Well, THAT was a surprise. I'm still a little giddy about it, which is the only reason I have the energy to write at 11:30 p.m.
Here's what happened...
About a week ago, Joe and I were tidying up the house and he mentioned off-hand that one of his videos for Ringling was nominated for a local advertising award. I wasn't terribly shocked by this since Joe's work is pretty amazing, but I was still excited for him.
"Think you'd like to be my date next Thursday?" he asked sheepishly.
"You think we can find a sitter for a Thursday night?" I asked, gently putting the dishes away.
"Oh, let me take care of that. But does that sound like something you'd like to do?" he asked again.
"Sure," I said over my shoulder, still examining the glasses for any leftover food particles that hadn't gotten rinsed off. I had gone with Joe last year to one of these awards ceremonies. It was held at the Cinebistro and we had a few cocktails and dinner. It was nice to be there for Joe and get better acquainted with his coworkers, although I was nervous about making a good impression. But I figured it might be fun enough- this year it was being held at Selby Gardens. And anyway, it was about Joe.
Finally the night arrived. Joe asked our friend Mey to come over and watch Joey while we went out. While Joe took care of getting Joey fed and ready for bed, I went into the bedroom and did my usual "getting ready" routine. For most girls, that entails straightening/curling hair, carefully selecting a pretty outfit and coordinating the colors with make-up and shoes. My "getting ready" routine pretty much consists of pulling out a dark-colored dress or pants, my Michael Kors blazer and a pair of black shoes. I will then sit on these clothes for a good half hour as I sit down on the bed and watch something on TV. Tonight was no exception.
However, as Joey was playing with his toys, Joe popped his head into the room. He saw me just sitting on my clothes and said, "Mey is on her way....we should probably get going soon after." He seemed a little concerned with my time management (which is not unusual or unwarranted) but I told him I would start to finally get ready. No big deal, I thought. I doubt these award show things EVER start on time.
I quickly got ready and soon Mey arrived with her mom to watch Joey. Mey's husband also works at Ringling with Joe so I asked if he was up for any award. She just shook her head no.
"Oh well," I said disappointed. "I was hoping to know at least one familiar face tonight." Mey smiled.
Soon we were off. After we grabbed a quick bite we started heading into the direction of downtown, but not really in the direction of Selby Gardens. I was confused but since Joe was driving, I decided to ignore it.
Meanwhile, Joe continuously apologized for having to go to this thing and said how sweet I was for being such a good sport. I said I was happy to go along. Then he got quiet.
"Can you check this envelope? It has the directions on where to go inside Selby Gardens" he said, a bit of a smile emerging on his lips.
I knew that tone. Something was happening.
I excitedly opened the envelope, which held two tickets to go see Steve Martin and Martin Short's show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
I screamed. I screamed three times actually. I was completely flabbergasted.
In between screams I told Joe how it was too much and that the tickets were astronomical. Then he had me check my phone. He had sent me the most beautiful and heart wrenching message. I quickly felt tears fill my eyes.
Joe has always been an amazing surpriser. He goes full force and covers all his bases so that when the surprise is revealed, you wonder how any one person could pull it off. I was completely taken aback, and I think I fell even more in love with him. Not because he got me tickets, but because he still knows how to keep me always guessing and excited about all possibilities.
We had an amazing time. Both comedians were hysterical and the musical accompaniment made me realize that I really like blue grass music. It's kind of the perfect balance of folk rock and country (without the whole "cowboy hats and pick-up truck" metaphors).
However, I will say this. I learned how you can tell you are in a theater in Sarasota. Every time a really big joke was uttered on stage, inevitably, on either side of me, I'd hear the wife of one of the couples repeat the punchline.
So Steve Martin would say, "And that's when the banjos come out!"
*Laughter from the crowd*
*Crowd quiets waiting for the next joke*
Wife: "He said 'that's when the banjos come out!'"
Or Martin Short would say, "He's so bland he goes out and paints the town taupe!"
*Laughter from the crowd*
*Crowd quiets again*
Wife: "He said, 'he paints the town taupe!'"
In a way it was nice to hear the joke again, although I think Mrs. Robinson in row 32 could stand a little work on her comedic timing and delivery.
So, all in all, it was a tremendous night. Another bucket list item checked off thanks to my incredibly romantic and thoughtful husband. It was a wonderful way to end a long week.
The End.
*Ok for all of you who enjoy when I write about my humiliation, I'm sorry to say I have no great story to tell. Well, except for the fact that at last week's yoga class, I noticed during one of our squat poses a big split down the seam of my pants. Nothing like noticing your pale thighs getting exposed during a crotch-focused yoga session.
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