verbingnouns

Impromptu

With less than 24 hours advanced planning, I made a quick jaunt to Chattanooga over the weekend to surprise Oriel for her birthday. I usually decline such impromptu trips because I like things to be planned in advance, but I've never regretted going on such trips - I've only regretted the times I haven't done things because I didn't have early notice. It worked out well with my work load to take the day off on Friday and I'm very happy that I went.
The trip was quick, for sure. It's about a 7.5 hour drive from Monroe - not a bad drive though, especially once you get past the bad roads of Louisiana and Mississippi. I got to Chattanooga Friday afternoon and spent a few hours wandering around by myself, so I didn't ruin the surprise. I just hung out downtown, going in shops, drinking coffee, reading and people watching. It's kind of fun to explore a city in anonymity - you should try it sometime.
O was definitely shocked to see me - first she was surprised in typical "surprise party" fashion, then I sauntered into the party late, walked up behind her and asked her if she had been surprised. I think she did a quadruple-take when she saw me. Fun times.
Though I left later than I intended to yesterday, the drive back was pleasant enough, despite the price of gasoline, and I was home before my usual bedtime. I think I could have made the drive home in under 7 hours since the traffic is lighter on Sundays, but I'm really careful about where I stop for gas, water, etc, when I travel alone. It's not uncommon for me to pullover at an exit and decide it might not be safe (or clean!), get back on the road and try the next exit. I know it's not practical and I'm probably overly cautious, but being the single white female that I am, I try to be extra careful.
Anyway, it's back to work now until this weekend when I'm off Friday (another vacation day) and Monday (Columbus Day). I won't know what to do when I have to actually work five full days in a row again!