Trippin' to the Movies

I love going to the movies. The entire experience...the smell of fresh theater popcorn doused in butter, movie lovers hustling to get the very best seats for the latest blockbuster, giant candy bars and $7.00 sodas. And after all of that you have the big screen and big sound of today's high tech theaters, all for your entertainment while you relax in overstuffed recliners.

My first trip to the movies after brain tumor surgery was an adventure to say the least.

Throughout rehab, the therapists recognized my impulsive nature and did their best to instill in me the importance of having a plan for everything. Did I mention how impulsive I tend to be? Needless to say, when my partner and I arrived at the theater, we did NOT have a plan. If there is one thing I know it's that, since the brain tumor, if I feel anxious or don't know what's up, I can become very irritated. The spit fighting began over buying the freakin' movie tickets!

At the time, I was still quite dependent on a walking stick for balance which meant my one usable hand was full. How exactly am I supposed to carry my $7.00 soda and barrel of popcorn? Oh, the PO'd meter was coming to life and a lesson was about to be learned. We were full blown arguing by the time we got to the entrance of theater #14. There, my frustration on the rise, the simple decision of which of the two of us would lead the way to our seats became a topic for heated discussion. Then which side I should sit on. The movie theater experience was not going my way.

Once we got settled in and the film was under way, all was fine and we did enjoy one of my first trips into the real world after the brain tumor surgery. I will admit there was a conversation following the movie regarding more thoroughly planning our outings from then on, i.e., MAKE A PLAN! Who would think those neurological physical therapists would be right? Lesson learned.