Bedtime stories: Fun escapades
As my little one grows up, I’m learning that children go through stages just as quickly as the wind changes direction on a cool, fall day. His latest stage includes unexpected and instantaneous meltdowns, many of which occur at bedtime. No matter how early or late we eat dinner, how many games we play or how much homework has to be finished, there’s never enough time to “play.”
So the other night, when he exited the shower and learned that the next stop on the game board of life that evening was bed, he nearly had a conniption. As he lay on the floor, kicking his feet and crying at the top of his lungs, my spouse and I look at each other and start laughing (not sure that was quite the reaction Luke anticipated). Rather than punishing him for his undesirable behavior, we decided to sit on the bed for 15 minutes and enjoy some quality family time. The conversation, as dictated by Luke, was that we each share three fun activities in which we would really like to engage.
I found this ironic, given that I had just completed two recent blog posts focused on the topic of having fun – one for exercise and the other for kid-like play time. Hum…might mother and child be on the same wavelength?
In response to his demand, my creative husband immediately embarked upon a fabricated and fantastical journey into make-believe. Luke magically weaved his infatuation with Star Wars, Justin Bieber, Jaden Smith and poop into every fun escapade he conceived.
Being the practical person of the bunch, I created a list based in reality. Or that which I wish was reality anyway. Here were my three:
1) Watch UNC beat Duke over and over again. I realize that I am over-blowing the importance of sports and making a wee bit too much of UNC’s recent victory over Duke, but I do embarrassingly admit I get a little too excited about this popular rivalry, particularly when the outcome lands in the “W” column. I realize that UNC fans, and Duke fans, too, are incredibly spoiled with a history of great teams, but it’s pretty painful to relive last year’s NIT season every time I see my Boise Duke friends – all of whom like to chant “N-I-T” when they see me.
This past weekend, to commemorate the event, my Duke friends invited my family, other Duke families and one other lone Carolina alum over for dinner. My friend Chris prepared a marvelous dinner reminiscent of the South itself. (Take a look below).
As good as the ribs tasted, however, the best flavor of the evening was this Strickland dunk over Plumlee to put an explanation point on the win and subsequent ACC regular season championship reign.
P.S. I take no responsibility for Luke’s obnoxious victory dance in front of the Duke fans after the game.
2) To visit the Big Apple with my family. Ever since Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind hit the charts, Luke has been infatuated with New York City. It must have been something about bright lights, billboards, skyscrapers and rap music that captured his attention.
I used to spend a fair bit of time in New York City when I lived in New Jersey and Boston – and I dearly miss the convenience of a quick trip to one of the most magnificent places on the planet. If I were to visit with my family, I would love to visit the Empire State Building, go to a Broadway play, eat some mouth-watering meals, and boat around the outskirts of Manhattan one evening, with the view of Lady Liberty close by. And though my wild days have long passed me by, I would still like to visit the Hogs & Heifers Saloon after midnight, two-steppin’ and drinking beer till the wee hours of the morning. I haven’t figured out how I would circumvent my usual 10 PM curfew, but I’d find energy from somewhere I’m sure.
And last but not least, I would like to run through Central Park with enough coherence to enjoy it. Sadly, in both New York City Marathons in which I have participated, I have long checked out before that final three miles. And the fatique had nothing to do with staying up late at bars.
3. Spend a week on Bald Head Island with the entire family, including the dogs of course. If you haven’t visited this paradise island along the coast of North Carolina, I highly recommend that you do.
After a short ferry ride from quaint South Port, North Carolina, you will be greeted with a little slice of heaven on earth. Within prominent view are 14 miles of white sandy beaches, beautiful homes and villas, a lovely maritime forest, marshes and Old Baldy Lighthouse. No cars are allowed on the island, so you have to travel by foot, bicycle or golf cart. Just be careful not to get lost on the winding paths like I did!
There’s not a lot of night life on the island, so get ready to enjoy your family and friends and make your own fun. This is all the more reason to take a deep dive into the relaxation and luxury that Bald Head Island will graciously offer.
What’s on your Top Three Fun list? Be sure to share it with others when it’s time for bedtime stories. Or anytime!
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