No, I didn’t forget how many government agencies I wanted to cut. But I did screw up the dates in my calendar.

I had invited friends to come with Michael and me as our guests to our Cinema Society screening of “J. Edgar” tonight, which was to be followed by a Q&A with the movie’s screenwriter. I suggested we all grab some dinner first. I picked the restaurant and the time. Plans were made.

As Michael and I were driving to meet our friends at the restaurant, I suddenly realized the screening was scheduled for next Thursday night.

Oops.

I quickly called my friends from the car and hoped they’d pick up, so I could tell them I’d messed up and give them an out if they wanted to skip the early dinner.

No answer. “They must be at the restaurant already,” I said to Michael. “Too late to catch them.”

I felt like an idiot, but when we got to the restaurant (a cute Italian bistro called Via Maestro 42) they were sitting at the table drinking wine and were perfectly happy – even after I broke the news.

“If it’s any consolation,” I said, “there’s a screening on Sunday of ‘My Week With Marilyn’ starring Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. She’s supposed to be amazing. You’re welcome to come to that one.”

They laughed and said, “Are you sure it’s this Sunday, not next?”

I guess I’ll have to live with my gaffe forever. Unfortunately for Rick Perry and his presidential aspirations, he’ll have to live with his too.