5:00 AM the alarm sounds. I rolled over and hit the off button. Before removing the warm, comforting covers, I turned on the TV to find that I did not have to work today. The commute was going to be a disaster. All the local channels were on at 4:00 AM to track the storm. 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice was predicted. Power crews were on standby to repair any downed power lines. Amtrak and Metro had been running cars all night to keep the tracks clear. After hearing all this surely I would open the window and see a thin layer of ice covering every inch. I stumbled out of bed, pulled on my sweat pants and went to the window. I parted the blinds and looked out. What did I see? NOTHING! Nothing was happening, nothing was falling, no ice weighing down the power lines or tree branches. Why on earth had work been closed? There was no snow, sleet, or freezing rain in sight. Realizing I had the day off, I thought at that instant I could go back to sleep. Sleep is one thing I do really well. I slipped the sweat pants off and climbed back into bed. The sheets were still warm. I then slept for another 2 hours.

I woke up naturally at 7:00 AM. I could hear something hitting the window. Once again, I climbed out of bed and slid my sweat pants back on. I went to the window and again peered through the blinds. This time there was something falling. It looked like rain but there had to be some ice involved because of the sound it made when it hit the window. I went out to the kitchen, poured a glass of juice and turned on the TV. Sure enough, they were saying there was a thin layer of ice covering everything and the temperature was hovering around freezing. I guess the decision to close work was a good one after all. I pulled on my coat and headed to the balcony for a smoke. When I slid open the door, the cold, wet breeze hit me in the face. I walked gently out onto the icy balcony and enjoyed my morning buzz.

How could I take advantage of this day off? What could I do to make the most of my free time? Of course I spent the first few hours of the day watching the news, reading my favorite blogs online, and checking e-mail. After wasting a few hours doing nothing of significance, the morning news shows were ending their broadcasts predicting the temperature to rise and the precipitation would change over to all rain very soon. The chance of using this day productively was becoming a real possibility. I could actually get out on the roads if I needed to. I decided to take a shower and get dressed. If I was going to brave the roads, I needed to be ready. While in the shower, Brad e-mailed me and suggested I join him for lunch. I was elated! I could go somewhere! I could do something! I quickly e-mailed him back saying I would meet him at his office and take him to lunch. How exciting!

At this point, I thought I should do something else as well since I was going to be out anyway. So I decided I would go to Tysons and check out a new digital camera I have been eyeing at The Apple Store. I’ve been looking at the Canon EOS Digital Rebel. I read a great review on the MacWorld web site. It’s got the kind of features I could benefit from. My current camera has little ability to manipulate settings. The Rebel has plenty of possibilities for controlling the output. I had completed my research and was ready to buy. I warmed up the car and braved the 5 minute drive to Tysons. With my wet shoes making squeaking noises, I squished into The Apple Store. I picked up the camera, looked at all the features, felt it’s weight, and tested the focus. The decision was made. I would buy the camera. I asked a sales lady for help. She said she would be right back with my camera. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to take it home and test it out. I waited a few minutes. I then caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye. I could only see her head above the shelves of software waiting to be purchased. As she rounded the shelf, I could see her hands were empty. I knew then I would not be leaving with my new camera. She quickly informed me they were out of stock. I asked when they might have more delivered and she told me they get deliveries every day, to check back in a few days. She suggested I call before I make the trip, to make sure they were in stock. I left The Apple Store with my head hung low, feeling disappointed. Not to worry though, I can try again on the weekend.

All hope was not lost for a productive day. I still had plans to have lunch with Brad. I was on my way there after leaving The Apple Store. I drove the 40 minutes to Brad’s office where I pulled up in front. Within 5 minutes Brad appeared with his beautiful blue eyes shining. He opened the door and climbed in and we were off to a local diner. Brad directed me to a nearby parking lot that was covered with a slushy mess. We marched through the mess and entered the diner. We were quickly seated. As Brad excused himself to the restroom, I ordered ice tea and coke. When he returned we perused the menu and made our choices. The waitress returned and quickly took our orders. She recorded that I did not want lettuce, mayonnaise, cole slaw or pickles with my ham and cheese sandwich, but that I would like to have a side of french fries added to the plate. While waiting for our meals, Brad and I conversed about the days happenings. Before we knew it, the waitress was setting our food in front of us. She had gotten my order correct! The sandwich was deliciously layered with ham and cheese. One layer of ham and then one layer of cheese, over and over to make up a good inch and a half of fattening pleasure. Without the toasted white bread, this could be considered an Atkins meal! Ha!

(To break for a moment, I realize this post is going on and on but I’m trying to be more descriptive in my writing. Is it working?)

During the consumption of our meal, Brad and I discussed this and that. One great thing I’ve noticed in spending time with Brad is that we are never at a loss for conversation. We always have something to talk about. I feel I learn something new about him every time we talk. Eventually we finished our meal and Brad had to get back to work. As we were getting our coats on I noticed our waitress crossing the diner with a slice of cake. It looked delicious. It had to be 5 inches tall. It had about 6 thin alternating layers of moist yellow cake and what looked to be a pudding like cream. The top of the cake was covered in a layer of chocolate about the thickness of a wooden ruler. The chocolate layer looked thick, as if you could peal if off the cake and eat it like taffy. My mouth was watering but I wasn’t about to order a slice. Plus, we needed to get going. After a quick trip to the restroom, and a stop at the cashier, we were off. We drove the few minutes back to Brad’s office. I pulled up in front again. Before getting out, I informed Brad I would not be planting a wet kiss on him in front of his office. Instead I gave him a warm smile and he gave me an intimate squeeze on my leg. The squeeze left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Brad. Again, it was just a brief moment in time but well worth it. Brad is such a sweet guy. I’m lucky to have him.

Now to wrap this post up, I will say that after dropping Brad off, I came home and became productive. I decided some exercise was called for so I put on my workout clothes and descended to the basement of my condo and proceeded to walk 5 miles on the treadmill. I was able to read more of my current reading selection while exercising at the same time. After the treadmill, I took the elevator back to my condo (ironic, huh?). I then opened my laptop, updated some software using Apple’s handy software update tool, and completed some paperwork. I then did my taxes, two loads of laundry, and finished this blog post. Now can we all agree that I made a messy day into a productive day? I think so.