The Holbs and I like to do this thing, where we plan a night out, get in the car, drive aimlessly about town until one of us is able to suggest a place to eat that both of us agrees on, decide we're too lazy to go see a movie, drive to the rental store instead, wander around the shelves of DVDs for a while, disagree on what looks interesting, and leave with either a) no movies, or b) five movies.
It's romantic.
The other Wednesday I decided we were going to have a real date. With heels and lipstick. Possibly even dinner reservations.
You know it has been a while since you've been on a proper date when your husband responds with, "What does that mean?"
In my tallest shoes I met my Holbsy for our date at our predetermined meeting point - the living room.
We got into the car and drove to the new restaurant in town. We thought it was open already, but it wasn't. Confused, we sat in the car and pondered our culinary futures.
"Well, there's Applebees . . ."
"Or Sangria?"
"I feel like a burger," I added, for inspiration.
"Applebees, then." The Holbs seemed certain. I was relieved. I suppose I should not have fallen for it.
As soon as we reached the first traffic light things went awry. Our car became perfectly aimless, taking nonsensical left turns and slowing in front of restaurants so The Holbs could gauge his interest. "How about Red Bento?" he said, and I died inside. My Holbsdate was breaking all the rules. I could feel the icy desolation creeping in as we passed the Red Bento. Destination: nowhere.
And then I saw the Zips! The Zips would save me!
But suddenly The Holbs had second thoughts.
"Zips? Wouldn't you rather eat somewhere nice? Are you really sure?"
I wasn't, but good gracious, I mean, whatever!
After our burgers (not so great) we wandered around the rental shelves for a while.
(It was a five movie night.)
Ohhh, Natalie Lovin Valentine! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThis Valentines day, I've decided to surprise my husband with a special dinner of his favourite dishes. Well, some of them. It won't be terribly romantic, with an 18 month old daughter running around, but I'm sure he'll love it anyway.
First off, I LOVE the valentine at the beginning of your post, so CUTE!! Second, you're FUNNY!! I'm am your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had a disappointing evening. Boy, have my husband and I been there! We actually had a Valentine's Day a few years back similar to the one you described. Ours ended with stopping at a gas station and getting beef jerky and diet cokes! NOT a good night!
We've got reservations for a nice dinner this year, fingers crossed! Thanks for the laugh, loved the post!!
I was wondering about the ads. I had never seen them before. Thought I might have been a little mad as I've been here A LOT! No complaints though. Go for groceries I say.
ReplyDeleteLove the post. Especially love that your evening sounds like most adventures had by Hubby and I.
No need to apologize for ads! I've been wondering when they would pop up and I'm glad you've done it.
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day....well. We'll probably paint some walls. That seems to be our new Valentine's Day tradition. We're kind of pathetic like that but really, it works for us!
Natalie, would you like us to click on the ads every once in a while? Is that how you get the dollar bills from them?
ReplyDeleteAlso (forgive me), I hate Valentine's Day. If you want to read my views, you can check my blog later today. But I do like your pizza idea. And you should feel lucky you can go out in heels. This NYC walking stuff has relegated me to flat boots only.
So, I love to hate Valentines. The best Valentines I had with my husband is the Valentines before we got married. Ever since then V's Day has been downhill for me. Probably b/c my husband is a cheapwad, but we wont go there.
ReplyDeleteAh! You're almost-date night sounds lovely to me. My Valentine's night will be an exercise in reminding myself that Hey! It's OK to be single. I think it'll be a movie. I'm thinking Invictus. I'm hoping hot rugby players and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela will restore my faith in the world.
ReplyDeleteBTW- the ads? I barely noticed, I was altogether too wrapped up in your story. And everyone needs groceries.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. Something happens to men after they marry. They morph into frogs that forget all the meaning of wooing. Most of them feel it is no longer necessary, as said wooing got them their wife, then they just forget how...
ReplyDeleteJust recently started following :) Definitely a fan!
ReplyDeleteAs for Valentine's Day, I will be in the middle of moving into a new apartment with the beau. In the middle of winter...should be entertaining. Our Valentine's Day will be spent at Winterlude (a winter festival held in Ottawa, Canada every year), and then unpacking...what fun! :)
We never go out on Valentines Day - my husband hates crowds and he gets all antsy and tense. Plus, the competition for babysitters in my area is RIDICULOUS and on Valentines Day they charge even more, the little mercinaries. (Is that how you spell mercinary? I forget) We like to go out the week before and call it good. Enough.
ReplyDeleteOh how I LOVE your life stories! You crack me up girl. Miss you tons!
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
I have given Mr T the task of planning valentines day this year, after all a year in Iraq with no romance means something spectacular should happen this year... right? right? I have a feeling it will be Red Robin and a Movie....
ReplyDeleteOh, Natalie, I have come to adore the Holbshusband after reading so much about him and I do think you are a match made in heaven. But, how adorable would you be as Natalie Lovin Valentine!?! Think the Holbster would go for a name change!?!
