Early Valentine's Day

Joe took me out for an early, non crowded Valentine's Day dinner surprise! We went to probably one of the nicest restaurants I've been to, in Des Moines on the marina. I had lobster for the first time in my life! It was sooo good. And Joe had made a reservation for a table by the window so we got to see the sun setting over the water! We were on the top floor of the restaurant. It was so fancy and nice! And then we shared creme brulee for dessert (my first time having that as well) and it was SO GOOD I can still taste it! Terribly overpriced at six dollars, but I would buy another one next time, that's how good it was.

We went to the liquor store so we could mix some drinks for ourselves tonight. I always feel self conscious, afraid people are judging me and thinking I'm going to get drunk or have a big wild party. I know I shouldn't care what they think but I do. The guy who rang us up asked what we were going to make, and we said "oh, we'll look up some recipes, we're kind of new at this and it's just a little hobby". He said "That's okay, just be careful with alcohol". I said "Oh yeah, it'll just be the two of us and we'll be at home - no wild party." He looked at our ID's and said "Are you two married?" We said yes, and he nodded approval and said "good, that's the best way to do it" and started talking about how he and his wife had been married for forty years, and they had fun together just like us before kids came along, and told us to enjoy this time before children.

Long story short, I left feeling very happy. I know no one was judging me, but I still feel good having defended myself and having met with approval.

Today: I had won a "free consultation" at an acupuncturist's office so I went just to learn things. It was very interesting and a very nice experience. They bring you tea while you're waiting! And in their bathroom they have rolled up hand towels in a basket so you can dry your hands on a clean towel and then put it in a basket under the sink when you're done! I guess they do some kind of fancy pulse evaluation because the acupuncturist did one on me. In about twenty seconds he had informed me that I have anxiety, digestive problems, fatigue, and forgetfulness - and it was almost scary because he was right. I guess those are pretty general things, but for example, forgetfulness - I've been feeling so stupid lately because I can't seem to remember anything. I forgot our PIN at the ATM the other day and looked like a fool, standing there, staring at the PIN pad, mouthing numbers and trying to remember. And fatigue? I am the world's best oversleeper. I usually get more sleep than Joe in a night, and then I often add a nap to that. It's kind of hard when I'm at home all the time and my bed is right there. And hello, anxiety. You all know I've had problems with that.

Anyway, I'm not going to start going to an acupuncturist, but the experience was very interesting.

Then we went to pick up two toilets from my aunt who is remodeling, so we have some nicer toilets for our house now.

Then we worked out. I ran a mile without stopping, which is a HUGE accomplishment for me, especially because afterward I wasn't completely dead. Oh, and I ran the mile after doing half a mile on the elliptical! And after I ran the mile I fast-walked another half mile just to make it an even two miles total.

Let's see...then I showered and, I admit, took a nap (but just a short one) and then we left for dinner!

Okay, my poor husband is waiting for me to spend much deserved time with him.