Anticipation

Uncategorized May 10, 2011

Good evening?

Yes it was. I hit the sauna right after work because our weather was in the 50’s today and that means I was cold. After I warmed up, I biked for 30 and caught up on some magazine reading. I was supposed to hit up CVS for some 3 oz sunscreen, but I got lazy. I’m thinking I might not even need a new bottle because the forecast for Santa Monica is only in the low 60’s. I always think of California as a hot place, but it’s actually pretty mild most of the time. I’m still super pumped for fresh food, friends, relaxation, and, if I’m lucky, wedding cake! This past weekend, when we were waiting for our food to arrive at Carmen, I declared that anticipation is my favorite emotion. I just love dreaming about upcoming gatherings, food, and travel and imagining what the details of an experience might be like. Of course, it’s important not to get too excited or set expectations that are too high because of Gumperson’s Law:

“The probability of something happening is inversely proportional to its desirability.”

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Exhibit A: This wine has been sitting in our fridge since Friday and, since it was a cheap bottle of pino grigio (not my favorite), it was not desirable and I was going to pour it out. But I took a sip instead, and decided to have a glass with dinner. It was a fabulous compliment to my spicy dog and parsnip fries and it exceeded expectations.

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Thanks Gumperson.

What’s your favorite emotion?

  • Miranda
    May 10, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    I think I agree with you Laura – anticipation is awesome. I love having things to look forward to!! I don’t know if I’d pick it as my favourite though – I don’t know if I could pick a favourite, because I think you can’t appreciate one emotion without having experienced its opposite. But I do love looking forward to things 🙂

    • Laura
      May 10, 2011 at 10:29 pm

      That’s a good point! I guess I wouldn’t want anticipation to be the only emotion I ever experience…

  • mary
    May 10, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    hi laura!! i hope you have a great time in santa monica! i actually live right in the heart of santa monica (about six blocks from the pier). the weather can be a bit deceiving. while it looks like it will only be in the low 60’s in samo, it still feels pretty warm/gets sunny during the day. i typically use sunblock if i am going to be out all day. if you go into la/hollywood/etc., you will definitely want it. it is usually 10 degrees warmer when you head inland. also, santa monica tends to get a bit gloomy in may (called may greys), but it hasn’t started yet really. if that happens, the gloom (marine layer) is usually only from the beach to 8 or 9 blocks inland. it tends to burn off around 1:00 and will be bright and sunny the rest of the day. all the nights are cool and you will want a sweater of some sort!

    i realize you have no idea who i am and am just throwing advice out at you…i have only lived in the california for the past 9 months and took me forever to understand the weather patterns here! enjoy your trip!

    mary

    • Laura
      May 11, 2011 at 7:58 am

      Hi!

      The weather is so weird out there! Thanks for all of the info…this will def come in handy.

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
    May 11, 2011 at 12:01 am

    I definitely love having things to look forward to, but sometimes I end up getting so worked up for an event that it just doesn’t live up to my expectations. For me, there’s a big difference between just looking forward to something and over-anticipating!

  • melanie
    May 11, 2011 at 12:21 am

    “Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best — ” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called.
    — Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner

    🙂

    • Mom
      May 11, 2011 at 7:53 am

      Love the Pooh.

      My favorite emotion is awe, esp at darling cats or dogs or children or music or a beautiful scene in the natural world.

    • Laura
      May 11, 2011 at 8:00 am

      That explains it perfectly Melanie:)

    • AshinMT
      May 11, 2011 at 11:18 am

      That is awesome!

  • AshinMT
    May 11, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I too like anticipation. But agree about the disapointment factor. Which is exactly the reason that i have skipped making big plans for birthdays or new years eves the last few years, they never ever turn out as y ou had hoped.
    I do like all the preparation that comes with anticipation. I am a big time list maker, checker-offer, etc. In fact im planning our meals for a camping trip this weekend as we speak!

    • Laura
      May 11, 2011 at 11:19 am

      Yeah, excitement vs. expectations vs. anticipation can get tricky. Have fun on your camping trip!!

  • happytalesblog
    May 30, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Wow, that Winnie the Pooh quote sums it up quite nicely…

    I also really enjoy anticipation, but I always have to be careful to not let myself get too carried away with looking forward to what’s to come…

    With that said, I also love being surprised. I am a major planner and always like to know what’s going on, but when someone can successfully surprise me, oh my I become SPEECHLESS!