VD

Happy Valentine's Day weekend everybody!

I started planning VD back in Oct when SWA ran a special for $30 one-way to several cities. I initially thought about going to FL but I've been in Feb before and it was NOT warm, especially in the northern part of the state. Then I thought about Chicago. I've got a cousin who lives there that has been more than generous to welcome us into her home. So...I bought the tickets and thought this would make a perfect Christmas gift. But did I really want to give a gift for Christmas that couldn't be used for another month and a half? I knew it would be really hard for me to keep it in that long, but I did it. I've planned a surprise trip to Chicago for this weekend. I began giving my girl clues every day for the past 10 days. Each day was a treasure hunt, or a riddle, to find a picture clue. I didn't think any of the clues would give it away right off the bat so at first I printed a picture of a burlesque girl. My girls fav movie is Chicago. I printed off a beluga whale (Shedd Aquarium), a steak (famous meat packing district), a lantern (folk tale of the city burning down when a cow kicked over the lantern), pair of white socks (baseball team), a couple of bear cubs (baseball team), a picture of the city flag, and a photo of the first family. On the last day (today) I gave her a Reese's butter cup box and a H&M giftcard. She has a clue now we're going to Chicago, but she isn't certain we are going this weekend. I pretended to make reservations for a spa day on Sunday here in town. Her mom is coming over tonight for dinner, but she's actually coming over to take us to the airport. Saturday we have made plans for a matinee and popcorn. So I'm thinking she must think we're going a different weekend. I told her last Monday she needed to plan to be late to work on the 14th about two hours. I think she's confused more than anything at this point! I am so excited, I can't wait!! It's going to be a great VD weekend!! We're supposed to go to a supper club on Sat night with my cousin and her friend. It looks delicious and super fun!! Plus I am looking forward to the aquarium and shopping Sat at H&M. Sunday I have a car rented and we're going to drive up to MKE to see my girls best friend who just had a baby.

I found a box in our garage earlier this week. I was going through it and found some old letters and photos my girl had from ex's. I'm not the kind who wants photos thrown away, unless they are smoochy (or more) kind. But to me, that's a part of your life, and no need to throw that away. If you throw the photos away, it doesn't take away from the fact that it happened. My girl and I went through the box together last night. She has changed SO much. She didn't seem to think so, but I do. She has a different look in her eyes. High school photos I could see sadness, it seemed her eyes were even turned down a bit. When I see college photos I see anger. I see rebellion. I see someone trying to make a statement and change the world. I see someone not caring what others thought or said. Not trying to hide the fact she was a lesbian. I could never be so bold and OUT THERE. I asked her if she made a conscious effort to LOOK like a lesbian then, and she said no...that she just "did".

I became a little down after looking at the photos. Those photos don't look anything like who she is now. I know she feels she is the same person, but I don't see it. When I look at those pictures I see someone trying to find their way, figure it all out, and make sense of it all. Thankfully with time, she did. It makes me sad I wasn't there with her to go thru all that, but I know I wouldn't have liked the person she was at the time. I still remember how she could be a little mean to me in high school...and those pictures associate that time frame with that.

She started halfing her no-smoking pill this week. I'm glad, and I'm ready. She's been a different person the last 4 months, and I hope when she finally quits taking them, she'll be back to her old self. She's still sweet and loving but there are days when she is irritable and short with me. Her tone can change quickly with me, whereas before, it didn't. She was more patient before. Is this a time thing as our relationship grows, or is it the pills?

Has anyone read the 17 day diet book? I heard about it this week and watchd a few videos of the doc who wrote it on the Doctors and Dr Phil. I could have done without knowing he was on Dr Phil because I think he is a quack. One of the guys I work with is trying it and has lost a good amount of weight. This doc says it does not hurt your body to lose a lot of weight quickly. Could it be true?