A Perfect Date...With Myself!

Awhile ago, cute-as-a-button Sarah from Pink of Perfection posted a project, or a challenge to take yourself out on a date, and write about it. Considering all of the work stress, financial fuss and family craziness that I've been dealing with lately - a "date myself" day not only seemed like a fun idea to carry out, but a necessary one!

Last Sunday, I started the day bright and early, and took myself for a walk on the beach. It was a gorgeous mild day, and there were quite a few people out playing with their dogs and enjoying the breeze. After walking for a bit I sat myself down and knit for a spell watching one family desperately trying to lure their dog away from a new dog friend. It didn't go so well! The husband and wife figured that if they starting walking away, then their dog would eventually come back to them, but oh no. Their dog was perfectly content to follow another woman and her pup halfway down the beach without a single care! I think they had to end up walking the entire length of the beach to chase after their dog. I'm guessing obedience school didn't work out for this little guy!

Next up, I headed home and decided what to do with myself for the day. I had tickets to see a new show at Portland Stage, where my hubby works, which is about an hour away from my apartment. I opted to go early for a solo adventure in the "other" Portland, (Maine, ayuh!).

My first stop in Portland was Two Fat Cats, which I *think* I read about on Soulemama. This bakery is little more than a hole in the wall on India St, but boy is it ever worth visiting! I bought myself a chocolate chip cookie, for the NOW factor, and a small box of cupcakes to share for later, (I ended up eating three of the four, does that constitute as sharing?). The second I bit into the cookie I knew that these were my kind of bakers. Half a stick of butter must have oozed onto my tongue within three bites. Oh it was heavenly! The cupcakes (later) proved to be the best I think I've ever had in my life. I bought vanilla ones with chocolate frosting garnished with a little sprinkle of purple sugar. The cake was dense, but not dry, and the frosting rich and tasty. MMMMMmmmmm. I will definitely be going back sometime.

Next up was a shopping stop at Edith and Edna, which carries handmade wares, unique craft supplies and features local artists in the art gallery downstairs. This is one of my favorite places of all time to visit! I bought myself a poster of Nikki McClure's "Breathe" and even managed to get my Mother's Day shopping done, which made me feel organized, (that may be the first time ever).

Then it was off to the theatre for some laughter and tears. The show was good, but I was definitely in need of a caffeine pick me up afterwards! I headed around the corner to Coffee by Design. I was slightly annoyed to notice a five dollar limit for credit cards, and as I had already reached my sweet quota for the day I opted to buy some organic, fair trade coffee. I underestimated how serious these people are about their coffee!

"Do you need this ground?" The cute tattooed, emo-hair barrista asked me,

"Oh YES that would be great!!! (I was a little over enthusiastic, I don't own a coffee grinder, so this pretty much made my day)."

He mumbled something incoherent to me, to which I replied "What???" and he patiently repeated, "What kind of filter do you use?"

My mind was blanking...filter, filter, oh *light bulb* "French Press! (Clearly I'm an idiot possessing no articulation skills away from a computer)"

After we got through that communicative mess, I ordered something called a Tuxedo Latte aka the best damned coffee I've ever had in my life. This is a shot of espresso poured over white and dark Godiva chocolate with whipped cream over the top. Waist line be damned - this is my date, right?!

That was a sweet ending to a really great day. It was really nice to fly solo and have some "me" time - thanks for the idea Sarah!