1.) Something unique you love about your significant other.
My husband is adorable. He’s actually a pretty serious fellow and although he makes me laugh and can be goofy, he’s not necessarily hardwired to make people laugh. He’d rather learn something useful then waste his time trying to entertain people…a concept I don’t really “get”.
About a month before Christmas I mentioned I needed a new can opener. It’s one of those things that I always forget I need until I go to open a can and realize I have to use my teeth again. Pat happened to be in the kitchen one evening while I was gnawing my way through a can of green beans and it’s the one thing he took note of. Pat doesn’t really do gifts, something I accepted long ago, but for some reason the can opener stuck and any time we talked about Christmas or what we should get one another, a lightbulb would go off for Pat, he’d throw a finger in the air and say “oh! And don’t forget, you need that new can opener!!”
So when December 24th rolled around and Pat announced to the family that he had to go do his Christmas shopping, he threw a wink and nod in my direction as if to say, “and don’t you worry babe! There’s a can opener coming your way!!”
Part of me wondered if he was serious…was he really going out of his way to shop on one of the busiest days of the year…for a can opener for me? I can easily toss a can opener into my cart the next time I went shopping. So what was he up to? Was he buying the kids more presents? Was he really sneaking out to buy me an Ipad under the guise of a can opener? Because THAT would really be awesome.
What makes my husband unique to me, is that he is absolutely literal. I have no idea why he married me. I take dramatic liberties with stories while he adds no observational detail whatsoever. I stopped para-phrasing him years ago because if I mis-quote him he will stop me mid sentence and correct me.
I knew better than to think it possible for this man to hear me say I want a can opener for Christmas and to instead bring home an IPad or a ring. I said I wanted a can opener and bless his heart it’s exactly what I got. He didn’t stop there though, he threw in a garlic press, a cheese slicer and finally..a Snuggie.
An XXXL Snuggie.
I looked at Pat with a smirk and was all, “you’re not kidding are you?”
And he was all “No! You’re always cold downstairs, I thought this would be perfect for you!”
And he dug into the box before I had a chance to protest.
pat: I wanted to see how this…oh wait…it doesn’t close in the back? Aww man! I thought it closed in the back!! Like a big pocket or something.
me: No, they don’t close in the back…they’re like hospital gowns, only fleece.
pat: Man, that sucks. I tried to find another color, but this was the only kind they had left. I’ve seen pink ones and stuff.
me: This was really nice Pat. And you know why I love it? Because you are 100% serious right now, and probably the only person on Earth who purchased a Snuggie for the functional aspect of it.
pat: You don’t like it? Will you even use it?
me: Oh yes. Yes for sure I will use it.
Is he not the best?
Cheryl @ Mommypants says
My husband is the same way. He puts a lot of thought into gifts. He got me my first pair of uggs a few years ago because he knows my feet are always cold. Sigh.
Also, I couldn’t get the new button to work on my post. So I used the old one. You know I like poodles. ;)
Stephanie @ The Blue Zoo says
I love it! You make that Snuggie look hot! lol
(and dont hate me… but my Hubs completely surprised me with an iPad!)
June Freaking Cleaver says
Men are just more practical. I also wrote about a gift I received that wasn’t exactly what I imagined.
I wish I had that Snuggie for the tax office this season. I work in an office so cold, Bob Cratchit himself would feel at home in it.
Solace @ quantumofsolaceee says
I think your husband’s sweet! :)
My boyfriend’s kind of like that too. He always thinks of giving gifts for the sake of functionality. :P He considers giving useless gifts (e.g. for display, used sparingly) as a tragedy. :P
MarytheKay says
Oh my WORD. This is funny!!! And I don’t know why, but this sentence made me giggle out loud:
I stopped para-phrasing him years ago because if I mis-quote him he will stop me mid sentence and correct me.
Oh, and one more way I’m going to suck up to you…I mean one more thing I want to tell you: I LOVE the new design–ESPECIALLY the pictures of yourself.
Erin says
Love the snuggie…I have the “pink one and stuff” Wanna trade?
