Back in 1989 I heard, "Ordinary Just Won't Do" by Commissioned coming from my brother's room every Sunday morning while I dressed for church. It would be fair to say the song reminds me of him, so when the song popped in my head earlier this week I picked up the phone to call him. I considered the stroll down memory lane as an indicator to check on my big brother and just say hello. I had no idea there was more for me to gain from it.

At the beginning of this month I made the decision to "live." I set my mind on doing more and enjoying this thing called life. One of the things on my "to do list" is going out more. So, I made plans to have dinner with an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in a while. We agreed to meet at one of my favorite cozy spots in Tysons Corner, Wildfire Grill, for dinner.

My day did not go as I had hoped. I thought I was going to have an easy day with a light workload - boy was I wrong. I didn't eat lunch until 3:30 pm and I did not see the likelihood of me leaving for the day at 5:00 pm. I gave him a call to let him know I would be late. I almost put work first again, but I was reminded of my decision to balance my life and enjoy it - so, I decided to leave work to have dinner then return to work to finish the tasks that were assigned to me.

The evening started off bumpy and I began to get irritated - but, I told myself to let it go and make the best it. However, my optimism was wasted because things only got worse.

Where do I begin? He was extremely loud and combative with the server. It didn't take long for me to realize the dude was intoxicated. People were staring and I was becoming embarrassed - everything within me was telling me, "leave." I'll be honest, I wasn't completely sure how to address the situation and make my exit. In retrospect, I think I should have pretended I forgot to do something to give myself a way out - but, I chose to be honest and directly asked him if he had been drinking. He told me he had - and he explained that his intoxication was my fault. His explanation involved more loud talking and expletives. I gathered my things, turned to him and said, "I apologize for being late..take care" and I swiftly walked out. When I got into my vehicle I turned on my playlist and chuckled when I heard the aforementioned Commissioned song - it is true, the ordinary just won't do. Even though I was hoping to have an enjoyable dinner, I gained much more.

One of the synonyms of the word ordinary is common, which means, "showing lack of taste and refinement; vulgar." I am not an ordinary woman, so why would I associate with someone who is? I know my worth. Not only do I deserve respect, but I require it as well.

I was looking forward to a nicely prepared filet mignon and asparagus, but I was content with my microwave popcorn and Cherry Coke with a sober companion - me. Initially I considered this incident as an epic fail, but it is actually a huge success. I can remember a time when I accepted the shortcomings of someone else as my cross to bear, and the negative behavior of another as a reflection of me. But, today I stand grateful for growth and realization that the ordinary just won't do.