the ocean

Ian and I have a cute Valentine's Day tradition where, approximately a week before, we say to each other, "Oh, fuck. We're not doing anything for Valentine's Day, right?" 

And to be fair, it's not that we don't do anything, per se, it's just that the days of giant teddy bears and elaborate floral deliveries are long behind us. I mean, we don't need that shit cluttering up the house, usually one of us is on some kind of diet so candy is out, and the idea of being at a crowded restaurant is horrifying to both of us. So we generally order some food (early, to beat the rush, like the AARP crowd), exchange cards, and just have a quiet evening at home. It's kind of great, frankly.

No offense, of course, to people who do more. I can definitely understand the appeal of seeing your perfect love memorialized with skywriting or a Jumbotron or a Cameo from Countess Luann or something, but for me less is more. I'm like the Marie Kondo of romance. Also, I live in fear of asymmetrical warfare in this area, like showing up with a single rose and being greeted with a private chef and violinist. 

Anyway, happy Valentine's Day, to those who celebrate. It's also Statehood Day for Arizona and Oregon, per Wikipedia, so please spare a thought for your fellow Americans.