45 minutes while traversing the city in the middle of the night.

ANYway, my dad's friend George. He had the right idea, but in my opinion the wrong method of execution. I don't use my cell phone in public unless someone is DYING. Even if they're dead, it's usually too late to do anything, so it can wait til I get home. Where I have a limited signal, but that's another post.

What I'm going to do is mention idly the things I'm planning to do, then if my loyal, sweet-smelling readers want to come crash it with me, they have only to show up. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you can always call me (eeew) or text me, "So, when you said free wine tasting, does it cost money? What's wine?" or whatever.

Here's the first activity list. I love my friends and I love doing stuff and I love meeting up. So try me.

Today, Thursday, August 7th -- I'm planning to drop by the weekly free wine tasting (see? SEE?) at lovely local wine shop Provenance. The one in Lincoln Square. They usually have four wines, and looking at their olive and cheese selection is kind of like porn for me. (Is it weird that I originally typed 'porm?' Huh). It starts at 6pm and goes til 8. I usually get there around 7 or so, but if you want to meet there earlier or later let me know.

Friday, 8/8 -- I dunno yet. The city is my oyster.

Saturday 8/9 -- Summerdance is doing salsa and merengue. Free dance lessons from 6-7pm, then free dancing with a live band 7:30-9:30. It's great fun. From there I'm going to a farewell party for my arty friend Man who's moving to NYC. His place is a kickass loft that used to be a soda-bottle factory. All kinds of awesome.

Sunday, 8/10 -- Free during the day. Surprise me. From 6-10pm I have a rehearsal in Winnemac Park for a performance piece I'm doing 8/17 ON MY BIKE. Hooray! If I have time after that I'm going to drop by the Thunder & Lightning Theatre Co. Meet & Greet over in Andersonville at T's. It starts at 7 though, so I may be a little late. Oh, well. There's no cover, so they're making money just by skimming the drink proceeds, which is awesome.

So that's that. There's free time and booked time. One thing that's interesting about summer is that I have a lot to do on the weekends. Usually the weekdays are packed and the weekends are kind of retreaty, but the city just plans so much for me when it's warm that I don't really have to look far to find something to do.

Maybe I'll see you?