Last night was the first time since being married that I had plans, in Kansas City, without Wyatt.

(Kind of makes me sound like a stay-at-home loser, but I’m okay with that…I think.)

It wasn’t something I’d really thought about, I just haven’t had an opportunity, but as I was getting ready to leave, I realized this was a big step. Not because I felt I didn’t want to get out and have a night with the girls, but because going out without Wyatt means I have to drive there myself.

Uh oh.

If you’ve been following along, you know I tend to dislike driving anywhere that I don’t know where I’m going.

Want some examples? Try reading this one, this one, this one, or this one (my favorite).

Needless to say, I am very much a country girl living in the city. I’m a lot more used to gravel roads and roadkill than interstates and road work.

So when I accepted the invite for a birthday at the Plaza, I admit, I needed a pep talk from Wyatt before I felt ready to leave. He insisted I could make it, and while I doubt his confidence in me, he never wavers (though he does get annoyed),

But I had my cell phone with me, which means I had my GPS. Oh, my trusty GPS.

Except that my phone died when I got there.

Oooh boy.

I headed out of the parking garage…which, as a side note, creep me out, though this one was well lit and had lots of in and out traffic, both on foot and by car.

I walked into the restaurant, hoping I’d see a familiar face. I didn’t know who was coming or how many, and the hostess said, “I don’t think I’ve sat them…” so I commenced to waiting to see if someone I knew walked in. In the meantime, I tried my best to remember how I’d gotten there so I could get back home.

Eventually (only a few minutes, but when you’re alone with no phone, it makes you worry with every minute that the plans got changed and no one was coming) they all got there and we had a great meal at the Cheesecake Factory.

And then it was time to go home. On my own, with no phone.

I borrowed a friend’s cell to call Wyatt to give him a head’s up that if I didn’t show up, he should come looking, and then headed out.

And you know what?

I made it.

(Surprised I’m not writing this from a random computer while still lost somewhere? I thought so, but don’t worry, I’m fine.)

True, I made a wrong turn early on, but I immediately realized it and quickly made my way around the block to get where I needed to go. And true, my cell phone did manage to come back on enough I could have made a very short call if I’d needed to. But I’m still considering this a victory.

Not only did I have a fun night out with some great girls, I made it there and back without much help.

I’d say that’s cause for a celebration.

Any ideas?

I’m thinking a slice of their 30th Anniversary chocolate layered cheesecake sounds like the perfect plan. Too bad I didn’t buy any last night. (I managed to not give in to their 7 dollar slices…)

But the silver lining in not having cheesecake here to enjoy? I know I could get myself there again if the cravings get too overwhelming.

I mean, who wouldn’t face the traffic for a slice of that goodness?