Today is Mr. Enthusiasm’s 49th birthday.
Photo credit: cakespics.com
In the spirit of embracing experiences over stuff, I have chosen to bypass a traditional gift, and instead took time to plan a fun day for him. [Spoiler alert! I am prepping our camelbaks, so there will be hiking involved.]
We are starting with a drive to lovely Kleinburg Village for a lazy breakfast, followed by some strolling, and perhaps a visit to the McMichael Art Gallery.
After that, it’s time to get physical, so I’ve planned a hike at Cold Creek Trail. At just under 7 miles, it will qualify as my workout for the day. My fingers are crossed that Mother Nature will provide a good show of fall colours. I will have my iPhone at the ready to snap pics!
What we’re doing next is so random (both in terms of the event itself, as well as how I happened to get tickets) that I just had to add it to the plans.
One of my girlfriends from junior high school hit Facebook to advise that she had two extra tickets to…
<drum roll please>
… Lionel Richie for October 2nd.
Photo credit: Wikipedia/Album cover art
Totally random, right? Well, here’s what makes it even more random: When Mr. Enthusiasm and I started dating (April 6, 1983), “our song” was…
<drum roll please>
… Lionel Richie’s, You Are.
How is this not a sign that this is where he needs to be on his birthday? 🙂
The concert is at Casino Rama, which only adds to the cheese factor. I’m psyched! Fromage pour tout le monde!
I may have to break out some shoulder pads.
And, for the first time since chopping all my hair off, I’m lamenting not having more of it …to tease sky-high. 🙂
I can’t wait to experience the day. So much better than just unwrapping a gift, right?
Let’s hope he agrees.
Get moving
xoxo nancy
my year of sweat 
this does sound fun 🙂
I love giving gifts that are experiences…
😀
It was a great day!
This is the best kind of gift, it’s something he’ll remember for the rest of his life, instead of something that will go on a shelf and collect dust. (My birthday present to myself definitely goes in the experience category, too, for the same reason.)
It was a really relaxing but fun day – and a great opportunity to focus on doing rather than observing.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and especially for taking the time to comment. It was very thoughtful.
I like your idea of an experience instead of a gift. Memories of a fun time outlast a new tie….which rednecks try to avoid.
He really enjoyed his day – and, you’re right, it was absolutely better than a tie! 😉
You rock on so many levels. HB to the hubs and I LOVE your idea(s). I’m so glad we are blog buddies. You make my life so much brighter…
Cheers,
G
Thanks G! We had a really fun day. Way more fun than a gift + dinner out.
So nice of you to plan a special day for you man. But promise you won’t go too crazy on the shoulder pads and big hair. No need to bring those travesties back… 😉
It was an idle threat Carrie. 🙂 I opted for a super cute Alice + Olivia top (http://www.aliceandolivia.com/womens-designer-clothes/womens-blouses-and-tops.html) and a pair of black skinny jeans. Not a shoulder pad in sight. 😉
Smart woman!
One of these days, at an 80’s themed party though…watch out! 😉
I can’t wait to read your concert review! My husband just celebrated his 49th a few weeks ago. 🙂 We started with a great breakfast out too.
The concert was great! His voice really has held up over all these years. He sang, straight-through for ~2 hours, and covered all his hits plus a handful of Commodores stuff, including Brick House, which made me squeal like a teenager. 🙂
Hurray for Experiences not stuff and you rocked it for that birthday day! Sounds like a great day! Great fun…I used to love Lionel Richie.
It was a wonderful day/evening. Lionel is a freak of nature. At 64 years old – singing and dancing for 2+ hours – and looking at least 15 years younger than his age. 🙂
Happy Belated, Mr Enthusiasm! You Are was my favorite Lionel Ritchie number, too. I look forward to hearing about the day. (I tried on a dress with shoulder pads today. Still a NO.)
Definitely still a no. What were we thinking? We all looked like a bunch of line-backers.
Hey, you make Lionel Richie sound so old. Isn’t ‘Dancing on the ceiling’ still on the Billboard chart?
😉
Sounds like a great day!! and way better than any tangible gift
It was a lot of fun!
Pingback: way better than soap-on-a-rope | My Year of Sweat!