Have you ever done the unexpected?
By firecracker
@sacmom (14192)
United States
November 3, 2008 1:41am CST
Last night I did just that! I went and did something my husband nor I would have expected me to do. I went to the movies! Yep, that's right, all by myself! No kids...no husband...just me. I've never done something like this before, ever. And I have to tell you, it was nice.
Let me start from the beginning. My kids were driving me bonkers (which isn't anything new, if you're a parent). That wasn't the worst of it. What sent me over the edge was when I accidentally whacked the top of my head on the freezer door. HARD! It was no ones fault but my own, but I just lost it! My husband told me to take the truck and just go somewhere. I didn't know where I was going to go, but I knew I had to go somewhere. I quickly thought where as I was pulling out of the driveway. Something told me to go see a movie. It was like some great force was pulling me. LOL As I rarely ever go (I've gone 2 times since my kids were born and my oldest is 11 years old) I figured it would the perfect thing for me to do. I hate to spend money on myself, but last night I didn't give a rats @$$, I needed to get away for a few hours and have some me time. Anyway...
When I go there I had no idea what I was going to see. Nor did anything that was playing sound interesting. But I was determined to watch a movie! So I checked my cell phone to see what time it was. And if I was going to watch something that started within 15-20 minutes of me arriving there I had even less to choose from.
High School Musical 3 was playing, but I was not in the mood for a musical. I had no idea what time it was playing, though it didn't matter seeing as I wasn't interested in seeing it anyway. Saw V was another movie that I saw listed, but I did not want to watch a horror movie either. So I decided that I would pick something rated PG-13. On a scrolling board that listed the different movies I saw a movie that was rated this. I thought it was called "The Secret Life" so that is what I called it when I was buying my ticket. LOL But when I got inside the theater I looked at my stub it read "BEES". I was a bit perplexed until I looked at where I was supposed to go. And there it read "The Secret Life of Bees". I had no idea what I was in for. But wow was it a good movie!
When the movie was over I felt better. I went home, but not before I got a peace offering for my husband from his favorite burger stop. Not that it was really needed because my husband and kids were very loving when I got there. Hmm, maybe I should do this more often. 
LOL
So, have YOU ever done the unexpected? Something no one would expect you to do? If so, what was it? If not, do you think you ever could?
Please share your thoughts!
LOL
So, have YOU ever done the unexpected? Something no one would expect you to do? If so, what was it? If not, do you think you ever could?
Please share your thoughts!10 people like this
31 responses
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
3 Nov 08
I'm so glad that you had some you time and saw a great movie!!!!
I like my "Me Time" too! It is usually at a coffee shop!
I really don't like being alone often though due to the fact that I am an only child. I know I would never go to a movie alone..I do not think it would be the same as having someone there with me! I'm the same as you though in that there are very few movies I have seen in theater since my boy was born and my hubby and I used to go all the time before that! Ah Well, that is what date night is for!
~Heavens~
3 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I'm not an only child, though I might as well have been! But that's a different discussion. LOL Anyway, I don't mind being alone. I actually like it. However, I never expected to go to the movies by myself and I felt a little odd at first. But once the movie started it was nice not having someone yakking their head off to me. I could actually watch the movie for a change. Which made it even more enjoyable.
I too used to go the movie theater often with my husband before I was pregnant with our first child. Now we just rent or buy the movie when it comes out on video. It's just cheaper and easier this way.
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
4 Nov 08
I agree with you about it being cheaper after children...WE do the same thing!
~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@latriciajones (846)
• United States
3 Nov 08
my unexpected may not be as big as others but for me it was.i have never driven to another city by myself and this one time i did because i was really bored and my boyfriend just thought i was this newly reformed person who finally got out of her box, but guess what i havent been out of the city since.
3 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
4 Nov 08
Maybe you should do it again one day. If not that, then something else that would be unexpected. 
Just a thought! 
Just a thought! 
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
7 Nov 08
I am sure everyone needs a little me time every now and then.
Well, the thing I did unexpected was upgrading my cable subscription to include some new packages for my in-laws' entertainment. AND I did that upgrade TWICE!
Once was to get the set top upgraded to the digital tier to include some extra channel that is not included in the normal set top box.
Then barely a month later, I upgraded the box again to include Video On Demand (VOD) so that they can watch their favorite show.
Now I am paying more than what I expected to do. But knowing that they are going to be happy, and my wife is happier still, it is all worth it.
