SquawkRadio Comments

Hi Karen,

I never got a Valentine’s gift, but your Do not list is really good!

My husband and I have not brought each other gifts in years.  But we still buy each other cards.  Next week we will go out to dinner one night, not necessary for Valentine’s Day but because we have a gift certificate to our favorite resturant.

Welcome to the Squawkers, Karen. I loved the idea of tattooing your list on your butt. Good thing I have a large one; it will accomodate a sizeable list.

Hi Karen,,I saw your very catchy cover (it looks a little like a tartan bath towel!) and picked it up imediately!! Can’t wait to dive in..
-After 20 yrs. of marriage, we’ve given up on the gift giving, really. Flowers, books and dinner out are about it.  After years of ‘wrong’ clothing gifts, bad jewlery (there is such a thing!) We save it for vacations, and time out together..
-Nice gun, btw, that is a truly secure man to give such a gift!!

Hi Karen!  I think I’ll be looking into your books because your blog is hilarious so I’m sure your books are great too!! 
As for my husband and I, we’ve just given up after 11 years of marriage.  Every year he would forget and I would get upset so we just agreed that Valentines Day sucks.  We do buy stuff for the kids though.  Nothing big, maybe a box of Spongebob candy or something.  Like Ms. Mary, we usually save our money for better things like trips (heck I live one hour away from Orlando so we hit the theme parks during off season).

Hellooooo Karen!!

Great suggestions!  The last time we celebrated Valentine’s Day was in college when he gave me kissing squirrels or were they red foxes (our alma mater’s mascot)?

Worst gift I hated: A mini-food chopper that came in a worn box with a big red dot on it which meant it was returned and sold on the 75% off clearance shelf.  He noticed my scowl and said I told him it was what I wanted.  (see I was already following your advice) but I didn’t specify NEW!  How silly of me!

Worst gifts I loved: An assortment of stuff from the dollar store including wooden cow earrings which I still have.  He spent a wopping $4.oo on my B-day but he gave them to me with that gleam in his eyes that meant it was only a small part of what he was going to give me (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)

LOL, Karen!!

My worst present (from my not-yet husband):a hand towel.  Yes, ONE hand towel.  True, we were graduate students, and money was scarce, but ONE HAND TOWEL?

Years later, I have him trained.  I like roses, the kind that open up and get big and floppy.  And I don’t like them red either: I like more interesting colors.  I got them this year.  How do I know, you may ask? 

Because he gave them to me this last Sunday!  He was doing the grocery shopping (see, he does have a good side) and saw a bunch of orange roses and figured, man-like, that since he had to work late on Wed anyway, he might as well give them to me immediately.

sigh.

You forgot Rule Number 4, Karen:  Make sure he understands that Valentine’s Day is actually on the 14th!!

Eloisa

Um, getting a gun for somebody who doesn’t want one might not be a good idea...especially if they decide to use it on you.

The UPS man arrived early last night with my heart-shaped box of Godiva

And we’re so glad to have you back with us, Karen!  I alway look forward to your visits

First, let me say I just started Fiona and Jack’s story and am lovin’ it so far!

As far as gifts, when the dh REMEMBERS he is usually right on the money.  It is just the matter of him remembering!!!!  So no dud gifts.

Oh, and by the way, I saw on the back flap of the book that you are now in Florida!

Hey guys!  Thanks for the warm welcome!!!

Keira, my butt could hold a Significant List, too. One of the fringe benefits of being Bootilicious.

For those of you who’ve quit celebrating V-Day, it is quite commercialized, isn’t it? Can’t believe how many commercials are about jewelry!  But I loooove a romantic dinner. This year, my guy is grilling us some steaks and we’re having a candlelight dinner on the patio. He’s an awesome griller, so HATCHA!

And the gun was a present from my now-ex. One of the prerequisites for All Future Karen Relationships is I WANT PRESENTS. I used to say things like, “Oh, that’s ok. I don’t NEED anything” when I still WANTED something.

Nobility thy name is stupid! Now, I think that if I GIVE presents (which I do—a lot) then I DESERVE presents. So it’s on the You Gotta list for my guy who has turned into a GREAT gift giver!

And Santa, I love the “somethng more” gleam. That is the best prezzie of all, isn’t it?  Heh!!!

Hi Karen!  Love your books! 

My husband is a poster child for manly gift giving.  He started early by wanting to give me a new car stereo for our first Christmas, because he didn’t like mine.  I wanted jewlery.  The Christmas I thought I was getting an engagement ring?  A brief case.  (I did get the ring later; I picked out a much bigger one than he intended.) I started telling him years before our 10th anniversayr that I wanted an anniversary ring.  I told him often.  When I quizzed him a few months before our 10th, he was clueless.  I told him what I wanted (my brother’s advice).  Exactly.  And I got it. 

