This Christmas, due to our lack of spending (and lack of funds), M & I didn't do much for each other. We weren't going to do anything for each other in fact, but then (shocker!) I kind of found a loop hole around our "Year of No Spending" plan... (You see, I'm pretty good at finding a way to shop).
Instead of buying each other gifts, I planned dates.
One date per month, and one bottle of wine to pair with each date.
As one of our New Year's resolutions for 2016, we want to go one one date per month where we take our time, enjoying each other's company, and do NOT rush. We, like many couples, don't take much time to enjoy a night out. We are tired by the end of the week. We're kind of early-birds. We eat fast. We know what we like and what we want---most of the time. We're the easiest customers a server could have. There is nothing wrong with that, but once in awhile, why not take our time?
As a server I see every type of dining-out couple there is. "In-and-out" couples, "making out at the table" couples (gross), "on their phones the entire time" couples, "non-speaking" couples, "cheap" couples, "grouchy" couples, "sweet" couples, you get the idea. The best couples to serve are the ones who are kind, and excited about what the night has to give, and who truly enjoy each others company. The best couples are the ones who have been togeher for 20, 30, 40 years and still have something to talk about through the entire meal! That is the type of couple we want to be. We don't want to get caught in the fast-paced, non-stop, internet obsessed world, and ignore the limited quality time we actually get together.
That is why our goal this year is to have that one date night a month where we take our time and fully enjoy each other's company. It is also why my gift to "us" this year, was a monthly date night---and we just really like wine, okay?
January:
Date: Restaurant Hoppin for my Birthday Wine of the month: Noble Vines 181, Merlot.
February:
Date: Wine and Sushi Wine of the month: With Love, Red Blend.
March:
Date: Batman VS. Superman @ iPic Theater Wine of the month: IL Bastardo, Sangiovese.
April:
Date: Pike Place Market & Homemade Dinner Wine of the month: Boom Boom, Syrah.
May:
Date: Night out Dancing Wine of the month: Hey Mambo, Malbec.
June:
Date: Mariner's Game Wine of the month: Third Wheel, Red Blend.
July:
Date: Surprise Night/Weekend Away Wine of the month: Paranoia, Chardonnay.
August:
Date: $20 shopping limit for 4-year Anniversary Wine of the month: Fire Road, Sauvingon Blanc.
September:
Date: Seahawks season opener party Wine of the month: 12th Man, Merlot.
October:
Date: Halloween Costume Creating Wine of the month: I Thee Red, Red Blend.
November:
Date: Food Crawl for M Birthday Wine of the month: Handsome Devil, Cabernet Sauvingon.
December:
Date: Day in the snow at Leavenworth Wine of the month: Campo Viejo, Tempranillo.
First date starts January 17, and I can't wait! We can't say for sure, but we're thinking this will be our new yearly gift exchange!
What do you think? Would you ever do this for a gift exchange?
Love,
