L and I have a lot going on right now we are waiting on houses to close so we can move, getting ready to take birthing classes, and getting connected to our community among many other things. . The weekends fill up quickly and we realize with Baby Greene coming soon our lives will only get busier.

So I want to point out the purpose and beauty of a mini-date. A mini-date, at least in my definition can be an hour or less outing that is close to home and easy to get to. It may be going to get a small treat, going on a short walk around the neighborhood or the park, or even involve some form of errand.

For example: This past weekend L and I, impatient to get into our new home, decided to pursue Home Depot. We stopped at Sonic for some limeades then strolled through the store gathering ideas.

This sort of outing a few years ago would have felt unromantic, and definitely would not fit into my idea of the ‘date’ category. But it requires both of us to put aside all other work and issues and focus on each other.

Window shopping for something as mundane as fixtures and appliances was fun. We were able to dream and hope, to think ahead and hear each other’s preferences and ideas. But it also was practical, we gathered information we needed and discovered what we need learn more about.

I know that a mini-date will become even more exciting and or necessary once Baby Greene comes and my whole life feels like it revolves around his basic needs. The nice thing is these types of mini-dates don’t necessarily require a babysitter, with a little work and a baby carrier it can become a good short family outing.

I know it’s easy to get stuck in a rut: to at the end of the day plop down in front of the TV until it’s time to get ready for bed. But there are other ways to spend evenings without spending a lot of money. It’s not always easy to break up the “norm” but when we do we find it very rewarding.

Any other ideas on mini-dates?