Jeneric Jeneralities ~ by JenIG
February 12th, 2008
Happy Anti-Valentines

  edit and update… you should seriously check THIS out.  My friend, Emily, over at The Learning Never Stops is giving away an entire set of Kingdom Series books!!!  Contest ends this weekend

My heavens.  I’m pretty sure it’s all Coie’s fault and that she brought me the flu from Home Depot.  

So anyways, Geoff’s mom and dad came down for the weekend, right?  I was *so* looking forward to that, and I was sick as a cow and stayed in bed the whole time they were here.  Isn’t that awful?  I played no pinochle, had no enlivened conversation, I did not go out to dinner with everybody; I just laid in bed and snored and drooled.

But I’m still glad they came because A) my kids were heaven and B) my mother in law made me chicken soup – the best chicken soup I ever had.  I hope Emmiko wrote down the recipe.  

In other news, I am contemplating running an anti-Valentines day contest in opposition to SmallWorld’s  Of all holidays that I detest (which really aren’t many) Valentine’s Day gets my all time Loath award.  And it’s not because something awful happened to me which has scarred my romantic psyche.  It’s because I think Valentine’s Day turns normal, average, reasonable women into neurotic, self-obsessed, whiney, piteous, crybabies.  It puts too much pressure on them and it puts too much pressure on their poor unsuspecting husbands.  

And no, Valentine’s Day does not affect ‘all’ women like that – it probably doesn’t even affect ‘most’ women like that.  But I’m looking out for us underdogs….yep, I’m Anti-Valentining on behalf of all us ladies who tend to put more emphasis on a thing than there should be.  It’s too easy to get sucked into a state of nervous expectation that says, “I don’t know what I want in particular, but that man better figure out what it is and do something that makes me feel like a Queen”  God forbid the poor man who only comes home with a card, or… forgets.  Burn him at the stake and then CHOP OFF HIS HEAD!

And it’s a bummer, too, because no matter how hard I protest and tell everybody in my family how much I hate Valentine’s Day, I still end up with a card, usually some flowers and some chocolate.  Nobody ever listens to me.  And Geoff only tells me, “I’m afraid NOT to” 

So Happy Anti-Valentines to all of you fellow Antivalentiners

 

February 12th, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 28 Comments

28 Responses to ' Happy Anti-Valentines '

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  1. kympossible said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 8:35 am

    Preach it!! LOL

    I feel much the same way about Valentines – and Mothers Day too. Hallmark Holidays, I call them.

    I truly do not want my DH to spend money on flowers for me – they die. I don't want him to give me chocolates – I'm trying to lose weight! I do like to have a special date night to mark Valentines Day, and this year he is going all out with that, so I am very happy.

    Blessings,

    Kym

  2. ClagettsFLStyle said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am

    We're embrassing it this year

    Usually valentines is not that big of a deal here. But this year I thought I would have some fun with it.

    Not the gifts and card stuff. But just the LOVE part. Showing my family how much I love them and dressing the house up a little bit and fixing some yummies to eat.

    But you go ahead girl – rebel against the system – LOL – I'm sure your family enjoys seeing your squirm when they hand you the candy ;-). LOL

  3. DreweLlyn said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Anti-Valentine's Day? Hmm?

    Reading your post made me think of an article I read on CNN this morning.

    http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/02/12/saudi.valentine/index.html?iref=newssearch

    I'm really not comparing you to the Saudis. (How do you pluralize that?????) But I thought you might like to know the Saudi government supports your idea. LOL!!!! (I really mean this tongue-in-cheek, and I hope you take it that way.) Have a great day! (And if you don't want your chocolates, send them my way. πŸ™‚ )

  4. SmallWorld said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm

    Untitled Comment

    SPEAKING of whiny, stop whining and just participate in my contest!

  5. onfire said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    sheesh

    if I got as many spontaneous gifties in the mail, regularly, as you do I might espouse balentimes too.

    listen to sarah already.

    just write it.

    you know you can …

  6. Ruth said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

    Untitled Comment

    Jen,

    I am not a Valentine lover either. I don't expect anything on this one day. It would mean so much more if it came on a day when I didn't expect it. Even if it is only one flower.

    Boy, you received alot of goodies from your friend. All of those books sound great. Maybe you should start a blog lending library. LOL~I agree that no friend should send a math book just for fun.

    Ruth

  7. moreofhim said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    Untitled Comment

    Oh, I'm so sorry you were sick. I hope you're better now. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I've had this flu for almost 2 weeks now. :o( Some homemade chicken soup about now sounds wonderful. What a blessing!!

    I used to be one of those whiny women about Valentines, but no more. I now focus on GIVING to my husband and children and don't worry about getting anything. I'm making my hubby a lovely heart shaped book that I'm putting pictures in and other lovely things. I think he'll like it and he's a very sentimental man who loves these kinds of things.

