A Nice Friday Surprise

For the first time since Lord-knows-when, I'm writing dates down on an actual paper calendar in my office (they still make these?). Usually, I can keep activities well organized in my head, or there was always the lady reminding me and doing all the social planning anyway.

Times, they are a-changin'.

Almost every night the past few weeks, I've been busy doing something, anything, besides stay home. Been there, done that. I know where that road leads.

And it's been working, little by little. Tonight was supposed to ring in the first weekend with little to no social plans besides training. I was totally OK with that, too. Like a good run at the casino tables that comes to an end, I knew exhausting myself every night with activities had to stop at some point.

Fortunately, my friend Anat came to the rescue. Again. I may have lost someone incredibly special in my ex-girlfriend, but in the process, I've gained one helluva friend. Someone who has single-handedly taken it upon herself to essentially be there whenever, wherever, however. I could not be more grateful and humbled. I am one lucky dude.

Tonight, Anat invited me to join her family and some family friends of theirs for an informal Shabbat dinner at Brent's Deli in Westlake. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. Essentially the whole experience felt like a home away from home. Down to being told my face has gotten thinner the past few months and that I need to eat more! (I'm tryin'! I'm tryin'!) My current food coma indicates Mission Accomplished for the evening.

All in all, it was a fantastic day off from the training regimen. Thanks to a good friend, good company, and good food.

I'm glad my rapidly filling calendar had nothing written in it for tonight.

313 days and counting.