Hello out there, who ever you are. Dave. doesn’t sound like a mysterious name… And so begins my strange story of an early Valentine’s day gift that is probably from my boyfriend, but was signed “-Dave”

Derek, this guy at work, hands me this box of flowers and says something like “somebody loves you” in a musical kind of way. My first thought is “That Bastard” while smiling ear to ear. Jeff and I said that we weren’t going to get each other anything for Valentine’s day, just go out and have a nice dinner over the weekend. And I meant it too. But then I remembered talking to him in the car and saying “Can you send me some flowers at work and I’ll pay you for them? I like having plants at work.” I was half-joking, but I guess he (being the sweetie that he is) decided to give me a little surprise.

I open the box, see the multi-colored tulips (I love tulips) and set about getting a vase and all that good stuff. I go to read the note attached and it says “Happy Valentine’s Day…Love you.” “Dave”

DAVE?! Who is Dave! Is my boyfriend just messin with me (he is a funny guy). I’m sure it was just a mixup with the flower company. Do I actually have a secret admirer?! Of course not, but it’s neat to think about. And of course I can’t get in touch with Jeff because his cellphone must be out of range. Well, it’s a nice thought to have a secret admirer, even though now adays it’s called stalking.

Well I ordered the Kashi Go Lean Crunch Combo. I got 14 go lean bars, two cans of shake mix, and two boxes of cereal. It’s so much food it should last me a while. I’ve wanted healthier snacks to have at work, and I hope these work out. THIS IS NOT some weird appetite suppressant system. In fact it is healthy, natural food. Enough about this, I just wanted you all to know how great it was.

I also have to go to karate tonight, and I think I’ve put to much pressure on myself because I couldn’t go for 2 weeks and then I was sick last week so I didn’t want to go if my stomach was squirrely. SO now’s my first chance to go and I am anxious for some reason. I made a vet appointment for Mr. Turtle. He’s got some very small pits in his shell and I want to make sure that he’s not sick or that I’m feeding him right. Does anyone have turtle advice for me?

My proposal for tuition reimbursement is past the second stage. First stage was actually completing the proposal (took quite a few months of procrastinating and then having a eureka moment yesterday where I got it all done). Stage two was getting it past the first level of approval. I would love to take a Spanish for business class and a verb refresher course. I think that even if the company doesn’t pay for it I will take it anyway. I’d probably pick a class that would go towards a graduate degree, however. This particular class isn’t for credits (which means it’s less expensive). I can’t wait to be back in class and speaking Spanish again.

On another note I am so glad to hear that Marquito’s eyelashes aren’t freezing anymore. I remember walking down the quarter-mile in college and having that happen. I also remember having a hard time breathing through my nose because it would freeze up on the inside! Try blowing bubbles when it gets really cold. They freeze! Fun in the snow!

Stay warm!

I’m in New Hamphire and it was freezing cold yesterday. Today is much nicer. That bitter wind is missing, and the sun has been out a bit.

I took some pictures of a fountain that had frozen up. The ice must just keep building up because you can see a little spray from the water coming out the top.

Last night I had a peanut butter pie. It was tasty. There was a Layer of pie crust, a layer of chocolate, and a layerof this moussey peanutbutter tasting stuff. It was very tasty (did I say that already?). So much for my no-sugar kick! I’ll try not to give up, it’s only a minor setback :).