There was a time when it was common for me to use the phrase “once in a lifetime.” I seldom use it these days because it’s usually not true. I’d say once in a lifetime about something and then find myself doing it again in a few years. It’s one of those phrases that I’ve cut from my vocabulary.
But this past weekend has made me rethink that. There was a lot of “once in a lifetime” packed into one weekend. D’Aun and I have our friends Mark and Cathy to thank for making that possible; so thank you, Mark and Cathy!
The once in a lifetime weekend started with a visit to Disneyland with several friends. Okay, granted, that’s not a once in a lifetime experience for me. But visiting Club 33 certainly is! This is an exclusive VIP restaurant in Disneyland started by Walt himself. It is discreetly hidden in the New Orleans Square section and has become the holy grail of reservations amongst Disney aficionados. It was great fun and a good dinner (thanks, Steve, for bringing the bottle of Chateau Margaux). I’m thankful that I have friends who actually invite me to such things!
The time in Disneyland and California Adventure was a lot of fun too. D’Aun and I spent the entire next day enjoying the rides (California Screamin’ three times, Tower of Terror twice, and don’t even ask how D’Aun used our fast pass…well, ask her). We enjoyed the shows, watched the parades, and even laughed at the Disney characters. That evening we had a wonderful dinner at the Napa Rose. We seldom get “fun time” when it is just the two of us, so it was a real treat to have an uninterrupted 36-hours in Disneyland.
The next day we had a chance to visit with my college buddy Ford Munnerlyn. Again, this isn’t a once in a lifetime experience. But then again, Ford lives in Germany (where he runs a store selling theological books) and I only see him every few years. It was fun to catch up and see that he still has his Robert Redford looks.
That same day, around 5:30, we arrived at Dodger Stadium for a true once in a lifetime experience. Our friends Mark and Cathy had four tickets to the Dodger-Giant game. Not just any tickets, but tickets in the front row behind home plate. The Dugout Club, they call it. Before the game started we went below Dodger Stadium, past the players locker rooms, to a large room for a buffet dinner. Then we sat in the front row for the game. We were perhaps no more than 30′ from home plate. As a lifelong baseball fan, I loved every minute and was proud to wear my Giants hat in the front row at Dodger stadium! Best of all, it was a great game and the Giants won in the 9th inning.
So, Club 33 …. Disneyland with my high school sweetheart … a visit with an old friend … sitting behind home plate and watching the Giants beat the Dodgers …. I think this qualifies as a “once in a lifetime” weekend.
But I hope not! 🙂