The Gift That Keeps on (and on and on...) Giving! ;)

I had to laugh at the title of this one, only because I am horrible about jumping around subject matter within the contents of an actual subject! And yet, I have, since making a quick buy of "A Father's Legacy: Your Life's Story in Your Own Words" (except they give you the topics to cover, - it's a start) after seeing it on shelves at the beginning of the year; that it would be a great gift for Gene for either Valentine's or Father's Day. When I saw the same version for Mother's a few weeks ago; I pointed out to Joey where to "take Daddy to get Mommy's Valentine's gift" (because usually we just do something cute for Joey and buy each other cards).
So what was originally just a whim, has become this year's Mom and Dad Valentine's gift to one another; with the understanding that Joey would be the recipient of our books one day.
The exciting part? It wound up being a gift that actually surprised Gene, he had no idea about it, what it was, had not asked for it, or even had a single clue as to what I was up to! This is a new record for me! (I managed to pull a Christmas present on him this last Christmas that he also liked and had no clue about, either!) I am finally starting to beat "the Master" at his own game! This is to the same individual that wrapped a small gift in a large box that had a 2 X 4 cut and screwed tightly into it so that, by weight, volume, or lack or rattle factor; kept me guessing for weeks as to what my main Christmas present was that year!
Having not seen the other book before, once he opened his gift knowing I had the Mom version of his; he was pleasantly surprised (and both of us contented with having exchanged Valentine's gifts considering it is such an over-commercialized holiday)!
Amazing, but very true. Gene can be really hard to buy for, usually because his wish list includes things like electric guitars, electronic equipment I couldn't possibly pick out and wrap without some major committee being formed, etc. (you know - the usual guy stuff). Being Gene's chick comes with it's share of fun, however, gifts can be a source of anxiety: I want to get him something that he wants - while trying to meet his expectations.
So after 17 years together, the time spent before any holiday I spend trying to pick his brain here and there hoping he doesn't figure out what I'm doing and knowing the whole time, he's onto me anyway! I guess that's what happens when you've spent half your life with someone!
Oy! Let me skip past the "half your life" comment! It hasn't quite been half my life. I guess that day will come rather soon as it is!
How it sucks to age! The things that now amuse me pale in comparison to the things I used to find so much fun or funny. My current idea of fun is getting a good night sleep and hoping I have enough energy in the day to take care of what must be done without anyone missing out on too much of Mom while I muddle trying to get them done in hope's for either A) some free time to sit and do nothing in fron tof the TV with my boys before I fall asleep or B) get them done in time to get into bed at the same time as the boys or C) get them done before the next "problem" attacks my immune system and none of the above occur!
The current "problem": lymphadema with lymphangitis originating from what used to be a node under my right axillary. Ouch. It also has accompanied a cold I seem to (A) keep catching every time I get over the previous, that doesn't seem to be contagious to anyone else, or (B) I keep getting the same cold over and over, never quite getting rid of it long enough for it to mutate to a new one? From a molecular stand-point: A is the most plausable. hmmm, I wonder if those boys are washing their hands as much as they say they are!
Well, I suppose I'd better get to story time before bed before Joey falls asleep waiting!

Suz