obligatory valentine’s post

Now, like many out there, I don’t necessarily believe that today, Valentine’s Day, is actually a day worth celebrating. I too believe that it is a day that was created by the greeting card companies and the florists of the world, in an effort to foster a great first quarter profit margin. I do believe that the hype of the cards, the balloons, the flowers, the candy, and the plush bees with the words “beeee mine” embroidered on their asses is a little too much. But, let us not forget that Valentine’s is good for one thing; being on the receiving end of any and or all of that shit makes you feel good.

Getting the box of chocolates when you are obviously on a diet (hello Abs diet!, day nine, for those of you counting!), getting flowers that will surely not live past next week at this time, and having tons of those little conversation hearts everywhere (like in between the seats in your car), is just part of the “celebration”. Having your partner (or lov-er, as today is all about love, right?) scrounge through the mob of people frantically trying to secure that last box of He-Man and She-Ra Valentine’s cards for little Suzie’s class at 9pm on the Monday before Valentine’s, just to piece together some semblance a card, some candies, and a toy you never want to see in your house the day after Valentine’s, is all worth it. It is all worth the feeling that overcomes each of you as you exchange your candies and whatnot’s, and you feel, well, in love. But you were in love yesterday, and will be in love tomorrow… so you don’t necessarily need this day to affirm that through treats and goodies; but it sure as hell feels nice.

Well, despite my “silent” protest on the commercialization of yet another day in the year to make money, and make other people feel bad; this year, I kind of went a little overboard in Valentine’s department, let me explain.

I normally don’t buy into all that Valentine’s stuff (as I mentioned sarcastically before), but I participate because I do have someone that I love, that fortunately loves me back. I know that for many people this day is a horrible reminder of their single status; but I don’t think that people should let it be that way. Remember, the only good thing about it, is getting shit, right? Well, if you don’t have a “Valentine”, then go buy yourself some shit, and all will be better! But I digress…

This year, I apparently was on a Valentine’s mission. Here’s what I got for James: 4 tickets the Atlanta Thrashers (the Valentine’s special, how sweet!) because he loves the hockey; a Northface fleece vest (see, I don’t just buy for me!); and a goodie bag of treats and sweets (but also some razor cartridges, because I have to be practical). Now I know what you are thinking; but duane, you don’t buy into Valentine’s and what it “means”; what the hell happened? Are you converting? Are you going to the dark side of commercialism? In one word; Nope. Plain and simple, I saw an opportunity to do something nice for my man, and I did; Valentine’s or not. And I honestly mean that. We are not even going to be together tonight because he will be coaching a soccer game until 10; and that doesn’t even bother us one bit… why should it? I knew that stuff would make him happy, and it did; and we get to go to 4 Thrashers games, and enjoy the happiness, for at least 4 more days in the near future.

AND….!!!!!

By getting him something super nice, and telling him it was all super nice BEFORE he even knew what it was, he would have to buy me these:

(UPDATE: As promised, here is the better picture of my pair of Bose headphones.)

and this:

Let me just state for the record, that orchids are the best flowers ever. EVER. And, they look like aliens when shot in macro.

So a big “Happy Valentine’s” everyone… I hope that you too get cool shit; either from your lov-er, or from yourself. Either way, just have a kick ass Tuesday.