Now, reading your post, you got me all curious about the movie you watched. What is it about?
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I've done something totally unexpected and surprising to my family. It also involved driving, but not to a movie. I just drove south. I just kept driving until I couldn't drive anymore! I went from Maryland to just north of Georgia!!!
I don't know why. I just felt the need to drive, to get away from everything for a little while. I love driving so that choice seemed natural to me.
I stopped at a motel and booked a room with a king-sized bed. I've never had anything over a double bed before. I got some food and took it to my room, turned on the TV and enjoyed the heck out of myself!
Once morning came, I drove back home. It was great! I know what you felt when you went to the movies. Good feeling, isn't it?
2 people like this
@yuanqiang5893 (26)
•
3 Nov 08
if possible,when in the mid-night,just stay beside a window.enjoy the serene and the peace of the night,do nothing but breath the cold air.the world is so silent,just as there is only myself in the world.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
4 Nov 08
Yes, it sure is!
So mentalward, how many hours driving did you do?
I've never tried just sitting beside a window at midnight. I'll have to try that some time. I did however sit in the field alone during the 4th of July and watched the fireworks show that was a few miles away.
I've never tried just sitting beside a window at midnight. I'll have to try that some time. I did however sit in the field alone during the 4th of July and watched the fireworks show that was a few miles away.@mentalward (14691)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I have done that, yuan! I love being able to enjoy the peace and quiet. It lets you think clearly or just think of nothing at all. Sometimes, when the weather is nice outside, I will sit out on my deck at night and enjoy the quiet, only hearing the bugs chirping. It's a very nice feeling!
2 people like this
@nanajanet (4436)
• United States
3 Nov 08
Yes, although it is not unexpected anymore because I go to the movies a lot by myself. When no one else wants to go, I will go alone, then to eat and shopping. I am very good company, too!!
Sometimes you just have to be selfish and do for you just to stay sane!! LOL
Now I will have to go see that movie, it sounds good.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
5 Nov 08
If you like dramas then you should see it. But don't forget the kleenex! 
@dookie03 (578)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I've gone to a movie by myself before. Mostly because i had a few hours to waste by myself waiting for someone but it was worth it. It's kind of nice because you actually get to enjoy the flick if your by yourself and not worry about anyone else.
The other thing i've done is skydiving. No one in the world thought that i'd do that and it was amazing. I was so amped up i almost pee'd myself. I mean the pure adrenaline is absolutely worth it.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
5 Nov 08
Yeah, it was nice not having anyone with me. I could watch the movie in peace.
LOL! I've never been skydiving, but I'd be so freaked I'd probably pee in my pants! LOL
LOL
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
3 Nov 08
oh yes, i did... i marry my hubby... that is the most unexpected things i had ever done in my life... never did i thought that i will marry him and migrate to another country permanently when i first just met him... but it just happened and here i am now almost 3 years married with him and settled down in another country as a permanent resident... and i am very happy... take care and have a nice day...
2 people like this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
3 Nov 08
This weekend I did. As you know my husband and I have been having problems and Saturday we fought yet again. I was really stressed out and could tell I just needed to get out. So I called him and told him to come back to the house right now. He did and I walked out the door - saying nothing but I'll be back later. I let and started driving thinking where am I gonna go. So I drove up to the place where you can see the city skyline. I sat there for a while looking at the lights and hearing the noises of the city. It was really nice and almost peaceful. After that I went to my mother in laws and talked with her for a while. It ended up being a really nice night. I went home feeling refreshed. I talked with him and we both felt better.
I did this once before. A few months ago my daughter was in FL with my parents and I didn't want to be stuck in the house all day so I went to Starbucks with my journal and book. I got there, got my coffee, and sat down. I started reading and then started talking to a girl at another table. We ended up talking for hours. other people came in and out of our converstaion and I ended up making a few new friends. We had a really good day. It was nice to just go - just be. I didn't intend on talking to any one just wanted to have some alone time but at the end of the day I realized that I ended up at Starbucks for a reason.
2 people like this
@patgalca (18198)
• Orangeville, Ontario
3 Nov 08
Good for you! I have yet to go to a movie by myself and I'm 46 years old. I never would have dreamed of it before but it doesn't seem like something out of the question right now.... if I had time. I remember when my 12yo was a baby and colicky, I lost it and took off in the car leaving my husband to deal. I think I just sat in a parking lot somewhere. Don't remember if I had a book with me or what. When I got home, my poor baby was in her crib crying and my husband was vacuuming her room. Decided then never to do that again!
