OK, so I normally don't write for an audience of one. For those of you who this isn't directed at, well, you're going to get another peek through a window I normally don't open in this way. While I've discussed personal issues here before, there's a pronounced boundary which I normally will under no circumstances allow myself to cross. Today that rule gets relaxed a bit. Perhaps in so doing, I'll shed a bit of light on my sentimental side...and hopefully, that will be a good thing.
For the person who comprises my audience of one, I hope you'll like and appreciate this. Trust me, it ain't easy standing up and yelling "FIRE!!" in a crowded theater. Still, if you're not willing to risk, you'll never gain, right?
I've always hated Valentine's Day...well, not the day itself, exactly. What I've hated is the forced, Hallmark/Flowers.com/See's Candies sentimentality that leaves so many guys feeling as if they're staring at two free throws with their team down a point in Game 7 of the NBA Finals with no time on the clock (It's your moment- DON'T BLOW IT!!!!). I've always hated the idea that we focus so much on one day, when a healthy relationship requires constant care and feeding (Like I've been oh, so successful at that....).
Of course, early on in a relationship, Valentine's Day is an exercise in maintaining perspective- lest you find yourself on the business end of a restraining order. So you hope to keep it simple- no bonfires, no airplanes towing banners, no renting out stadiums. No, my devoted love slave goddess reason for living restraining order looking for a place to happen friend came up with an absolutely perfect idea. We both love the Oregon Coast- Oceanside, in particular- so her suggestion was to spend V.D. there, rain or shine. That way we get to relax and enjoy each other's company in an environment that speaks to both of us without all the attendant baggage and weirdness associated with Valentine's Day.
Man...if only I'd been smart enough to come up with that (I done got me a smart one).... ;-)
So, here's to looking forward to the gift of being able to spend Valentine's Day with someone who, if there's any justice in this world, I'll be spending a lot more time with. Really, isn't that enough? I don't know about you, but that's enough to keep my cup half full...and then some.
