Have you ever felt like your plans to do something was interrupted, like when a news broadcaster would break into your favorite TV show?
“We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you the latest news…”
As a kid I hated that voice; It always meant I wouldn’t get to see the end of my show. Of course, that was before DVR’s provided the option of recording to view it later. But interruptions are usually not welcomed. It means we have to change our expectations for what the day will hold. It means we have to die to what we wanted to embrace what the Lord has chosen for us.
This past weekend we had plans to enjoy a Staycation, which is basically pretending like you’re a tourist in your own city. This is a great way to have a vacation without the expense of gas, hotels, etc. Our plans included dinner with our Dinner Club, a round of golf, a couples massage (that we purchased on Groupon), a romantic dinner, and a day at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
On about the 5th hole of our golf game we got a text from our son-in-love, asking if we would like to have their oldest daughter visit us for 10 days. Our daughter is in her last trimester and close to going on bed rest if she doesn’t take it easy. Since they live in Atlanta, it isn’t easy for me to help with the day-in, day-out needs which arise, so this was a great chance for me to help her rest.
“When would she come?” I asked.
“Her ride is leaving in a hour.”
It was in this moment when I heard the broadcaster’s voice in my ear, “We interrupt your regularly scheduled weekend for an important change of plans.”
Not all interruptions herald bad news, sometimes it was to announce the end of a war; quite a welcomed announcement. That’s how this interruption was to us; welcomed, but different from what we had planned.
Instead of spending a day at Epcot enjoying a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand among the amazing displays of horticultural wonders, we took our two oldest granddaughters–Bristol and Norah with us. We pushed a double-stroller around the World-Showcase looking for Princesses and Disney characters made out of “hedge,” as Bristol likes to call it. 🙂 It was a fun interruption.
All plans we make to romance our spouse must be held loosely. Interruptions are a part of life. In fact, they are God-ordained. Seeing it this way will help us to not get upset or angry when it happens.
So, with this in mind, we offer you our weekly list of what’s happening in Orlando. We hope you’ll make plans to enjoy a date out together, but realize that even the best made plans don’t always work out, and it’s okay! We have a lifetime to romance each other, but only one moment in time when we can enjoy our four-year-old granddaughters as they marvel at the wonder of Pixie Hollow; Marriage, happily interrupted!
♥ Things To Do In Orlando ♥
CENTRAL
- Winter Park – Popcorn Flicks In The Park on Tuesday, April 17th starting at 8p. This week’s featured film is To Kill A Mockingbird. As always, admission as well as the popcorn is FREE.
- Winter Park – Taste of Winter Park on Wednesday, April 18th from 5p – 8p. Cost is $45.
- Downtown Orlando – Florida Music Festival begins on Friday, April 20th through Sunday, April 22nd. See site for details. Admission charge.
- Uptown Altamonte – Friday Night Live on April 20th from 7p – 9p. FREE.
- Uptown Altamonte – Winestock on Saturday, April 21st from 6p – 9p. Cost is $30 in advance.
- Orlando Parade of Homes – Saturday and Sunday, April 21st and 22nd.
- Earth Day in Sunday, April 22nd. Orlando and Winter Park are hosting celebrations.
NORTH
- Mt. Dora – Taste of Mt. Dora on Sunday, April 22nd from 5p – 8p.Call 352-383-2165 for details.
EAST
- Casselberry – German Springfest will take place on Saturday, April 21st. Gates open at 2p. Cost is $5. donation at the door.
- Annual Fiesta Medina on Sunday, April 22nd at Festival Park. See site for details.
SOUTH
- Celebration – Spring Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 21st and 22nd. FREE.
WEST
- Clermont – Blues at the Winery, Lakeridge Winery, on Saturday and Sunday, April 21st and 22nd. $2 Donation. The event ends at 5p. both days.
The Romantic Vineyard 
Lovely blog Debi, I took your advice from last years blog challenge and make Date nights with Mark now so that we won’t be interrupted, but just like you showed, some interruptions are worth having xx
LikeLike
It’s great to hear from you, Gina! Yes, there are some wonderful interruptions for sure. I’m so glad you and Mark are having regular date nights. What kind of places do you enjoy on your side of the pond? One of these days we plan (loosely, of course) to visit the UK. Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike
We live in the middle of know where, and we’re 1.5 hours away from our nearest big town, so getting out for dinner is a problem, so we settle for sending Alex to bed early and choose a movie, light the fire and have a romantic meal at home. We enjoy the whole getting ready experience, knowing we are going to all this effort for each other.
On family days out we tend to go to places of interest, like museums, the beach with the dog, castles, and long country walks with a picnic. South west Scotland is so beautiful we don’t have to go far to find somewhere scenic to walk. xx
LikeLike
This happened to me and my husband just recently. I have not had the oppurtunity to get away from my chidren (aged 2.5, 1.5, and 3 months) for several months, and was dying for the chance to “miss” them. SO, my mother and sister flew down to stay with the kids while me and my husband went on a camping trip. We were planning on 3 days and 2 nights of NO CHILDREN. Because of circumstances outside of our control, we only got to stay for 1 day and 1 night. It ended up being pretty perfect though (fulfilling one of my personal fantisies of sex in the rain), and beause I had packed enough food for two extra days, we were able to share some of it with another couple who ran into bad fortune. It was unexpected, but all worked out anyways.
-Sarah
http://www.familybugs.net
LikeLike
Sarah, We understand the struggle. Thank you for taking the time to share your challenges with us. We love hearing from you! So glad you ended up being able to bless someone else in the process–that makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?
LikeLike