I have my time with my writing group. But sometimes it interferes with my kids' soccer games, which I hate missing. Yesterday my group starts at 1:30 until 3:45. 12yo had a game at 2:00 and 15yo had a game at 3:00 so I was going to miss both. My meeting was such a drag (we spent an hour discussing one person's childhood that she is writing about and how people "don't believe her"). I was so mad. I could have been at my daughter's soccer game. This wasn't a dang support group. I wanted to write. I ended out leaving the meeting at 3:15 so I could catch most of my 15yo's soccer game. Only the girl next to me knew I was pissed off because I whispered to her and she tried to get the day's leader to move along but it really didn't work.
So sometimes "me" time doesn't turn out to be all that great. But if I had decided to go to a movie, I probably would have seen High School Musical 3. I love musicals and can't wait to see that one (we have 1 and 2, Camp Rock, Sound of Music... Mama Mia is next on our list).
Glad you took the time to do that and were ABLE to do it. I would probably be more inclined to do that when my husband is working nights (or not returning from golf on time!) But most of my time is spent at home alone anyway.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (86003)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I really want to see The Secret Life of Bees. I've never read the book, but I heard Queen Latifah and Dakota Fanning were awesome. It's such a shame Jennifer Hudson can't enjoy the release of her movie with some of her family members being killed. I did the unexpeted once by going to a movie by myself. I thought, hey, I've never done that before. I've heard people usually don't eat lunch in a restaurant by themselves, or go to a movie by themselves, so I vowed to do both to get over any shyness I might have about it (it was 8 years ago, and I was really shy).
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I'm glad you did that! You're blessed with a husband that understands your need to get away and doesn't yell at your for being irate. My ex had such a wicked temper that would flare up unexpectedly that I didn't dare leave my kids with him. One time he yelled at our little 6 year old and smacked him and I did the unexpected and took the kids and left. We drove to a different town and spent the night, had fun staying up late and playing. Then we drove back the next day, packed up and left. Too bad we didn't stay gone! Things worked out for awhile, although we're now divorced after 19 yrs of marriage.
Well, that's the only time I really did something unexpected. My ex always said that expecting me to be normal was like expecting the tides to stop so I guess what I don't think is unexpected, other people do!
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
4 Nov 08
Blessed? Okay we'll call it that!
Seriously though, we've had our share of shouting matches. Though we've always made up. The only reason he even told me to go this time was because he got the idea from a show on TV. Good thing too as I really needed it. When I got home he told me the next time I need to do this to just let him know. Now that was something I didn't expect!
Okay we'll call it that!
Seriously though, we've had our share of shouting matches. Though we've always made up. The only reason he even told me to go this time was because he got the idea from a show on TV. Good thing too as I really needed it. When I got home he told me the next time I need to do this to just let him know. Now that was something I didn't expect!
@walijo2008 (4644)
• United States
3 Nov 08
Well it was good that you were able to get some ME time, we all need to do that sometimes in our lives, things get so hectic, and kids and husbands get too demanding, and when it feels like you want to pull your hair out, you better go grab some me time...lol. Well I haven't had to do that, there were times I felt like it, but I never did it. The next time things get like that, I will be sure to take off, and go do something by myself, usually I like to go shop by myself, thats what I'll start doing more often....Have a good day
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
5 Nov 08
I did that before I went to the movies. I rarely ever get to go shopping by myself so I took this opportunity to do so! With shopping and going to the movies I was gone for hours! LOL
@Shar19 (8231)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I've been wanting to do the exact same thing for the longest time. I don't know why I haven't. I too have kids and being a stay at home mom can be very nerve racking. You just inspired me to do something for myself besides going to the library for a half an hour.
