Ten Things

Ten things that I would like to do this weekend, my birthday weekend, when Joey is safely tucked away at Tuckahoe Respite House, or as he calls it, “The Hotel.”

1. Go out to dinner to a place that does not sell chicken fingers or waffles.  This is definitely getting done.  Reservations are made for Saturday at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Philly.
2. Get my ring checked and cleaned at Zales at the Deptford Mall.  Almost six years ago, for our 30th anniversary, Joe bought me a three-diamond ring.  If I bring it in twice a year for cleaning and inspection, Zales has a policy that states if a diamond falls out, they will replace it free.  Plus, it really looks nice after a cleaning and I can look at all the pretty jewelry while I am waiting.
3. Visit a museum.  Although the Philadelphia Museum of Art does not have any special exhibits happening right now that appeal to me, the Franklin Institute does have one called “Mummies of the World” that looks pretty interesting.
4. Take a walk in the park using the walking trail.  I have always wanted to use the trail at our nearby Washington Lake Park.  This Saturday is supposed to be a crisp and clear day – perfect for a walk in the park.
5. Leave the candy cabinet unlocked and not eat all the chocolate.  Or, better still, don’t eat any of it at all.  Joey has zero impulse control so we have to keep it locked.  It will be nice just to be able to shelve the 24/7 sentry duty for a few hours and pretend we’re normal people.  Unlocking this cabinet  is a true symbolic gesture of freedom for us.
6. Stroll a late-season boardwalk at any shore point.  Atlantic City, Ocean City or Wildwood.
7. Go to a movie.  Not too sure if Joe and I will be able to agree on one (we always have this problem) but Judi and I can go see “The Help.”
8. Shop.  Can combine this with #2.  I have a handful of Macy’s coupons.
9. Relax and breathe, not having to be on the constant, vigilant supervising watch that is life – to keep Joey out of trouble.  Someone else will be doing it for a while.
10. On Sundays, my husband and I usually alternate who goes to mass; the other one stays home with Joey and cooks breakfast.  This weekend we can both go to church –  together.  While I am there, I can personally thank God for all the good in my life.

Realistically, I’m shooting for fifty percent of this list.  But there will always be future weekends.