Christopher Columbus | Dr. Suze Espouses

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Six weeks ago, my blog was titled: Columbus Took a Chance, which concerned my venture to my ‘hood, dive bar. Far outside my comfort zone, but I did it. Many of you encouraged me to go back again for Tuesday Trivia Night. Some of you were gracious enough to express your interest in forming a trivia team.

Finally, folks’ schedules matched, and this week we met as a team. Cheap food, cheap drinks, and no entry fee. Just fun. Our team was comprised of Brittany’s father, Ken; Brittany, and her husband, Matt; my eldest, Annie; and me. Three, thirty somethings and two, well-seasoned adults. Given the beach decor of the bar, Matt and Brittany chose our team name as “Wilson.” I thought they were talking about Wilson sports equipment, but no. It was some character from a beach movie. Clueless Sue.

Thankfully, the disc jockey noted we were new to the game and explained in detail the rules. Three prizes would be awarded: $25, $15, and $5 in bar money. Since there were only four teams that night, we felt confident we would win a prize. Matt commandeered our team, kept our score tally, and pronounced, “We’re in it to win it.” OK, I thought. Doubtful. Whatever.

Unlike the first time I sat on the sidelines during Trivia Night and knew all the answers, I was a veritable, non-contributor. Rap and Country Western music, current movies, and pro sports are not in my brain bank. I was stunned by Ken’s absolute brilliance when he knew the Dallas Cowboys were a $4.3 billion franchise. Annie shone in Country Music, Brittany and Matt knew every movie, TV show, and Rap artist. I just sat, rooted them on, and paid the tab. The least I could do for my overt lack of knowledge.

The disc jockey totaled the scores, “And first place goes to Team Wilson! Twenty-five dollars in bar money.” WTF?

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Matt tossed the bar bucks at me. “See, Sue. I told you we’d win. Brittany and I’ll see you next Tuesday. Team Wilson will buy!”

This is NOT a dive bar. It has immaculate restrooms, nice patrons, and an attentive wait staff. Unfortunately, Annie can’t be there next week. So if you’re a Country Western music expert, take a chance and join Team Wilson! We’re buying….

Screen Shot 2013-10-11 at 9.22.15 AM The mantra of my maternal grandmother, probably my clone. She lived to be 99.5 years, had a great sense of humor, and was overtly willing to try most everything–even a second marriage at 80 years old.

Granted it’s taken far too many years to embrace my single status, but it was time for me to take risks, e.g. go to a movie alone, go to a restaurant alone, etc. And so, it began. I ventured to safe havens; I didn’t get my hair and face all made up. I’d no desire to be some old man’s purse, nor nurse.

Then I decided to do something edgy–something outside my comfort zone–something quasi-dangerous. I took a chance and obviously survived. I stop short of saying it was a great or an exhilarating experience; it was fine. And I DID IT!

I’ve lived in my ‘hood for over 26 years and was always curious about a nearby bar and grill. It looked tacky from the outside–the kind where there with lots of cars parked in front at 8:00 AM. Once I asked my savvy daughter about it, “Mom, it’s a dive bar where they serve underage kids.” Hmm. Wonder why she knew that. On another occasion while standing in the grocery store line, I heard the gal in front of me say to the cashier, “Come over tonight. Hot roast beef sandwich special.” Hmm. One of my favorites.

All this data was stored someplace in brain. Would I retrieve it? Would I venture into this elusive, dangerous place? Again, another several years passed. This week Phoenix was overwhelmed with sweltering heat. I’d spent two weeks awaiting a cooktop replacement. It was far too hot to turn on the oven, or to cook on the outdoor grill. I was tired of microwaved food. I was hungry, but it was taco night. Damn, the last thing I needed was a spicy taco to ignite my hair. I assessed my ‘hood options; none whose cuisine appealed. Perhaps, I should go to the sketch bar. Don’t clean yourself up; go as you are. You’re not looking for the proverbial love in all the wrong places. Suck it up and go.

As I drove the two miles, I weighed my decision. My inner voice echoed, “Sue, are you sure you want to do this?” I struggled. What would my kids say?

I walked into this supposed dive bar, which wasn’t dive at all. Lord, I’ve been in worse. Over 90% of the folk in there were my age, and fortunately, I didn’t see anyone I knew. I ate my dinner, listened to the DJ, and silently played his trivia game. Silently? Yes, they had formed teams hours ago. Though I knew the answers, I wasn’t on a team. No need to be rude.

I smiled in my short trip back home. I slew a dragon; I conquered my fear of the unknown; I survived. I took a chance.

If there’s a next time, I will clean myself up and join a trivia team.