Tandem Biking Date

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tandem bikes can be really fun to ride, however if you're looking to do this for a date, be sure to plan ahead, as this rental shop operates by appointment only. If you live in the heart of Houston, House of Tandems bike shop will be about a 30 minute drive for you, but getting out of the city a bit can provide some new scenery for your excursion. Check out their websites for current pricing and location details: http://houseoftandems.com/articles/tandem-rentals-pg67.htm

I think that tandem biking is the perfect activity to parallel marriage, if you don't mind spending some money (the rentals are fairly pricey ranging from $75-$150 per day rentals). While riding you will see that the two positions on the bike actually can add stability that isn't found in single biking

situations, it also illustrates the distribution of responsibility that can be found in marriage, but you can also see that it is possible, though harder, to continue moving forward without an even distribution of effort. There are so many connections to be made to marriage while on a tandem bike ride. See what you can come up with!

Relationship Reconnection:

Take this opportunity to point out the elements of marriage that you can see better through this biking experience. Take turns being the Captain (front biker) and Stoker (back biker) to better understand what responsibilities and challenges come with each position. Talk about things you can each do to help lighten the load that your spouse may be carrying.

I'm Dreaming of a Book!

Picture Courtesy of robinreads.com

Do you dream of books and having your own huge library someday?  For this totally free date (well, unless you succumb and buy a book), head over to your favorite bookstore.  It might be this one, or this one…and spend the evening reading and dreaming of the books you will someday have in your home library.  It doesn’t cost anything to dream! 

Your Relationship Reconnection Tip:

Try and find your favorite childhood book and read it to your spouse.  Why was it your favorite?  What memories does it bring back?  Talk about it and remember the good old days of childhood.  Talk about what books you would love to have in your very own home library. 

Drive In Movie With a Twist

Do you have one of the fancy cars with an entertainment system in it?  Perhaps you have an SUV… Pick out your favorite movie, put the kids to bed, and head to the movies.  Only don’t leave your driveway/garage.  Pop some popcorn and put your favorite drink on ice.  Then grab lots of pillows so you are comfy, put all the seats down in the car so there’s lounging room and have yourself a fun movie night.  Be sure it is complete with lots of snuggling.  Try picking your favorite comedy so there is lots of laughing.  Laughing is good for the soul.

Don’t have a car with the entertainment system?  Then use your laptop!  Or Netflix on your tablet. 

Your R & R (Relationship Reconnection) Tip:

Sometimes we forgot how powerful the human touch can be.  So for this date make sure there is lots of snuggling going on.  Hold hands, make out a little bit.  Reconnect with touch.  After the movie is over talk about movies you saw while you were dating.  Reminisce while you are holding hands and looking at each other. 

Progressive Dinner

Do you have your favorite places to eat?  Would you like to do them all in one evening?  Grab your sweetheart and plan the route.  First stop is for appetizers; next stop is main course, and finish off with dessert.  You can go as inexpensive or elaborate as your budget will allow. 

Do you need ideas of places to go? Check these out: Lankford Grocery, Sparkles Hamburger Spot, and House of Pies. 

Your R & R (Relationship Reconnection) Tip:

Before leaving on the date, as you are in the planning stage, find out from each other (if you don’t know already) their 3 favorite appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.  Then when you get to the venue, order for each other – one of those 3 favorites.  Be sure to share!  While you are eating talk about where in the world you would go for your favorite food.  The sky is the limit!  Anywhere ~ any country. 

Let's Go Ride a Bike

Who doesn’t like going for a bike ride?  For this date, load up your bikes and head over to Buffalo Bayou Park.   The Sandy Reed Memorial Trail has miles of trails located on both sides of the bayou.  Here is a link to the trail guide in case you want to plan out your route before you go.  You can also find the guide on the app store! Be sure to pack a picnic and take with you!  You will get hungry with all that riding.

Your R & R (Relationship Reconnection) Tip:

All too often we fail to live in the moment.  Our minds are thinking about anything but what we are doing in the present time.  So tonight be in the moment.  Talk about what you are feeling ~ do you feel the wind on your face?  Talk about what you see that is beautiful.  Do you see wildlife?  Talk about it.  Do your legs hurt from cycling?  How are you feeling about your spouse as you ride alongside each other?  Connect in the moment! Be totally present during your date.

Fall in Love

Fall is just around the corner! Fall is my favorite season. I think it is the perfect precursor for Christmas. This autumn season, take your spouse out and enjoy the colors of fall. There are several parks and hiking trials that can show the lovely color changes of fall. Find your favorite park or trail (which ever you prefer) with your spouse and go for a stroll around the park while looking at the beautiful site.

One of the most accessible hiking trials in Houston is Terry Hershey Park. This park has a pathed 12.5 mile trial for biking or hiking. If you are like me who can only handle maybe a mile, just turn around on the path and walk back.

http://terryhersheypark.org/ - This Link will give you updated information on what the weather is like and the conditions of the trial.

Relationship Reconnection:

As you are enjoying the beautiful colors of fall, try to focus on understanding your Spouse. There are several ways that this can be done, But a fun way is to play the 20 questions game. How does this work? Simple! Ask each other 20 questions about dreams, aspirations. You may ask personal questions, or not so personal. You may think you know everything about your spouse. But, this can give you the opportunity to understand your spouse and learn something new. 

Houston Rodeo Date Night

Photo Courtesy of RodeoHouston.com 

Have you ever been to a rodeo? For this date night, immerse yourself in some cowboy culture and check out the Houston Rodeo. While there may not be an actual rodeo going on every week, they typically have some kind of cowboy fun going on. Check out their website for specific dates and events: http://www.rodeohouston.com/home.aspx

If you’re okay spending some money there, indulge in some rodeo treats to snack on. Pick a “favorite” competitor and cheer like you totally know what’s going on!!

Relationship Reconnection:

After the event ask each other questions about what kinds of childhood dreams you had. Did either of you ever dream of being a bull rider? A farmer, astronaut, or sports player? Don't interrupt or try to "one up" each other, rather, enjoy the time you have to listen to what used to be really important to your spouse. Ask questions about why they wanted that and if they had a plan for achieving it, even if the plan wasn't very realistic.