He has vastly improved now that I’ve learned to be really specific.  He got me a porch swing several years ago that I really wanted.  My husband was so proud of himself for thinking of it on his own.  I only mentioned it 10 times or so before he thought of it all by himself. 

One rule I’d add:  be thrilled that he picked out exactly what you wanted.  Even if he had to take your tattooed butt to the store with him to pick it out.

Karen, I finished Fiona and Jack’s story last night.  WONDERFUL!  I’m looking forward to more of this fantastic family. 

I give a lot of (homemade) Valentine gifts to friends and I always get something from the neighbor kids.  I don’t have a sweetheart so no use putting any tattoo on my butt as the only one who would see it is the dog. 

Great to have you back, Karen.  Wish I didn’t have to leave for work (or work for someone who doesn’t believe in computers). 

Y’all have fun!

Hi, Karen! This is a fun way to start my day...and I’m also bringing How to Abduct with me to work , so I can begin it at lunch. I’m like a kid with the cover...it’s almost holographic and I keep wiggling it. Very cool.

Worst Valentine’s present? A folding table for the laundry room. Really.

Best wrong present? My step-grandmother had a lovely sapphire and diamond wedding band I admired. I said so to my husband. For Christmas I opened up the little box and saw an emerald and diamond band. “But these are not sapphires,” idiot me said.

“No,” he replied. “They’re green and match my eyes so you can think of me when you wear it.”

Everybody say Awww now.

Oh, PJ, sorry you have to work today! But thanks for the kind words about Jack and Fiona! 

I had a great time writing the book and oh, my, the things I would do if I had a Weather Curse! Like right now, I’d rain on your boss for now being computer-friendly!

Hope to see you this evening, though. I’ll be around!

Carolyn, sounds like your dh has improved with training! It’s funny how you sometimes feel you’ve been direct, and yet they still look at you with the same expression the dog has when he’s watching tv ... sort of a ‘huh?’ look.

Maggie, I gotta say it ...AWWWWWWW!

You know, every once in a while, my guy says something incredible. I just want to write it down and hold it in my hand. Sooo romantic! But then, words from the heart are the most romantic of all, aren’t they?

Karen, Welcome, it’s great to have you here.  I look forward to reading HTAAHL.  In recent weeks, I read HOW TO TREAT A LADY.  How could I not fall in love with the Ward Family.  I still have a lot of catching up to do with your books, but I’ll get there. 

Um, Valentine’s Day?  We don’t make a big deal over it.  My hubby usually buys each child a box of candy and leaves them a note telling them he loves them.  I would rather have the times, when he walks up and whispers in my ear, “we could sneak upstairs for a little bit and nobody will miss us.”

We have never made a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, but we do spend it together.  Usaually something special for dinner.  I loved your Speak Plainly advice.  I learned a long time ago that I have to be SPECIFIC. 

Hmm, my verification word is “men21” sounds promising.

My boyfriend andI already decided that we won’t play the guessing game. Sometime we’ll surprise each other with things (books and movies for me, soccer gear for him) for no reason, but when it comes to holidays, we simple ask each other what the other wants and leave it at that. Sure it may ruin the element of suprise, but at least we both get what we want and we don’t have to brave any return lines!

I really think my husband could win a contest for being the least romantic man ever.

I’m not even going to get into how he proposed!

ONe V-day he went out that afternoon to find me a present. He returns from the mall with a plastic “Thank You” bag witha twist tie wrapped around the handles as “decoration.” And what did he get me? The complete set of Hannibal Lecter movies on DVD.

Needless to say, I’ve given up on Valetine’s Day.

Welcome Karen!  I can’t figure out why men think we need power tools on the most romantic day of the year. That is until we start de-programming sessions and teach them Gift Giving 101.

I can’t say I’ve ever recieved a gift for Valentine’s Day that I didn’t like. I still remember my first Valentine’s Day with my husband, who was then still my boyfriend. I didn’t expect anything (mainly b/c I didn’t ask) at all but I woke up to flowers, stuffed animals, candy, and balloons then he took me out to eat for breakfast. Now if he ever starts buying me power tools (which I doubt will ever happen), then I’ll start buying him pedicures. And he knows it!

I received a Chia pet from my spouse for Christmas (a Shrek face Chia pet...) This is no doubt my own fault as I never articulated what I wanted in advance of his last minute shopping trip.

