It’s not very often an opportunity like this presents. You would think that living under the same roof, my mother and I would spend a great deal of time together. And we do. Alas we do not usually get the chance to do anything ‘special’. In fact, it’s been a quite a while since I’ve told my mom * just how much I love and appreciate her. [<— do not click that link, unless you want to cry.] Either we are too preoccupied, too tired, too sick, or too busy dealing with life to find the time to celebrate our relationship.
But that wasn’t the case this past Saturday Night!
After an extremely long day chock-filled with errands and busy work, my mother and I decided to hell with everyone else. The two of us were going out!
We ventured over to a totally-super-awesome establishment, otherwise known as the ‘Cheesecake Factory’. I couldn’t believe how packed the restaurant was. Especially considering it was only six o’clock. So, instead of putting our names on the two-hour waiting list for a table, we sidled up to the bar area.
Just when it seemed nearly impossible to order a drink, our luck changed for the better. A group of four sitting at the bar waved my mother in so she could request two ‘Grey Goose Martini’s’. Then all of a sudden, I spotted another lovely couple in the corner of the bar getting up and heading towards a table. I literally sprinted over and claimed the two vacant seats as if I were claiming a small country. My mother and I were happily seated by the time our drinks were served. We high-fived each other full well knowing we looked totally lame, clinked our glasses, and toasted our Martini’s to a wonderful evening ahead. And it was a fabulous night indeed.
My mother and I bonded over gluttonous appetizers and deep conversation. Surprisingly, our food came in a very timely fashion. The ‘Ahi-Tuna’ tasted spectacular [seriously, I could have eaten two orders – by myself] the guacamole was absolutely perfect, the edamame was outrageous, and the taquitos were to die for. We weren’t even bothered by the screaming baby next to us, or the seemingly crazy woman standing behind us – yelling loudly at the television.
We ate, we talked, we drank, we laughed, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. Time flew by. And before we knew it we were paying the bill and heading over to the movies.
Thankfully, my mom pre-ordered our tickets on Fandango so we didn’t have to wait in that never-ending line. We grabbed the perfect seats and proceeded to laugh uncontrollably for the duration of the movie ‘Due Date’.
[Side bar: Is it just me? Or is Robert Downey Jr. cuter than ever?!]
I will not give away any spoilers for those who have yet to see it. But I will say the movie was the equivalent to: ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ meets ‘The Hangover’.
Except, funnier.
By the time we left the theatre our faces hurt and our rib cages were sore from laughing too much. We spent the car ride quoting lines from the movie before arriving at the local diner for some coffee and cheesecake.
I thanked my mother for a most-excellent evening, because even though these kinds of moments are fleeting and far-between, I feel truly blessed to be able to spend ‘Quality Time’ with her.
Seriously, it was the best ‘date’ I’ve had in a very long time.
Thanks Mom.
How cool is that! I'm so glad you and your Mama had a great evening!
Thanks Linda. It's been all business around here for way too long! We were way over-due for some fun and martini's!
Well, I've gotta tell ya….I was smiling from ear to ear reading this post!
OMG…how FUN!!!!!
My mother and I seem to have the same close relationship/friendship as you and your mother. When I was still living at home, we would have dates like this, only shopping and then getting something to eat afterward. We LOVE to shop with one another.
The movie sounded GREAT! And yes, I think Robert Downey Jr. is cuter than ever too! One of my favorite celebs.He's been through a lot, and yet he seems more content and comfortable with himself now.
Thanks for sharing your date night with MOM. Makes me wanna call my mother and tell her I miss her.
X
Aw. You should call your mom. And maybe even schedule a date with her!
Robert is sofa king cute in this movie.
And I highly recommend others seeing it. Totally worth it.
As always, thanks for dropping by Ron.
Your comments make me smile.
🙂
Twas my pleasure, Sweet Pea!
<3
xoxoxo
That sounds like a spectacular evening! It must be awesome to have such a close relationship with your mom. I'm so happy the two of you had such fun together.