    Take care and God bless you – Julie

  8. texasmom2002 said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    Love is in the air-

    I too used to be a "figure out what I want and make it a big deal on every special occasion or else" type of woman. Gross. How many holidays did I ruin because of my drama? Too many to count! But the Lord has shown me my errors over the years, and it's so liberating to no longer expect the unexpected on those "special" days. And my loving hubby actually believes me now when I say I want nothing! He got into a disagreement at work because his buddy asked him what he was getting me and he told him nothing. He said "oh, my wife is different. She's not into all that junk. She knows I love her and I know she loves me and she doesn't want anything." His friend just kept saying "yeah right, tell me that on Friday when you didn't get her anything." And my sweet man, coming to my defense, kept insisting that I'd probably actually be upset if he DID get me something. His friend never bought it, but I was so touched that he believed me enough to get frustrated with a co-worker who doubted my sincerity. Ah, the more I think about him, the more I'm in love. Isn't that fantastic after almost 10 years?? Our Lord is so faithful and I am constantly amazed at how miraculous His ways are! Love Jesus first, and everything else just clicks doesn't it?? Why don't they tell you that before you take off on your honeymoon??

  9. tnmomtomanyblessings said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    Untitled Comment

    Happy Valentines Day!

    Sorry – I can't resist. I hope your feeling better!

    Love,

    Maria

  10. blessingsundreamtof said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

    AMEN!!!

    Well, I've never really heard this anti-Valentine sentiment spoken aloud!!! You GO girl!!! For years, we've felt the same way. DH and I are not anti-holiday in general, however, we tend to feel that it should not take a once-a-year holiday with all of the advertising pressure shoved down our throats to make us remember to celebrate love. We do… yes, we're hypocritical in this… thoroughly enjoy the cookies that my dear holiday loving sis sends us every year for V-day. Please know… we are certainly not so stubbornly opposed to the Day of Amore to refuse to scarf down her yummy love treats! Hope you're feeling better.

    :)Michelle

  11. jess4him said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Untitled Comment

    okay. knowing you as well as I do, i could have TOTALLY called the subject of this post. Well, mrs. scrooge, I hope you have a wonderful Valentines day and instead of thinking about all the bratty women in the world and how they will behave when they only get a daisy from their men the day after tomorrow, think of how much YOU AND GEOFF love each other .. as well as how much all your friends, and most of your family, love you too! so here's a big, unwanted *SMOOOOOOOOOOOOCH* for you (don't worry, it was on your cheek).

    You should get your oils and wax soon..

  12. Jenig said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    Untitled Comment

    Jessica …. wax and oils…. DYING LAUGHING.

    in case anybody is wondering, those items are being sent to me for the care of my handmade wooden cutting board.

    SMMOOOOOOCH right back at you (and mine comes with flu germs)

  13. drewsfamilytx said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

    Untitled Comment

    I suppose I'm not really anti-Vday. I decided long ago that I'm not going to worry about <i>everyone else</i> and their doomed expectations for their spouse to read their mind and suddenly come into a load of cash.

    In this house, we don't do cards or gifts. Now, I might get swayed at the store and get the kids some candy or something, but us cheapskates like to wait until the day after and get TONS of stuff for half price! Seriously, my boys always look forward to the day after more than the day of!

    Oh, and I do let the little guys make valentines for grandma and grandpa and maybe their best friends… but if we do or don't, they'll still know we love them! Although grandma and grandpa might be a little sad to not get a card. It's more of a good excuse to make my non-drawing, non-writing boys to actually create something that can be mailed! Because mud and frogs just don't sit well with the United States Postal Service.

  14. Anonymous said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 7:55 pm

    I'm With You!

    I've been reading your blog for a while and this is the first time I've commented. I can so relate with your sentiments! I've given a blanket excuse to my family to relax on the 14th. Thank you for putting words to my thoughts in such a concise erudite (!) manner!

    Thank you, Melinda

  15. Anonymous said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    Flu

    Because flu activity is on the rise throughout the U.S., CDC recommends that people get vaccinated if they haven’t done so already this season. In addition, to stop germs from spreading, take everyday preventive actions including frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. If you get the flu, take antiviral drugs if your doctor says you need them. For more information on influenza and protecting against it, visit CDC’s http://www.myFluNews.com

  16. foxvalleyfamily said,

    on February 12th, 2008 at 10:01 pm

    Untitled Comment

    I don't really care for Valentine's day either (…although I won't complain too much if I DO happen to get a big box of See's chocolates) πŸ™‚

    Sorry to hear you all have the yuck bug.

    I pray you get well soon!

    Michelle

  17. Stephanie10 said,

    on February 13th, 2008 at 12:20 am

    Daniel Gardner's take on Valentine's Day

    You've probably already watched this guy's Valentine's video, but if not, you might enjoy it. Here's the URL:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtjGgD9bMsM

    My poor husband had to take Monday and Tuesday off work this week because of the flu. He'll be staying home tomorrow as well. Then he'll work extra long and hard to make up for the loss of hours. Perhaps I'll make chicken soup for him tomorrow.

