I love valentines day. I don't expect or really want (note: emphasis on "really" ) want an expensive gift. I love flowers, and love getting them... and have told that to my dear sweet Russell. Nothing big, nothing fancy... just some pretty posies to brighten up my space!
So he's in a pickle, every single year. He despises the commercialism and marketing that's taken over Christmas, and feels that the floral and greeting card industry has created Sweetest Day just to separate poor men from the precious monies... (for those of you who know Russell, can't you just "hear" him say that???)
His thoughts about Valentines Day are similar. Yet he is a romantic... and set the bar high years ago, by baking me a heart shaped cake, bring me flowers all the time, getting me cute little baubles... including a stained glass heart....
Every morning, on the way to work, we listen to Bob & Tom. They have been promoting Valentines Day for almost a month... at least a couple of weeks... with ad's that say "C'mon guys... don't screw up again this year.... we've got the perfect solution... Vermont Teddy Bear... or... pajama-grams...."..... Russell's reaction, of course, has been predictable....
And then, while watching tv... all the commercials from Kay jewelers, Osterman Jeweler's... Jarrod.... YUCK. He can recite each one practically verbatim.... and the cynicism continues....
So finally, the discussion rolls around to "what DO YOU WANT???"
Of course, feeling trapped and cornered, I say meekly, if you really want to get me something, a new bead for my bracelet would be wonderful. It's easy, not expensive.... etc. Knowing he's been given a reprieve, he asks, which one. Well.. I've been wanting the Katrina one..... I explain. OK... well.. go ahead and get it. Not exactly romantic, but the thought is there...
So, I'm driving around on Saturday, with my sister, shopping for our Mother's gift. My cell phone rings... it's my friend Susan. She's calling from the Hoosier Dog show in Indy. She wants to know if I want a pair of "those miraculous shoes" that we all tried on last fall.
OMG... I do... they are HEAVEN. So, I tell her sure. I quickly decide that "they" will be my valentine gift as they are rather expensive. I go home and inform Russell. He is ok with the switch cause he still has his reprieve. He does think that Susan and I are nuts for wanting these shoes, but.... OH WELL!
Valentine's Day is not just about the women. With Dr. Phil's catch phrase "It's not about YOU" ringing in my ears, I've been trying to figure out what to get for my special sassy cynical valentine. Knowing that he loves tools (I'm not allowed to by tools, because I once bought white finishing nails *2.5 inches long* to hang pictures with. I thought the white nails would look better) I decide on a gift card from Sears. And, I decide to spring for a sushi dinner. I don't care for Sushi, but Russell loves it.
My plan was to go out and get the gift card last night, while "himself" was at his Scout meeting. This meant I wouldn't cook dinner, so I told him to get something on his way home.
Well, he couldn't stand the suspense of what my secret mission was, and dragged it out of me. He then told me that he'd rather have a card from Loews..... cause he wants to build a workbench. Fine. Loews it is. And, he'd rather hold off on the sushi dinner until lent. That makes sense I guess.
So, we'll go to our favorite steak house later this week. No way will we go tonight... it'll be too crazy! That's our valentines day, in a very large and wordy nutshell! Just felt the need to share!