Thanks Terri. I actually thought of you and Kacey for a brief moment while
on my Mom-Date!
Aww, that's great you got to spend and evening with your mother. I don't get to spend much one on one time with my mom-and when we do, we just can't find much to talk about.
You can come hang out with us anytime!
Good times…
Indeed!
Awww, that's terrific! You just reminded me that I am so due for a date-night with my mom.
And no, it's not just you: Robert Downey Junior just keeps getting better and better looking!
This one's going to get her hands on Due Date, if only because RDJ is in it! Great to hear about your mother-daughter bonding. 😀
I wanted to see this but saw 'Red' instead. In hindsight, that was pretty stupid. Par for the course, really.
It sounds like you had a great time. I don't ever get to go to the movies without the kids.
Aww, you're making me miss my mom! I'm gonna have to call her and arrange a date.
This sounds like a great way to spend an evening! And yes, Robert Downey, Jr. is cuter than ever.
Enjoy YOUR date night! And my god, Robert has never looked better!
Seriously, you will NOT be disappointed!
Yeah, I thought the movie 'RED' looked kinda stupid.
Im really glad we saw Due Date instead. REALLY funny stuff.
It is not just you. Robert Downey Jr has been on my “list of five” for many, many years 😉 Heh.
I am so glad you two got to spend time together. I'll have to call you today or tonight – I miss you Melz 🙂
Aw. That's a shame!
Good idea!
He really IS getting HOTTER by the minute!
If I hadn't spent her last year with my mother, I don't know how I could bear it. It's awesome you are guys doing such things, we never know how much time we have (sorry for bein a little morbid :>)
I went to the Cheesecake Factory with my Family last Saturday. My parents, sister, my husband and my son ( we flew him in from Chicago). We had a great time too. I know what you mean, I talk with my family all the time, on the phone, texting and emails but we don't 'hang out' a lot together, just holidays and big events.
Anyways,It sounds like you and your mom did it up right!!! I was wondering if 'Due Date' was any good and my son gave me a gift certificate for the movie theater for my birthday so I think I am going to take my husband this weekend!
Aw, yes please. I REALLY miss you. A Lot.
That's true. Tomorrow is promised to no one.
Lucy, see, we really ARE so much alike!
If you like that type of humor, you are going to PEE IN YOUR PANTS.
I am STILL laughing just THINKING about scenes and one-liners from Due Date.
You are so fortunate to be able to enjoy and really get to know your mother now as an adult. My mom died when I was 23, so I had very little time to make up for those teenage years when I was so shitty to her. What a wonderful, perfect evening for you both. And thanks for the good movie review. I could use a laugh.
Thanks Jayne. I know not everyone get a chance like this. I guess that's why
I appreciate it as much as I do. I'm so sorry to hear you lost your mother.
Go see the movie. You will – CRACK UP.
Just simply freaking awesome! I know only too well how you can live under the same roof with family but never quite get the “quality” time you would think you would get more of. So I'm really happy that you two made the time. I guess that is the secret – you just have to start making the time. Anyway, after reading your blog for a number of years, I know that any “date” night where either you or your mom were there, would be a great and fun one. I'm sure it was a double blessing for each of you! And it is so wonderful to see how grateful for it because it shows you definitely do not take each other for granted. Hugs to you! 🙂
Sounds like a great night! You deserve it after what you've been through! And thanks for the heads up on “Due Date,” I've got to check it out!
Aw! Thank you SOOO much Teeni!
Have I told you lately how happy I am that YOU are BACK!?
Marty, you will laugh until your face falls off!
I envy you, your opportunity to go out with your Mom like that. And I've never even heard of Due Date – jeez you'd think I never went out of the house or turned on the TV or surfed the Net or talked to people.
Margaret, you HAVE to check out the preview for Due Date!
🙂
Wait, you went to the Cheesecake Factory and ate Tacquitos but when to the diner to have cheesecake? I'm very confused….
