The Argument That Wasn't

I could write about how I have a ton of work to do for school between now and Tuesday. Or about how a new initiative suggested by our Congress places my career in the hands of 9 year olds and their test scores. Or about how I have 8 research articles, ranging from 4-17 pages, to read and review for next Monday's grad class.

But I'm not.

My sailor has agreed, with surprisingly little (none!) arm-twisting, to take time off of work during my spring break in April, to go to New York for a few days and be tourist-y, and see a show or (gasp!) two.

I planned my attack. He got off work at 8am this morning, so I made sure that I had my hair washed and curled and coffee ready, and even the bathroom (okay, the vanity part of the bathroom) cleaned. I had done my research, so I had price quotes of some possible modes of transportation and places to stay, as well as how we would work it around our Easter plans.

I was planning on letting him enjoy his coffee and bagel first, but I was too excited/nervous and just blurted out, "Well, I was thinking, do you think it would be possible for you to take some time off during spring break?"

Sure. I was planning on doing that anyway.

Okay, so that was encouraging. I walked around the counter and leaned (innocently) against the fridge.

"Well, do you think we could go to New York for a few days? Maybe see a show?"

Sure. Sounds like fun.

And that was it! I had a whole argument planned out. How we were both stressed from work lately. How we had to cancel our plans to go out of town this weekend because he has to work on President's Day. How it's the week after my birthday, and we could make it my birthday gift....

Didn't have to use any of it. I'm almost disappointed.

I've been forewarned not to get too excited until after the leave request goes through.

Yeah.

So here's what we *ahem* have planned :

Staying 2, possibly 3 nights at the Holiday Inn here.

Seeing 1, possibly 2 shows here.

I smiled really pretty and asked Kevin to see The Pirate Queen. Between the two of us, we've been fortunate to have been to New York to seen many of the current hits: Les Miserables, RENT, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera. The Pirate Queen is a new play, it doesn't actually open until April 5, less than a week before we'd be there. However, it's written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. These are the same writers who brought the stage Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Producers Moya Doherty and John McColgan also produced Riverdance. With credits like that, I'm willing to take the chance on a new show. Kind of excited, in fact, to see something new and different.

We're tossing around the idea of seeing another show since we were able to save some money by taking the train from my parents' house rather than flying in and paying for airfare. So now we're looking at other options. I wanted Kevin to see Lion King, as that was one of the most memorable performances I've ever seen, but they're sold out while we're there and a show that popular is not likely to have discount tickets on sale the day of. Any ideas? Favorites? Recommendations?

How 'bout places to eat or other things to see while we're there? We've both been to New York several times now and are willing and comfortable enough with the subway to travel around a bit.

Just be careful not to get me too excited.