Unexpected.

I had an early morning haircut appointment yesterday. I had no idea it would result in a couple of unexpected bonuses, the first of which was a ChickFilA breakfast sandwich, hashbrowns, and OJ (since I was running home between appointments, Bill and Shi were beneficiaries as well). Thanks, Vance! As I drove home, touched by the thoughtful gesture, I wished I naturally had the ability to think of what I can do for others - I seriously have a desire, but can rarely-if-ever think of the right or perfect thing to do. It's just not one of my gifts. I'm that person always saying, "Let me know what I can do to help" vs. being able to do something needed, appreciated, or just plain flat-out nice.

The second bonus: Vance sent me a link to get free movie + dinner tickets at a nearby AMC theater that had recently been remodeled. There were only a couple days left of the free offer, so I didn't really think it was going to work out with our schedules. Amazingly, I was able to get four free tickets, and both girls AND Bill were available to go.
Impromptu midweek family night. 

We were told by the employees that this particular theater was a test of a new concept for AMC.
Home theater-style seating (reclining leather chairs)
Cafe-style food, delivered to your seat
And they have a bar (we were super excited about that - cough).

We were just super happy to try it out for FREE.

We all love these drink dispensers. So many choices, so little time.
(And awesome not to have to wait in line for a refill, although necessitating more bathroom breaks.)

The seats were nice and comfy.

The food was pretty good. Not restaurant quality, but better than fast food. We thought the seat trays were a little high, making eating a little awkward, and you have to watch the movie with the tray always in front of you (I think they should be able to store in the side of the seat or something). We also thought the packaging for the food was too big and bulky. That big box Mar has in front of her (below) had a solitary panini in it. The service was a little awkward, and we didn't know where to put our garbage when we were done. Seriously, if theaters would have more trash cans, I'm pretty sure people would use them instead of the floor. Eventually one of the employees came and took our garbage.

Critique aside, it was a super fun experience. The bathrooms had been updated, and we were all impressed with the Dyson hand-drying system on the sinks. There were 6 movies to choose from (older - but you can't complain about FREE), so I had selected the latest Thor movie, which none of us had seen. In 3D (FREE).

Thanks again, Vance!

On our trip home (on a middle-of-the-week-school-night-at-10pm), this was the temp reading on our car:

Schools were going to be on a 90-minute delay the following day.

Things couldn't have worked out better.

One little more unexpected note: Mar might be a dude Guy in the school musical. I think she wants to (they had asked her what she wanted to do). It would probably mean more stage time. She said she'll be happy either way. The girly side of her wants to wear a girly dress-up costume and have bright red lips. The entertainer in her wants to have the stage time and improve her acting skills (and possibly get to wear a mustache). I'll keep you posted.