Project 52: Date Night, Week 1

One of my New Year's Resolutions every year is to be a better wife. We'll be celebrating 9 years in September (for those of you who don't keep track =) 2009 was a challenging year for the two of us and I don't want to repeat any mistakes we may have made. So in 2010 rather than expect Mr. to change, I'm going to focus on what I can do myself and the things I can re-evaluate or come at from a different angle. My word for 2010 is "intentional." I want everything I do and say to be purposeful and proactive - at least for someone =)

Finding time for "us" is challenging and the last thing on our to-do list each week. Even though we are together at night (on the weekends), it's almost just to sit on the couch and veg, but our communication needs to be strengthened to withstand the distance during the week. I remind myself often that the best thing we can give our kids is a mom and dad who love each other.

Earlier this month I came across Project 52 from Tiffany at Simply Modern Mom. Participating in a weekly project to have a date night once a week for a year. I think it's a challenging and fun task to take on. Now, mind you, it can be anything from meeting over a cup of coffee to actually venturing beyond the living room, but there's no pressure to do anything fancy, just mentally agree to shut out the rest of the world for those 2 hours or so.

There's even a pledge that we've both signed. Another mom participant suggested taking a picture of each date. Great idea.

"This will be our time to get to know each other better, create memories, learn and
try new things, be creative and have some fun. We have set the following criteria for our date nights…
• Can't do the same thing twice in one month.
• We will rotate being in charge of date nights on a monthly basis.
• No children allowed, if applicable.
• Must create a date-like atmosphere. No frumpy clothes or pajamas (I may have to let this one slide =). Make it a special event. Mind the details. But most of all, keep it simple.

Our first date was this past weekend. Spontaneously and (I know...ironic) unintentionally, we sat on the couch together in the middle of the day enjoying an It's-It.

One of our first "disagreements" came when we'd both stood firm on our choice of favorite ice cream cookie sandwich. I grew up drooling over Kool-A-Koos at the 7th inning stretch of Dodger games. Mr. , a NorCal transplant, referred to them fondly as It's-Its. For my 23rd? birthday I organized a group of 25 for a Dodger game just to get my taste buds a fix. Sadly...Dodger Stadium had discontinued their contract with Kool-A-Koo and jumped ship to the It's-It side...Mr. still thinks he "won."

When shopping with the kids on Saturday, we discovered that you can buy It's-Its RIGHT HERE at little Vons! uh-oh....let the fun begin.

So during naptime, yes 3:30 in the afternoon...we enjoyed a San Francisco experience in the comfort of our own living room. He didn't finish his and gave it to me....ahhhh love.