a high five and a hug.

When Hope went to university last September, Austin & I talked about how the dynamic would change at home. He knew that I'd miss the trips downtown, lunches, and runs to Starbucks that Hope & I used to fit into our weekends. I knew that he'd miss his trips downtown, adventures to Burton, and hanging out that he & Hope used to fit into afternoons & weekends. So, to fill in a little bit of that gap for both of us, we agreed to schedule a "date" once a month. Maybe a movie. Or dinner. Or lunch. Or whatever. We're 5 months in now, and we haven't missed a month. 

Last night, after his basketball game, we headed downtown to Sakura Bana for dinner. I didn't take a single photo – I'm torn between regretting that bit, and congratulating myself for just experiencing the night. It was, in a word, FABULOUS. 

For those of you who have teenagers, or those who will one day have teenagers, I want you to know this – they aren't awful. It is entirely possible to have great conversation with someone between the ages of 13 & 19. Really. Highlights of the night - 

*As we were walking from the parking garage to the restaurant, I suggested that we cross the street instead of walking by the sometimes sketchy bus stop section. Austin said "Oh, c'mon Mom. Do you know what some punk is going to say when he sees me walking up in a crewneck? He's gonna say that hoodies are in, and that dude is wearing a crewneck. If he's wearing a crewneck, he must row, and if he rows, he's got some serious muscle. You're safe Mom. People fear the crewneck." Hahahaha – what?? 

*Austin's description of dinner involved liberal use of the word "fantastic." He asked why we don't have edamame more at home, b/c it's fantastic. As we ate a few pieces of sushi, he said "is what we're eating here raw? b/c it's fantastic." His teriyaki strip steak? Fantastic. 

*We talked about trips that we want to take, discussed gun control (prompted by Austin's lead in of "so, I was watching Bill Maher…"), the anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, and  Ronald Reagan turning 100. We quietly laughed at the conversation that we overheard from the table next to us that centered around multiple divorces, sperm banks, and the confusing statement "my daughter with my first wife was my niece." Huh? 

After dinner, we walked down to Starbucks for salted caramel hot chocolate. Then a quick stop at Borders, and home. As we took our coats off, Austin said "Madre, good times tonight" – and gave me a high five & a hug. Good times, indeed.