Mom and Dad Go to a Concert

Last Thursday night, Mr. P and I went to a concert to celebrate our anniversary. We saw one of my absolute favorites, Jamie Lidell, put on an incredible show at the Old Rock House. If you haven’t been to either before, I highly recommend them both.

When we were dating, Mr. P and I loved going to concerts. Since having kids, we still enjoy going, but our shows are few and far in between. Mostly because someone needs to be home with the little ones and because concerts are expensive, but really because, let’s face it, we’re not 28 anymore.

Here’s what’s changed in our concert-going ways once the Little Ps made their appearances:

1. Go insanely early.Ok, there’s really no justification for this; we’re just used to racing against the clock to get somewhere when we have the little ones in tow. So, when the kids aren’t with us, we can no longer adequately judge time and always show up at least 30 minutes early to places.
2. Get a table. When I was in college, my friends and I would flirt, shove and lie to get to the front of the stage. And sometimes, when I had my press pass, I could finagle my way backstage. Well, no more. Mommy has been up all night with a teething baby, and mommy wants a table. I’m just too stinkin’ tired to stand all night. Plus, I like when a server brings me my delicious beverages so I don’t have to battle for drinks at the bar against perky 21-year-olds.
3. Order the right drink. Speaking of drinks, since having kids, my libations for the evening, even when I have a designated driver, are two gin and tonics, light on the gin with extra limes. Unlike wine or martinis, gin and tonics have to be sipped slowly, meaning I can manage 5 a.m. wakeup calls from the Little Ps completely headache free. (The Old Rock House is also smoke-free. Bonus!!)
4. See if there’s anyone older than you. I feel a little better about hanging out with 20-somethings when I can spot other couples our age or older. In our little hunt before the concert started, we counted five. This made us especially happy since before the concert, we had dinner at the Gast Haus, where we were the youngest diners by a good 30 years.
5. No matter how good they are, curse the opening band. We were lucky at the Lidell concert – the opening band was good, they played a short set and Lidell’s crew turned over his equipment quickly. But still, I dug my nails into my palms, silently begging them to hurry so I didn’t have to leave the main act early to get home before the babysitter’s 11 p.m. deadline.

Most important, however, is the need to spend quality time together as a couple. It’s rare that we really get to hang out, grab a drink and listen to some great music. So no matter how busy we get or how many years of marriage we have under our belt, it’s important that we take time out of our schedules to revisit our dating years. Even if we’re that nerdy old couple in the corner everyone laughs at.

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting