Date Nights #1 and #2

I had an epiphany about a month ago while walking around the mall--my life can be what I want it to be. If I want to be an in-shape, stylish mom, I can be. If I want to have a vibrant, enjoyable relationship with Ray, I can. Of course, neither one of these outcomes comes without much effort on my part.

Like making my relationship with Ray vibrant and enjoyable. I think it's possible, but it's going to take ALOT of work and ALOT of pride swallowing. Like Holly said, it's going to get worse before it gets better. I'm probably going to have to pull him along kicking and screaming.

So, I decided we needed to revisit what we originally liked about each other--going out and having fun. We really are a different couple when we are out by ourselves.

The first night we went to Newport. We thought we would go to Haffbrau House (if I spelled that right), but it was way too busy, so we ate at Bar Louie instead where we took these pictures.

This is Ray's friend Bryan and his "friend" Lynn. I thought it might be best to take someone with us the first night out. It was a good idea until half way through dinner, Bryan informed me that he invited his friend "Cooper". Cooper and I get along like oil and water.

After Bar Louie we went back to the Hauffbrau House where we sat outside in very chilly weather, drank a few beers, and listened to Cooper and Bryan bemoan their failed marriages.

When it came time for our second date (May 1), I decided it would just be me and Ray. We ate at Quaker Steak and Lube (never been there before). Just as we sat down I heard, "So it's you." I looked up into the face of our waitress--a former student. I liked her and all, but I really didn't want to be on a "date" with students around. I guess that's what I get for eating in the area.

But, we had a surprising good time. We talked ALOT. Not necessarily about important things, but we did talk and laugh.

After dinner we went to the theatre to see "Date Night." All was going well until I was returning from the bathroom prior to the start of the movie when I heard, "Is that Mrs. Durbin?" I stumbled on the steps when I heard that because there is only a select group of people who will refer to me as "Mrs. Durbin"--my students. And, sure enough, there were two sitting DIRECTLY behind Ray. They didn't even know who he was, and they chose that seat. So, the whole time I sat guarded knowing there were students directly behind me.

After the movie we ran into Wal-Mart so I could pick up some stuff for Emily's graduation. Ray hates shopping, so I appreciated his going along. We did see two more students in Wal-Mart, but I ducked in the aisle so they didn't see me.

Now that we have two date nights under our belt, I have learned two lessons: 1) Don't invite others to come along (or at least make it clear that it's not an open invitation) and 2) get away from Eastgate!