So, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. (It’s Friday, by the way. For anyone who really needs the nudge. Tsk. Tsk.) It’s honestly not a big deal at my house. To the extent that my husband and son will be at a sporting event while Viv and I do something else together. It’s all good. All long as everyone is happy, right?
Of course, I do at least like to observe the special day with the people I love. For that reason, we usually have a breakfast that’s kind of Valentine’s-ish.(It’s a word in my world, albeit a clumsy one with an apostrophe in the middle of it.) And I usually get little treats for everybody. Small presents. Tokens of my affection that can come in all shapes and sizes.
For this reason, I was chatting with my daughter, Vivien, recently. Trying to get a feel for something she might like so I could get it in time for Friday. She’s truly the easiest person to shop for in my whole family. You should’ve seen the look on her face a few years ago when I gave her a little box to house her cat whisker collection. She’s such a great gift recipient. And, yes, she has a cat whisker collection.
So I fished around a little but I figured I totally knew what she was going to say. I know my girl so well. I was the proverbial cat who swallowed the canary. I already had plenty of ideas for her anyway. She’s so easy.
Seriously, I could make all that kid’s dreams come true for $50.
Nothing could have prepared me for this next moment.
Me: (smugly) So … is there anything you want ’cause … well, you know, there’s a special day coming up this week and I was just thinking ….
Her: (leaping to her feet) SERRANO HAM!!!
Specifically 18 month old Serrano Ham. From SPAIN! (Do you SEE the price tag on that thing?)
What the …. ? (And it’s not even available on Prime, Vivien!) Well, you know, I guess I shouldn’t be so shocked. Her affinity for the stuff all started a few years ago when I took her to a special restaurant.
So (dramatic sigh) you know what? My girl is my happiness. And happiness is, apparently, ham. Ergo, my girl is a ham. … Yeah, that sounds about right.
If anyone needs me this week, I’ll be combing the freakin’ city of New Orleans to find an affordable chunk of Serrano Ham before Friday. It’d probably be easier to fly to Spain.
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Thanks, Mamakat, for prompting me to write a blog post inspired by the word love.
OldDogNewTits 
Vivien – ask her to take you to Spain for the ham!!!
hehehe
Try City Pork Charcuterie in Baton Rouge, they have a meat, not just a restaurant. it’s owned by one of my former 8th grade students. I am still waiting for a free sandwich. He owes me.
Ooh! I want in on that sandwich. Call me. 🙂
My cousin Angela lives in Spain (she really does), she has for the last 15 years. Don’t ask me why I felt I needed to bring that up, maybe its an omen or something. Good luck with the ham. Happy Valentine’s Day too you!
Oh my gosh I would never have been prepared to hear the word HAM come out of my child’s mouth. That is the most perfect story ever! I’m sure you’ll be retelling it for years to come!
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