As mentioned multiple times before, I’m a planner. As much fun as it always sounds, and as many times as I’ve aspired to be spontaneous, I’ve finally accepted my brain refuses to let me function in such a manner.
About two months ago, a slow twitter conversation started between Pham, The Unnatural Runner, her hubby and I.
We live right next to each other. Why do we never hang out?
Unfortunately I’ve had this conversation more than once with multiple people (I’m really sorry if this includes you). If it’s not planned 2-3 days in advance, it’s probably not happening. Let’s blame my Type-A personality again, shall we?
I really need to find less spontaneous friends. You guys are killing me.
Anyway, so this twitter conversation…
After roadblocks such as traveling, new jobs, more traveling, and birthdays (gah. birthdays. SO annoying.), we FINALLY settled on a date.
The scene: Early Monday afternoon. My desk at work.
My phone vibrates Of course it doesn’t actually ring. The speaker broke and I’ve yet to plan a time to go in and correct the situation. Naturally.
It’s a tweet! Everyone’s so excited about happy hour! Neat! Me too!
Wait. Tonight?
It’s tonight??
I thought it was supposed to be on Tuesday?!?!
The right side of my brain started flipping out.
“You can’t go. It’s not part of the plan! We always stick to the plan!”
But after two months of trying to nail this down? There’s no way.
I’m going.
So I rushed in and out of my apartment after work that evening. And out towards Bad Dog Tavern- our designated meeting spot.
We haven’t been all together since meeting up at the 2010 Hot Chocolate 15k, but none of us missed a beat.
Which made it really hard to stop and concentrate on the menu. 
Thankfully we finally did. Sort of. My decision was based on recommendations from the group- I was the only person who had never been there before.
I went with the Turkey Bacon Club. And it was fabulous. Which is a good thing- I would have judged them all had it not been.
Also, the bar was out of fries (how does that happen?!?!), but it was completely fine because the upgrade to sweet potato tots was fo’ FREE!
And, it needs to be said, I have a lot of respect for any establishment that automatically throws ranch in as a dipping sauce.
There was intelligence behind that decision.
Was this me being rewarded for my semi-spontaneity? The world must be telling me something.
It’s probably telling me these kids rock. And we should do this more often.
Obviously.
We should probably start the planning process now…
Best part about our happy hour? Two microbrews, a solid meal, good conversation, and I’m still home by 9:30 on a school night. Win. It’s obvious we’re all in training mode for something or another.
For a girl who is trying to make morning exercise work, this was clutch. Because right now, if I want to run outside, it needs to happen in the morning. We’re in and out of heat advisories this week. And even though I happen to do well running in somewhat warmer temps, we all have our limits. Heat index of 105-110 degrees? I’ll pass.
Stay cool, kids.
Filed under: People to Meet, Places to Drink, Places to Eat, Uncategorized Tagged: | Bad Dog Tavern, Chicago Bars, finding the balance, happy hour, Lincoln Square
Girl, I’m so there with you. I much prefer having 48-72 hours notice, minimum. Even if I have nothing to do, I hate last minute plans and usually decline any invites. Spontaneous, I am not.
Although, as you said, the few times I’ve given in and said yes I’ve had a lot of fun. But still, I so prefer planning things out as far in advance as possible!
Agreed. I need at least a few days notice, although that can also backfire, as then I have too much time to back out and make up some lame excuse. However, I would never do that to you, of course.
And it’s going to be 100 degrees here today, which means I’ll probably be able to finally go for a walk sometime around 2am.
I’m such a planner to a fault sometimes. I feel all out of whack when things are spontaneous. Then I end up going and having a blast. It’s all a mindset. I’m glad you had a great time!
A sweet potato tot is something I need in my life. I have never had one!
Also, I’m with you on the outside running- I hit the yoga mat this morning.
Sweet potato tots?!? They exist? Amaze.
How much fun!! Glad you snuck in all this excitement on a school night.
And not only did you beat the heat with the morning but you had plenty of time to hang out with friends. #winning
YAY! Now when shall we meet again?
I am a total A Type personality too. I am uncomfortable with things that are not planned and then get upset when they don’t go according to plan. I like to use the word “organized”.
I am the exact same way. I’ll usually give into an invitation if it’s important enough, but I will freak out about it internally. I have my weeks planned out by the hour, so moving things around is no easy matter.
It sounds like you made the right choice in going though. When are sweet potato nuggets and ranch never a good thing?
Love tots!!!
My sister ran in the morning this week, too, because Chicago got so hot. It has to be really hot because she is NOT a morning person.
My spontaneous friends are killing me as well… slowly, but surely. Don’t they know the value of a good plan??? Of course, Lagunitas and sweet potato tots definitely seem worth the shake-up.
I’m a planner, too. I totally get it. Spontaneity is not my style and kinda stresses me out, actually! STAY COOL today. My god, it’s hot…especially there.
Sweet potato tots….I’m in love and I’ve never even tried/seen them!
omg that turkey club looks freaking orgasmic. And sweet tater tots instead of fries? UPGRADE!
All I can think is… no fries, whaaat?!
LOL. You know I totally get you. It has taken me YEARS to be able to make plans on weeknights. Yes. I would come home and do nothing. It felt too rushed. Now I plan classes, movies, concerts… and I am trying harder to be spontaneous, because like you said, it is usually worth it!
I really wish I wasn’t such a planner. I try to be spontaneous but I love a plan way too much I think.
I should try to do one unplanned activity a week.
Glad you had a great time!!!
I’m a bit of a mixture of spontaneous and planner. Way to be a little spontaneous. I hope it wasn’t’ too painful.
I was not born to be spontaneous. I am almost accepting of this situation…but some days are easier than others. On vacation for example? I can handle things. But 9:30 on a school night just throws me for a loop.
Have a great weekend Amy!
oh my god, +1000 to this. I am so not spontaneous! In fact, most spontaneity stresses me the eff out. I need to work on that… BUT, whenever I actually forgo my “plan” and act on something spontaneous coming up, I usually don’t regret it. Dang type A-ness…
I can totally relate to this! I’m a big planner, and hate when something unexpected throws off my plan. I’ve been trying to go with the flow a little more now, and it’s fun at times, but I still like the comforts of my plan : )
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