Twin Cities Ramble

I’m sitting at a bar in Minneapolis, conveniently named Tuggs seemingly for it rhyming with Juggs.  I worked all day for Ideas to Go and now am scheduled on a flight back tomorrow morning at 10.  I’ve just walked around for a good 30 minutes trying to think of something to do.  I have no idea what to do with myself.  I honestly don’t think I've had this much free time since Wyatt was born.  I’m reminded of that utterly blissful freedom; the kind you have before you become a parent.  Before you realize what a time suck children are.  A wildly enjoyable time suck.  But one none the less.  I finally settled on drinking a beer, with my laptop, watching shirtless men running on the waterfront.  Really, I’m considering moving to Minneapolis just for the shirtless men and the $3 beers and, maybe, the cobblestone.  There is something about the way a car sounds driving on the cobblestone that gives me that old world charm.

I’m not complaining about my lack of free time just cherishing it when it comes.   I have had nights away from Wyatt before.  But I usually fill them with friends.  I know nothing about Minneapolis.  I had to reference license plates to know what state I was in.  Classic ignorant American.  I know no one here.  Or rather, I know people here, but I wouldn’t want to burden them with occupying my time.  I think I need these nights every once and a while but I don’t think I could plan them at home.  I’m in a kind of limbo.  I think that if I found myself with this kind of free time, even marginally away from Wyatt, I would have made my way home by now.  Not to mention, this seems like an very extravagant thing to do.

Shirtless boy.  12 o’clock.  Unlocking bike then mounting.  With yellow boxers showing beneath madras shorts.  God, that’s distracting.

This post is going to ramble.  I can feel it already.  I have been so busy lately with all the work I have been doing.  Between St. John’s and Ideas to Go.  Then Rebecca Graduating from Fordham (again). And Hayley moving to LA.  I’ve been booked solid.  Something I enjoy!  But leaves little time for anything else.  I think filling up my date book has taught me a lesson.  I’ve made significant efforts to preserve a day off.  I literally shut my phone off, forget about email, and concentrate the entire day on Wyatt.  Its refreshing to not feel pulled in 12 directions, knowing I can focus all my attentions on him without feeling guilty or preoccupied.

Oh my.  Several sweaty bearded boys mostly in plaid button downs sitting behind me.  One shirtless, tatooed and with seersucker shorts.  I can’t overtly stare at them but am downwind.  Its like crack.  I need to get to the hotel before I get myself in trouble.  Its Monday night for goodness sake.  90 degrees but still Monday.

I bought a bike seat for Wyatt.  On my Dad’s urging.  We pulled my Mom’s old rusted Swinn Cruiser from the shed and attached the seat on the back.  Requiring a few trips to the hardware store and several tool exchanges from Wyatt.  On a valiant effort, I decided to ride up this huge (in Long Island perspective) hill to the library on Wyatt and I’s maidien voyage.  I think this seat is solidifying my “granola” status.  I find it refreshing traveling in such an old fashion way.  Riding bikes can never be out dated.  By the time we got to the library, I was dying; sweating profusely, gasping for breath, legs like jelly.  Wyatt was swinging his helmet on his pinkie finger proclaiming the exhilarating ride.  I am proud to say the ride home was much easier although I didn't quite trust the brakes.  I am looking forward to our next adventure.  Maybe I'll get a basket to go on the front for Pup.  Too much?