And I’m still hoping for an ipad, but for some reason the hubs thinks my Droid 2 phone, my netbook and my new laptop are enough….I disagree don’t you?
mjrodriguez says
We are the “wives with the adorable husbands” brigade :-) Love your post!
I actually wanted to write about this prompt but hit a wall (I probably have not got my blogging cap back on after the holidays yet). Couldn’t think of a single thing to talk about my husband although I know in my heart he is simply adorable….
Erin says
Oh and? I couldn’t get the button to work either! =(
Mama Kat says
Wah! I think I fixed the button…fingers crossed. The code keeps flipping around on me.
Holly L says
My hubby won’t buy a snuggie because they are not on clearance…that man! Literal is good…but next year tell him iPad. My hubby insists I never told him anything this year…so I got a $100 bill…how romantic and thoughtful, eh?
The Drama Mama says
So incredibly sweet. I got my new coffee maker, but he surprised me a few days after Christmas with Windows 7. Yay!
Karen @ Time Crafted says
Phew! I really thought my sleepy eyes were the problem…I was so sure! I’ve got your button up on my post now! :> Your NEW button!
Hmmm……sounds like he went out of his way to try to get something he thought would be practical for you. (An iPad would be practical too, of course ;>) Hubs has me make him a list. But, we’ve actually progressed. It began with give him one item, store location & price and he would get that exact item. But, there was no surprise in that. There have been several evolutions and I’ve got to give it to him, he’s even started thinking outside the box for a little something that I didn’t even think to ask for! (It helped that I asked for electronics this year….portable hard drive, headphones…electronics & practical…that’s up his alley!)
Actually, as I’m sitting here on the couch, everyone’s gone to bed, we’ve turned the heat off, I’m typing away…..and I’m freezing! A snuggie to blog with might not be all that bad of an idea. :>
carina says
I felt weird doing it, but I totally made a wish list this year. My husband has given me notoriously weird, unuseful gifts for the last six years. He was very excited to have some options :)
ElizOF says
The snuggie looks adorable on you… and the family shots put a smile on my face. I love your new blog look too; very chi-chi :-) Love it!
Happy New Year!
Eliz
Dominique says
My hubby is really practical too.. to make it easier for him I draw up a list of presents I would like to receive for Xmas. I was pleasantly surprised when he ticked off Diamond ring last year.
MarfMom says
I’m pretty sure our husbands are related. It’s made for some interesting presents for sure!
Snuggle Wasteland says
It’s better than the big pile of nothing I got from my husband. At least it didn’t take me long to unwrap.
Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" says
Pat is a good husband–glad you got what you wanted and more! Gerard does the same for me. He got my the practical hanging folders and white board markers I wanted plus a very stylish fake fur jacket because he said he wanted me to have something really nice!
Kim @ This Belle Rocks says
Oh, my! I nearly woke my family up because I let out a loud gigglesnort when I read about having to use your teeth to open cans!
Dumb mom says
That snuggle is so awesome. And it was so sweet of him to getban extra huge one like that because it shows that he was probably at the store eyeballing them up for fit. Please wear that to BlogHer. Mostly so I can laugh but also because it gets chilly on the beach there at times and I really can’t think of a better way to stay warm:)
Amanda says
I totally love this post! I haven’t done a writers workshop in a hot minute but I chose the same prompt! My boyfriend bought me a fishing pole for our first Valentines Day and was dead serious about how he heard me say I wanted one…..oh boys!
Paula Kiger says
It sounds like you are farther down the acceptance trail re: Pat’s gift giving (or non gift giving) behaviors than I am in my relationship. There have been a few homeruns in 18.5 years of marriage preceded by 5 years of dating but it’s still dicey at times.
The snuggie is great, especially with the XXXL emblazoned across the front!!!
Jennifer says
How cute! He was so proud of his gifts, and the best part about them is that he was truly thinking about you.
Kate Hayes says
I love that you accept your husband’s gift-giving style for what it is, and understand that his practical choices do not mean that any less love or thought went into the gifts. It drives me crazy when women have husbands like yours and are forever whining about the absence of chocolate and roses. I always want to ask, “Don’t you know who you married?” Choosing to embrace this trait is clearly going to provide you with many happy (and hilarious) memories. :) LOVE the pictures!
