We recently took a short trip to a resort not far from us, for a change of scenery.
It was during the week, so not so busy. There were a few families, a few couples, and fairly expansive grounds with a couple of pools, a tennis court, a small beach with water activities. We weren’t there for the activity, other than staying by the pool -one of the draws was the restaurant that had a reputation for good food.
We had breakfast the first morning on the upper deck of the restaurant. It was lovely out, sunny but not sweltering; only a few tables were occupied. A family (father, mom, daughter and son) seated a few tables behind me. Another table where a young couple was seated, on the other side behind my husband.
After the server brought our waters and had taken our order, I felt the floor tremble beneath me – and noted that the water in our glasses vibrated, along with the petals of the flowers in the planters next to us. What was that? And then it stopped. I asked my husband if he felt it and he did. Then it started up again – to the point that it felt like I was sitting on a massage chair. I felt a little nauseous. But then the water stood still again. No trembling.
“I think someone is shaking their legs” said my husband. It made sense- so I looked around to see who the guilty party was . And then I saw it. The father at the table behind me, had BOTH legs shaking under his table, while he was on his phone. He put the phone down and his legs stopped shaking. His kids and wife were busy eating.
“It’s him!” I whisper yelled at my husband. “Yup” he replied. Ugh. Now that I noticed it, I couldn’t not feel it anymore.
“I double dog dare you to go over and ask the guy to stop shaking his leg.” my husband said to me with a smile.
“Oh, I would, if I had a glass of wine I soooo would. But it’s 10 AM and I want my coffee! I laughed back.
“I triple dog dare you to ask our server to go over and ask that Dad to stop shaking his legs”.
At that point, we were giggling like a pair of kids. I was able to focus on our food when it came. We chose to try to ignore it. Thankfully I was able to eat my food; I think it settled my nausea.
So I ask you – WWYD? (or would have done?)
*****
Later that evening, we were eating inside, not on the deck of the restaurant. We’d spent most of the day outside – and the outside was packed anyway. It was nice to be inside.
I happened to look out the window at a couple seated outside.
The fellow was shaking his leg. A different guy.
“What is going on?” I couldn’t help it. I ordered a gin and tonic.
“Why don’t people just leave us alone?” laughed my husband.
At least this time we were safe indoors!
Here comes the sun
(This was a couple of mornings ago before the air quality to really bad…)
Another morning walk. I’d like to become a creature of habit.
I’m mostly remote in my new job but the irony is that I’m still up early as if to commute. It’s probably better for my sleep at any rate and it does give me some extra time in the morning.
So I walk -now without my precious Cody-I do really miss him during these moments. He was my constant companion the last time I was working 100 percent remotely.
We would go out first thing and round the block like clock work. Once back at home I’d settle with my coffee in hand and snuggle with him a little before he settled onto the shaggy brown rug-his chosen station as my office manager. He loved his ottoman too.
He’s been gone over a year now.
But as the sun looks over us I know there likely is another dog era for us. When the timing is right -and it never is perfectly aligned. I feel it’s in the cards though.
After all, my son just adopted a dog in LA-so now I guess I’m a grandma (yikes!!) to a little sweetie named Roxie.
I’m dying to post a pic -but I have to ask her parents first!