Danger, maybe. I'm starting to think.

How important are politics to me? Exactly where does Derek stand on these issues. I know he's anti-abortion and that's why he votes Republican (how many times have I heard That story!) but where does he stand. It's probably a very safe bet that I'll continue to be involved politically so I think this is definetly something I have to find out.

Maybe I'll do the day trip to DC with him tomorrow... I should, but I'll have to drive my car through the flood that is currently New Jersey. . .

So during the weekend mini-trip, I discovered that Derek is a big fan of Silverado. We watched a few minutes of it at his friend's place before we had to leave, so imposed a study break on him last night and we watched it.

He's got one of those city apartments where the building is locked so you can't surprise anyone by showing up at their door... but he lives on a ground floor and has a little sliding glass door that is easy access. So I showed up at his back door, with a dark blue plastic flower fresh from Michaels. He's got such a total single guy apartment that I decided it needed *some* life, even if it is fake.

Aaaaahhhh Poop.
I have to work a concert on Valentine's Day Evening. That means the only way I get any Derek Time at all is if he attends the concert (and even then, together time will be minimal) or if we do something very early or very late at night. At least the concert should be decent. Rosanne Cash is getting good attention these days.
Maybe we can do something Friday...

Opinions about Valentine's Day Stuff:

THE USUAL:

Chocolate:
Chocolate is yummy, but not the best expression of Love. If you give me tasty chocolate, I'm going to eat it, probably without any self control and all at once, and then I'll at least feel bad emotionally if not physically for allowing myself junk like that. Also, you give chocolate, I eat it, and then it's gone. All done. Over. So, if you're going to give something edible, at least make it, either something nutritious, or make a memory out of it - like a nice restaurant. Quality food IS a good gift.

Flowers:
Well, every girl loves flowers it's true. How can you not feel happy with a flower? But I wouldn't say flowers are the most ideal, because they'll usually wither away and be done soon too. Not that they're any less appreciated because of it… A flower or plant that gets to keep living, now there's a step up. Life is always good, and continuing to nourish a house plant is more symbolic of real love than a pretty flower that withers away in a couple days.

Jewlery:
There's something enduring, but most people realize I don't really wear jewlery. I'll eventually take a wedding ring if offered by the right person -because symbolism and ritual are important- but even then it's not worth wasting money on a diamond. Let's be practical here. With my luck, I'd probably end up losing it down a drain or something anyway.

THE BETTER:

Food:
As mentioned above, REAL food is good. A nice dinner works because it gives you quality time. If the effort is made to either make a nice meal or pay for a nice restaurant, then that is truly appreciated.

Time:
Time is good. Quality time is quality memories. Surprises, or plans, outdoor, or in, with others, or one on one… (For Valentine's Day, One on One is usually preferable…) Time focused on eachother, now there's a quality gift.

Creativity:
Ok, so I start off by ripping on all the typical gifts and how I don't like them. People automatically think "oh no, she'll be impossible to give to. She won't appreciate anything that's not Huge and Complex, and Augh!" Or, they think "She'll just be happier if I don't do anything at all." Neither of these are true. I'm surprisingly very easy to please, but I will be hurt if I have a boyfriend who does nothing to recognize a special day. So, just think of SOMETHING, and odds are high that you'll make me smile.

..... We'll just have to wait and see how Derek Does. I'll try to do something good too... but his birthday is just a few days after V-day, so I'll have to come up with something for him then.

The weekend trip was fun. We visited a former college roomate of Derek's, who is married and has an adorable 13 month old toddler. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with the little boy, and driving on a long trip with someone who liked to sing silly songs along the way. When everyone likes to sing along, They Might Be Giants is some of the best driving music. It makes the time go by nicely.