Lorna says
The moral of this story… keep your mouth shut about can openers and start dropping hints about how you really need a new Tiffany’s bracelet or weekend at a spa.
Momlissa says
I love it! I am married to a super practical guy as well and yes, they are the best. Honestly, I would much rather have a gift card to Barnes & Noble or Starbucks than a pair of earrings and he knows this.
I love the Snuggie! I have one as well, but yeah, the opening in the back is a bit irritating, unless you are going to sit on your butt in one place for hours, which I often do once the kids are asleep!
Amy @ Never-True Tales says
My husband bought me my snuggie, too, and I’ve loved it from the start! Kinda like a hospital gown, making you feel all invalid-y, though.
Tiffany says
That is too funny! You are rockin that Snuggie like a pimp mama! The odd gifts from husband’s are always the best. My husband likes to buy me practical, useful things too. So funny!
Last year I got a Kitchen Aid hand held mixer from my husband because he was tired of seeing me use my $5 Walmart one.
Elena @NaynaDub says
I love it! It is hilarious how literal he really was with his gift ideas & purchases. Great post & fun prompts this week!
Jennifer says
I think David and Pat are pretty much opposites. I’m not sure anything serious ever comes out of his mouth (in a funny, joking way of course). Although, David pretty much sucks at gift giving as well (you know, other than the Nook I got this year). I got a kitchen timer in my stocking.
Rachel B says
Cute pictures! At least you got your can opener, right?
Shell says
Awww! Love it.
Connie Weiss says
UGH….my husband is like that too. The older he gets the worse it gets! I hope your can opener works!
Angela says
My mom got me a leopard print Snuggie and hubby got a zebra striped one. Those things are the BOMB especially with the winter we have been having..
Nicole - When did I become my Mom says
You are so blessed to have a husband who so genuinely cares for you. :-)
What a sweetheart!
Carrie says
That snuggie is da BOMB! You are looking hawt rockin that XXXL grey fleece lady :)
What a sweet husband. Mine always tells me exactly what gift I was getting about 2 days before the event. Gee, thanks sweetie…but maybe I wanted to be SURPRISED??
Nicole - When did I become my Mom says
Mine does the same thing! With surprise parties too…. Gah!
Aunt Bethany says
My guy bought me entirely new bakeware for Christmas, along with a cookie batter scooper and an adjustable tablespoon. I love this because, not only is it practical, he knows me SO well. I love to bake, and this gift set was perfect. I always tease him about something more romantic (ahem..a ring would be lovely on my left index finger!), but he already does so many romantic things that I can’t complain! He leaves me 20 minute voicemails, and I currently have 55 saved voicemails on my phone. What a guy :)
Great prompts, Mama! I will be featuring your site on my “What the #FF?!?” feature tomorrow morning!
Sarah says
I had to laugh at your comment about how he stops you mid-sentence to correct what you are saying. My husband does the same thing. He doesn’t get sarcasm, nor does he understand the importance of embellishing a story for fun. But I love him anyway! :)
Natalie says
Jason wanted to get me a Snuggie for Christmas too…but he went to three places and they were all sold out! Weird. Anyways, getting it too big is an awesome idea!
Nolie says
My brother in law but me a snuggie for Christmas. They are wonderful.
Jill says
OMGosh! You guys crack me up. I can’t wait to read everyone else’s posts.
Annie @astonesthrowfrominsanity says
I got measuring spoons from my hubs for Christmas, and I loved them. I get you girl! I get you!!
PS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new look! Fab!!! :)
Diane says
You totally rock that Snuggie!
erica says
I can so not relate. My hubs buys be the best gifts :) Never a Snuggie though, so I guess he could take a lesson from Pat.
Mommylebron says
Aw, it sounds too me like Pat really listens to you and that’s awesome. Next time your cruising the web at his side, maybe mutter about how you really need an iPad? And by the way, sorry for getting you drunk. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then, uh, never mind! <3
Los says
Snuggies are wonderful! Certainly better than a can-opener, right?
