Going Out to Eat

There were many great things about C's first Christmas, but the focus of this post is going out to eat. My sister graciously babysat for C so that I could take Matt out for a belated birthday lunch. It occured to me that since becoming a parent, I have viewed going out to eat in two entirely different ways than before.

1. I make it count!
We chose the restaurant where we had our rehearsal dinner (we hadn't been there since). We got dressed up. When my brother noticed I was wearing jewelry that he gave me for Christmas and asked ," whoa, where are you going?" my response was, "we hardly go out, I need to make it count!" For those that have shared meals with me, this is very different. I used to be happy going to the same places all the time (i.e. Friendlys, Northsides in Chicago). Now I sometimes what to change things up a little!

2. I want something I can't make for myself any day of the week
In the same vein as going to the same places, I used to always order the same things because they are my go to favorites (turkey sandwiches, chicken parm). Until I realized that I make those things for myself at home. So for lunch this time? Wild mushroom ravioli. There is no way I am making myself fresh pasta in the near future! This is also the reason that Matt and I ordered Krispy Kreme bread pudding and a bacon brownie on our last trip to New Orleans. Where else are we going to eat that? When Matt and I were living in Chicago, we went through a long stretch of going to the same pub for dinner Friday nights. When I think about how many miniburger, fries, and beers I ordered without even thinking about it, it just makes me laugh. Not that I regret it...those days were great, and these days are great...just funny how life with C has made me a little more adventurous in my free time!