The Perfect Night

3 posted on June 3, 2008
POSTED IN: Authenticity, Family


Last night will stand out in my memory as one of the most perfect nights ever. It’s those kind of nights that remind me why I need to get away on vacation and let the cares and worries of life fade away.

The funny thing is that, as often happens in my life, last night would not have happened without Lisa taking the initiative.

Around 6:30 the power went out at the beach house we’re staying at in North Carolina. A neighbor told us that they saw sparks from the transformer in front of the house so we knew that we were going to be without power for a few hours at least.

Lisa said, “Let’s get some blankets and pillows and lay out on the deck” to which I replied in typical man fashion, “I don’t know. The deck is kinda hard and it’s going to be uncomfortable.”

She brought the blankets and pillows out anyway and I finally agreed to lay down “for a few minutes.” That set the stage for one of the most relaxing, perfect nights I can remember.

We laid down looking up at clear sky filled with thousands of stars while the breeze blew gently in from the ocean and sound of the waves washing up on the beach washed away all my stress. We ended up staying out on the deck for hours just watching the stars, sipping my Scotch and enjoying a cigar. Of course one thing led to another and…[censored] :-)

Here are the ingredients that helped make last night perfect:

  • Stars – last night’s sky was so amazing clear. I don’t remember the last time I just laid out and looked up at the sky. It really helps remind you how small you are and how big God is.
  • 12 Year old Single Malt Scotch – this Scotch is amazingly smooth with a clean finish. Nothing says vacation like sipping a good scotch on the deck overlooking the ocean.
  • Cameroon Beso Cigar – A great cigar that paired nicely with the Scotch. I tend to reserve cigars for special relaxing times and last night was definitely one of those times.
  • The Soundtrack - Music helps to set a mood and nothing goes with laying out under the stars by the ocean better than The Album Leaf, Iron & Wine, Bryan Karas and Sleeping at Last.

So there you have it. I would say “I wish you could have been there” but I really don’t. That’s what made it special. Just me, my beautiful wife and the stars.

What’s the most perfect moment you’ve shared with someone?
Was it planned or did it just happen?
What made it special?

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 10:28 am and is filed under Authenticity, Family. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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  1. Visit My Website

    June 3, 2008

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    1 Clayton Bell said:

    Holy crap. This post is coming close to NSFW zone!

    :-)

    Clayton Bells last blog post..Church vs. Football



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    2 Emily said:

    Um, yeah, my face got a little red reading this post. I admit it. I’m SO mature.

    Perfect moment: When I lived in Australia and was unbearably homesick, my friend Lyle and I used to meet in Sydney on Saturdays. We were broke (50 bucks a week and a return train was 30). On one particular Saturday, we neither one had a dime so we wandered to Darling Harbour. I pulled a sheet and a book out of my bag. He had a book, too, so we spent the afternoon on the grass reading and feeling like we were home for a bit. One big ocean away from perfect.

    Emilys last blog post..Ragamuffin Top



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    3 nate said:

    mmmmmm…single malt. I used to work at a bar. Single malt is the most under appreciated liquor by folks my age who would rather whoop it up over a glass of jager and redbull. blahh. Have you ever tried the Old Pulteney 21 year?
    I haven’t enjoyed the stuff since I procreated myself into extreme fiscal prudishness.

    nates last blog post..Aimee Allen for Ron Paul



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    4 Jonathan said:

    It’s all that alone time with my wife that has left me with 3 kids in 5 years! Be Careful!

    I have a special 10 year anniversary trip planned next week with the wife; and the whole intent of the trip is to just be together. I have no agenda, and no itinerary; just her and me.

    Jonathans last blog post..Dear Parents



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    5 Brad Ruggles said:

    For crying out loud. That one line in my blog has already sparked some discussion with my wife and friends. Seriously? I guess it would be better if I pretended that kind of stuff never happened, huh? :-)

    Nate – I haven’t tried the Pulteney 21 yet but I’m sure it’s awesome. By the way, classic line “since I procreated myself into extreme fiscal prudishness”…I love it!

    Jonathan – Yes, that kind of activity can lead to those type of results. In my case that would be medically unlikely as I took measures to ensure we’re done in that department (or is that TMI for web too?)

    - Brad



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    6 Nate said:

    wow, that was the raciest post i’ve read…ever.
    lol.
    i’ve never had a cigar, though i’ve wanted to try, and i’m not sure it would lead to one of those moments with my wife…

    i’ve had some incredible moments i’ve shared, and the best ones are usually unplanned. when i get to forget about time, plans (which i love) and the agendas, and just sit and relax and enjoy God and that person.

    Nates last blog post..Positive Post Tuesday: James



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    June 3, 2008

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    7 CJ Mills said:

    Sleeping At Last is baby making music…FO SHO

    CJ Mills // http://www.visualtrademark.com

    CJ Millss last blog post..2008 Hilton Head Vacation Highlight Video



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    8 April said:

    Well, it sounded nice until the cigar smoke. :P That doesn’t sound as kissing friendly….



