The Hinge Experiment: A Weekend Without Airica, Godzilla, and a Little Family Time 🦖❤️
After getting back from the cruise, I made a point of seeing Airica on Monday. I knew she had a trip coming up this weekend to take care of some family matters, so I wanted to squeeze in a little time together before she headed out.
And yes, I'll miss her.
It's funny how quickly certain routines can become something you look forward to. The conversations, the meals, the laughs, the hugs, and even those drives back and forth to Columbia have become part of my schedule.
This weekend will be different.
No trip to Columbia. No dinner plans with Airica. No wondering what adventure we'll get ourselves into next.
But that's okay. Life happens, family comes first, and sometimes schedules don't line up. We'll have another opportunity to spend time together soon.
In the meantime, I have a few things to keep me occupied.
Mom, Family, and a Little Change of Pace
I'll have some time to spend with Mom this weekend, which is always important to me.
Between visiting her, my schedule, dialysis, and everything else life throws my way, it's nice to have a chance to slow down a little and spend time with family.
Well, maybe not slow down completely.
I have another plan.
Godzilla, Popcorn, and a Trip to Beaufort!
One thing I really enjoy is going to the movies.
This Saturday, I've planned a trip to Beaufort, South Carolina, with my nephew. We're going to see Godzilla Minus One, which is showing this weekend.
Now, my nephew enjoys Godzilla movies. So rather than picking something I might want to see, I'm going to let him choose the entertainment.
That's what uncles do, right?
I’ll head to Beaufort for the 3:30 p.m. showing.
My movie-theater requirements are pretty straightforward:
A comfortable seat.
A large popcorn.
Probably a Pepsi Zero.
A good movie.
My nephew will get some water and something to eat, and I'll settle in for the show.
There's just one little detail.
I'll be reading subtitles.
Godzilla Minus One is a Japanese-language film, so I'll be doing a little extra reading while watching giant-monster destruction unfold on the big screen.
Multitasking!
I don't mind subtitles. In fact, some of the movies I've enjoyed over the years have required me to pay attention to what's happening at the bottom of the screen.
I'm looking forward to seeing what my nephew thinks of the movie, too. Sometimes it's just as much fun watching someone else enjoy something they're passionate about as it is enjoying the movie yourself.
And who knows? Maybe Godzilla will destroy a few buildings, cause a little chaos, and give us something to talk about on the drive home.
Sounds like a perfectly reasonable Saturday afternoon.
The Hinge Experiment Isn't Taking a Vacation
While Airica is away this weekend, we'll both be doing our own things.
I'm not going to pretend I won't miss seeing her. I will.
But one thing I'm learning through this experience is that getting to know someone also means understanding that you each have your own lives, responsibilities, families, and commitments.
We don't have to be doing everything together.
We can enjoy the time we spend together and still make room for everything else that's important.
And there's already something on the calendar for the following weekend.
Next Weekend: TSA PreCheck!
When I see Airica again next weekend, we'll work on getting her TSA PreCheck.
After all the traveling, airport experiences, and upcoming adventures, it makes sense to take care of that.
If we're going to continue exploring, taking trips, and making memories, anything that makes the airport experience a little easier is worth looking into.
I'll help her navigate the process, and hopefully, we'll get everything squared away.
Maybe this will be another opportunity for me to demonstrate my extensive knowledge of travel logistics.
Or maybe I'll just be the guy sitting there saying, "Click that button."
Either way, we'll figure it out.
Sometimes You Just Enjoy the Moment
When I started The Hinge Experiment, I had no idea where it would lead.
I certainly didn't anticipate all the road trips, dinners, family introductions, pumpkin patches, Harry Potter adventures, and cruise-related travel planning.
And I don't know what comes next.
For now, I'm enjoying getting to know Airica, appreciating the time we spend together, and looking forward to the next opportunity to see her.
This weekend will be a little different, and I'll miss her company.
But I'll get some time with Mom, take my nephew to see Godzilla, enjoy some popcorn, and have a little uncle-nephew time.
Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.
And next weekend, the Hinge Experiment resumes with TSA PreCheck and another opportunity to make memories.
In the meantime, somebody might want to remind Godzilla to stay away from Beaufort.
I've got a movie to watch! 😂