...Dating B

We've never been too fancy, B and I.  We started "hanging out" and officially dating when I was 18 and he was 19.  We dated through college, when both of us were at the peak of our broke college kid phases.  We once spent an entire week's worth (or more) of B's salary he made at the Kenosha Youth Foundation on a super, extremely fancy dinner at The Melting Pot.  After I promptly threw up said hard earned salary dinner upon arriving at home, our "fancy" date nights came to an end.  I think I was 20.

Now, with B's crazy rotating schedule, date nights are usually us hanging out with a couple of friends - either eating out or hanging at one of our houses - only 3-4 times every 3-4 months.  Kids do that to you.  Our time for just us is far less than it once was.  So, we take advantage of opportunities when they arise to go on dates.

Last night presented just such an opportunity.  Well, I found out about it, and B knew better than to tell me no thought it was a great idea.  So we hired a sitter and hit the city -- something unheard of on a school night!

A little background:  Since the late nineties, I've been borderline obsessed with Wilco.  From the time we were married, every gift-giving occasion, B did his best to try to get me tickets to see my favorite band.  And every gift-giving occasion, to no fault of his own, B was unsuccessful.  It's the thought that counts, right?  Well, in the last year or so, we've more than made up for our lack of live Wilco shows.

In December 2011, we saw Wilco live at the Civic Opera House in Chicago.  Not only did I fall in love with this band all over again, but we were also introduced to Mavis Staples.  Then, in July 2012, we went with Anne and her then-fiance to see them with Andrew Bird at the Kane County Cougars Stadium.  Open air.  Good beer.  Hot sun.  Went to Sonic.  Then, in September, Wilco headlined the two day Hideout Block Party, and I'm so hooked that B, Anne and her man, and I stood listening to my favorite songs.  Last night, Jeff Tweedy was playing a solo show as a fundraiser for his kids' school.  Wait.  What?  Jeff?  Solo?  For a good cause?  Count me in.  And so, our date night was born.

Upon recommendation from my co-workers, we first hit up Kuma's Too - a heavy metal burger joint.  We'll be back.

B's burger - The Led Zepplin
10 oz burger topped with bbq pulled pork, bacon, cheddar and pickles on a pretzel roll. 

Mine - The Lair of the Minotaur
Prepare yourself.  It's freaking amazing.
10 oz burger topped with carmelized onions, bacon, brie, and bourbon soaked pears.
That's right.  Fruit on a burger.  Soaked in bourbon.

And now for the really terrible pictures of the really incredible show - via my phone.  Darn you iPhone4s and your lack of flash when taking selfies

B and Me.  In the dark.  Obvi.

Jeff Tweedy
Solo
I chose not to use a flash based on the super annoying use of a flash by the woman in front of me. 

Jeff Tweedy does Bob Dylan
With Harmonica
LOVE

 The setlist, created by the first 30 people in line, was incredible with every album but A.M. represented - and even some Mavis, Dylan and Beatles.  Next year I'm getting us tickets to both shows.  And you will read all about it - all under the guise of a post about dating my husband.  He gets it.  You will, too.

Casual day at work today for curriculum writing.
The perfect opportunity to sport my concert t-shirt (and a cardigan, of course) .
Paper Doll Style