Here’s the thing: I would be an excellent rich person.
I am under no illusion I will ever actually be rolling in dough, but I have had enough glimpses of riches to know I would be really, really good at it.
Recently, I had one completely perfect day.
It was a full 24 hours of only fun and relaxation with friends where nobody was watching the clock nor paying much attention to their diets or bank accounts. We decided to just live in the moment and enjoy each other’s company.
I truly don’t believe you don’t have to spend money to have fun, but for this brief shining moment — some money was spent.
Did you know about these certain movie theatres with VIP seating?
It was new to me. There is literally a separate entrance and theatre. There are special washrooms. The theatre seats are wider than usual. The arm rests are more like a tray table. You don’t even have to share an arm rest with the next person.
Imagine my shock when an actual server came to our seats to take our drink order. Is this how the other half lives?
Country bumpkin over here had eyes like saucers when I asked: “Do you mean we can have a drink/drink at our seat? At a matinee in the middle of the day? Well, sign me up!”
When the attendant said she could bring drinks, a full meal and popcorn to us as well, I think my jaw dropped. I am such a tourist.
“Are you saying you will bring my popcorn to me? I won’t have to struggle with a drink in one hand, my purse and popcorn in the other leaving a trail of kernels from the counter down the hall up the stairs to my seat? I won’t have to spill my drink while I try to push the seat down and sit in one awkward motion?”
“Yes ma’am. I will bring it to you. Once you experience this you will never go back to the regular movie going experience again.”
Feeling just like a Kardashian, I ordered a cocktail, a water AND a popcorn. I was living large. I tilted my oversized chair back and read from the menu. They offer actual food like burgers and fries, nachos, sandwiches and candy.
Do you understand they bring it to your seat?
Then I did what any VIP would do. I took pictures of this momentous occasion while my classy friends covered their faces in embarrassment.
Listen, I didn’t say I would be a casual rich person. I think I acted weird because I was just nouveau riche.
For the next couple of hours I felt like a star. It was just me and Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star is Born.
Maybe the experience made that movie seem even more magical. Those of us at that showing shared something special — our sobs and post movie applause to name two.
Alas, the glitter has worn off and I am now back to reality.
I am back to thinking regular movie prices are too high. I can only go on discount day. I will have to skip the butter on the popcorn because it's extra. I will spill half of it while manoeuvring the stairs to my chair. I will try to choke the kernels down without a drink. I will cram my ample buttocks into the too narrow seats and lop over onto my friend’s section while we fight over the armrest.
But, in my dreams I will know there is a special place beyond space and time where life is way more comfortable.
I think it is called La La Land.
