My husband and I recently celebrated our ten year anniversary. It’s crazy how much time flies. It seems like we got married just yesterday. If you asked me ten years ago how we’d celebrate it, I’d probably say that we’d renew our vows in Jamaica, go on a trip to Europe, or something else grand. But, to be honest, this year we really didn’t have anything planned. Between the kids, work, school, and maintaining our household, we’ve just been too busy to plan anything. However, when my hubby casually mentioned that actor/comedian Dave Chapelle would be performing at Radio City Music Hall, I asked him to get tickets. After all, it was our anniversary. We rarely go anywhere without the kids and we were well overdue for a date night.
He researched tickets online, which didn’t come cheap. Before I could say “fuggetabboutit,” he reminded me that there may be some surprise performances too. “Kanye performed the other night,” he said. Hey, what have we got to lose? You only live once, right? We copped tickets in the orchestra section hoping we’d get our money’s worth. Ma dukes agreed to watch the kids, and we were set.
The show didn’t start until eight. So, we decided to grab brunch in the afternoon.
By the time we headed back from the restaurant, it was time to hit the road for the show. We wanted to get there early in case we had to wait on line. As it turned out, the line was ridiculous! Thankfully, we had minutes to spare and took a few photos.
Once we entered the auditorium, it was on and poppin’. Dj trauma was on the ones and twos hypin’ up the crowd. The show was a bit late in getting started, but I didn’t think anyone noticed. People were dancing and having a great time.
It was about 8:30 when comedian Donnell Rawlings (aka Ashy Larry) took center stage. His racially charged jokes got the audience warmed up. But, the GNC’s “dontcha want to get ripped” jokes was what made everyone crack up. I laughed so hard, I cried.
A half hour later Dave Chappelle graced the stage. From where we were seated, he didn’t appear to be the same skinny comedian I remember from back in the day. Chappelle looked way more ripped. His jokes mainly centered around current events and living in Ohio. He had us all in stitches, especially the bit about eating his kids’ school lunches. I couldn’t stop laughing.
We were told no cell phones or cameras. But, that went out the door when the duo, Black Star, performed. No one saw it coming! It quickly went from comedy show to hip hop concert when Mos Def sang “Umi Says.” When Talib kweli performed, “Get By,” I really got in the groove. My hubby did his ‘I’m too cool to dance head nod” and fist in the air, while I let loose.
It was so nice to have some alone time. We didn’t arrive home with the kids until about 1AM.
Even though we didn’t get to take our trip to the Caribbean or Europe, this night was just as great. As far as renewing our vows, that’s still one of our goals. We may do it for our 15 or 20 year anniversary.
Oh dear Stace, I am on the bus heading to my moms, and I was so engrossed in your story about your anniversary. Honey, it matters not about the expensive trips you might want to take to complete your anniversary celebrations, all that matters is that you two spend some well-deserved quality time. And it sounds like you did just that. I’m happy you two made the best of it, kids excluded. I felt like I was right there throwing my hands in the air with you and hubby. Thanks for indulging us, and continue to make that man proud and vice versa. Happy anniversary love! !!
Happy belated anniversary! Would’ve loved to see Dave – I miss him so much.
You and Mr. Lovebird would have enjoyed it!