But - that’s okay.  I got even.  I went to Tiffany’s last week and bought myself a new ring set

gee-- if Karen registered, she could have an avatar. Hm.

She could do it right now, in fact.

Hm.

My worst gift? There is such a long line of them it would be hard to choose. Luckily, they are balanced by extraordinarily wonderful gifts but I’d have to say in this house it’s feast or famine.  I have t"the metal crow,” a chocolate fountain (that’s never been out of the box) several pair of long underwear in various sizes and weights, an odd prehistorical style painting of a horse and my most recent acquisition… an ash tray. No one smokes in this house. An ashtray...?

An ashtray…

I don’t know… a can of WD-40 always comes in handy… lol

every year on valentines day… i end up single. this year… no different. this is why I plan on buying my own damned jewelry and wrapping it and giving it to me and unwrapping it and putting it on myself.  HAH! no point in waiting for him to figure out whats up with the whole valentines thing. and honestly.. I’ve wanted that damned CHIA herb garden for years. ;p

oh and I just finished Dodd’s Tongue in Chic.... ohhhh you’re in for a treat!!! :D

you’ve bene linked!

Karen!

This is the best blog. Especially with the day coming up…

I told my husband last night that I didn’t want roses…

Why? well, for one thing he always complained about how much they cost maybe a month after he got them…

but then, when I said don’t get me any.. it looked like he had the “oh sh*t” face like he already ordered some.... and then I felt bad… and now because I was pre thinking that he would complain about the cost I might not get roses he already got for me anyways?

I hate Valentine’s Day…

bpfeiffe…

hahahahaahah.. I LOVE how you think… and I love the Chia Pet in the main post by Karen to go along with it…

Karen I’m getting my wisdom teeth out soon, so I am saving your book for when I am recovering.. I am sure it will make me feel better in no time!

Eloisa.. I am an on the Day gal… Birthday presents ON my b-day.. Out to dinner on V-day… and so on. I like the stuff ahead of time and after, but I can’t help feeling blue if nothing happens on the special day… does that mean I am spoiled?

Reminds me of the .44 Magnum Rifle I received for our second Christmas from my first ex-husband.  Maybe this is why he became my 1st ex 2 years later,,,ya think?  He got custody of it in the divorce settlement.

I definitely have to sigh at Maggie’s husband’s sentiment.  So sweet!

My worst gift was a saw.  Yes, a saw.  My now ex thought that since I wanted a branch cut down from the backyard tree that a saw would make a great gift for me.  Not.

I’m a rabid Yankees fan and my hubby got me a checkbook cover with a Yankees emblem on the front.  Not a hearts and flowers type gift, but I love it!  I smile every time I see it.

Sorry, Connie, but I still have to laugh at the black metal crow.  I still remember the picture you posted of it last year.  LOL

An ashtray, Connie?  Maybe he thought it was a jewelry holder??????? 

And if Connie’s hubby is reading this blog......I hope you’re going to redeem yourself by putting a lovely piece of jewelry in that jewelry holder....er....ashtray.

Yay Karen!  HI!  You’re book is on my go-buy-it-now list.

As far as Vanlentines is concerned, I’m freaking out.  I was rumaging in my husband’s closet looking for my baseball cap which he always steals, and I found a box with a gorgeous pair of gold hoops I’d seen 5 months ago. 

Dammit, now I have to reciprocate.

The problem is, he has everything he needs and more...except he keeps bitching to me that I never give him massages. 

I hate giving him massages. He’s got the most dense bone mass of anyone I know.  In the middle of the night, if he happens to fling an arm up over me, it feels like a lead anvil crushing my lungs.

When he swims, he sinks to the bottom like a stone.  And I don’t care how many people say, “all bodies float.” They do not; not him.

Lord, now I have to go do some of those hand exercises.

Good gosh, is that a mosquito whining by my ear?

No, wait. I think it’s Connie. Sometimes her voice hits that high note rather like a dog whistle. You can’t really HEAR it, but you know it’s there.

Ok, ok, I signed in. Registered. And downloaded a pic of my book. I’d have put a pic of me in there, but I’m trying to find a better one. I’ll play with that today/

Back to the topic at hand . . . I think that if a guy COMPLAINS about the cost, difficulty, trouble of a gift, he then negates the good of it. If he makes you feel guilty for getting it, he’s sort of robbing you of your Gift High and that’a a part of the gift.

What do you all think of that? Should a guy complain about the cost or difficulty of giving a gift after the fact? Or should that tendency be discouraged?

