Goldfish for Dinner: Surprise!! John's Birthday

There are only 6 weeks that John and I are the same age, and you better believe I take full advantage to say "Oh, we are the same age" as many times as I can in those 6 weeks.

This year I had one thing planned for John's birthday, but changed course with less than 12 hours to plan. John isn't one to be surprised. He isn't as big of a planner as me, but surprises aren't his thing. So what do I do after 20 years of birthdays together?? Surprise him. :)

Way way way back this summer we heard Indigo Girls were coming to GPAC. John and I have seen the Indigo Girls together before in college. He saw them again in without me, but let's face it....that was a long time ago. John tried to get us tickets, but the concert was sold out before 11am. We were bummed for about 5 minutes, but got over it and reminded ourselves we went to an awesome concert (Amos Lee) for his birthday last year.

BUT, the day of, I happened upon 2 tickets that were in the THIRD ROW! I couldn't let that just pass me by. Since I knew this was something he wanted to do, I decided it would be a great surprise. I called him around 3 and casually asked if he was going to leave work on time. He mumbled something about deadlines and clients and important stuff like that, but I said, "Let me rephrase this....You have to leave work on time. I need you home by 6pm. I have a surprise for you." John paused and didn't say anything (which if you have ever talked to John on the phone, isn't unusual). I said, "Okay? Okay. Thanks. Bye."

Getting ready that night was hysterical to me. I was giddy and he was nervous. He kept saying, "This is weird. I don't like this."

We had reservations at Elfo's before the concert. When we were driving, he didn't know where we were going.
John: We have to be trying to make a reservation.
Me: Why do you say that?
John: Because you are driving slow.
Me: I am driving the speed limit.
John: <sideways glance> Amanda, you never drive the speed limit.

While we ate, he had no clue we had other plans. After dinner I slid the tickets across the table. He was shocked and surprised and happy.

The concert was awesome. They sound like they haven't aged since we saw them in the 90's. The talent on that stage was incredible. I tried to keep track with how many times they changed guitars. I lost count after the 3 song.