Happy Valentine's Day To Me!

Today has to be the best Valentine's Day thus far!

I received a package in the mail on Monday but did not open it until this morning. I was sure it was a treat because it was from my friend CB in Tennessee! She is the Queen of sending cards for no reason at the perfect time with the perfect picture and perfect words of encouragement, congratulations and prayer. Needless to say she is considered a saint because I am bad about recipricating even though I know she does not do it for this reason. If she did, I would have 100+ cards less because I believe I have kept every card and book marker she has sent me.

The best part of opening the package was noticing it the handwritten note she had written inside the recycled box next to the red curly ribbon: "Lay it on heavy for Valentine's Day!" An immediate smile struck my face because before even unwrapping the bubble wrap and heart decorated tissue paper, I was excited to see:



I would have screamed but it was about 4am and my neighbor in the upstairs apartment was not awake yet or at least I did not hear him moving around. So I danced in my kitchen and wished CB could have seen my huge smile and dance because she would have laughed as we usually do when we see each other and over the phone.

I have wonderful friends and I truly thank God for them!!!!! Not just for Sistah D and CB in Tennessee blessing me all the time, but because I am loved. I read that those who are loved give love so I hope this rings true for me. I believe I do.

Well, CB is definitely one of my friends from God. We met while working at the same college over 10 years ago. We use to eat lunch together almost everyday on campus at the Thresher fountain. I miss sitting on the porch of her apartment and walking the long dusty road behind campus to just talk and relax. We've had lunch in VA, MD, DC and TX so I am due a trip to TN before she relocates to who knows where. She has held by baby when she was only a few weeks old, and I have held her up in prayer while she completes her dissertation.

I miss her and my friends that live outside of TX, but like I said before, I truly thank God for them!

Let him do it!

During my commute to work today, I laughed at myself and said, "Self, be honest. I want someone to take care of me!" Before Black women across the world start screaming just give this post a chance.

All my life I have heard how you don't need a man for anything. Well, I beg to differ. It is not we need men to do things for us but we need them to do things that we want them to do for us. There is a difference.

I need a man to do all the things I want him to do that I could do for myself but rather he do them than me. For example: Wash and vacuum my car once a week or the same day a bird poops on the hood; make regular appointments for me to get a pedicure; buy me a suit just because and not because it is my birthday or Valentine's day; draw me a bubble bath and take the kids to the library or to the park; cook without an attitude after a hard day at work; take me on vacations that involve activities I have never done before like skiing; send me an email or text message about something the Holy Spirit revealed to him during the day; and save his money for gifts rather than putting them on a credit card.

Some women may think I can do all these things without a man. That is my point- we should be able to and not feel guilty if we do not want to do things ourselves but want Boaz to do it.

How many of us miss Full Service gas stations? For everyone outside Jersey, this is where a gas attendant pumps your gas and you never have to get out of the car. I would love not having gas smell on my hands. I ran out of wippes in my glove compartment to clean my hands so I have to use that bacteria gel stuff that stinks to me but not as bad as gas smell.

The point is I believe everybody- men and women- need a partner to do things for them. The things you need help with and the things you just don't want to do and have someone else do it for you. I heard a pastor preach to singles about stop looking for someone like you. Look for someone that you can help and that can help you. This is how you compliment each other as mates. Both parties bring their assets and talents to the table, and before saying, "I do", make sure the puzzle fits and stays together from there.

So what will I do for him that he can do for himself but prefer not to do? You have to ask Boaz when he comes.