V-day.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner...and it hasn't phased me. Is that wrong being a married woman? I kind of just view it as another day of the week. For those of you that are married, did the sappy holidays like V-Day or Sweetest Day fade into the distance and become not as important anymore once you tied the knot? I mean, I don't really expect to receive a whole lot...like chocolates, stuffed animals, etc...and not because the hubby isn't loving and caring, either! I'd rather he just save "our" money for something we both can enjoy, like something for our new house!

When the hubby and I first started dating, I believe we celebrated monthly anniversaries and always "did" something for V-day. But, I can't recall what we've done for such holidays over the last few years. Does that reflect poorly on our relationship? Or, in the grand scheme of things, does it really even matter?

I have noticed that it is easy to become comfortable in your marriage...almost like a routine. It's not that you don't love each other, but you're past the point of "impressing" each other. Almost 3 years into marriage, I'm understanding it takes work to keep the love alive. I would rather go out of my way on a random day of the week and leave a sweet note for my husband, then to get a cheap, red and pink card with a cheesy poem, only because it's V-day! Are you tracking with me?

Now, it is nice to celebrate the holiday with the person you love...I get that. But, I think it has to be something unique...not the cliche dozen roses. My wise, single friend encouraged me to plan a night experiencing something "new" with the hubby! As a couple, I think we may be kind of boring...not to say we don't have beaming personalities that enjoy having a good time laughing a LOT! But, we tend to fall into a routine . We typically go to the same restaurant...or we go to the movies...or we rent a Red Box...or we play games. We don't naturally want to try new things, hence my friend's challenge. She suggested trying a "new" restaurant we have never been and a fun activity we have never tried, like salsa dancing. I definitely said "HECK NO" to the salsa dancing...see, I tend to be B-O-R-I-N-G! I would be afraid that I would look so stupid!

As easy as that sounds, I'm a little nervous! I don't love trying new food...it's nice to have something you know you are definitely going to like and not waste your money. But, I think I have some place in mind. Now, the activity...I have absolutely NO CLUE! Ladies, I need your help...I live in Northern Virginia with access to a variety of activities, so shoot me anything you can think of! I'm running out of time here...well, I don't think we're going to celebrate on actual V-day...so I may have more time than I think!

Anxiously awaiting your suggestions...

{photo credit: Brad Castaneda}