Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A First Date

I’m going to take a break from my melancholy self and write an uplifting post. I’m determined to think my way to a happier place so I’m going to tell you about my date. Yes, I’m newly single and tonight I went on my very first post separation date. With whom, you ask? My son. I know—you feel a little ripped off. You were expecting a juicier story – the likes of which I don’t expect to experience in the immediate future. But believe me, people, if I ever have a juicy story, you’ll be the first to know (because I’m shameless that way).

Anyway, my date with my son was fabulous. He was the perfect gentleman, and while I had to pay my own way (and his), he was a good conversationalist, well-mannered, complimentary, and asked if we could go out again. Soon. Now how often does all that happen on a first date?

I guess it’s a misnomer to call it a first date. We’ve gone out before. In fact, I’ve gone out on dates with Leah and Zack too. And I’ve got to say that while I didn’t come up with the idea myself, it’s been good for us nonetheless (I won’t lie – I’ve Googled all current parenting tactics).

We spent three hours together, just me and him, without a chore chart, my nagging about the chore chart, his homework, my nagging about his homework, and the wonderful dynamics of sibling rivalry. It was Kaleb and Mom stripped down to the basics. I asked about school, friends, teachers, and yes, I took his pulse on the divorce.

“So,” he asked. “Does that mean you’re going to marry someone else?”

Whoa, let’s not beat around the bush. But I was grateful for the candor, the honesty that comes, full-force, from a child. “Sweetie,” I said. “That’s not going to happen for a long time. But if it ever does, I’ll tell you.”

“Will you have more babies?”

Sheesh, questions I hadn’t even been brave enough to ask myself. “I don’t know. Do you want more brothers and sisters?”

“I’d like an older brother to play with,” he said, and then, “Are we going to be late for the movie?”

The conversation was over and I had only been in the hotspot for, say, three minutes. Not bad.

And just so this post has a little juice—while watching the Bee Movie (not a fan), I saw a very handsome man sitting just five seats down from us. I know. I got nothin'. But I can share a fun picture of an unattainable man I have been known to lust after (Thanks, Rachel, from Three Day Blog).

Goodnight, everyone!

11 comments:

erin said...

That sounds like so much fun! We do it for their birthdays but we should do it more. That picture is adorable!

erin said...

OH and you totally had me going those first couple of lines. I thought, "Wow, Shauna went on a date?! That must be some guy!" I was glad to find out it definitely was.

Karen said...

What a great way to connect with your son. And he asked questions that he's probably been dying to know the answers to, but hasn't had an opportunity to ask. :)

Rachel said...

I have no doubt that you are creating memories for your childrent that will propel them through the chilhood.. if not longer.

Anonymous said...

sweet. sounds like you have a new man in your life after all.

Candygirlflies said...

Hi, Shauna-- You're doing great things, my friend. What a wonderful way to make each of your children feel special. I'm definitely going to start "dating" again...

Rachel said...

I was trying to figure out why I had a jump in readers this week....lo and behold I traced them all back to here. Thanks for the shout out. Thanks also for the idea. I am going to take my son out on a date. I have been feeling like all I ever do is nag him. I think this is an excellent way to show him how special he is.

GustoBones said...

Sounds like such a fun time. I need to do that more with my kids. That one on one time is so very important to each of them and to me. I am glad to hear that you didn't like Bee Movie. I thought about taking the kids, but then I read the plot and I thought it sounded stupid!

Zellmer said...

I used to go on dates with my Dad, for Father's Day or his birthday or whatever. Thanks for the reminder. Sounds like this was more fun than a date with a man would have been anyway.

family affairs said...

Thanks for your support and good luck for you Christmas too. I suggest that you aim to get horribly drunk. It's the only way forward - and just think about how pleased your kids will be to have you both there together for them. Lulu x

Becky said...

I love this....I have two boys and it is so important to have that one-on-one time. Thanks for the reminder!