…or How to Plan a Lunch Outing in 18 Emails or Less
One of my favorite people ever is Rhonda, a gal who I can go weeks without emailing and then pick up like no time has passed. At. All. Thankfully, our friendship is like that in real life too. But here’s a typical email exchange between us when we realize it’s time to catch up and meet up. Really. No James Frey enhancements (Is that joke dead and over? I don’t know).
I am sure that guys can handle this shit much faster and more efficiently; but it’s certainly not as fun. Following is proof.
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:34 AM
To: Rhonda
Subject: Howdy!
Hi there lady! How in the heckaroo are you? It’s been way too long. So I propose a get together this weekend if you are available.
I am free next weekend – Saturday a.m. for a Starbucks meet up or Sunday for lunch. Are you around?
La
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:42 AM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Hey chickadee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been waaaaaaaay too long, I agree. I can’t do this weekend. BUT, I actually had a “text Lara” to-do on my list today to see if you have any availability the week of July 29? I am going to literally be COMPLETELY SOLO! Would you be open M-Th eve of that week for dinner? Or, I could do something that Saturday too. So?
R
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:45 AM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
You are so in luck! I ship the kiddo off to the granparentals on 7/27. So, I can do Monday, July 29 or Thursday, August 1.
Preference?
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:57 AM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Let’s do Monday! I will be driving home from leaving the boys with my folks that day so I won’t be ready for a raging party (which is what you typically do on Mondays), but I figure a leisurely dinner is something you might be willing to do if I twist your arm. 😉
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 10:49 AM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Dang. I really only wanted to get together if it could have been an all-night rager.
I guess this will have to do.
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 11:10 AM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
You are so flexible.
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 11:12 AM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
You aren’t really giving me much choice, are you? I mean everyone over 40 I know stays out until at least 2 a.m. on weeknights. Especially Mondays – it starts the week of right.
But whatever. We’ll do it your way.
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 11:19 AM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
I feel so ashamed. But, technically, I am NOT over 40. That probably explains my willingness to not rage until 2 a.m. on ONE Monday of my life (I will be right back on it the following week, though, believe you me). You’ve always been so accommodating. I hope I will be too, once I’m over 40.
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 11:21 AM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Well, if there is anything you are, it’s a RUB IT INNER.
I can’t believe I hang out with you.
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 11:28 AM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
People under 40 rub things in better.
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 11:32 AM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Now you are just showing off…
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 12:01 PM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Where shall we go?
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 12:08 PM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
Well, I will be coming from work, so we could do: Gallo Blanco, St. Francis, The Parlor or Italian Restaurant
We don’t have to decide today – but all of these places will afford good food and #foodporn pics that you are always drooling over.
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 12:13 PM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
#makerhondamadsheisconnectedwithyouonfacebookbecauseyourfoodalwayslookssinfullygoodandimnotwithyoutoenjoyit pictures?
I have never tried Gallo or Italian restaurant – either of those sound good to me. The only one I would rather not do is St. Francis.
#theirfunkyhipsterfoodcombosdontdoitforme.
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 12:15 PM
To: Rhonda
Subject: RE: Howdy!
#idontknowhowyoucantlikeafrenchonionburgerbutokay
#howaboutwedecideoncewegetclosertothedayandknowwhatwefeellike
#mexcianoritaliancantgowrong
From: Rhonda
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 12:23 PM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
#guessididntseefrenchonionburgeronmenu
#worksformebecausepeopleunder40areflexibletoo
#ilikeeating
From: Lara
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 12:25 PM
To: Lara
Subject: RE: Howdy!
#stopitjuststopit
#peopleunder40takethishashtagthingtoofar
#ilikeeatingtoo
#andhashtaggingtoobecauseimstillinmyearly40s
#andimanerd
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If you’ve been counting, that was only 17 emails. We couldn’t even nail the location down. But we’ll get to it as it gets closer, and expend as much time finalizing it. Hey, if you have to email, you might as well have fun doing it.