Anybody? Bueller?

Current mood: blah

First, am I the only person who accidentally gags herself with the toothbrush? I did it this morning and got all teary-eyed and fought back the urge to lose my breakfast. Kept it, don't worry. But still… urgh...

Second, speaking of gagging…

V-Day.

No, I'm not anti-Valentine's Day. In fact, in years past I have very much enjoyed the fun of coming up with something clever and creative to give. For the past several years, I've not dated anyone… so no big loss at Valentine's Day. But this being the first year I was motivated to start dating again… well, I guess I'm sort of missing the fun. L

I've never been one to find myself down the shopping aisle with stupid heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or silly teddy bears holding roses. I've always preferred something original… and not mushy, cheesy. Something fun. Something to make you laugh. A little giggle.

But this year... well, aside from Beau… ya know?

Tonight I went to Publix for a few grocery items and I watched people checking out with those goofy teddy bears and boxes of chocolates. Every man in the place had a hand full of flowers (mostly lame carnations) wrapped in dumb crinkly cellophane.

And I actually found myself feeling a little sad. A little jealous of the ladies who might be receiving those crappy chocolates and cheap flowers.

For the tiniest of moments, I even considered purchasing flowers to put on my dining table. I mean, a girl is supposed to have flowers for V-Day, right? Even if they aren't gerber daisies. Even idiotic carnations dipped in blue dye are better than nada. I guess. I didn't buy them, though.

Today at work, a friend asked me what the best Valentine's Day gift I ever received was. Do you know… I did not have a good answer. I thought back… and thought back… and thought back some more. I couldn't come up with anything. I've always been a giver. Even if it's just for fun with friends… I'm always the person giving. But as for receiving… not so much. Even when I've had someone for V-Day, it's been standard gifts.

It's always been my preference. I'd much rather be the person giving. It's a bit awkward to receive a gift. But still, just once... ya know?

And I guess I don't consider standard to be deserving of the "best gift" title that my friend was asking for. Now by that I don't mean that I want diamonds… but instead something that says you thought about who I am and what I like. That's what makes it great. If you know I like pigs, then take me to a petting zoo. If you know I like gerber daisies, then give me a single gerber. If you know my favorite song, then find me the sheet music so I can learn to play it. Anything that says you put a little thought into it.

One year a girlfriend bought tickets for the two of us to see a concert. Maybe that was the best V-Day gift I ever received. I mean, she thought of me. She knew I'd like the concert.

Even in third grade... I never went for the plain boring cards that the teacher makes you give to everyone in your homeroom. I went for the kind you put suckers in and I added personalized stickers to the back. Everyone always got one from me (even Jason who picked his nose). To this day, I will never forget however that Jason never gave me one. The bum. Not even the silly squirrel one that said "Nuts about you" or the one with the fish that said "Best fishes this Valentine's Day." I mean, those are neutral enough, right?

Am I totally wollering or what?

And tomorrow at work, I have planned to have every employee receive a rose and a box of chocolates when they come into work (in the stupid heart-shaped box no less).

Yep, definitely wollering.

Ergh – tell me I'm not alone with my thoughts here! Others must feel the same. Anybody? Bueller?