2012 Bucket List - #16 Go On A Date With My Wife

#16 - Go On A Date With My Wife

It has been forever ever since yours truly has went on a date. After almost seven years with the same woman, and now over six months of marriage, the concept of dating seems foreign. I know, I'm getting old. The thought of looking your best, being cordial, and doing whatever it takes to impress the other person now seem foreign. There aren't many layers to protect the real me from being revealed left in our relationship, and vice-versa. And while that is a good thing, some times the feeling of mystery, romance, and to be honest, an overall good time is now few and far between. 

Somewhere along the way, that spontaneity and adventurous spirit is placed in a choke hold by life, responsibilities, and even the worries of the future.

I met the tag-team partner, my nickname for my wife to those of you new to the DP, in college. And we all know, in college, dates aren't real dates. When you're poor, broke, insecure, and trying too hard, the extent of your "dates" are out to dinner, and then back in time to hit the town for the night. And if it's a good night, you'll meet up sometime during that night.

Lucky for me, we're very simple people. We never truly needed fancy outings to be impressed. Our first "date" consisted of pizza roles at the local pizza shop in town. And let's just say, sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers were the attire.

And since we don't do the movie theater, the prototypical dinner and a movie has never been the norm for us.

In 2012 we decided to change that.

Be normal for once in our relationship. A dinner and show night without wrestling, shopping, baseball, or basketball involved.

And of course on this date, no worries about what's for dinner, and whether something is defrosted and if the potential meal would offer enough for the option of lunch the next work day. No worries about work, the people that bother us, and the bosses that baffle us. No worries about house chores, cleaning, and improving the area. No worries about family and friend's drama that somehow fell into our lap of responsibility. 

So on a Thursday night in March, date night was a go. 

Brooklyn Shake Shack at Borough Hall

Following a normal work day, I met the tag partner in downtown Brooklyn for dinner at a spot we both really enjoy - The Shake Shack. Years ago we met for lunch at the original in SS in Madison Square Park, and we've been fans ever since. Like, I said, we're simple people. No fancy restaurants, expensive steaks, or decade-old wine. Cheeseburgers and french fries are who we are. And that's only because hot dogs and/or tacos weren't on the menu. Usually, we enjoy the killer milkshakes that SS offers, but we decided for the economic and healthy choice of water. The tag partner has always been an economic-friendly date. More on that later.

Shake Shack is awesome!

After enjoying a lovely meal and people watching, we headed to the Park Slope area via the R train overlooking a sunset and downtown Brooklyn. A weird, New York City-style of romance.

Not romantic enough?

The second half of the night included a production of "A Raisin In The sun" by the Gallery Players. Much like many of our other attended plays, we received free tickets due to the tag partner's hugely respected power ranking (or whatever it is called) with Yelp.com. Once again, she is an economic date, and I'm lucky her opinion goes a long way with NYC businesses.

Underground talent...literally.

The production, believe it or not, actually took place in the basement of a Public School. The basement included an amazing stage set up with flood lights, and bleachers and chairs for the audience. With a capacity for under 100 people, the atmosphere had one of an underground-grunge feel. It almost reminded me of the smaller wrestling events I would attend that lacked major-league production, but was high on the performance side. This play was no different.

Set of "A Raisin in the Sun" by the Gallery Players

Of all the plays, musicals, and performance I've seen, this one was near the top in terms of pure performance. A immensely talented cast that added to the grungy, intimate atmosphere. 

To close the night, my lady was feeling thirsty, so of course, like the original mac and smooth operator that I am, I treated her to a sweet tea from McDonalds. Oh yeah, that's right! Like I said, my tag partner is very simple, very economic, and very much down to earth. She has saved me tons of money because of this, and truly, another reason why I love her so much.

No closer to date night like Mc'D's sweet tea

We finished the night sipping on sweet teas and talking and walking home under the moonlight. 

Simple. Oh, so simple.

Yet, somehow, even through the craziness that life brings our way, simple nights like this have become that much more special.