Christmas Gift

I am sure other wives have the same problem: finding the perfect Christmas gift for your husband. The first few Christmasses you are still full of brilliant ideas but after spending 5 or 10 or 15 years together you are starting to run out.

4 weeks before Christmas I was getting pretty desperate. I had some ideas for gifts. They would have been nice gifts, the ones you unpack and like but nothing really earth shattering. And I really wanted to get husband something special!

3 weeks before Christmas I started to panic. I really didn't want to get him another guitar! I mean, how many guitars does one guy need? (And no, I don't believe him when he says guys and guitars are like girls and purses. You can never have enough...)

2 weeks before Christmas I stumbled upon the perfect surprise: The Richard Petty Driving Experience!

I booked the rookie experience which includes a class, a coach, a track and your husband driving a Nascar as fast as possible.

I had found the gift that husband wanted but he didn't know yet he wanted! I was brilliant! Thank you Mr. Petty!!!

On January 2nd we made our way up to Orlando, Disney World Speedway. Husband was very excited and I was prepared with magazines, sushi and chocolate. I figured I could occupy myself on a picnic bench somewhere while he did whatever racecar drivers do.

I never got to reading my magazines that afternoon. To my utter surprise it was a very fun time, even for me! The employees at the track were incredibly patient and enthusiastic and managed to integrate the family members as well. In Orlando the visitors can stand directly next to the track and it is kind of amazing watching those cars fly past you, engines roaring. I did try to take pictures of husband in action but no such luck...he was really flying.

When he got out of the car (through the window) he looked at me and said: "That was the best Christmas gift I have ever gotten!"

11 more months to come up with another one...