ReplyDeletewow. your valentine's/date nights sound like ours. only sometimes we both end up on the same couch, he playing on-line chess, and I staring blankly at some crap show on t.v. Where's the love??
ReplyDeletebut traditions are great, aren't they?
I'm making my hubby take me out for a real date in the big city at a really nice restaurant (you know, the kind that make reservation. Fayncy!
ReplyDeleteI love that your maiden name is Lovin..that is amazing. Also were you in the 'Scow prior to Lefty's closure? They had this insanely huge burger that if you consumed it I believe your meal was free, you became quite ill, and you received a shirt. I may be off on the details though. You did receive some sort of prize besides bragging rights though.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say I had to pick myself up off the floor when I read what your Holbshubby said to you before the first time he kissed you?! MY WORD!
ReplyDeleteHappy V Day!!!!
I've always loved Valentine's Day -- even when I was single. It's just such a lovely day! (No pun intended.)
ReplyDeleteAnd wouldn't that have been cute? Natalie Lovin Valentine! But Mrs. Holbs is great too. :)
As for Valentine's Day, we've decided it's high time for a REAL date too. Believe it or not, my Hubs decided this on his own. I'm afraid I've gotten in a rut and I much prefer to stay home and watch movies and eat dinner [at home] and play games and such. But Hubs says we must eat out somewhere nice... somewhere NOT in our tiny town. I'm actually looking forward to it.
This sounds very familiar.
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day will probably consist of snuggling on the couch and tucking into a movie. Roses would be nice, but that's not his cup 'o tea. With all the other plusses he's got goin' for him, I can let the roses slide: )
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me? It's about time you had some ads around here! I hope you get filthy stinkin rich. Truly.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in P-Town, Swilly's was the big place for fancy dates. Otherwise it was Basilios or Wingers. It will break my little heart if I find out that Wingers, with its chocolate cokes, is closed. :)
ReplyDeleteSweet little card you posted...I love the old style Valentine Cards they use to make....anyway...what is it about being married that date nights seem so.....unnecessary to our men? After marriage it becomes just going out to dinner...and often with others. You did the right deal, all spiffied up and ready to go to propose that date night! Woohoo indeed! And hey agreeing on food can be daunting. Me I still want that candlelight romance deal and I know I will till the day I die. So I do light up those candles at home at the dinner table every now and then just to gaze with my eyes at the man who I lovingly call My Love and sigh...
ReplyDeleteSo off track... so sorry...Valentines we do at home. As long as it will have Chocolate in the menu we are all happy!!! We do the Valentine dinner either before or after...less crowded and the service seems always better...
We're having vegan falitas on valentines day, and a day cwtched up on the sofa watching the simpsons! i will also be unpacking as i'm moving on friday. who says romance is dead, eh?
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate the weekend after, both to avoid the crowds and because it also happens to be our engagement anniversary. We splurge on a nice dinner instead of giving each other presents, which is such a relief because Todd is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for.
ReplyDeleteLarsie . . . you mean THE VANDALIZER?
ReplyDeleteTamara, when we were getting married we toyed briefly with combining our names. We came up with: LoveHol (gross) HolLove (grosser) Holin (see?) and Lovebrook (perfect). Then The Holbs wussed out on me. Rude, right?
Natalie, ohh if you could click on them that would be even better! I am such a sell-out.
nat,
ReplyDeletebut have you ever realized the awesomeness that would be your celeb couple nickname???
"bratalie"
oh, i crack myself up. i have a gift for that kind of thing... but really...can't you picture it on the cover of us weekly? you guys are sooo hollywood.
xo, em :)
Since I was engaged but not anymore, my girlfriends and I are kickin' it old-school and going to Don Pablo's for "Single Ladies Night" like we did in high school. Then, we are going bowling and having a sleepover, complete with popcorn, chick flicks, and mini-makeovers. It will be a weekend of catching up and reminiscing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. - "Natalie Lovin Valentine" woulda been cute. But just think, you wouldn't have met the Holbs!
Awesome valentine's card, and I happen to collect old cards (antiquing is always a good time, as you know).
ReplyDeleteFor Valentine's Day, for my coworkers, tomorrow, I am bringing brownies with chocolate frosting hearts using my Perfect Brownie pan and the stencils that come with it. Loooooove my Perfect Brownie pan!
I am also going to see the movie Valentine's Day with a couple of my friends (a matinee so it won't be so crowded) and going to dinner on Saturday with my mom.
Capitalism rules! way to go with the sponsor ads and all.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a hormonal shift that takes place when the male variety of the species marry, and I think this chemical reaction actually kills the romance/date night centers of their brains, or at least atrophies it until they think that a date night consists of x box and other males, potentially their wives as well. no lie.