And, no, it's not just you: Robert Downey Jr.is getting cuter. He was perfect for that role, too, because he's a perfect mix of troubled angry guy and sensitive learning guy. But I'd better not say anything else because I don't want to spoil the movie.
Glad you had a nice date with your mom. I always enjoy my time with her, too.
I liked “Red.” Willis is always good, and what's-her-name–Dame whatever, or Lady whatever–is THE HOTTEST mature woman in the world. Always a treat to see her.
I liked “Red.” Willis is always good, and what's-her-name–Dame whatever, or Lady whatever–is THE HOTTEST mature woman in the world. Always a treat to see her.
Oh I know. We ate so much for dinner we couldn't have the cheesecake – we
were laughing at ourselves for going to the diner after the movies!
Robert really was PERFECT for that role!
I'm assuming YOU liked the movie as well?
Wait! Mike, When did you start dating my mom?
I'm not sure my dad will approve!
Oh I know. We ate so much for dinner we couldn't have the cheesecake – we
were laughing at ourselves for going to the diner after the movies!
Robert really was PERFECT for that role!
I'm assuming YOU liked the movie as well?
Wait! Mike, When did you start dating my mom?
I'm not sure my dad will approve!
Hmmm. Maybe I will watch it when it comes out on DVD or when I can order it
ondemand or with netflicks
date night with mom sounds excellent. never heard of due date until you mentioned it. and i know what that link post is about without clicking it, and i remember your mom's reaction. so no clicking for me. it's a shame the stuff i remember; and the stuff i don't. haha.
xo
Your “date” night with your mom is awesome, and a great reminder that we shouldn't take our loved ones for granted! Your mom sounds like a fantastic person, which doesn't surprise me since I know her daughter to be just as fantastic! 🙂
Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. is yummy.
HA!
He is sofa king yummy!
Ooooh. The Cheesecake factory. Atmosphere is great, service is excellent, food is out of this world but there ain't a dish in that place that is less than a bazillion calories. Glad you two were able to enjoy the night out. We all need to stop and remember the ones who brought us into this world and let them know how grateful we are. I am surprised that you could partake in such a feast given some of your dietary limitations. But , then again, Grey Goose is a clear liquid…
Good to hear the movie was funny. I like Robert Downey, but just don't have that mancrush on him like some others. Will probably add it to my Netflix queue as a date night movie. Gracias!
I have never had the outings you describe with my own mother but I often have individual Mother-Daughter days with all five of our daughters. I should probably blog about our rules on these excursions. It's kind of like our taking the 'family dinner table' conversations on the road, only to a higher level. Yeah, I know most of your readers have no idea what I'm talking about, but I know you do… I wonder if YOU would survive dinner at our house… You know? I do think you are brave enough. We'll have to see if we can make that happen sometime. It can't be any better (or worse) than last night. We invited my youngest daughter's 'Big Sister' from Big Brothers/Big Sisters to come for dinner yesterday. They met for the first time a few weeks ago but just to be fair, I sent her the link to our average dinner conversations and told her I would absolutely understand if she would rather pass on the invitation with no hard feelings. I have to admit, when she enthusiastically said yes, I also warned her that dinners tend to last a long time even after the food is gone. We have all decided she's a good egg. She only inhaled her spaghetti once and was impressively fast with a hand over the mouth, saving the occupants on the other side of the table an apple cider shower. By that point our family decided to take pity on her and wait until all food and drink were consumed in the manner nature intended before being 'ourselves' again. I invited her back after my husband gets home and warned her that this dinner was rather tame as such things go in our house but that the whole dynamic changes when the husband is there to open his yap. She immediately accepted the dinner invitation and then all the way home, gave me her thoughts on the members of our family and peppered me with questions to which many of the answers were, “Yes, he/she really DID do [fill in the blank]. (Guess this was probably closer to a post than a comment, but I can live with it if you can.) 🙂