Last week I was (legally) wifenapped.
That guy is verrrrry sneaky. I pride myself on not being easily surprised. In fact, I can only think of two other moments in my life where I was genuinely surprised: 1) when Steve proposed (we had never even talked about getting married and I was under the assumption that he was in another state at the time) and 2) when we discovered we were pregnant with #3.
But last week Steve got me again. I knew something was up when he didn’t go to work.
me: Are you not feeling well?
Steve: No, I’m fine.
me: Are you working from home today?
Steve: Maybe later.
Then I noticed the smirk. The “I’ve got something up my sleeve” smirk.
me: I don’t like not knowing what’s going on.
Steve: I know.
me: WHY ARE YOU PACKING A SUITCASE?!
Steve: You probably should too.
Long story short, my husband planned a one-night getaway for us. He made reservations, bought tickets, scheduled sitters for the kids and took time off from work. He normally does none of those things. I was completely surprised. It helped that he had been lying to me for months. He told me he was going to be very busy at work that particular week and that he’d be late getting home. I had basically written him off for the week.
LIAR.
We voted. That might not sound exciting but voting without kids is amazing. It’s right up there with trolling Target on a weeknight after the kids are in bed. We ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom. The pizza was awesome and I’m pretty sure our waiter was high. Which reminded me of a recent This American Life episode.
Then we checked into a hotel in Cincinnati and proceeded to take a two-hour nap. I am not a napper. But that day I was and now I’m considering taking up hotel siesta-ing as a hobby.
Fresh from our nap, we went to dinner and that’s when the big secret was revealed. I think I’ve mentioned it before but just in case you missed it… I am a HUGE Nickel Creek fan. They just reunited after a six-year hiatus and I have been dying to see them in concert. But, alas, Steve was *supposed to be extra busy* at work when they were playing in Cincy so I buried the idea. Sneaky little bas&*#d.
I don’t know if it was the extra long Ohio winter or what, but I swear they sounded better than ever. (This was my third time seeing them live.) It was THE BEST. They are so so good live. The Secret Sisters opened. I had never heard of them but now I have their album. Give me a beer and good music and I am a happy lady. Steve knows this.
We retreated to our hotel room and slept until 9AM the next morning. Unheard of. We grabbed breakfast at First Watch. I think it was the first time I’ve ever downed an entire cup of coffee without having to reheat it at least once. (At home, mornings are hectic and I’m pulled away from my cup of jo often.) Somehow we ended up at Ikea. (?!) We arrived home just in time to get the boys off the bus.
We were only gone one night but it felt like we had been away for weeks. It was just what we needed.
None of this has anything to do with houses or pillows but I wanted to share because it was a wake-up call. We adults can be so serious and busy and regimented in our daily lives. Especially when long workdays and home renovations and kids are involved. We get so caught up in our roles. I get it. I’m right there with you. But making and taking the time to do something out of the ordinary on an ordinary day (not a birthday or a holiday or a vacation day) can be a breath of fresh air. Admittedly, it’s disorienting at first. (I was slightly uncomfortable up and leaving my kids on a weekday without proper preparation – i.e., a week-long of list making.) But once the initial “what do I do with myself?!” wears off, it’s nothing short of a revival in your relationship.
You better believe I know how lucky I am to have a partner who would go to such lengths to surprise me. It made me feel like he totally notices and appreciates what I do all day long at home with three kids. It made me feel special. Slightly uncomfortable…but special.
People, you must try this partner-napping thing some time. It’s pretty great.
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
family life, inspiration