CHILL OUT, WITH XBOX AND MOM

May 8, 2008 12:12 am

MAN WISDOM No. 42: It's Thursday before Mother's Day: Put your mother's card in the mail today! (Just lookin' out for ya, kids.)

Two months ago I turned 30, and last week I celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary. I have come to terms with growing up. Growing up is nothing more than accepting responsibility.

You accept that you will be doing more of the things you don't want to do because they have to get done. (Plus, let's be honest: Doing the things that need to get done keeps you in the good graces of your significant other--at least generally.)

Finding time to play video games and finding time to hang out with friends become harder as we age. This Friday night, I get a chance to do both. About every three months or so, my best friends and I get on XBox 360 and play games together.

When you have XBox Live, you have a headset that allows you to talk to the other players in your party. Friday we are going back and playing "Halo 3." There are about seven of us from Roanoke College that get on and play. The problem is making sure we all have the same game--and making sure we won't get in trouble with our wives.

I'm sure my wife would rather have me at home playing games with my friends than out doing other things that we did in college.

Saturday is another fun-filled day of man jobs. My wife has to work, and I will be cutting the grass, edging the walkway and cleaning the carpet. I can't wait. Yeah. What I am looking forward to, though, is our plan for Saturday night.

First we are going to go to head down to Richmond and see the "Grand Canyon Adventure" on the IMAX Dome at the Science Museum of Virginia. (smv.org for details)

"Grand Canyon Adventure" takes you on a thrilling whitewater ride down the Colorado River. My wife and I are going white water rafting in June, so I want her to get a good taste of what it will be like.

I just hope she doesn't get turned off to the whole idea. I already paid the deposit.

After the hour-long movie, we are going to a great restaurant called Havana 59. My wife likes it because it has the best mojitos this side of the border. I like it because I can take a nice cigar, sit at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere. The walls on the front are garage doors that slide up to let the breeze in. It's a great place to eat and chill out for a while.

Fredericksburg is in a good spot: Not only do we live in a bustling area with a variety of ways to spend your time and money, but we are only an hour away from two capital cities. Richmond often gets overlooked, but it has some outstanding places to eat, plus incredible music and entertainment venues.

Sunday is Mother's Day. My wife and I are taking my mother-in-law out to eat at a nice restaurant (three cheers for income tax returns). We want a place where the booths are private and the food is great. There are a number of great options in town and in Central Park.

This Mother's Day, let your mom know how much she means to you. I owe the world to my parents, but a heartfelt "thank you" will have to do the trick until I win the lottery.

Don't forget to show your love to the mother in your life. Or to give a toast to her if she's gone.

Have a fun and safe weekend.

Chris Keyser is a resident of Spotsylvania.