I do think that if you get a great gift, it’s important to show your appreciation in a way that he enjoys. My guy loooves it when I brag about him to our friends. He gets this really pleased, smirky smile and is sooo cute! Do you all do that, too?

For my 40th birthday my husband (of only a year and a half, mind you) gave me a cd of UB40.  That he got at a pawn shop.  It was used.  It wasn’t even wrapped.  And that was ALL he gave me.  He thought it was hysterical.  Yet another reason he is now my ex.  Idiot.

Wait a minute.

Are we required (in that we are the stronger gender) to reciprocate on Valentines....or is it a give a gift to the girl only kind of holiday?

Oh, I forgot to mention, he took me out for dinner a couple of years later on Valentine’s Day to ask me for a divorce.  Needless to say, it’s low on my list of favorite holidays.

I am married to an artsy fartsy left brainer, who happens to a ramantic at heart.  He informed me when we first got married that he was not a “mind reader” and very male.  Because of these two facts, that I needed to just tell him straight what I would like.  About ten years ago he made a list, which he keeps in his wallet, (and continues to update it) of my favorite things (perfume, authors, etc.) and clothing and shoe size.

However, even tho’ Honey has his list he has brought home some crazy things.  My favorite, worst gift was a pair of cow hair (you know, leather, before you remove the hair) birkenstock clogs.  I flet like I needed to leave them in the back yard to graze. 

My favoriet gift was this Christmas.  Honey wrapped a bunch of little gifts and put them in one big box.  On a larg tag he wrote, “A few of Julie’s favorite things”.  Inside I found a bunch of items that I enjoy from specialty shops from around our town.  *sigh* How thoughtful was that?  Yes, I do realize I have a good one.

Lisa G—there’s something wildly wonderful about that present—it belongs on of all-time worsts!  And Julie-Lynn...yup, you got a winner.

Eloisa

Love your new book. Can’t wait for the others to follow. I usually tell my husband what I want. One year he bought me some sweaters that were for a really big person, so now I tell him what it is that I want.

This year my parents got me an early Valentine’s Day gift.  I got a heart ring and a shirt that says,"Chocolate, Coffee, Men....Some things are just better rich.” I love it!

just wanted to say hi and that your post had me cracking up

I won’t get anything for Valentine’s Day that I don’t buy for myself. DF doesn’t do VD day.  Apparently telling me he loves me everyday is proof enough of his love. Men have no clue sometimes

WHAT? Someone took their wife out on V-Day and ASKED FOR A DIVORCE? That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard. But it sounds like one of those no-brainer questions. “Uhm let me thi--nope. I’ll just answer now, Heck YES!”

Ohhh, foreverdelayed! I’m all for buying yourself presents, too! I bought myself THREE pairs of shoes for this Valentine’s Day.

Hey, a girl’s gotta dress.

However, if your DH doesn’t do V-Day, then I hope he does do your anniversary. That’s a lot more important, imho.

And filmphan, your mother and mine must be related. She always said (and I never listened), “Marry for love, and looooove money!” Heh!

What do you guys think about J Perry Stone’s question about whether you should buy your sweetie a gift on V-Day, too? Or is it a one way road?

Gee, forever, when you put it that way I wouldn’t want to do anything called VD day either. *g*

I almost picked up this book over the weekend and then put it back.  Gotta go fix that.

I don’t remember getting many presents from my ex (just one of the many reason’s he’s my ex) but I remember him getting me this horribly gawdy ruby ring from Wal-Mart once.  I got the money back and bought myself some ropers.

I also remember him getting me a CD one year.  To understand why this is a bad gift you’d have to know that at the time I was a disc jockey at a radio station.  I got all my CD’s for free.  Anything I wanted. 

I could mention the valentines when his girlfriend called him and I answered the phone.  Yeah, he’d neglected to tell her about having a wife.  So many reasons he’s an ex.....

Hello Karen, I have enjoyed all of your books. Gifts are great from the person you love.  While dating my husband sent flowers (sometime they had his mother’s handwriting on the card) but the flowers were from him.  Now after 20 years of marriage, he has flowers for me and our two daughters.  (Boy do they have him wrapped around his finger and tight).
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.

I would love to receive a single rose on Valentines, that would do nicely for me, but alas will wait and see *sigh*

Welcome, Karen! And while I commend you for having the cover of TONGUE IN CHIC tattooed on your rear, you know how guys are—he’ll get confused and come back with strands of diamonds for you!

OH NO!!! WHAT A DISASTER!!!

Yasamin, Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Karen, i’ve got HOW TO ABDUCT A HIGHLAND LORD, and I’m dangling it like a carrot in front of my nose. When I finish writing the book, I can read it. I have not even peeked at the first page, and for that, you have to commend my restraint.

