If you are out and about this past week, it will take a lot of resilience to not be carried away or affected by all the pink and red hearts, the flowers, the chocolate and candy in pretty pretty heart-shaped boxes wrapped in red ribbons tied into perfect little bows, the flowery typeface all over shop windows and billboards. On my way home on Friday evening, the second I stepped in the train station, I sensed the collective nervous energy from the crowd. People were swarming in front of the Fannie May counter, all of them men. The same with the flower stand. As I walked through the train to find an empty seat, I saw many, men, awkwardly trying to keep the flower bouquets upright and in check.
I have to confess: With all the talk of “Bah Humbug! I don’t care about Valentine’s Day. Won’t people please shut up about it already?” my heart was caught in my throat and tears began emanating from behind my eyes, stinging them, when I settled into a seat and noticed a balding middle-aged man in a pedestrian outfit in front of me holding a lovely rose bouquet.
Luckily for me, it so happened that on the same day, I discovered at the CVS right outside the train station one of the best inventions known to women, especially commuting women, Juice Box Wines. I was also not without a box of chocolate in my possession because Mr. Monk, my 8-year-old, had asked me that morning, “Mommy, would you give me a box of chocolate for Valentine’s Day?”
.
.
.
.
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I was disappointed when I asked, half jokingly [ONLY half!], The Husband before he left for his month-long trip abroad, “So, you are going to send me flowers right?”
“Are you crazy? That’s a total waste of money!” He said, NOT joking at all. “They are expensive and they won’t survive longer than a week.”
Fine. I knew I was not married to Mr. Romantic when I entered the deal, and I tend to agree that flowers ARE expensive and impractical. [It just seems easier to tell myself that.]
Isn't she sexy?!
To be honest, I am kind of relieved that once again he’s not here for Valentine’s Day. I would have been the person that planned everything and stressed myself out. Without expectations, there will be no disappointment.
His absence makes it a non-event and I get to do whatever I want: So I decided to ignore it but not before I went and got myself a Valentine’s Day present, and The Husband was more than happy to take the credit: “See? Isn’t that an awesome Valentine’s Day present? Much better than flowers?” I had to agree.
All’s well that ends well.
I know this is an old post, but….
JUICE BOX WINES?!?
…the world outside of Utah is so much better. It’s like you have color and butterflies and science; and we’re still in black and white with flies and fake magic because some moron from two hundred years ago pulled a Ron Hubbard in New York.
GamerDarling recently posted…I’m not always the funny one…
This totally made me want to ship you a box of juicebox wine right now! I am serious! Off to research the possible options now.
Alas, I found this: “Direct shipment to consumers is not allowed regardless of where the order is made. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Utah. If you live in Maryland or Utah, be aware that it is a felony for wine to be shipped to consumers. Residents who purchase wine to be shipped directly to them can be considered “bootleggers.”
A felony?! Wow. You’re not kidding about the whole “Pleasantville” thing going on… {{{hugs}}}
That’s so sweet of you! Unfortunately it’s actually illegal to ship alcohol to Utah. We have to special order it, by the case, from our liquor stores.
Otherwise we might get beer with more alcohol in it than Listerine, and who knows what would come from that? Oh wait…everywhere else in the world. lol
GamerDarling recently posted…I’m not always the funny one…
lol, totally didn’t see your second post…Thanks for the hugs. I’ll just pick up a bottle of my favorite plum wine this weekend and toast to you for the thought.
GamerDarling recently posted…I’m not always the funny one…
Yes, a better gift but not the point really, is it? You know, this is one of the few V.Day posts i knew would be safe to read. 🙂
(And juice box wines! Wish we had those here!)
secret agent woman recently posted…Hallmark- go home
Sorry about hubby being out of town…have fun with your new camera!
Hugs,
Wendy
writerwoman61 recently posted…Talking to Strangers for Fun and Profit…
I got to pick up mother fucking Applebee’s curbside to go tonight. Umm, and my husband IS the romantic type. WTF??!! Not really sure what is going on here…….
Rite Aid does not have juice box wine…….I haven’t made it to a CVS yet. It will happen. I will party like a 4 year old if it kills me damnit!!
Wicked Shawn recently posted…Analyze This……which is probably copyrighted or trademarked or whatev…
Juicebox wine — drank some in a mini-van at my grandma’s funeral a few years ago. It was perfect. Good to know it works just as well for Valentines. : )
One of my students asked what my husband does for me for Valentine’s Day. I just laughed and said, “We’re MARRIED. There is no Valentine’s Day.” That poor girl probably took a vow right then to never get married.
Andrea recently posted…More Human Than Human
I’m wearing red socks , does that count as festive enough to be celebrating the holiday?
I ask for sexual favors and a snickers bar usually but I’ve got to tell you that I’m all hot and bothered over that Lumix! Can I have a go when you are done with her?
Happy Valentines day!
dufmanno recently posted…The Confirmation Reception Made Me Feel Bleak
happy valentines day, shuga! pass the juice box wine!
also, that camera is absolutely salacious. in a totally good way.
pattypunker recently posted…voices in my head
You didn’t tell me you were married to my husband! Sigh. Same thing on Christmas… and my birthday. At least I spoil myself whenever I get the urge! Where can I send you chocolates?
🙂
Wooo Chocolate! :-0
Happy Valentine’s Day with or without the followers, m’lady! SHOPPING FTW!