We're officially on vacation, so tonight begins our blogging break. We will be back in the blogosphere before you know it... until then enjoy our slide show.

XOXO

Valentine's Extravaganza

I have had some requests, via email, to blog about my Valentines Day. Truth is, I think this is a stupid holiday. If you can't tell me you love me, everyday, then don't humor me on the 14th of February when every other person feels obligated to trek out, get a card, and make reservations at a fancy restaurant. If you *love me* take me out on a date once in a while, bring me home something totally random and inexpensive for no reason what-so-ever, talk about my winning qualities in front of your parents and best friends. If you need a reason, ie: Valentine's Day, don't bother.

The other reason I don't care for the holiday is because I have so many single friends who don't enjoy walking around in public among the advertisements; red roses, big heart balloons, and discounted diamonds. I have a friend who calls it "single's awareness day." What frustrates me, is that most people only acknowledge their significant other on Valentine's Day. Come on people, do you not love anyone else???

The last reason I don't care for Valentine's Day: a drunk driver hit me on Valentine's Day 2007. It was a bad accident and I could have very likely died had I been in a different vehicle.

That said; Aaron and I did acknowledge Valentine's Day this year. We had been discussing it in the days that led up, but had no plans set in stone because I would be working until about 8:00 PM, much too late to catch a movie or grab a bite. This is how our plans were to go:

1. We were not acknowledging Valentine's Day on February 14.
2. We would get each other a card (and/or something small).
3. We would go to dinner on Friday night, when the hubbub from the "holiday" was settled, but it would be a causal dinner (seafood because of Lent) and it would be no big deal... or so I thought.

At work on Thursday many people, knowing Aaron, asked what he had in store for me. I confidently told them "Oh, we don't really acknowledge Valentine's." Later, when I was doing group, my co-facilitator made dinner (it's included in our program), and we always serve dessert. She brought out the pink cupcakes we had bought for the kids and put them away immediately after each group member took one. I give her the look of death as if to say "Hey, Jaime, where's the love?" She responds, "Oh, I didn't think you wanted one because you are going to be showing the STD slides." I said, "yes of course I do, I didn't eat a lot at supper." She stares blankly at me, as if searching for words in her head, so I beat her to the punch..."why do I feel like your my mom right now?!" She relented, and I got my cupcake.

Now, as an aside, this was all said in good fun. Jaime is one of my best friends, and an amazing co-leader. I very much enjoy working with her, but I was frustrated because she knows I could eat finger food in the same room while an autopsy was being conducted. I don't get grossed out... why on earth would she think slides of human anatomy covered with genital warts would stop me from eating a pink cupcake with sprinkles!?

When I got home that night, Valentine's Day, this is what was waiting for me... and he had called Jaime instructing her not to let me eat.

What you see here just happens to be one of my favorite meals: Pork chops with mushrooms, couscous, broccoli salad (I had never had it until Aaron made it for me) French bread, red wine and for dessert dark chocolate cake with a raspberry layer covered in chocolate frosting. As you can also see, red roses (I could have killed him they must have cost a fortune! But they were indeed beautiful.) This happens to be the first meal we ever shared together on an intimate level. He recreated it at 8:30, ready for when I got home.

So, okay, deep down I was pleased ;) He loves me. I have NEVER questioned that.

It doesn't, however, stop there. As planned, we were supposed to go out to eat on Friday... exchanging cards then. (Don't worry, I'm not a total ogre, I did have a little something up my sleeve for Molloy.) Aaron informs me that we are having a Valentine's Weekend. He "knows how I think one day of 'lovin' is stupid" so he has plans for me ALL weekend!

On Friday we go to Ruby Tuesdays. Great dinner, great company. We exchange cards as planned, but my twist... I stopped by his favorite tattoo artist's studio and got him a gift certificate for a tattoo. Aaron plans to have a (brunette, go figure) pin-up girl tattooed on his left forearm. I contributed to the cause because I love self-expression, tattoos (and yes, piercings too). He was more than elated. The certificate should cover the majority of the piece.

Saturday morning, I wake up a little late, to the most delicious smell. He even made me french toast instead of pancakes (I'll eat pancakes, but not a huge fan)

We went on to have a fabulous weekend- the rest of which I am keeping for me ;0)
But, one of the things Aaron wrote in his card to me I have to disagree with:

Jessi
I don't know how to express to you what you mean to me...

I know. You express it daily. Thank you.

Moon Me

I don't know if you were able to catch the eclipse the other night, but it was amazing. We had the perfect view from our back porch. We won't see this again until 2010!!!

Books to read in February

February is black history month.
Below are the 5 best books to celebrate and educate.

Warriors Don't Cry By: Melba Patillo-Beals
This book is about the children who integrated Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas in the 1950's. The author was one of the "Little Rock 9." I have read this book several times, and each time I learn something new. I love the strength of the children in this book.

The Bluest Eye By: Toni Morrison.
This book is a biography of sorts. The life of Pecola Breedlove is the focal point, outlining her struggles as an African American child who is in contact with other white children. She is a survivor of incest, abuse and discrimination. She wants nothing more than to have blue eyes.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings By: Maya Angelou
This is my favorite book of all time. I met Maya Angelou year ago and was lucky enough to hear her speak. Maya is a survivor of rape, abuse and discrimination. She had an unplanned teen pregnancy and this book chronicles some of that struggle. Maya has spoken at Presidential Inaugurations, is a prolific writer and poet, humanitarian, spit-fire, hero, and friend of Oprah...

Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word By: Randall Kennedy
This book is an intense read. It discusses the root of this word, how it originated and includes quotes by famous people, song lyrics sensationalizing the word, and other surprising shocking facts about this hateful word. For instance in Mark Twain's novel, Huckleberry Fin, the word "nigger" is used 215 times! This used to be a children's book!

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier By: Isamael Beah
I did not read this book, however, Aaron did. Aaron is an advocate for civil rights (aren't we all) but is particularly fascinated with poverty, refugees, and the arming of children in wars. He loved/hated this book- it was profound and heart-wrenching. It is intense and written by a boy soldier from Sierra Leone.

Dancin' Pants

Watch this one first...

And Aaron's response.

WARNING: the following clip contains vulgarity and sexual content.

There are more of these videos in my archive, but only one other from this night that I am willing to share. Stay tuned.

An Amazing Wednesday, Oui?

Great big, huge, congratulations to Aaron Molloy.

We just found out that Aaron is now certified to teach K-8 (any/all subjects). Not only did he get his K-8 Certification he also received his Special Education Certificate, making him dually certified. He can specialize in teaching children with developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and developmental disorders, as well as any grade K-8 and Emotionally handicap youth.

Aaron, I am so proud of you, I know how hard you worked for this. I respect you so much professionally because you have such an amazing way with all children. I know how important teaching is to you and am confident you will do great things for every child.

Ahhhh!

We are offline again! Aaron should be taking care of it tonight. Our cable is out too, not that we even watch TV, but we are paying for it.

Hang in there, we are fine and had an "adventurous" weekend but I just can't post about it!
(I am already doing this one on work time- which is a HUGE no-no in my book!)

Hugs & Kisses

watch this video ---> GIVE ME A HUG

Goodness still exists.

Spread the love.

Hug someone today.

Happy Valentines Day.