Also the fact that Scott hid it from me…

Welcome Karen.  Love your books.  I have HOW TO ABDUCT A HIGHLAND LORD and am looking forward to reading it. 

What is this Valentine’s Day y’all are talking about?!?  February 14th is SINGLE’S AWARENESS DAY!!  At least for me it is!!  lol

I have a whole list of bad presents from my ex.  I got some real doozies in the years we were married.  He couldn’t get it correct even when I took him to the mall and showed him exactly what I wanted or when I circled it in the catalog and handed it to him.  Could be why he’s the EX, eh?? 

--dorothy

We should start a list of Worst Valentine’s Day ever, make a bazillion copies of it and make sure that every male in existance gets it.

The worst gift I got for Valentine’s day was a set of bath products that were supposed to smell like strawberry. I don’t know what it was, but it definitely wasn’t strawberry. I said thank you as I resisted the urge to roll down the car window and gag. He was only 16 at the time, so I can’t fault him.

My best Valentine’s Day gift was given to me a few years ago from my boyfriend at the time. He came over to my apartment and hid about 50 little valentines with candy attached to them around my apartment and put a couple dozen roses in my room. It was really sweet. I thought he was a keeper. Too bad he had an psychotic emotional break down (LOOOONG story)

My mom gives me really cool gifts too, which always include chocolate. Last year, along with my trusty chocolatey goodness, she gave me a key chain that says “Chaos, panic and disorder...my work here is done.”

I only wish she got me a shirt that says that. I would wear it all the time :D

terrio.. LMAO. I only thought about the silliness of using “VD” day after I had submitted my comment. :D

PJ, Jenn, I think I need to join your family. Any family with that much chocolate flying around is just too good to be true. So, PJ, wanna adopt me?    Or you could just open that chocolate store… I could live with that. My wallet couldn’t, but I could. 

As far as Valentine’s gifts… I’ve never received one. I’m thinking this would be the perfect reason to go order some books… or chocolate. Maybe both.

Michele

Coming late to the party, as always, but welcome back, Karen! It’s always fun to have you here. (Or anywhere else, for that matter.)

My husband and I are surprisingly lame on Valentine’s Day. Sometimes we remember to exchange cards, sometimes we don’t. (Though this year, I did do the Hallmark e-card thing for him.) Sometimes we get each other a gift, more often we don’t. Same for our anniversary.

Our big gift exchange is at Christmas. That’s when we show each other how much we’ve been paying attention to each other all year. We both put a lot of thought and effort and creativity into those gifts, and we always manage to delight each other. (For instance, one year, he gave me the dress I’m wearing in my avatar.)

Connie, we got a HUGE, horrific-looking ashtray for a wedding present, and neither of us smokes. I finally decided to designate it an objet d’art. Then I donated it to Goodwill.

And I have to confess, Karen, that I actually like gifts made of flannel. I have a real pajama fetish.

Oog. My password is received15. No, thankfully, there was just that one ashtray.

Hi Karn, Great blog, and what a fun bunch of comments.

Ladies who have ex’s who gave all those incredibly bad gifts, I commend you all for giving not just the gifts but HIM back.  As if!

My hubby and I agreed back when we were dating that Valentine’s was a crass commercialized holiday and we would just boycott it.  Ah, such ideals.  Now that I’ve been married a few years, I wouldn’t mind a little romance or a small tasteful gift.  Can I tell him I changed my mind?  I’m getting the ball rolling by making him cards and cookies with the kids tomorrow while he’s at work.  Maybe if he gets gifted a couple of years he’ll want to gift in return?

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all (in case I miss you tomorrow)

OMG, that’ll teach me not to preview!

Karen, Karen, Karen.  I know your name, I’ve read your books, and I think I better go buy one as penance

OT:  Oh, Dannyfiredragon, I just LOVE your avatar!  He’s so adorable I want to just eat him up! 

Teresa, whose cat also looks at her nervously when she says that

Hi Karen,

I agree with you and now I tell him what I want, sometimes more than once.

HI all and welcome Karen!

I love your post, especially Point 1 I’ve never had a Valentine’s Day present, but then I’ve never had a significant other (I’m beginning to think he has been kidnapped by aliens...or maybe I have). Anyway, I will definitely keep your points in mind, although with Valentine’s Day being so commercial my vote goes with a spontaneous gift any other day of the year

orannia

PS A gun? A gun? I’m speechless!