  18. DanielleW said,

    on February 13th, 2008 at 9:25 am

    Untitled Comment

    LOL. We actually don't even bother with V-day. I do think that it is ok for married couples to participate but there is so much pressure put on children and teens. I guess I might have been scarred as a teen. The emphasis placed on it even in my Christian school and then never having that certain special someone to share it with. (rolling eyes) I came to dread and HATE the entire month of February. I think that is why God, in his infinite wisdom, gave me our son in the middle of the month I hated so much.

    Now, we just skip V-day all together. If that is something he wants to do with his wife when he gets married I pray his wife will not be one of "those" women. LOL

  19. CrossView said,

    on February 13th, 2008 at 9:30 am

    Untitled Comment

    *tiptoes in*

    *whispers I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY!*

    *leaves quietly*

  20. oatmealkiss.blogspot.com said,

    on February 13th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Amen sister!

    Happy Anti-valentine's day to you too. My husband and I always say, "We don't need valentines day to celebrate our love because we celebrate all year!" You know what commercials make me want to THROW UP?!?! Kay Diamonds! That is what I think of now when I think of v-day. My boys have been asking alot questions about v-day and I am making them special treats and focusing on what treasures they are that God gave us and not really on the v-day aspect of it. πŸ™‚

  21. Kelley said,

    on February 13th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    Untitled Comment

    *snort* I like Geoff's reaction. My husband forgot one year and I completely didn't care. I just like using my heart casserole dishes and this is the one time of the year that it actually matters….sort of. It's not even a holiday. Not really. Just a day when Hallmark and the Florists get together to torcher the wallet with pointless spending.

    Last year my daughter used her safty sissors to bring me a bunch of my newly purchased mums…that I bought to pot that summer. Oh well.

  22. cricket313/Michelle said,

    on February 13th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

    Valentine's Day

    My husband and I took away the expectation years ago when we decided to not do dinner and gifts on Valentine's Day. My husband's comment was to show our love all year instead of just on one day. (And we've had plenty of disgusted looks and comments through the years.) I do allow the kids to participate in Vday gatherings and give vday cards…but we don't do anymore than that in our home for one another. (Yet we don't do Santa or Easter Bunny or Toothfairy, etc.)

  23. CAgirlwithasoutherndrawl said,

    on February 14th, 2008 at 9:27 am

    Untitled Comment

    oh goodness. I don't know what made me laugh more, your entry or some of the comments. I sure needed it.

    And no matter how many times I tell him not to, he always gets me candy and flowers. This year it was Junior Mints and I think that they are magic anti-throw up pills. Yea!

    Go get vaccinated!

    a;lfjg;ldgjdl;fkgjaklgfj;'hgf

    ~Annemarie

  24. Anonymous said,

    on February 14th, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Post About Courtship

    In sorta related news, I wrote a post today about courtship, if you're interested in reading my thoughts. I have been stressing about my daughter growing up (18 next month) and whom she'll marry, when I know I should be trusting the Lord with all of it!!!

    Thanks for always bringing laughter to so many folks. That's such a gift. πŸ™‚

  25. Anonymous said,

    on February 14th, 2008 at 11:21 am

    Sorry-I was signed into blogger

    and forgot to sign in to homeschoolblogger. It was me writing about the courtship post:

    http://cali2carolina.blogspot.com/

  26. debbiecorley said,

    on February 14th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

    Untitled Comment

    I guess since my brain is stuck always in unit study mode, I use V-Day as an opportunity to talk about things like: St. Valentine and the legends of how Valentine's Day originated; God, who *is* love; and what the Bible describes as true love..patient, not self-seeking, always hopeful, never rude, etc…

    I agree that the retail world has commercialized "love" to make a profit, and that Valentine's Day is a contrived "holiday", but it's no surprize! I say, "Take lemons and make lemonade!"

    So, Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you're feeling better!

  27. Anonymous said,

    on February 16th, 2008 at 12:22 pm

    I called my husband at work the day before Valentine's…

    but he wasn't at his desk.

    I called him on his cell, and when he picked up, I asked him where he was. He hemmed and hawed. I said, "Oh so you are at a store getting me something for Valentine's Day?"

    No answer. I told him, "Pleased don't get me anything. I was just calling to ask you if I can buy some larger diaper covers for Logan. I'd rather spend our money on that."

    He did get me a card and wrote some lovely words on the inside. Nice man!

    And on a completely different topic: Did my anti-Southworth comment get the whole post deleted? πŸ˜€ I really know that's not why, but it tickled me that it disappeared.

    Melissa

    http://oursidehomeschool.blogspot.com

  28. Anonymous said,

    on February 19th, 2008 at 12:33 am

    one good thing

    we found 1/2 dozen roses for sale the day after at .99 (where's that cent sign when u need it?) — so we bought 4 bunches, and shoved them all into a mason jar for us to enjoy this week!

    the children and decorated 'valentine' bags form the 1st of the month to valentines day, i put cards in them each night for them to open the next morning, sometimes a little candy treat, for a cookie as well, and on valentines day a big store bought card and a small toy

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