"We still like each other."

Wow. I can't believe how wonderful silence is. Chip and I took off on Friday afternoon and drove from Michigan to Cedar Rapids, IA...just the two of us. (Thank you, thank you Rachael- in every language I can think of!) We have lots of kids, lots of noise, lots of long work hours- at jobs and at home, and never get away from it all-together- alone. We were only gone from Friday til Sunday night, but it's amazing to me how we feel refreshed as a couple. We were able to sit in the car and at meals and have complete thoughts. Total silence- if we wanted. No yelling, no scolding, no whining, no eye-rolling {Wait a minute. Chip rolled his eyes a few times at me...like when I scanned the radio stations and the song "Jack & Diane" was just starting- so I crancked it REALLY loud and did a silly dance move. I know he loved it- but he rolled his eyes as if it were really immature. Which it was. But I didn't care....I was being the "me" that's been stifled a bit by motherhood. But not at that moment. I was back- in rare form. And if that meant I would get a funny look now and then- it was worth it to me. And I know Chip was smiling on the inside- to know that I'm still the same person he fell in love with in 1994. And besides, what else could I do in a situation like that? When the music takes you, you have no choice right?! So, there were a few moments like that in which Chip gave me a funny look or just smiled and went along with it- It was great!}
Did you read the title quote of this post? It's an actual quote that I made enroute home. I was looking at Chip driving. I guess it was one of those looks that started to impose on his personal space because he simply said, "what?!" I smiled and said, "It's nice to know that we still like each other." I think I was a little nervous that we might run out of conversation, or that we might have some tense moments or that there might be topics we'd have to avoid- but it all worked out really well. We shared, laughed, reminisced, reflected, and enjoyed one another's company. It was more than I had hoped for- our agenda was mostly unplanned. Our weekend was simple and casual and without incident. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Only maybe it won't be another 9 years before the next time! If I had bought the cute Coach purse that I kept picking up and running my fingers over and putting on my shoulder and looking in the mirror to see how great it helped me to look and feel; I would have posted a picture of it for sure. But, I went with the whole, "It's just not something I need- it wouldn't be practical" rationale. That's so me. To think thoughtfully and practically before buying. I can thank my parents for that deep-rooted characteristic. That's all for now!!