Does a Column Count as a Valentine Gift?

Aside from high heels and skirts, I’m not very girlie. Mascara means “special event,’’ manicures are as scarce as smiles at the DMV and Valentine’s Day is usually something I apologize for missing.

Even though Macy’s and markets of all types line their shelves with candy and stuffed bears beginning the day after Christmas, I still manage to drop the heart-shaped ball every holiday.

Most evenings on Feb. 14^th, you’ll find me waist-deep in my desk, digging for markers and construction paper left over from when I taught elementary school – yes, even when I was surrounded by 25 kids cutting out hearts and penning paper valentines to their moms and dads, I procrastinated until the last second.

Thankfully, I have a husband who thinks homemade valentines are cute. Less cute, though, is the fact they’re usually a day or month late.  Although, Dan does enjoy making fun of me for such forgetfulness, plus, I think he really admires my consistency.

This year, I told myself in January, it’s going to be different. This year I’m going to make him a meal that uses the oven. This year, his homemade card will be timely, and convey the kind of heartfelt sentiment that only a writer can conjure. This year, for my husband who, when I was in grad school, searched a parking lot with 1,000 some cars to find mine and leave flowers on the windshield, I was going to be the girlie, gift giving Valentine wife.

Fail.

Really? Again?

In lieu of that fabled, home-cooked meal, I've made reservations, and although I can't find my construction paper, I've decided to post this public pronouncement: Dan, you're the best guy walking the planet and when life bares its nasty fangs at us, I'll always be on your side. (Unless it's breaking news).  

Happy Valentine's Day, Dan! I love you!