I have forbidden my hubby from getting me anything for V Day or our anniversary, ONLY so that I don’t have to get him anything. The man doesn’t want ANYTHING!!!
(he already gotme hydroponic tulips this year - that will bloom by V Day coz I lOVE tulips. sweet.)

THe only time we surprise each other is for birthdays. Christmas we buy our own (or I do he doesn’t want anything).

We go to a nice place for lunch on V day and for our anniversary - while the kids are at school

The worst best present he gave me is my TIVO. I love my TIVO but not exactly what I want in a b’day prezzie. He tried to get me the amp, speakers ad sub-woofer he wanted as a Christmas present but I rejected it, so he bought it himself.

The best surprise present ever? Diamond ring and earings as a 10th anniversary present. I LOVE it and was over the moon.

(my word verification is problem77 .. think that’s a hint?)

I was RSA (Recently Single Again) until I met the guy I’m seeing now, so I know all about Singles Awareness Day. It’s time women stopped expecting men to do ALL the romance. If you don’t have a guy at the moment, buy yourself something special. YOU’RE STILL FANTASTIC!

As a matter of fact, the first Valentine’s Day after I got divorced (from the guy who bought me a gun for my birthday), I bought myself a day spa package. Ohhhh, it was sooooo nice!  A massage, a heated wrap, and a facial. I was in HEAVEN.

In fact, I may need to schedule another one of those days this week!  Like tomorrow!

It is Valentines day already here in Australia and I got a lovley single flower from my hubby after nearly 30 years of marriage and being together for 35 years he has always got me something usually small but he never forgets. We don’t do a lot for valentines day ends up too expensive and we spend a lot of time together which I think is better but I love getting presents even small ones.
I can’t wait to read your new book Karen.
Have Fun
Helen

Never have gotten a dud gift from my husband.  He knows better. His mother and sister trained him well and I reinforced it.  One guy I dated in college did give me some compute magazines wrapped in a box as a gag.  My real gift was perfume.  I was not amused and that was the beginning of the end of what was already a shaky relationship.

I don’t know where to start. I’ve been married 37 years and I’ve gotten horrible gifts, no gifts, and fantastic gifts lol. I too got a gun as a present - he sold it a few months later untouched. A rug cleaner once and he still has no idea why I’m not thrilled with that one! I unfortunately don’t want anything that he hasn’t wanted to give and if I had to tell him it just wouldn’t be the same.  Although I have said lately, no more appliances! Anyway if we can’t think of anything for a particular occasion we now give a card with lottery tickets. At least then if money is won we can go out and get something we want lol.

Hi there, Karen!

Love the list of dos and don’ts. I don’t do Valentine’s, personally. Doesn’t interest me.

That said, I am a self-confessed self-gifter. I gave myself the coolest new cell phone for my birthday last month! And I’m always considerate--I give me exactly what I want, so no disappointment! LOL!

LdyB

Welcome Karen,

I’m saving your new book for next week while I’m sitting in Minnesota at the Mayo Clinic with my brother.

I have a question. Is this the book with Richard Ravenscroft? If so, I need to buy five more copies. Can’t wait to read it.

J Perry Stone.......I must have the same strange gene as your husband. The YMCA flunked me three times in beginning swimming/floating. I once sat in one of those water recliners and it went under.

I’m one of those “alone” people, so I’ll be buying my own special gift. I have SUCH good taste.

Christina, TIC was fantastic. Now that I’ve crossed over from strictly historical, I can’t seem to get caught up on my TBR list. What a dilemma!!!!!!!!!

Well, I don’t have a Valentine, so I do end up getting the chocolate I want, so all’s well that ends well.

Now just to have the Phantom of the Opera show up at my door, then I’d have a Valentine!

Lois

My hubby is an excellent gift giver--chocolate, flowers, jewelry, etc.  This Valentine’s Day I’m getting exactly what I want...MY HUSBAND!  He arrives home tomorrow night after a very long one year deployment.  After dinner and bonding with the kids, it’ll be just us and.....well, just use your very vivid imagination ladies!

Gannon, who just came home from the salon, freshly coiffed, polished and waxed--geez, makes me sound like some car.  But then again, I am ready to have my engine revved!

Gannon! What great news! And what a lovely, lovely, LOVELY gift. You two have fun getting reacquainted. Heh heh. Happy happy Valentine’s Day to you both.

Oh Gannon, What a perfect Valentine’s Day you’ll have.

Give him a hug for me. If only we were able to give all the service men and women a hug tomorrow. We never fully understand what they go through.

You are excused from blog duty for......... however long it takes

GANNON!

