Valentine's Day

February 14th strikes mortal fear and dread into my heart unlike any other. I grew up in high school dreading the day because I never had anyone to share it with and I felt so lonely (although I do remember fondly the time JC and Anne-Marie bought me a flower each as a sign of friendship. It was such a kind gesture and it warmed my heart).

More recently I've had issues with the date because I suffer from a debilitating illness called Lackitus Romanticus Bone Disease. For example, one year I thought I would be romantic and pick up some Swiss Chalet dinner for two and use a coupon for flowers on the way home from work. But, the Swiss Chalet I went to turned out to be a Pizza Hut ( I was very surprised) and the flower shop would only give my candles for the coupon and not flowers (buggers). So when Kim came home I had a couple cheap candles and pizza.

However, compared to last year pizza and candles was brilliant. Last year Kim was out of work so we agreed to not do anything for Valentine's Day. (For the record, I also sacrificed any birthday presents.) Feb 14 rolls around and Kim gives me a card and a mix CD with songs I like. I've got nothing. I mean, literally, NOTHING. I. Made. Her. Cry. To me, "not doing anything" means not doing anything!

So basically, this year I would have to physically hurt her in order to do worse than last year. Fortunately, I may be dumb but I'm not stupid. I got some gold earrings and a small teddy bear with something endearing written on a pillow it holds. And I got a card that says the right things. Perhaps I'll even remember to sign it.

For good measure, I'm getting some flowers too. Can't hurt.