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    9 Laura Carney said:

    Ochos Rios, Jamaica…On a huge catamoran with just Dan, the crew, and one other couple…laying in the net of the boat…Jamaican rum punch…PERFECT temperature…rising and falling with the net, feeling the spray of the ocean. I have NEVER been more relaxed, never had a more perfect day. I agree, I wanted everyone I knew to be able to experience that moment, but I was glad they weren’t there :)

    Laura Carneys last blog post..Favorite Summer Smell…



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    June 3, 2008

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    10 Brook said:

    I agree with CJ on the Sleeping at Last bit… And, with my two year anniversary today, I might have to dig me up a cigar and sit out under the stars….except it’s supposed to rain… Bummer.

    Brooks last blog post..oh my…



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    June 3, 2008

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    11 sTim said:

    Oh Brad, if you’re going to continue to insist on the cigars and subjecting yourself and your wife to cancer, at least tell me you don’t do it around your kids. Please?



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    12 Paul Lea said:

    Cancer? Highly unlikely when you only do it a couple times a year on special occasions. The additives in the food we eat are more likely to kill you.
    Brad, sounds like a nice night. I to enjoy a good cigar once, maybe twice a year with a nice scotch (Macallan 18, personal favorite) and when I do, it may be around the wife and kids. When done in moderation, I feel it sets a good example of how to occasionally enjoy something perfectly legal without getting stupid.



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    13 Pete Wilson said:

    Nice! Can I join you guys tonite?

    Pete Wilsons last blog post..It Could Be Worse!



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    14 Jason Ruggles said:

    Brad, do you have any business socks?



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    June 3, 2008

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    15 Brad Ruggles said:

    Tim – No, not around the kids. More about this topic in future posts.

    Pete – sorry dude, not into that. ;-)

    Jason – YES! It’s business time.

    - Brad



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    16 Adam Garland said:

    I just found your blog from Chris’ website. I’m jealous of his trip to England as well.

    Dude I’m listening to Iron & Wine and Bryan Karas.

    What’s your favorite Iron & Wine album? Woman King, Our Endless Numbered Days, or The Shepard’s Dog?

    Adam Garland | adamwgarland.blogspot.com

    Adam Garlands last blog post..Sumersongs



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    June 3, 2008

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    17 inWorship said:

    Dude, Scotch and cigars!

    I so need to hang out with you :)

    inWorships last blog post..Update…Fish Camp 08′



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    18 Pete Wilson said:

    OK, I should probably clarify. I was talking about the stars and cigar… not the other! :)

    Pete Wilsons last blog post..It Could Be Worse!



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    June 3, 2008

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    19 Dale Best said:

    I believe I’ve found a man-crush. Can I hang out with you?



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    20 CJ Mills said:

    @Dale – if you do hang out with Brad, make sure the power stays on, there is no Sleeping At Last music in the background and he doesn’t break out the scotch…if all three happen – RUN FOR YOUR DEAR LIFE!

    CJ Mills // http://www.visualtrademark.com

    CJ Millss last blog post..Little Victories – Bottle Feedings



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    21 Brad Ruggles said:

    Adam – My personal favorite is Endless Numbered Days although most of his stuff is good. Make sure you also get his cover of “Such Great Heights” from the Garden State Soundtrack.

    inWorship & Dale – Just let me know when you’re in the area and I’ll break out the scotch and stogies

    Pete – Thanks for the clarification! :-)

    CJ – You crack me up dude! lol



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    22 Adam Garland said:

    I already got the cover. It’s awesomesauce.

    I think Endless Days Is my favorite but Woman King is really good.

    Adam Garlands last blog post..More Summersongs



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    June 4, 2008

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    23 Laura Carney said:

    Thanks Brad! My blog is maybe just “cute” next to your totally tech-savvy, professional level one! But it’s fun and keeps me sane with a two year old!

    Laura Carneys last blog post..Favorite Summer Smell…



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    June 4, 2008

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    24 Blake said:

    You might need to add a little Explosions In The Sky to that list of good “outside together (without Pete Wilson) music”.

    Blakes last blog post..Professional Development Meme



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    June 5, 2008

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    25 Clayton Bell said:

    This post has taken on a life of it’s own. Glad to see you rejected Pete’s offer. Maybe that’s how they roll in Nash-Vegas.



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    June 6, 2008

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    26 Brad Ruggles said:

    Blake – AWESOME recommendation! Thanks!

    Clayton – yeah, didn’t expect this to be that popular of a post really. And Pete’s offer wasn’t that tempting. He’s a nice guy and all but my wife is WAY hotter! ;-)



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    June 19, 2008

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    27 Devon Groner said:

    Wow dude.. super happy for you guys, but I won’t be able to sleep tonight. Thanks.. lol.

    Devon Groners last blog post..If I Could Part II



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    July 23, 2008

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    28 » 10 Blogging Terms You Should Know and Use – BradRuggles.com said:

    [...] hop” be sure to read enough of the post before leaving a comment or you could wind up commenting out of context (you know who you [...]



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