Birthday Bling

Another re-post (8.4.08).  I used to be a full-time nanny during the summer for my "kid brother."  I started babysitting for Chris when he was six months old, and for two summers, I was their full-time, in-house nanny.  Except, at that time, he was right around 11ish, and we decided that I was no longer a "babysitter."  When I asked him what we should call me, he grinned, and said, "The Enforcer."  Bahaha.  Genius.  Since then, I've just acknowledged him as my kid brother.  I love the kid.  He just graduated from high school and is going to start his second year with the Chicago Steel soon as their starting goalie, and I couldn't be more proud of the man he's become.  (For the record, I was the one who taught him to play hockey when he was three).  

So I got home from all the shennanigans of moving this weekend and found this on my bed at the house...

It's adorable!! And fuzzy!

I squealed with delight. I love ladybugs. I immediately thought: "Why is this on my bed?" It was in a simple paper bag and looked like it had just been tossed there. I loved it. Upon further inspection, I found out it was a little box. No pretentious wrapping to make it any better than what it was:

Bling!!

I smiled. The cut glass sparkled in the dim lamplight. The chain will undoubtedly turn me a slighter shade of green. It might break easily.

Does any of that matter? No. I was tickled.

When I went in to thank my bro for it, all he could say was, "I saw it and was like, 'I've gotta get that for Jenny!'"

My heart just melted.

That. That is what counts. Men. That's what counts. When you see something you know we'll like and get it for us just because. THAT is what counts. I don't expect or need diamonds, chocolates, flowers, or other status symbols to prove that you care about me, although they are nice. Something as cheap and goofy as a little ladybug box and necklace can do wonders.... because it tells me that you're just out dorking around, being yourself, and, suddenly, I came to mind.

Take note, my bro is only 13. I think he's coming along nicely.



He just turned 19 yesterday.