Wi-Fi

My wife attends school at night as she trains for her second career. It’s gotten fairly intense in the last couple of weeks, causing her to be out most nights as well as weekend days. Not only that, but she co-owns a Children’s consignment boutique which, as you might expect, also takes up a large chunk of her time. As such, for pretty much this entire week I’m either picking the kids up from a babysitter right after work or she’s leaving just as I arrive. This weekend, both days, she was out of the house before 6:30 AM.

Around dinner time on Sunday, I think she must have noticed that I was under a bit of strain. So, she told me that she had everything under control and that I could, if I wanted to, leave and have some “alone” time. Could she have an ulterior motive? Probably just trying to rest me up to do it all again next week. Still, how could I say “no”?

As I write this, I am sitting at the bar at Barley and Hops Grill & Microbrewery availing myself of their free Wi-Fi. Additionally, I am really enjoying their Schifferstadt Stout. There is a NASCAR race on the big screen, and the Discovery Channel on another television. It’s not crowded, but it’s not empty either. There is that pleasant buzz of conversation you get when people are enjoying themselves, with the occasional clink of plates or glasses. There’s hits from the eighties coming over the speakers, but it’s mostly drowned out.

Sure, I could sit in my comfy chair at home with my laptop, and I certainly have a wider selection of beer in my refrigerator. I also wouldn’t have to drive anywhere. Then again, I don’t have my children clamoring for my attention or the constant reminder of the thousand and one things I need to do around the house.

As well, there is nothing “social” about sitting at a bar focused on a computer screen. That seems to go against the best things about a pub. But, it is an undeniably happy place. Just sitting here drinking in the atmosphere brings a smile to my face. (And that’s not just the stout talking.)