What is The Definition of "Free"?

"Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose" are the lyrics to Janis Joplin's amazing song Me Bobby Mc Gee. I will not attempt to define "freedom" in the grander American sense, Miss Joplin did a fine job at that if you ask me. No, this much more about the word "free" in the context of "I would like to hang out. When are you free?"

In a few short days I will be moving about 5,605 miles away from my current residence. The other night a friend of mine sent me a text asking if she would see me before I left. I said that I am sure we could get together for at least a brief meeting. She asked me when I was free and I responded by saying "I think a better question is when are you free?" After a few more texts were ping-ponged between us she replied by saying, "It feels retarded that you're asking me when I'm free since you are the one going. Tell me when is good for you and I'll figure it out."

I really appreciated this. I really, really did. But honestly, while I do not have specific appointments taking up every hour of the next few days, the idea of "free time" seems so foreign to me. Like anytime that I am not hanging out with friends or family I ought to be at home preparing for my departure, lord knows I have a lot to do. It is much easier for me to just to pick a time and pen it in rather than thinking about what time is best.

Anyway, I decided not to bring that up (it would have just been labored and unnecessary over text message) and the texts perorated in coffee plans.