VDay is only for hotties in our house

Love is in the air in our little apartment. That is, if love comes in the form of oppressively hot radiator heat.

I shouldn't complain. For three days during a hell of a cold snap here in Chicago, three of our four radiators were completely cold. On Sunday, Bruce and I huddled together on the couch under blankets, which would sound romantic except that I was wearing an extra sweatshirt, hat, gloves and two pairs of socks over my clothes. Our landlord heard our teeth chattering and fixed the radiators so well that it is now officially July in our household. July without the air-conditioners, flip-flops and lazy afternoons at the park. July inside, February snowdrifts, slush puddles and frozen wind tundras outside.

But again, not complaining. At least the heat is on. On Valentine's Day, that is good. In many respects.

We'll be celebrating in true parent style, several days late and on a shoestring budget. I am good with that, happy not to feel the pressure and just focus on being together at our own pace. Here's how we are getting romantic on a budg:

First, we're seeing a play with tickets my parents passed on to us. They're not going because they're sunning and funning in Florida, so no need to harbor any feelings of sympathy that they will be missing out on a night of theatre.

Second, we will be having some kind of fabulous (possibly) dinner and (definitely) dessert and (double most definitely) drinks using an envelope of thank you-cash I got today at a market study on (don't throw up) deli meat. I eat sliced ham so we can drink extra dirty martinis with double olives. Good trade-off, right? And yes, I am that extra dirty grrrl. At least with my martoonis.

Finally, we'll be exchanging presents using five-year-old gift certificates to Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel. Not that we need anymore crap to clutter up our tiny, overheated apartment, but still...A grrrl can always use another set of teensy, adorable appetizer plates, mais oui?

This whole night will really truly happen this weekend because of my kind-hearted BFF who actually loves to babysit for Lil E. No, really. We leave a twenty spot tucked in the take-out binder just for her and we're good. As much as I'm willing to pay $60+ for a romantic evening out with the hubs, I'm so thankful to have my own brilliant, fun, loving, kiddo dream of a friend to save the day. Who knew cupid changed diapers?

For now, we're doing it up kiddie style, with pink heart-shaped pancakes and BBQ-sauce covered heart-shaped meatloaf, and of course, a Bob the Builder Leggo set that really says...(Of course, it doesn't say anything but "Can we do it? Yes, we can!," which is a creepy thing to mention near Valentine's Day, but there it is.) All of it really says, I'm glad we're together. We're sweating our asses off, but I'm glad we're together.

Happy Valentine's Day! May you find the heat of the holiday in your home, too.

Photo: Bruce & Lil E collaborate on a love song / Jessica Ashley

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Comments

[2Jmama]

**Sigh** Everytime you write about your little apartment I think of the little house that I grew up in. Love grows best in little spaces. Even HOT little spaces. Your night out sounds wonderful. Enjoy!