How To Face A Crisis

So, I kind of went “all out” for Matt’s 40^th birthday. It seemed like a big enough deal, and I was so happy for him to be joining me in the “40s,” plus it seems that he is well in the throes of his midlife crisis. So I bought the boy some cookware, of course. But not just any cookware, oh no; I spent many pretty pennies and bought him a set of Mauviel copper cookware! Made in France since 1830, I think it’ll get the job done.

I also put together a photo movie for him, and our sweet family of three had dinner at Sullivan’s (thanks to Taft law firm for the gift card). J

But the real surprise was the birthday weekend in Nashville, Tennessee with our friends Kelly and Mike, as Kelly was also celebrating a birthday that weekend, a mere 37. Pfft. Left the kids at home, we did. Mike and Kelly picked us up Friday morning (thank you, Matt's boss!), and it was fun to watch Kelly and Matt putting together the string of lies that Mike and I had been telling them for weeks. 

Sorry, Kel, can't get together with you for your birthday, maybe soon, though? Matt, we're really not doing much for your 40th, are you OK with that? I mean, we could do something if you want...

Annnnd, we were off! Nashville bound. Matt and I enjoyed our first road trip together there over EIGHT years ago. Really? I’ve been with this guy that long? Alright, then, I officially deem it “our town.”

Kelly and Mike were once our neighbors, but we can’t seem to shake them, so we hang out with them all the time. Kelly and I talk about things that matter, while Matt and Mike (M&M) spend a great deal of time on boob and fart jokes. It’s like we’re transported right back to seventh grade, but M&M really are quite hilarious together.

The boys' moments giggling together gave Kelly and I plenty of time to go completely ga-ga over the band at Robert’s. See, it all evens out in the end. The guitarist, Daniel Donato, age 18, made my palms sweat. Kelly was speechless around Slick Joe Fick, on slap bass.

The Nashville scene is uniquely awesome. Absolutely everyone has to stop and shuffle or twirl on the dance floor before they leave a bar, and the memo about giving your bejeweled jeans to Goodwill was lost before it ever reached Broadway Street. EVERY single woman was wearing a pair but, being somewhat of a late-bloomer myself, I appreciated the faux pas. (Indeed, I’m a late-bloomer, and because I think sparkly jeans are silly, I never had a pair; so maybe I’m a trendsetter?)

The only real honky-tonk music left in N-ville is at Robert’s and Layla’s, and of course the Ryman and the Opry. Like New Orleans, there might be music on every corner, but it ain’t necessarily good music. I heard Bon Jovi more than once, just sayin.

I’ve never had so many beers in my life (see, I am a team player), and we did sneak in a visit to the Johnny Cash museum and my favorite, Hatch Show Print. This was our first trip with Kelly and Mike, but deeeeeefinitely not our last. 

And, for the record, although he doesn't play an instrument, my husband rocks. 

Until 41, Honey.