Oh my GOSH, you have to tell us about all about it tomorrow!!!  Well, not ALL about it, but about the good parts! Well, not ALL the good parts, but—oh heck, you know what I mean!

Hon, best wishes to you and your family! You’re in for the best Valentine’s Day EVER!

WOOHOO!!!

YAY!! Gannon!!! I am so happy for you and your family~!

For years I’d hint and hint and hint and never recived anything I hinted for leading to a VERY unhappy Valentines Day for US. Now, I either make a list and give it to him to use all year long (Valentines Day, Our Anniversary, Birthday, etc) or I outright tell him. This year we weren’t sure if we’d have the money to buy nice things for each other, so we decided to write each other a love letter. I’ excited and dreading it at the same time. Wish us luck!

I got laundry hamper for my 20 birthday, you know those hampers that have three seperate bags to make it easier to seperate your clothing? Yeah, one of those. Now I dunno about everyone else here, but a laundry hamper, no matter for what occasion, does not a good present make. Even if you don’t know what else to give them. Needless to say, it was a bad day…

Gannon, how wonderful and what perfect timing!  Please tell your dh how proud I am of him and all our military.  My dh was a 20 year USAF veteran and I know how important it is to remember to thank those who serve our country.

Enjoy your reunion and Happy Valentines Day!

Gannon - have a wonderful reunion and get the kids to bed early!

Welcome Karen!  I don’t have a Valentine, so I treated myself to the best present ever this year—the first season of “Beauty & The Beast” on DVD!  I’ve been waiting for that show to be released on DVD forever, and I’m thrilled. (I bet Teresa would love it for Valentine’s Day too.)

Judy, you need to put up a sign over a large red heart that says LAUNDRY HAMPER, BAD . . . JEWELRY, GOOD.  Direct communication is not always easy, but as the Stronger Gender, we must prevail.

And Karen W., what a lovely present! I bought myself the A & E edition of Pride and Prejudice ... again. I let someone borrow it and they loved it so much I just let them keep it. So now I have a brand new, collector’s edition!  WOOHOO! I buy the BEST prezzies!

I couldn’t think of What I wanted for Valentines Day.
Until I looked out the window and saw a guy going down the street with a really Big One. I mean it was Huge! Of course since I am a small woman it was bigger than anything that I could handle comfortably. Still, it Might be fun to mess around with it once or twice, just for fun. So I started thinking …the one that my husband has is much too small. The head hardly moves and I’m never satisfied by its performance. Oh I suppose that I could call up one of those Services. I hear that the guys usually have Great Equipment. But that seems kind of icky…I means who knows whose Grassy Knoll the guy has had his Equipment in. It could be full of diseases. Yuck.
So what am I gonna do about my problem? I’m going to confront my DH and tell him size counts!
Yep, when it comes to mowing grass Size counts. And I Want a big green lawn tractor with a floating head.

Massages? Hand exercises?  That is TMI, way TMI, Miz Stone!

I must be a really hard person to buy for because I’ve never received a present I’ve really been happy with. I once let a friend, who I thought knew me better, know that I wasn’t thrilled with their idea of a gift. I don’t think he took it too well. For the hard to buy person I suggest getting them a gift card. That works for me.

Gannon, I am so happy for you! Have fun with your Valentine’s Day Gift!
And
Connie! I bet That thing wasn’t an astray. It was a nest for your metal crow!

I once got a Thighmaster and actually married the man!!  My aunt asked if I used it on his head.  She was so totally insulted FOR me so I didn’t feel the need to be insulted myself. It was so nice to have someone else carry the burden of insult for me. 

But seriously, the Valentine’s Day tradition for my hubby is a yellow rose for every year we’ve been married and a red one for love in the coming year. 

I was floored the first time I got them along with his hand written card (not a generic florist’s message).  The ladies where I work always come to read the card!  The messages are always so unique and usually reference something in our lives.

Man, he’s really good at Valentine’s Day.  Don’t ask about if he picks up his socks!

I guess you can’t have everything!

Ahh, Leanne!  Yellow roses . . . AND a handwritten card!  Wow!

Some men understand it’s not the flowers, but the WAY the flowers are given. I think you need to keep that guy around! Just buy a golden retriever. Mine eats socks, so it would help with the lacking area of your dh.

Btw, I got my Valentine’s Day present tonight—my guy has to work tomorrow night. Off of the list I emailed him, he bought me a silky blue robe and matching gown (Victoria’s Secret, the right color, size, and all!) AND he surprised me with some lotion, perfume, and a Kenneth Cole watch which is just GORGEOUS!

I am one happy V-Day present receiver!  And that’s the best kind to be.