I honestly cannot remember the last time I went out ANYWHERE in high heels!!! It's too hard for balance-challenged people like me to chase their toddlers down without falling a$$-over-teakettle. :) We need to find a babysitter here in Draper, STAT!
ReplyDeletePlus...as for Valentine's Day, we have a pretty pathetic track record in this house! Usually our nuit de romance consists of a rented video and pizza (which, frankly, is like EVERY Saturday night we've shared since getting married!). One year I remember making fondue (that's right--I made the food! not sure why...). Another year I remember trying NOT to stare too lustfully at Daniel Day Lewis swearing his eternal love to Madeleine Stowe under a waterfall in "Last of the Mohicans" (woo! that look in his eyes as he says, "Promise me you'll stay alive"??? yowza!). Good times.
This year? We're making lasagna for Karl's best friend, who just got dumped this week. He's been dumped a lot. I know why he gets dumped, and would love to clue him in, but it's not tactful to say (even though I've said it to Karl--tee hee). I guess when you're poor, you have a toddler, Valentine's Day is on a Sunday, and you have friends who seem perpetually unlucky in love, a night in with lasagna is the best you can do!
p.s. I used to think men went through some sort of dating retardation when they got married, but then it occurred to me...Karl sucked at "dating" me even when we were dating! All we did was hang out with his friends! And that's all we do now! Not sure why I never noticed that before....
HA! We used to do exactly what you described, drive aimlessly trying to figure out what we were in the mood for then rent movies. We called them Adventure Nights and the movie part of it was always a last minute idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat are we doing for Valentines? Good question. I turned to Jeremy just now and asked him. He said, "Did you want to do something for Valentines?" I did not respond, but he apparently thought he might have said the wrong thing and tried this instead, "Let me rephrase that. What would YOU like to do for Valentines?" Again, no response from me, so he tried again in a super loving voice, "I mean, what would your ideal Valentines Day be like?"
I was laughing inside but couldn't let him know that, you know?
Also, I was reading the announcements in the church bulletin today, and I noticed that all of the teens will be out of town during this Valentines weekend due to a teen retreat. Who thought that up? Where am I going to find a babysitter?
I guess it won't matter since we obviously do not have plans for the V-Day! ;-)
Dear Nat the Fat Rat-
ReplyDeleteI am Betina's sister. Last week I was visiting her and the children of the corn/lentils, and we found ourselves at the Moscow mall. I tried to meet you, but alas, you were not working. Le Sigh. I love meeting bloggers- I love the 2 worlds colliding! Anyways... For the day of love that is Sunday, my husband and I are making a right proper Indian feast followed by some over the top chocolate dessert. Talk about worlds colliding! I enjoy your blog :).
-Patience (of p-cute)
You got back tickles??? I'm SO jealous!
ReplyDeleteYes! The Vandalizer. Poor Lefty's.
ReplyDeleteLefty's furniture now resides at San Miguel's on Washington. It's fun to go and see cow-spotted booths at a Mexican restaurant.
ReplyDeleteValentines Day this year will probably be spent snowed in. We try to go on a date every week, but for V-Day (actually, the day before, due to the Sunday thing), we can't think of a place to go that's remotely romanticy. It's pathetic. Especially pathetic when this will be our last V-Day together for two years (hubs is heading to CA for language training for the National Guard. Unless a miracle happens and we can rent out our "needs-much-work" house for that time, the kids and I will be here Tres sad.). So it's a bit of a bummer. But we still have a couple of days to try to come up with something fun! Maybe I'll make chocolate mousse cake. Yes! That's it! I'll make chocolate mousse cake!!! OK. Now that there's a plan, even though it's a small one, I feel much better. Thanks, Nat, for causing the mind to dredge a bit.
ReplyDeleteWell, Natalie Lovebrook is just a perfect name. Does the hubs know that it isn't too late? It's a simple legal matter for both of you to change your name. Just saying that possibly, in the years since you got married, he has come to his senses.
ReplyDeleteThe hubby and I have never done VDay, but this year I decided we have to do something, 'cos we never get any time to ourselves, with a 4-month old and a 2 year old. I'm not too ambitious, though - just got a bottle of pink champagne, which will probably get warm and flat as we run around attending to crises, as we do every night...
ReplyDeleteWe do the same aimless thing and we haven't even gotten married yet. It's always "what do you wanna do?" (him) and then me "I don't know" but we really just want them to PLAN something romantic!!! These men! At least you got back tickles...
ReplyDeleteI agree with the gal who said she hopes you get filthy stinkin' rich! Serioulsy...it's about time you got some adds on here. You should write a book!
ReplyDeleteValentines Day this year will probably be spent snowed in. We try to go on a date every week, but for V-Day (actually, the day before, due to the Sunday thing), we can't think of a place to go that's remotely romanticy.
ReplyDeleteThis Valentines day, I've decided to surprise my husband with a special dinner of his favourite dishes.
ReplyDelete