Rick’s Rants and Raves

Yesterday was our 14th anniversary. It was a busy day, with each activity being a metaphor of the different priorities in our lives.

• We woke up next to each other. It was the perfect way to start the day. Priority: Us.
• I was in the middle of a week-long vacation, so I didn’t have to go to work. What’s even better was that I didn’t get a single phone call. Given the stress I’ve been feeling at work recently, this was a much needed break. Priority: Work to live, not live to work.
• Our daughter had a good friend sleep-over the night before. It was nice to see the kids playing together, inside and out. Priority: kids with well rounded relationships.
• Anne and I spent 90 minutes exercising at the local YMCA. Our exercise program has been a great benefit to both of us, and it is especially nice when we get a chance to do it together. Priority: our health and fitness.
• I had an optometrist appointment. It has been several years since I’ve had my vision checked, and I was over due. Priority: taking care of our selves.
• After I returned from the optometrist, I developed a nasty headache that was a combination of dilated pupils and caffeine withdrawal (I’d forgotten my daily half-pot). So I laid down to take a nap. Meanwhile, Anne did stuff around the house, and kept the kids out of my way. Priority: sharing responsibilities
• While I was recovering, the kids wanted to fly a kite at the school next door. Anne helped them find one from the basement, and set them loose. It was the first beautiful spring day, and kids from all over the neighborhood were drawn to the kite in the air. Priority: self-sufficient kids enjoying the outdoors.
• After lunch (together), I was feeling well enough to work on our half-bath remodeling project for a bit. Priority: taking care of our home.
• Our daughter’s friend left for home, and we took the kids to grandma’s for an overnight. The transition was seamless and wonderful. Priority: long-term relationships with grandparents.
• We had a little time to kill after dropping the kids off, so we browsed a bit at the mall before dinner. We dreamed a little about spending some money, but quickly realized that our life was full enough of stuff. What we need to do is to make more use of that stuff with the people who are important to us. Priority: shared vision for enhancing friendships.
• We ate dinner at one of our favorite Japanese restaurants. The food was fabulous. The meal was not rushed and we could take time enjoying each other’s company. Priority: time together, enjoying healthy, tasty food.
• After dinner we went to a Blue Jacket’s hockey game. The tickets had come to us free via a friend of Anne’s. We figured that thanks to various friends, we’ll have seen 8 hockey games this year, but only paid for one. We’ve seen most of the rest on TV. It’s been a fun year of nurturing our new hockey obsession. Priority: having fun together.
• After the game, we went to a restaurant in the Arena district for drinks and dessert. Again we spent time talking and enjoying food (and beer!). Priority: time together, enjoying not-so-health food.
• We went home. No more details will be forthcoming. Priority: spending the perfect day together.
  It was a fabulous day. I’m glad I get to look forward to many more.