Friday, August 30, 2019

I Should Probably Feel Like The World's Worst Dog Mom, But I Don't...


Lisa took a couple of vacation days this week. Yesterday. Today. Saturday and Sunday off. Monday is a holiday. So, that totals 5 days. Staycation. We got a lot done yesterday. We ventured out to stock up on wood and paint and other supplies for our 2019 Bodacious Fall pieces. That included a healthy lunch break at Panera. We came home for the afternoon to spend time with our kids, take them out, enjoy lots of playtimes and snuggles, and to keep them on their usual afternoon snack times.

We had a couple additional errands to run. We enjoyed a not-so-healthy dinner at our favorite seasonal hole-in-the-wall eatery. Ran our errands. Returned home. Playtime. Outdoor time. Had family snuggle time.

Today was met with a bit of frustration because the plumber who was supposed to be here at 10:30 in the morning did not show up until after 2 p.m.

I knew Lisa was completely frustrated, but I had a surprise under my sleeve.

It was time.

The day.

To back up a bit, back in 2011, a tradition that we still honor today was born.

That tradition includes visiting a secret date night destination that we indulge in once a year around Lisa's birthday.

It's a total secret.

And the destination being a secret is part of the tradition.

The only person aside from Lisa and myself who knows where this secret date night destination is located passed away 4 years ago.

This date night destination does not involve errands or grocery shopping or stocking up on DIY Dog Mom Project supplies or grabbing a quick bite to eat.

This once-a-year date night is all about us.

There is no set date or time.

It. Just. Happens.

A couple of weeks before Lisa's birthday on August 12th, she mentioned our yearly tradition.

In the past, this date night has never happened on a Friday or Saturday night because the venue is packed and much too crowded.

However.

When I found out that Lisa's vacation days got approved, I wanted to surprise her.

Earlier today when her frustrations built up with the plumber and the time in her woodshop deteriorated because of that, I was bursting at the seams.

After the plumber left, I let her work in the woodshop for an hour before sending her a text.

The text of, "Let's honor our tradition tonight..."

I don't think I have witnessed Lisa running up the stairs quicker than she did after receiving that text.

She had a big smile on her face.

"Are you serious? We've never gone on a Friday. It's going to be packed solid. You're okay with that?"

Inhale slowly. Smile. Exhale slowly.

"Yes. Let's do this."

We had playtime with the kids. Fed them. Took them out. Told one of our neighbor friends that we'd be heading out for a few hours.

I got a little dolled up.

Wore my hair down.

We had a fantastic time.

Beyond fantastic.

There was an exceptional band playing.

One of the perks of going on a Friday or Saturday night.

We got home a little later than planned.

I think we tried our best to feel guilty about this all the way around.

But.

We didn't really.

We needed tonight.

We both feel rejuvenated.

We needed this break from the norm.

Even if it was only for a few hours.

We don't take long vacations away from our kids and home.

Not even weekend getaways.

Or, overnight trips.

Our traditional once-a-year date night has transpired into something big for us.

After we got home and took the kids out and gave them an extra snack, Lisa and I sat in the living room and chatted for a bit.

Long story short, we agreed that we need to embark on this tradition twice a year.

Lisa's birthday.

My birthday.

And, that's probably going to happen.




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