Surprises Follow Up

A few weeks back I told you I had a surprise or two up my sleeve. I'm here to follow up on that and tell you what they were.

First, remember back when I went parasailing earlier in the summer? Then a little while later I conquered my fear of roller coasters?  Well, my friend's birthday is in two weeks and I won't be able to be there so I decided an early present was in order. A couple years ago he went sky diving and thought it was amazing. I wanted to do something with him that he loved so I made arrangements for us to make a jump on my last visit.

The day was absolutely beautiful, warm and sunny. The people at the sky diving company were totally cool and made me comfortable. My friend, of course, had no time to stress and be anxious.  I, on the other hand, had nightmares about falling out of the airplane unattached or the parachute failing to open for weeks.

Despite my fears, it was the most amazing thing ever. It wasn't actually scary. You don't have the same stomach dropping feeling like you do on roller coasters. I am thankful I have a video recording to relive the experience again and again. I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. I was so happy to share the experience with one of my most favorite people.

Now, the day this blog posts, I'm delivering on another surprise. I told my best friend she'd have wine delivered in time to drink with her cake. She was expecting it to be sent via FedEx. Instead I'm bringing it to her.

Obviously I'm writing about this before it happens but I will be jumping on a plane after work today and should arrive at her house around 2 a.m. I'm hoping when this posts that I was able rouse someone and am sleeping in the house, but there's a good chance I'll be sleeping in the rental car waiting to surprise her. I haven't seen her since August and I've missed her terribly. She's been going through a rough time and I can't wait to give her a big hug!

Planning surprises is so much fun! Have you done anything fun lately? What kind of surprise would you want to get?

Update: yes, I did sleep in the car and yes, I totally surprised her and it was awesome. Gave a little mini surprise to another friend later as well. :D

Romance

I recently heard, “I’m always romantic.” This made me laugh. I don’t care how wonderful you are Guys, you are NOT always romantic.

However, this does make me ponder: what is romantic? Is romance some Hollywood idea of wine, roses, and candles? Maybe it’s a yacht ride and a violinist that pops up out of nowhere to serenade you while you dance and the world stops around you? Maybe it’s your favorite artist randomly showing up at your big event. 

Perhaps it's a more realistic dinner and a movie? Or is it a bouquet of flowers sent to your work? Maybe a surprise trip to a day spa? Is it romantic if he says, "I'll take care of the kids/pets/house today. You go relax and read your book"?

Is it a go big or go home situation? If your man doesn’t spend at least xx amount of money on you, do you bitch to all your friends about how awful he is?  Do you keep the special things he does to yourself? Or consider them bragging rights? What about if he forgets it's your day to relax and you end up not relaxing. Does he still get points for trying?

Romance to me is not about the big production. (Blame my very practical mother for instilling that in me.) Rather, romance is whatever makes me go all gooey inside.  That moment is going to strike at different times, but I can give you a few examples:

• Holding my hand 
• Unexpected correspondence (a letter, card, email or even a phone call) 
• Saying thank you and meaning it
• Remembering important dates
• Buying me coffee 
• Cleaning up 
• Taking the initiative

I think my favorite definition of romantic is this:

b : marked by expressions of love or affection

Behavior, no matter how seemingly insignificant or minor, when marked by expressions of love or affection, the little things that are done from the heart...now that's romantic.

Guess I'm a pretty lucky girl after all. (Unless he's only using flattery to get laid. In which case, he's not working hard enough. Hmmm.)

How about you? What do you consider romantic?  Guys, what can/does your woman do that is romantic? Do you actually like those candle filled bubble baths? What about those awkward dinners with the fine china? Come on Guys...here's your chance to say what you think. :-)

P.S. If you enjoyed this, you might also like this guest post.