It is actually a little more complicated than this... The friend of the gentleman is a conductor on the commuter rail that I have seen on several occasions, and so we struck up a conversation. We subsequently found out that the gentleman directly next to me is a friend of a friend; I was able to connect the two of them (who haven't spoken recently); then I was asked if I would like a drink. Since it's a school night, I took a raincheck. But still, the thought was there. I'm tickled that I happened to go out with a friend, totally expecting nothing, and ended up being asked out on a date on Valentine's Day. The mojo is still there, people.

So, speaking of Valentine's Day and all the celebration inherent therein, I should probably inform you that my weekend was really pretty great. There was only one occasion where my incredibly high expectations (I really should learn to get over those) got the best of me, and I was really disappointed. And, truth be told, it was still a really successful occasion, it just didn't pan out the way I expected. Otherwise, every single aspect of the weekend was as romantic and wonderful as I thought and expected it might be. The presents I received were, in all respects, thoughtful, romantic, and fun. We had amazing weather all weekend, which facilitated great trips to Chester, VT, and the Vermont Country Store, and made our sleigh ride on Saturday really nice.

Even since this weekend, in the last 24 hours, NB has done more thoughtful things for me than I could have ever expected. It really is the little things that make it worth it. For instance, last night as I was studying, he set up his computer for me so I could work on my study guides. Then he brought me a big glass of water. And he moved my car to a different space so I could sleep an extra hour this morning. He wished me luck as I left, then he called me when he was leaving work to see how I did on the exam. And, of course, there are myriad other things that he said and did that I can't remember. I keep telling him that he takes such good care of me... I think that makes him self-conscious. But the fact is, he does. He's not used to focusing on himself, and that makes it really easy for him to focus on taking care of me, in all those little ways that mean so much to me. He's so affectionate, in all the right ways, and so attentive without being in the least bit overbearing. The best part is, I know he's holding back, and even in doing so, he's giving so much more than I ever expected or wanted. It's both refreshing and invigorating -- it makes me want to do more for him.

I wish I could convey all those little ways in which I sense NB's tenderness and caring. Unfortunately (well, not so much), they all happen in ways that only I happen to notice. And I know I can't follow or retrace them all -- even simply making a meal for us means so much to me, but I'm not going to go on and on about how much I loved his marinara... Suffice it to say, we had many tender moments this weekend. It actually melts my heart -- he was talking to his mom on Sunday after we got back and he had to tell her "Well, she's actually sitting right next to me, so...," and I loved it. This boy is spectacular. If I didn't know better, I might actually fall for him (maybe put that in the past tense. Maybe.).

All I know is, he told me last night that any girl he dates for more than a month, as far as his mother is concerned, is pretty special, and she should know that there's something good there. Well, ditto, sir. And here we are, just passing four months... You're pretty great, and I'm not afraid to let anyone know it.

Update! 2/15/05 1pm

I guess the stars heard me complaining. This was my horoscope today...

You don't have to lower your expectations. Just give others a chance to meet them.