February 4, 2009

Are you enjoying Valentine’s Day?

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Has Valentine’s Day lost its luster? Remember when you were a kid and decorated a shoebox with paper and ribbons and doilies and things and then everyone was required to hand out Valentine’s cards?

I never got anything pretty; they were always those yucky little kid valentines—the same ones my mother got for me to give to my friends. But at least you got to eat pretty cupcakes and read Valentine’s and not do schoolwork all afternoon.

I always wanted something more, like those big, beautiful heart-shaped boxes of candy that they showed on TV and in the magazines. Or the huge diamonds that husbands, fiancés and loyal boyfriends gave to their significant others. It typically didn’t happen.

Once a boyfriend took me out for a really special dinner and gave me roses, but unfortunately I was coming down with the flu and I couldn’t enjoy it. My ex-husband also used to bring me flowers, but he’s an ex and doesn’t bring me flowers anymore—hmm, that would make a good song title!

And, I even got shut out with my children. I have three boys—well, I guess they’re men now. They used to give me cards when they were younger. Once, my youngest even gave me a gold and green bracelet with frogs because he knew I loved frogs. I think I was the only one who thought it was cute.

Well, they are all grown up now, and I hope the oldest two have gifts for their wives, but I won’t count on it. I raised them right, it’s just that they now consider Valentine’s Day a Hallmark holiday, which it probably is. However, their wives will know how to treat them if they don’t remember and will probably have something to say to me too.

I’ve heard that girls treat their moms a little better. Well, they are more feminine. However, some of my friends note that when these girls grow into their teens, mom is not the parent they try to impress. Oh well, I guess it happens to all of us.

Because I’m single now, I don’t expect anything. I do live with a rather large dog, but he doesn’t talk much or have any money—unless he’s been stealing from my purse—and I didn’t raise him to bring me flowers or to steal. I don’t even let him pick up the things he wants to eat on walks. He’d probably try to eat the flowers anyway, and for an animal that shouldn’t eat chocolate, he’s managed to eat some truffles that got left out once—with no repercussions.

My cat used to bring me things, but most of them were gross, and these gifts rarely came on Valentine’s Day, except for one where she came back in the house with a giant beetle. I screamed.

So, for all of you men out there, I’ve decided to list some items that you can pick up on Valentine’s Day, should you forget in advance. This year it’s on a Saturday, right after Friday the 13th, so be VERY CAREFUL.

Now, if you happen to find yourself on Lincoln Avenue or any number of places in Cambrian Park, there are lots of places to go for gifts. You can surprise her with jewelry—that’s always a nice touch and will probably win you lots of kisses and maybe other things too. You might also opt for one of the local spas and buy her a package—there’s several on the Avenue and even more hidden within San Jose. There are some that are quite expensive and others that are not so costly, and one place that I know of that offers romantic couples massages and you don’t have to drive miles to get to any of them.

Stores on the Avenue also offer treats such as pampering body lotions, soft bamboo towels, candleholders, chic nightwear and other items designed to make her feel loved. There’s also clothing, books and hair salons that will provide makeovers, but that might be a “little too special.”

Women, this holiday works both ways. You can also offer a romantic evening, jewelry if he likes that kind of thing, or a cozy massage for two. Candy works well too, but not if he’s on a diet or diabetic. Men might also like a day off, with golf or a day at a fancy gym. And, if you both want, you could go together and get something special from a travel agency, like a visit to Hawaii or Mexico.

So there you have it, and just in case you think this poor editor won’t have any fun, I wear a size 12, have pierced ears, love spa days, perfume and gift certificates. So if by chance you have some extra money to spend—you can find me at the Times hard at work.