Surprise!

Surprises can be a good thing. Finding cash in an old pair of pants that you haven't worn in a few years is a good surprise. Finding out that you can't fit in them by a wide margin is a bad surprise. I personally prefer not to be surprised too often, because surprises usually turn out for the worse. I think it's because most surprises in my life have ended up costing me money.

Twenty years ago my friend Dennis moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and I surprised him by not just visiting him, but visiting him and bringing along all our drinking buddies from Chicago. Dennis wasn't thrilled with that surprise and I understood why. People who you drink with in the dark and smoky atmosphere of a tavern, just don't stand up to the scrutiny of a bright and cheery New Mexico sun. Without the alcohol and dim lights, these people just weren't as witty and fun as I thought they were.

Last Monday night I was tipped off about a surprise that was coming my way. Dennis, who has moved to Palm Springs, California, was coming to Fort Lauderdale unannounced to surprise me. As much as I love Dennis, I was glad I was tipped off by a mutual acquaintance. What I didn't do, was tell Dennis that I knew he was coming. I decided to let him have his fun, and then ruin it later by telling him I already knew he was coming. Isn't that what friends are for?

I think my little blog stories will suffer a bit this week while I spend time with Dennis in some of my favorite, dimly lit bars. I'm sure after a few drinks and witty conversation, I'll come up with some more wonderful stories to tell.