This actually happened to my cousin:

Every year, my cousin on her birthday wakes up to find a wrapped birthday present by her bed from her parents. On her 18th birthday, she woke up, and found this huge box sitting by her bed. Not wasting a moment’s breath, she rips open the paper to discover that her parents gave her a four foot tall nutcracker - you know the nutcracker from the ballet that actually cracks nuts in it’s mouth - yeah that nutcracker. Thinking it was a practical joke, she waited for her parents to say something, but all her mother asked her whether or not she loved her gift. What’s even sadder, is that I know for a fact that my other Aunt gave it to her sister, who in turn re-gifted it to her 18 year old daughter!

- Amal

Okay, Gannon definitely wins the BEST Valentine’s or any other gift giving present ever!!

Enjoy the gleam, honey!

Since my DH walked in with a beautiful vase of flowers this evening, (while I was cleaning the cat box, no less), I’m doing pretty good.  We had said no presents, just cards.

I too, have gotten a gun.  For Christmas one year, but I knew about it and wanted it. 

One of the best, most romantic, presents I’ve gotten from him was a hot air balloon ride for my birthday.  A lovely early morning ride with a champagne picnic afterwards.

Now this last birthday I ended up with a dishwasher.  My own fault.  I had been complaining about the old dishwasher for a while, and the day before my birthday he snapped.  Grabbed my hand and said “You were going to get a day at the spa for yor birthday, but you’re gettin’ a dishwasher cause I’m tired of hearing about it.” To his credit, it turned out to be a Bosch.

My verification is thought58.  They are right.  I thought I was 58, but on further thought, I’m 59.

Oh, Gannon. I told my husband about you and your hubby, and he said, “She’s going to be busy for a few days.” Have a wonderful, wonderful reunion!

Thank you, Ann in IL! I know what you mean about liking too many kinds of books ... I can never die, I have too much reading to do.

How about the movie OL YELLER for Valentine’s day?  DH thought the whole family could enjoy it.  My elementary school aged kids were horrified that Ol Yeller was put down at the end, and I was disappointed that the big box didn’t hold something more.. ROMANTIC!!!!  But over the years it’s become a family joke.  And every Valentine’s day someone invariably says “this better not be an Ol Yeller gift!”

But the best WORST gift I got was at Christmas.  I had a lovely wrapped box about the shape of a nice sweater or robe. Unwrapped it and peeked into the tissue, and found… a nice shiny new OIL FILTER WRENCH!! Who knew there was such a thing? WHO CARED! If a picture paints a thousand words, hub died a thousand deaths when he snapped a pic of me holding that one up!    Men--can’t live with them… can’t kill them! LoL

It was easy!  I gave him the renewal notice for my XM Radio and said “Here’s what you can get me for Valentine’s Day.”

It’s Valentine’s Day and all I think about is the butterflies in Gannon’s tummy.

YAY!!!!!  I’m with Karen.  Tell us the non-gleam details whenever you get a chance.

Gannon...I hope today is just wonderful.  And Kris—that’s hysterical!

All these stories are so great.  I’m writing this on Valentine’s morning and my kids’ school just got cancelled (sigh) so I guess they got their Valentine’s wish…

Eloisa

It should be against the law for the schools to let out on V-Day OR your birthday. Don’t those people know we have LIVES?

Sheesh. What’s a little snow, anyway? Just cold water. Haven’t they ever heard of snow boots? Wussies.

I just wanted to thank you guys for stopping by and being so GENEROUS in sharing your stories! Squawkers rock!

Ok, off to thegoddessblogs.com where I’m posting today. Hugs, everyone!

PS GANNON, WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE HOMECOMING!!!

oh good, now we can follow Karen around… lol…

I bet Gannon won’t be back here to post for awhile....

lol… very happy for you~!! 

Gannon..........are you awake yet?  Can you move?  Do you even want to????? 

Like Karen, I have the A&E edition of “Pride and Prejudice”.  Watched more than once, for sure. 

Last summer, I bought the movie version.  Ugh.  If I had never read the book or seen the A&E version, I would have been totally lost.  It just jerked from one story point to another.  Lots of the little things that make P&P such a wonderful story werer lost.

Having said that, it was lush and beautifully photographed.  The actors were beautiful also.  But Colin Firth IS Mr. Darcy. No substutions please.

My worst Valentine’s gift was a pair of wooden bookends.  Light-weight wood.  If I actually put books between them, the weight of the books would push one or both and all would fall over.  Usually onto the floor.

Hope you all are enjoying your day.  No matter in what form/package it comes to you.  We all know that Gannon is enjoying her present.