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Monday, February 14, 2011

Married. So very married.



Valentine's Day kind of snuck up on me, because I'm so married.  After 23 years, one doesn't need or expect the kinds of gifts or attention that we needed to nurture our relationship back in the day.  It's enough for me that he doesn't ask for milk when I serve him Froot Loops for dinner.  And it's enough for him that I no longer question that VERY ANNOYING HABIT of his wherein ... oh wait, Hi honey!  Didn't see you sneaking up on me back there.

When two hearts beat as one ... and all that jazz.

Or maybe it's just because I don't make a fuss about ANY occasion, including, or maybe especially, birthdays. Growing up, we weren't one of those families that planned elaborate shin digs for every holiday, accomplishment or season and when we did celebrate,  it wasn't unusual for our gift to be "wrapped" in the crumbled paper bag in which it came from the five and dime toy store. 

So I always find myself scrambling to remember to celebrate occasions that deserve to be celebrated.  For the first birthday of Thing 1, our eldest, we did what every new parent does:  we rented out Madison Square Garden and booked KC and the Sunshine Band to provide the entertainment.  We were also pretty excited when Thing 2's first birthday rolled around, but celebrated at home instead, with a pony and a clown who looked like Pennywise from Stephen King's It and scared all the toddlers into therapy. 

Now, I'm lucky if I remember to grab a card and make a jello mold.  By the time I realize that it's a loved one's "special day" it's often too late to order a custom cake.  At that point the only cakes available are the half price ones that were never picked up by the person who ordered them and which are decorated with "Felicitaciones on your Quinceanera, Maria Teresa!!!"  I once tried that on my (male) teenager and, needless to say, it took me a very long time to scrub all the pink icing off the wall and ceiling.

So don't expect a card from me on your birthday. Or a gift for your graduation.  And if you're "very married" the way I am, just be glad that Valentine's Day comes but once a year...you'll only make that particular mistake once.  Feliz cumpleanos to all.

11 comments:

  1. They make Quineneara cakes? I settled for Congratulations Baby Isaac on your Bris.

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  2. Holidays/birthdays always sneak up on me. I come from a long line of birthday-dragger-outers, mostly because all of a sudden, it's the day. If I try to plan ahead and get a gift early, I always lose it because I put it in a "safe" place, so what's the point?

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  3. I would have expected otherwise from your family, Andrea. Given how close you are and how you all really enjoy being with each other, I would have guessed that parties are months in the making -- seriously!

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  4. What ever happened to Happy Bar Mitzvah Irving? from All in the Family.....

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  5. AMEN. Thirteen "lucky" years and we certainly don't need a 3.99 card, roses and Reese Cup Hearts to celebrate.

    That's what I got from my honey, though....so I may as well keep them. Especially the Reese's.

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  6. Glad to know I'm not the only person like this.

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  7. @Teresa: Reese's are GOLD in our house. @Shelly -- I have found that by being open and honest, I learn that I am not the only person in ANYTHING!

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  8. Stopping by to hi from WD. Love the blog, now a follower.

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  9. I spent so much time writing about Valentine's Day gifts this year that I failed to prepare anything for my own guy. I think I'm gonna go with a homemade Feliz Cumpleanos card, it's unique. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  10. Man I would have loved to attend either one of those two parties! Especially the one that sent all of the toddlers to therapy. Well done!

    p.s. Stopped by from the Tribal Blogs carnival.

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