I had been meaning to post this, because a board like this can appreciate this.

This year has been tight and we decided to forego birthday and christmas gifts for ourselves as a result. No biggie. We usually don't do that much for each other. We tend to buy what we want when we want it to some extent, and don't make a big deal about birthdays.

I felt funny yesterday because I went to a party yesterday and everyone kept asking if I got anything nice. I'm like, uh, I didn't get anything really. Just caught offguard I guess. To curb the ackward silence, I did remember I got a cruise and that is a pretty fancy - just not going until June (thank you Mother-in-law). So I could play along. From looks of uncomprehension and disbelief at no gift to jealousy at my cruise. It was kind of funny, but at the same time, I Should have just said I didn't need anything. I gave in to peer pressure. Sounded like they wanted to hear of fancy gifts and I remembered one. Oh well.

BUT I have to say as I ran off to work Friday dh handed me 30 wheat thins, 30 raisins and 30 red-hot candies. All wrapped up in plastic bags with silver twist ties. That was my gift. I Almost cried then and there I thought it was so sweet. That is why I love him though, he is a creative guy. I'll take it over an expensive gift any day. Frankly, whatever gift I get comes from my paycheck and I just didn't want any more bills - hehe. & dh *got it*. So I thought. In the evening he gave me another gift - him and the kids had drawn me 30 pictures - it is the cutest thing ever. I have to frame it or something.

On the flip side, dh has been driving me nuts ALL weekend. We were going to go on a pretty nice weekend away this weekend - he booked a hotel for $250. UNHEARD of for us. IT was going to be a fancy celebration - staying somewhere we have been meaning to for years, but always sidetracked. I had forgotten I had committed to host this party at our Community Clubhouse MONTHS ago and when I realized I backed out of our weekend - it could wait. Since then dh went budget crazy and said there was no way I Deserved a present so nice. I was a little peeved because I took him to Vegas for his birthday -a complete surprise. I Was a little annoyed that I would get nothing in return for my 30th birthday. But as the date approached I Cared less and less. Plus I just told him he owes me, when we have the means. I am a patient person.

So all weekend he has been bitter and in a funk and back to blaming this party for ruining all of his plans. My Word! It matters little since it sounds like he was dead set against it due to budget reasons anyway. But this weekend it is all my fault I ruined his ability to give me a super fancy gift. I chose this party ( a prior commitment) over him, blahblahblah. I keep saying it is my birthday and I Am happy, so DROP IT!!!!!! Apparently he wants a weekend away - I get it. But if I Am happy what is he freaking out about. I am very happy we didn't spend a lot of money on me.

I tried the angle that if it wasn't for me marrying him, I Wouldn't be getting a cruise for his mom and I Think that is the most super awesome gift ever. He says that shouldn't count because I have to wait so long. Whatever. He is driving me batty. I could care less if I celebrated today or in June - whatever. I rather cruise in June - for sure - weather will be a lot nicer - LOL.

I thought he *got it* with the wheat thins and all, but guess not.

I think he is feeling bad he does not work and can not provide me a nice gift of his means. I just wish he would stop griping about it and let me actually enjoy my birthday weekend - hehe.

Well he did good, just wish he could see for himself that he did GOOD.