Thank you girls for your kind wishes for a wonderful anniversary last week. It was even better than we could have hoped, perhaps because we didn't have a Big Plan built up in our minds as to how it would turn out. We spent last Wednesday morning finishing up some office work, and then set out for our overnight stay at the Gaylord Hotel. Along the way we stopped and picked up some sadly needed new clothes that would be suitable: a shirt and nice jeans for Tom, a blouse and skirt for me. A pair of very cute sandals and my head was spinning. Sugar Daddy was on a roll and I was loving it. Earrings, too?? I really shouldn't, but if you insist...
Now that I was feeling like a princess, we paused to peek into the chapel where we were married 25 years ago. It was locked and we couldn't get in, but it was enough to give us that tickley feeling that you're looking back through time, seeing yourself wishing you could see ahead to today to know if your dreams would come true. I know that doesn't make sense, but that shivery feeling sure was real. And yes, they did come true, with all the color and depth and work and love that came with them.
The Gaylord was fantastic. We had an incredible dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse. It was a gourmet delight for a couple who considers Macaroni Grill haute cuisine. Every morsel was a feast for the senses, and it made us think that maybe we've been missing out on enjoying life's finer pleasures every now and then. Note to self: skip a few meals at McDonald's and save those pennies for an expensive restaurant that you'll truly enjoy.
The rest of our stay was romantic and sweet. From the beautiful room to the Riverwalk Cafe, we talked and laughed and loved being together. It was like a mini honeymoon and I want to remember every moment.
We got back to our rickety old Barn House and the chores that were kind enough to wait for our return. But things feel....fresher.
Not the house, but US.
Even the untimely demise of our upstairs air conditioner can't dampen our spirits as we get back to regular life, although we will be sleeping on an air mattress downstairs until it gets fixed.
I told Tom that I took a lot of things away from our in-town trip, but there is one thing that struck me the most. Of all that's happened in our lives, the first and best thing we have going for us is being lovers. Romance is often the first thing that can fly out the window when things get stressful, but it's probably the one thing that can keep you both sane and, well, uh....happy. It keeps you close and you have to have that if you hope to make your marriage lasting and fun. I think you might get my drift.
We should be lovers first. Parents second. Workers and everything else a distant third. How can you miss if you start there?
Today's Small Thing has to do with a very practical part of romance, and that's to focus on your bedroom. I was glad we hadn't left ours a complete disaster to come home to, but the ironing board was still up and there was clutter on the dresser. Spending time in a spotless hotel will give you a new appreciation for how it affects the moooood for love. Ya just don't feel quite as sexy when the laundry is strewn all over and the kids' toys are underfoot.
Take a moment to look around your master bedroom. Is this area of the house a romantic retreat or a household catch-all? Is it the last place in the house that gets your attention? Grab a basket and pick up the clutter and clothes, scoop up the loose change and ticket stubs from the dresser tops and make the bed up nice. Spend about 10 minutes in there straightening and picking up and see if it doesn't make you feel happy!
Whether you are married or single, the bedroom should be your own little refuge. You shouldn't be sleeping in a storage area or a play room, so take some time to make it special.
POINTS: 40 for a 10 minute spruce-up of your bedroom
