my MIL's birthday is on Valentine's Day. It has never affected my holiday in the slightest. In fact it sort of guarantees that we won't be seeing her that day b/c she wants a romantic evening alone with her SO.

As a waitress, I love tax season! Give a broke couple some money and they think they're richt. I made so much money last night because people suddenly feel like they have money, and blow it. And it'll keep up 'til spring, which is when I spend my weekends at the beach making money off tourists :) If you're smart, waiting tables can make you a lot of money. I work tax season through September, and I don't work all winter. My husband still works, but it gives us more than enough money for the holidays and then some. We also take our vacations in the winter or fall, because they're cheaper

I do not understand why everyone buys into the 'have to get my spouse a gift for every little event big and small!' mentality. Bday, sure. Anniversary, maybe. But all these hoopla mostly hallmark mothers day, valentines, etc. please. Give me a break! Do not expect gifts, and my dh and i do not give them. To each other or the kids. Why not just put some $ away for a nice holiday or meal out with the family?

People who say Valentines day is not a real holiday are ignorant. Its after the martyrs by the name of Valentine. There were 3. You'd think free knowledge would have people more educated. And no I am not a bible thumping person, but know a lot about the saints. So funny to think a lot of people I know whom are "Catholic" have no clue.

My husband is such a jerk about Valentine's Day. He goes on and on about how it's an invented retail holiday. Well, maybe that's true but hey I'd like some flowers and a nice dinner as much as the next girl. Don't give me your usual spiel about how you love me every day of the year and don't need to do anything special on one specific day. I want some Valentine's day wooing and romance!

I found a Tiffany & Co. vintage lock necklace that I LOVE. I think I will ask hubby for it as a valentine's day/birthday gift. We have skipped holidays for about a year now because neither of us knew what we wanted or what to give. I hope he will go for it. It is $200, which is pricey for a silver necklace, but it would be a real treat to receive and wear everyday. Sort of a small everyday luxury. :)

Opinions: Siblings 2 yrs apart, similar educational background (masters), both married, no children. Elder one earns 6 figures, owns $750 house (mortgage), new car, holidays o/s yearly. Younger one rents an awful apartment with no ability to buy a house, no car, cheap holidays, total household income is less than $60K. Younger one is constantly trying to turn people against older one by telling lies. Is it a simple case of jealousy or something more?

Dear first cousin, We grew up together & always remained emotionally close. You married while I was still a teen & when I married at 30, you gave me the crappiest gift ($2.99 plus tax) from the old Pic n'Save store but you put it in a box from The Broadway. Cheap cheap cheap. For my 50th birthday, you got me a $10 "see-through!" holiday table cloth. My birthday is NOT near any holidays! Now your daughter is getting married. Guess who is going to follow your cheap lead & get her something cheap like you got me? That's right! She's getting a big candle with a pix of the newlyweds on it.

Avoided the nosy IL's for 2 weeks. MIL asked me to stop by to pick up some steaks - someone gave them a box of filets for the holidays and they can't eat red meat. Give my FIL a civil hello. He asked me how DH's new job is going. I say fine. Conversation is nice and civil so far. FIL then asks if DH is making more money at the new job than he was at his old job. I once again tell FIL that it is none of his business how much money either one of us makes. He huffs and I leave - without the meat. That's what I get for being lured in with the promise of steak.

Why are Girl Scout cookies sales after the holidays? I think they would make so much more in Oct- Nov, rather than waiting till everyone's on a diet!