Crazy…
Yes, it’s a song title too. Just in case you were wondering.
In the job I’m in, there’s a lot of things I can’t say (because, I guess, sometimes there’s things that millions of people tuning in aren’t allowed to hear, and we can all UNDERSTAND that… of course). Sometimes, it’s to protect people, or ourselves, or the country, but many times, it appears to be out of fear. Fear of insulting others, fear of repercussions, fear in general. So, in honour of the post that shall not be posted, I give you Rachel’s take on some of the current affairs, proving that we do indeed “live in interesting times”.
Anyway, moving on from things which must not be said. Love is in the air, although you’d hardly know it for all the smoke, and apparently Cupid has been strictly advised to adhere to the no-fly zone rulings. Still, it’s coming up to that time of the year again – VDay (I like using VDay – it’s easier to type, and makes it sound like some sort of apocalyptic WWII beach war… my Cupid drives a Panzer), when the lonely are more lonely, the single feel all the more single, and anyone without anyone is a big loser. It’s a sad misconception – after all, if you’re not comfortable alone, you’ll never be comfortable with someone else in your life. Still, we flog the dead horse of Valentine’s Day, and god do we flog it.
Object if you wish (and I’d be disappointed if you didn’t) but as was once said by a great man (whose website I forget now), at VDay, all those signs of affection and tokens of love, far from being extra special, are actually becoming run-of-the-mill. Think about it – unlike on a regular day, when being surprised by flowers, dinner, a foot massage, a leather harness and a whole chicken (sorry, sorry, got carried away there)is a, well, surprise, on VDay, it’s EXPECTED (ok, so the chicken WOULD be a surprise…).
It’s like continuous background noises that tend to disappear after a while, when your brain adjusts to it and blanks it out, or a lingering smell in your car that you habitually (and eventually, unconciously) ignore. On VDay, the brain has adjusted to EXPECT the trappings of love. Forget, or ignore the day, and (as long as you’re not single) FEEL THE WRATH, mortal! Trust me, you won’t live it down – at least, not until you’ve been milked for a belated VDay celebration, worth more than you would have been up for in the first place. Or you’ll end up single. Love, it seems, really means less on VDay than on any other day of the year.
So, this year, try this out for a plan – I warn you, however, that I have not tried this myself, it is merely a hypothetical solution to the problem.
WillQ’s VDay Surprise Plan
>First, take a few pieces of paper.
>Make a pile of small squares from the papers (beware of papercuts).
>Write a number on each piece of paper, from 1 to 31 (each number on a separate piece).
>Write the 12 months on the pieces of paper (each month on a separate piece).
>Fold the papers and shake them in separate cups (so you have a date cup, and a month cup).
>You and your significant other each take one paper from each cup, and unfold them secretly, thus giving you a secret random date (if the date is impossible, like Feb 31st, take a different one – this is about randomising the holiday, not getting out of it, you cheeky bugger).
>Use this new secret date as your VDay, instead of being a sheep and following the masses. You and your partner will now not only get TWO VDay’s, you’ll also get them on surprise days – imagine coming home after a rubbish day, only to be surprised with your very own VDay? Brilliant!
>Repeat annually (or monthly, if you like that kind of thing).
Again, this is just an idea, but it seems like a good one to me. Remember though, buy your VDay cards in advance – I wouldn’t like to have to be the poor person who tries to find VDay cards in September…
That’s Amore’ Folks
WillQ.
