The Art of Eating Alone

I have never been one to go see movies alone, go out to eat at restaurants alone, or go to a bar alone. In fact, I give major props to people who like to do these things (my boyfriend for example loves seeing movies by himself...). I'm not sure if it's the fear of being judged for being that girl eating by herself in a restaurant who must not have any friend, or the fact that I just like to eat with other people around.

Well, yesterday I had an epiphany of sorts. At lunch time, I ran to Dillards to run an errand. It didn't take as long as I thought it would, and the plan was to pick up Panera Bread (there isn't one near my office) and take it back and eat at my desk. Because the trip did not take as long, when I arrived at Panera with my Kindle in hand, and about 45 minutes to spare, I decided that today would be the day I would eat lunch alone at a restaurant. I placed my order, settled into a two seater booth, and opened up the Kindle to the book I am reading at the moment (the new Dean Koontz scary novel). And, MAN, did I enjoy it! Just the act of sitting there, eating my Pick Two, and reading my book, for 30 minutes, brought such relaxation to my day! I will no longer judge people who like to do this, because now I fully understand why!

Not to say that it'll become a habit of mine, because let's face it, I still enjoy eating with people more, but I think I'll reserve it for those hectic days where I just need some "Me" time.

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On another note - the Menu Monday Madness will return in two weeks! I have been coaching a Moot Court team the past 6 weeks, and well, we've practiced every night but monday and the weekends. So, not much time for cooking. But starting Feb. 28th, it'll be back in force!

Also - I had the BEST valentine's day/weekend with the boyfriend. He's amazing.

Oh, and one more thing - this will be me in July:

(Lake Powell)

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Cannot WAIT!