Dear Universe,

I like free things.  Well really, who doesn’t?

I like the free beauty samples that the friendly checkout girl at my drugstore always includes when she’s packing my items.  These last couple of months I’ve scored shampoo, conditioner, hair treatments, toothpaste and lotion.

I like when you place an online order and the package arrives with perfume or other beauty products to try. Recently I opened a box and inside was gourmet chocolate.  Talk about a sweet deal!

But this week, I had some unusual freebies!

First, I scored free movie tickets to a screening of Stoker.  The trailer was a little creepy, but hey!  It’s a free movie!  And Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska star in it.  I knew immediately who to take too.  I invited one of my closest friends since we have a history of seeing really odd films together.  She of course was in!

We made a night out of it.  We were long overdue for a catch up session which made for the best kind of chat over dinner and drinks.  As we headed to the movies we were distracted by the famous Crumbs cupcakes charming us, luring us, promising our taste buds melt in your mouth heavenly goodness.  We easily agreed to split one during the movie.  Peanut Butter Cup—delish!  All in all, a great night.  (Though I wish I had known Stoker was a Hitchcock remake going into it—would have made much more sense!)

Then, the next night I was invited to my friend’s book release party.  I was excited to support and cheer on her awesome achievement.  There was no cover charge which made for a fantastic turn out.  A night of free entertainment—readings by lots of poets, a band jamming in between—really a fun night.

I’m grateful that I got a break from my routine of grading, sleeping, teaching, grading, grading, sleeping and got the chance to attend these fun-filled free nights with good friends.

Here’s hoping for more opportunities like that in the future!

With Gratitude,

A