A few days before Valentine's Day, my Mr. Handsome confessed to me that he hates Valentine's Day--that it makes him have anxiety/panic attacks.
What!? Can you repeat that sir?
My Mr. Calm, Cool and Collected having a panic attack over something as easy as picking up flowers on your way home from work and bonus points if you got a small gift, too? He reassured me that I had never personally made him feel any extra pressure on V-day--I don't consider myself high maintenance, but I do like the day to be acknowledged--he said it was just cultural pressures. But as we were discussing this I happened to have a pad of paper and pen in hand so I had some fun making him a list of Valentine's Do's and Don't's. He seemed open to the idea so I DO like to be helpful!
My spontaneous and un-thought through list said this:
"Rules for Valentine's Day"
1. Get me a gift.
2. It should be a surprise!
3. It may not plug in
4. It should be something girly or pretty -- you know, to say I'm your wife
5. Write a note to go with it
Next we had a quiz:
Circle the one that is more favorable:
toaster vs. jewelry
telephone vs. perfume
potted plants vs. flowers
(We laughed as he has given me all the things on the left before--I think we laughed,
and not just me right?
and not just me right?
We laughed, we laughed for sure!)
Then came the don'ts. . .NOT GOOD:
Red roses
Stuffed animals
Cheap, waxy chocolates
He did not know that I don't care for red roses. I mean I won't complain if my sweet heart randomly brings me home red roses, but they're kind of cliche for Valentine's Day, right? He must have forgotten seeing as how I know I've told him that a dozen time; I don't hold this against him as he forgets whenever I'm mean, moody or neglectful, too. Also he rarely complains about the ridiculous sock situation we have in our house, so how can I get mad that he doesn't know I think Red Roses show no originality? And does any woman actually like having an additional stuffed animal in their house? Maybe its just me, but I don't get the stuffed animals. What are the marketers thinking?
The Mr. looked genuinely relieved to see my Valentine's Day thoughts committed to paper and asked if he could keep the "Rules" list. Ha! More laughter!
When we actually got to Valentine's Day, I was BUSY. We ran all over the place doing this and that and then came home and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned, cooked and cooked. The little ones and I delivered Valentines to the lovely ladies I visit teach-- (oh, these were cute gifts! Certainly shoulda taken a picture of them. Red silicone spatulas with a cute little tag saying "Hope you whip up some extra love this Valentine's Day"-- and another one that was a glass picture filled with oranges, the tag read: "For the lady who's so talented at pouring on extra love and sweetness". Yes, should have snapped a photo of those, but I was far too busy to think of that. I was a little shocked and amazed that I came up with these ideas without copying them from somebody else's blog!) So I was all wrapped up in making it a great day for the kids/family. Each child was to receive a little something (that they already) needed--notebooks for one, gym shorts for another, etc. Since Valentines fell on a Monday and all would be home, I wanted the evening to be a fun, cute sit down dinner. On the menu: chicken paillard, spinach salad, sweet steamed carrots-mmmmmm-- and beet juice colored fettuccine Alfredo to make us officially Valentine-y. Then the Professor made us some home-made Strawberry Lemonade. Soooo yummmy!!
And I was having so much fun getting things all together that when Mr. Handsome walked in the door I was surprised--genuinely shocked--that he came home with a beautiful bouquet of flower and a gift from my favorite store (yes Anthro--how can you not love that store!?) Of course I laughed and oohhed and ahhed. My husband had walked into an Anthropologie without me!? He had done very well and I was proud of him for acknowledging the day (a day most men just wish was like every other day, I'm sure!) I didn't even care what was in the bag, just knowing he'd gone in there and tried to find me something I would like felt very meaningful. (p.s. it was a gorgeous scented candle and a cute note pad--good job, right!?)
So we had a wonderful sweet day. I'm still a little bit high just thinking about it!
Valentine, I think you walk on water
xoxo
6 comments:
I agree V-day is not hard, but maybe I should make some rules for Trav as well because he doesn't entirely get it either! I'm loving the red you switched to this year, very festive. Looks like a lovely time was had by all!
A DOR ABLE
When I get to heaven, my life will be like yours :)
Love the list of rules! And the movie (Brian really likes that one too. It's Mr. Collins. He even quotes it every time we have potatoes, "such an exemplary vegetable!")
Well done Mr. Handsome, or should I say Captain Handsome! I would say you are a true leader of men on the big V day! And I especially love your personal Valentine to the Mr. Very cute!
So jealous! :-)
Wow! Your Valentine table and dinner looked wonderful. I am sure all your family members enjoyed their presents too. Some of us don't have any rules, we're just glad to be remembered, even if it was with long stemmed red roses!
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