Valentine's Day 2011

Today is Valentine’s Day and while I agree that it is a day to celebrate love for one’s romantic partner, I just don’t see what all the hype is about! Call me a non-conformist but I don’t find myself getting excited over V-day as much as other holidays. Maybe I’ve gotten old and corny. But I like to think that I’ve gotten wiser and more practical. I believe that every day should be a day to show you love your partner. You don’t have to wait till Feb 14th to show someone you care. I do think that if you need one day in a year to go all out and shower someone you love with love, it should be a day that’s special to you. Like your wedding anniversary or the day you first met, something that holds meaning for your relationship, rather than a day designated by Hallmark as the day for lovers. Of course, I respect the fact that others think that Valentine’s Day is special – kudos to them – but luckily my partner, Jojo, shares my sentiments.

Jojo and I shy away from doing the very traditional stuff. We tried a few years back to going out for dinner on Valentine’s Day but after a few tries where we had to wait in line, got our reservations cancelled and had to pay an arm and a leg to eat … well, the idea got old really fast! We also don’t do the flowers and chocolate routine nor do we exchange presents. Instead we get each other what we like throughout the year and call it an early or late Valentine’s Day present. The most Valentine-y tradition we’ve adapted is making each other special home-cooked dinners. It works for us and so far I have absolutely no complaints.

This year is no different. We don’t have any big plans today but we do have an evening planned that is making me quite excited just thinking about it! Tonight we’re making dinner together. I’m preparing garlic mushrooms and a veggie casserole (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots) while Jojo has already marinated a couple of rib-eyes that he’ll be grilling tonight. After dinner, we usually go for a half an hour walk around the neighborhood. Then we’re going to snuggle in and watch our Monday night line-up – Chuck on NBC, Two & a Half Men and Mike & Molly on CBS, and finally Castle on ABC). Then we’ll probably read a little in bed, I may get a back rub since Jojo’s been doing that most nights now that I’m pregnant, and then we’ll call it a night. Perfect date night for me! =)

The only thing different about this year (and I get a little bit sentimental about this) is the fact that this is our “last” as a couple (well, at least our last where it’s just the two of us). I was thinking about this last Saturday. In about three weeks time, my sister and my mom will be arriving. Then Jamie will be joining us in a couple more weeks. While that makes me HAPPY (please don’t get me wrong), it’s also strange to think that it will no longer be just Jojo and me. I’ve gotten used to just the two of us. We’ve been a couple since 1999. Dating for 5 years, engaged for a year, married for 6 years. I’ve been living with my husband, my partner, my best friend. I’m so used to him and he’s so used to me – we are totally in sync with each others’ moods, needs, wants and actions. We only had each other to consider when making decisions. Now, it’s going to be the two of us plus my sister (temporarily), or plus our baby (permanently), or plus whoever is with us. It’s exciting and different but also strange and needs some getting used to. I don’t know if I’m making sense – I’m happy and sentimental all at the same time. It’s all good though. I know things will work out.

Anyway, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, Ni. While we may not be the typical couple that gets cheesy on this day … I’m still romantic enough to tell you that I love you very much and that I still think I am the luckiest person in the world to have you in my life. Thank you for being the person that you are and making me a better person because of your inspiration and influence. You continue to make me blissfully happy just by having you around me and I look forward to many more happy adventures together.