2 people like this
@SketcherD (1114)
• Canada
6 Nov 08
I know exactly what you are saying. Sometimes you just gotta get the heck outta Dodge. I haven't been to a movie by myself ever. But my Mom has done it many times. One of these times I will go to see one alone as well.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
7 Nov 08
Good for you!! You did the right thing by getting away for a little while. I wish I could in my situation but I can't but gosh, I would in a heart beat if only I could. To answer your question, yes I have done the unexpected. I got so angry at my husband one time that I left the house and slept in my car away from home. lol I won't do it again because this time HE'LL be the one to leave! lol
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
8 Nov 08
You've got that right!! Especially if he's the reason for making me mad!! lol
1 person likes this
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
4 Nov 08
haha.. I will never ever watch a movie on my own.. Because that's gonna be so weird and funny.. lol =D BUt since it works for u, and that changes your family members attitude, it guess it's really worth it for u to do so.. hehe
Doing something that's ununexpected of me?? There are alot.. Such as picking up smoking, because to most of my frenz, i belong to those nerdy type, whom wont smoke.. haha.. BUt when i quitted smoking, i shocked my group of smokers frenz because i was such a heavy smoker to them.. lol =D
1 person likes this
@Linda4ualways (2282)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Sacmom I did what you did. I went to the movies for the first time in my life by myself for the same exact reason. My kids were driving me bonkers also.......no lie! The day before we had gone to the movies and out to eat as a treat for them both graduating, one from 6th going to 7th and the other from 8th going to 9th grade. It was a pleasant event and I even took my niece because she graduated from 8th grade also.
Now the next day came, beautiful day on the outside but inside my home it was crazy. For some reason the boys were just getting on each other's nerves and I was like what is going on. Well enough was enough. I said, "You know what, you two boys can kill yourselves for all I care and I am going to leave you alone to do it." I left them in the care of my mom and left and got on the bus and went to the movies. I saw the movie with Angelina Jolie (darn it, I forget the name) but it was good. But before I saw the movie, I went to restaurant, sat down and ordered a cheeseburger deluxe with fries and it was delicious. After that being that I still had time, I went to Payless and bought a nice pair of thong flip flops.......very comfortable I might add. Well finally it was time for the movie and I went in by myself and it was a very nice experience and not my last time doing it either. Thank you for brining up this wonderful memory and by the way, my children didn't miss me at all. I guess because they knew mommy was coming back. God Bless Sacmom
.
. God Bless Sacmom.1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
8 Nov 08
It's great that you had such a wonderful time. I'm hoping to do it again sometime soon! As as there is a movie coming out next month that I'd like to see I may just go! 
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
6 Nov 08
Good on you for taking that time out just for you! I've not been to see a film at the cinema for years, and I'm not sure that I'd want to go on my own. Now that I think about it though, I'm not really sure why that would be.
You've got me thinking now! I can't remember the last time I did something that I wasn't setting out to do. I guess there's not too much to do around here ....
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
7 Nov 08
I never dreamt that I would go to the movies by myself. It turned out to be a better experience than I thought it would be.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
6 Nov 08
Wow, it must feel great to do this.
I have not been to the movies, it must be 12 years already since I been to the movies.
How life change when you have kids and also a boring husband.
I wish my husband will let me just take the car and go, he has never told me that before. I also work full time and when I had too much for the day, he offers no help but says too bad!!! And turns back and watch TV. If I do say I need to get out then he tells me, take the kids!
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
7 Nov 08
Wow, you have be beat by 3 years! LOL After my kids were born I didn't go to the theaters again for 9 years. And I thought that was a long time!
My husband isn't so much boring, but rather weary of taking our oldest anywhere since he is autistic. Poor kid has never even been to a movie. But I promised myself the next movie he seems to take an interest to I'm going to take him.
Too bad?!? No disrespect, but your husband sounds like an @ss! If my husband said that to me he'd get an earful to say the least!
LOL After my kids were born I didn't go to the theaters again for 9 years. And I thought that was a long time!
My husband isn't so much boring, but rather weary of taking our oldest anywhere since he is autistic. Poor kid has never even been to a movie. But I promised myself the next movie he seems to take an interest to I'm going to take him.
Too bad?!? No disrespect, but your husband sounds like an @ss! If my husband said that to me he'd get an earful to say the least!@sacmom (14192)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I didn't realize it was that bad. I'm sorry to hear about your marriage.
My husband wasn't always this understanding. LOL But I think after this last situation he knew something had to change so that both of us could calm down.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Yes what can I say. My husband is an @ss! I should have seen that coming along time ago but ignored them. Now I can’t wait to get out of this marriage.
You have a great husband and I can understand why he is reluctant to go out with your oldest. Believe me I know how it is, my daughter is autistic. So we have something in common, despite that you have a wonderful husband and I have an @ss!
Look at the bright side, he understands that some days you just got too much going on and need a break.
1 person likes this
