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Feb. 16, 2005 Well, Valentine’s Day has come and gone. To some it’s a day of sorrow and torment, to others, it’s a day of flashing their peacock feathers to their partner to show them how much love they have for them. Is it overrated? Maybe. My own thoughts? I think people overdo it and kick themselves afterwards. In Calgary alone, Valentine’s Day last minute shoppers (mainly men, of course) bought for their sweethearts gifts worth an average of $500 Canadian (there was another average of $2,500 Canadian that was also stated, but I believe that one to be skewed with some outliers—let’s say, engagement rings as one example). Can you imagine how much money the retailers made from these people? I realize time is of the essence, but by going out last minute shopping, the average consumer lost more money out of their pocket than the person who planned in advance. I am a person who doesn’t have much time—believe me, every minute is precious to me and costs me dearly, but I refuse to be taken for a ride by retailers for occasions such as this. One suggestion out of many that I have is: get a gift basket. You can order one a few days ahead to be delivered to your loved one, which will surprise them greatly and they are not that expensive even with a delivery charge; another is wine. A bottle or two of hand-picked wines can be delivered, and nicely packaged to your loved one, for a very reasonable price. Hmmmmm……creativity is essential for this day. Is Valentine’s really about flashing one’s colorful feathers, increasing the pocket sizes of retailers? Or is it a day just to touch base with your loved one and let them know you care about and love them? The latter is what I would be feign to agree with more. I cooked a gourmet dinner with a gourmet French dessert for my husband as a Valentine’s treat and added a nice French wine to the menu. By the end of the night, I felt I should have stopped there because he was so floored that I went to such an extent for himm (I do a smart thing, as does he—all year round, I cook basic meals, nothing too extraordinary, so this was a real treat). He also appreciated the time, effort and care I put into this meal—so why did I go crazy and buy him chocolates and other Valentine’s treats to top this off? I had gone overboard because I felt it just wasn’t enough after he had taken me out to a fantastic wine-pairing meal at one of the fanciest restaurants in Calgary. True, he had splurged on me, but did I really have to go overboard as well? Especially when he was overjoyed with the meal I had made for him from scratch? Is Valentine’s really about the gifts? No. It’s about the respect and love that you show towards one another. That was my lesson this Valentine’s Day which I share with you all, and hope that it will influence all of you on your next Valentine’s gift giving. So kick up your heels, and show your loved one(s) you care for them in little, inexpensive ways. Remember that the best Valentine’s gift is what comes from your heart and the effort you put into what you give, not the funds that you put into it. And gentlemen, even if you are last minute, believe me, she will appreciate a beautiful meal prepared by you (or nearly prepared by you—deli’s are a wonderful thing!) with candlelight, music (Barry White is a favorite) and a fine bottle of recommended wine from your neighborhood cellar or liquor store. With that I leave you. Till next time... ------------ About the author: Barbara has been writing short stories for the enjoyment of friends and family for years. She has published three books, Collection, Collection II, and Pawn: A Novel. Collection II is currently undergoing publication and will be availabe February 2005 through most internet booksellers. Barbara lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and enjoys writing, reading and tending to her other field: accounting. Websites: http://www.barbaraannamarjanovic.com http://www.authorsden.com/barbaraannamarjanovic Email: blueswan28@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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