So, I was too lazy to get up early enough to make heart-shaped pancakes. I have such great intentions at night, but very little follow-through in the mornings. But, I did redeem my myself by hanging up decorations–those vinyl clings that stick to the window and a banner that reads HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY and some red cupid cut-outs. Then, my daughter and I baked homemade cut-out cookies in heart-shapes with sprinkles. She created some “valentimes” with scissors and glitter glue and markers.
I will gloss over the two hours this afternoon when I went stark raving mad, crazily vacuuming and picking up toys and dirty socks and bowls and empty Triscuit boxes . . . we had a babysitter coming over, a 15-year old girl, and I absolutely could feel her Eye of Judgment on my house which I maintain at a low level of constant clutter because I do not have a pantry nor storage appropriate for Play-doh and its accessories, a plastic tea-set, and extra cases of Diet Coke. I really do try to keep the piles to a minimum, but where am I supposed to put stuff like food?
Anyway, I exercised this afternoon, then turned into a cleaning lunatic before jumping into the shower (with its newly renovated water pressure) and preparing for a dinner date with my husband and two other couples. We had a nice time and returned home at 9:30 p.m. to find my daughter sound asleep on the couch and the house still in order.
This week is conference week at school which means half-days. I hate half-days. Seems like such a hassle to get ready for school only to return home a few hours later. My house was full of running, screaming children all afternoon–while I was trying to get stuff done.
By the way, did I mention that I’m sending the novel Children of Men to Kimberlie? And My Losing Season to Suzanne? And The Handmaid’s Tale to Mopsy? Well, I am. I have more books to get rid of, so stay tuned.
And Happy V.D. for another thirty minutes (Pacific time!) . . .
Actual Unretouched Photo 
Happy and vd. Now those are two words you don’t often see together. Happy velentimes to you!
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I love how you look at things. You inspire me. In fact, reading about you made exercise a HABIT inspired me to join Curves. And I have done it! I’ve started (and kept up) with my exercise routine. Two days of snow/ice forced me to exercise at home but I am doing it….Thanks for being a constant force!
And by the way, which “Suzanne”….?
🙂
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Ah, when you were a babysitter did you judge the messy house? Okay maybe I did, but you’re paying her to look the other way, right?
Glad you had a nice dinner out. At first I read that you were preparing dinner for two other couples, and I got sad, but I’m so glad my eyes like to play tricks on me. Having people cook FOR you is so much better.
I’ll just being over here working on my reading comprehension skills.
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Yes yes, which “Suzanne”? 😉
I don’t think I ever had a babysitter come to the house while my son was growing up. With all the family we had around, it was never necessary.
I feel your pain about no pantry. Sometimes I dream about a pantry and start drooling… a walk-in pantry… with shelves all the way to the ceiling and space to conveniently store my pressure cooker and mixer… I’d be so pleased, I’d alphabetize my canned goods!
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