I am grateful for dates.

According to Wikipedia, dating started around the 1700s: “From about 1700 a worldwide movement perhaps described as the “empowerment of the individual” took hold, leading towards greater emancipation of women and equality of individuals. Men and women became more equal politically, financially, and socially in many nations. Women eventually won the right to vote in many countries and own property and receive equal treatment by the law, and these changes had profound impacts on the relationships between men and women. Parental influence declined. In many societies, individuals could decide—on their own—whether they should marry, whom they should marry, and when they should marry. A few centuries ago, dating was sometimes described as a “courtship ritual where young women entertained gentleman callers, usually in the home, under the watchful eye of a chaperone,”^[8] but increasingly, in many Western countries, it became a self-initiated activity with two young people going out as a couple in public together.”  Interesting, yes?

Well, I’m not necessarily considered “young” any longer, that is unless you are talking to a  person, say over 80?  And I’m already married (YEAH!), but that doesn’t mean that my honey and I can’t go out together on a “self-initiated activity”.  Over the last week we’ve gone on quite a few self initiated activities or dates for short.  It’s been fun to say the least.  I hate to admit, it’s been a while since we’ve gone out together on a “date”. Work has definitely taken over most of the waking hours of our days, and we’ve been busy too with our calling in the YSA Ward at our church.  So dating, unfortunately has gone by the wayside a bit.

However, the dining, and movies, and dancing – yes dancing,

has been rejuvenating to our souls and to our relationship.  I highly recommend it, whether you are young or older, married or single – it’s definitely a good way to spend time with someone you like or in my case love with all my heart.

I am grateful for self-initiated activities! Let’s have more of them.

I am thankful for dinners out, especially really good ones with good company.

There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and not having to cook dinner. With that said, I have to admit that my husband and I often go out during the week to eat because we’re both too tired to cook, well especially the one who actually does the cooking at our house. Anyway, one of my husband’s clients invited us out tonight for a culinary treat. The Vegetable Cassoulet was wonderful. The company was entertaining. The timing was perfect. It was a very nice evening after a long day at work. In fact, it would have been a very nice evening out after a day of skiing too. (Inside joke) Thank you Keith and Byron!

I am grateful for a nice dinner out on a Monday night.

***As a follow up from my last post, I came in today to find a note from the sub that included, “I had to go to the bathroom so I left your first period class alone and told them to keep working and to behave themselves…” No one died or was injured but there are two students eating lunch in the classroom for the rest of the week.   I need to let the sub know that using the WC isn’t an option during a middle school class and telling twelve and thirteen year olds to “keep working and to behave” is a dare to do anything but. 😊

I am grateful for going on a date.

I didn’t just go on just any date tonight; I went on a date with my very busy, and very tired husband.  He’s been working long hours this week representing several clients at a tradeshow, that happens to be in our city twice a year.  Being the incredibly kind man that he is, he took the time out of his busy schedule to go to a talk given by a local potter and author.  My husband could have easily just said, ‘I’m too tired tonight honey,’ but instead he raced home in time to wolf down some leftovers, in under ten minutes, and take us out.  I love this man more than I will ever express in this blog.  I hope he knows and feels just how much I appreciate having him for my eternal companion.  He really is the BEST!

Thanks for the date, sweet pea.

I am grateful for getting to go on a date with my husband.