Ah yes, it's Valentine's Day once again. Personally, I think Valentine's Day has become a lot like Christmas - it's roots are noble, but it's become so commercialized that it's nothing like it was originally intended. Personally, I enjoyed it alot more when I was single. Why? Because ladies, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'll tell you a little secret; GUYS HATE SHOPPING. We're not good at it, we don't like to do it, and will do anything at all to avoid it. But, a few times every year on occasions such as Virginia's birthday, our anniversary or Valentine's Day, I have to get in touch with my inner metrosexual and come up with some kind of gift that won't make me look like a complete unromantic ogre. I always take the easy way out and do the dozen roses thing, but luckily for me, Virginia absolutely loves roses so it never gets cliche. This year, I'll probably do jewelry, but there again, I have no idea how to pick out jewelry. The few times I've done it, I came through big time, as it turned out to look great on her, but the law of averages says that eventually I'm gonna crap out. Hopefully it won't be this year.
So this year, I decided to do something a little different than in the past. While having coffee upstairs at the neighbors last week, I asked Giampietro if he and Agnese were doing anything special for Valentine's Day. I figured they're Italian, and they've been married for like 35 years or so, so they must be the experts. Turns out, they're not doing anything. So I said, in my broken Italian, "why don't we do dinner up here? I'll get some big steaks from the commisary on base, and we'll cook them up." They agreed that it was a good idea, and Agnese even offered to make her specialty - risotto con asparagi (risotto with asparagus). The big surprise is that I've arranged for a special bottle of Amarone for the occasion. Amarone, for those who don't know, is a very strong, robust red wine produced in the Valpolicella region outside of Verona. It's one of the most perfect compliments to red meat. However, as it's very expensive, it's not a wine you drink with every meal. Luckily, I have a friend who lives near Verona who hooks me up when I need it. He's selling me a bottle from his private stash for this evening, so it'll be a night to remember. See? Sometimes the best plans are the ones that you didn't plan on.
And that's how we're celebrating Valentine's Day, 2005. How 'bout you?
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4 comments:
Hubby surprised me by taking the day off from work. He annouced it at midnight last night, we slept in till aroudn 11 (!) then went out for a fantabulous lunch at a terrific seafood restaurant near our place. He's been sitting on the bed trying to digest...for the past 2 1/2 hours
dizzysatch
our valentines day is just a normal day hehe, except that dutchman surprised me with a present, a nina ricci perfume.... but he asked me: where's mine? lol! that reminds me that i have to buy a follow up valentines gift for him too!
enjoy your dinner :-)
Hello Rik and Virginia,
How are you both and the X-man? Haven't got back to Virginia's last email, just thought of just leaving a message here.
We had an advanced Valentine celebration (that was Saturday night) as Monday night isn't ideal for us to dine-out. We went to a Chinese restaurant. Peter also bought me a bundle of peach roses & tulips (they are my favorites) and a big box of chocolates. He is so predictable! I only gave him a card that he greatly appreciated.
Ara
Ciao Ara! We're all fine here. I ended up getting Virginia a diamand cross shaped necklace which she seemed to like.
Speaking of Chinese, we tried a new Chinese restaurant the other day called the Hong Kong 2. It was just ok. I'd KILL for authentic Chinese here. Or Thai. Or Indian. Or...
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