Jessica says
My husband is the same way with practical gifts and ZERO romance. But, the cute thing is that he always tries to surprise me with the gifts…and he’s horrible at lying. This year he called me 200 times one day about a lens and how it was cheaper on Amazon than the store. He told me how we should buy it now since we’ll get $ for Christmas. Then he ordered it, knowing I get a confirmation email on my phone about the purchase. And then emails from Amazon making suggestions of other things I might like based on that purchase. AND a shipping confirmation. After discovering the emails on my phone he comes up with a story that he called Amazon and cancelled the order because it was just too much money and went on how he feels so bad how he got my hopes up. Um, yeah, I got the lens…duh. I LOVE HIM :)
TornadoTwos says
This is so funny, I love the snuggie pictures! Fleece hospital gown, perfect description. Love the new look over here!
Mrs. Jen B says
You’re such a pimp in your car with that Snuggie on. Even though it’s a bit..roomy.
That is SO funny to me – especially since I bought one as a joke for my husband and he LIVES in it now. I swear, I must have been thanked a dozen times on the 26th alone. Then he went out and bought one for me because he loved his so much, and…well, they ARE kinda magical. I can’t lie.
Paulina J! says
If a picture is worth a thousand words, yours are worth a million! I know this was a writing prompt, but the pictures were the cherries on top. Love it!! Oh, you should be so featured in the Toyota cool, family that owns a van commercials. Have you seen the one where they’re rapping on Youtube? I think you were rapping with that Snuggie in the last pic!! LOL!
Bruna says
Your literal man sounds like a sweetheart. I *so* wanted a snuggie for Christmas. I didn’t get one…sheesh.
Jen says
Well know that I see you in a snuggie, maybe they aren’t so bad.
You make a Snuggie look HOT!
Mama Kat says
This is a test…are you getting this in your email box?
Mama Kat says
Sunggies ARE hot…I’m going to wear it to the club this weekend.
Mama Know Best says
OMGosh, that was absolutely hilarious! My husband does stuff like that but I think he only does it when there is a full moon or something because he’s on and off with it. That is so cute that he got you your much needed can opener, and you look so beautiful in your over-sized snuggie…I would say he is awesome!
Funkidivagirl says
I got a snuggie for Christmas this year from my parents (they gave them to everyone in our family) and I actually do use it while on my laptop. Don’t know how I would have reacted to the can opener though…
Hey, I live the new digs!
Funkidivagirl says
I mean…I LOVE the new digs!
JDaniel4's Mom says
The can opener came with other gifts. My husband out have bought a state of the art can opener with all the bells and whistles as the only gift.
Christy @ cat fur to make kitten britches says
Your husband and my husband sound an awful lot alike!
LOVE the new design of your site, btw. Really great.
Thanks for this week’s prompt; it was a fun one to write!
Best –
~Christy
Jenn says
aw, your snuggie is cute. Mine is a “wine” color – so that if I spill my Pinot while I’m lounging, no one will know. Hubs idea. Isn’t he keen?
Mine is literal too. Although, i can drop five MILLION hints (along the line of “boy, I would love to have XXX” and it doesn’t register.
Last year, I had to send him a list – and hyperlinks to where he could find them. Seriously. The man does not shop.
You are the cutest thing – those header shots are fantastic, and you look adorable even stuffing cake in your mouth.
Melody Stone says
I chose to show of winter in my city, Sacramento – from the seat of my bike.
http://melody-stone.blogspot.com/2011/01/winter-in-sacramento.html
I hope you enjoy it!
Rachel C says
I love this one! That’s is awesome! Maybe you can score some pajama jeans next! LOL! My husband also does the same things with gifts, if I saw something like I want a torch so I can make creme brulee then he’ll go and buy it. The only thing that this esn’t work with is jewelry.
Mandy says
I love this. I love that he bought you a Snuggie and I love that he remembered the can opener. As a woman who is also married to a literal man who engages in absolutely no hyperbole and never “spices” up a story, I got a kick out of this.
I Thought I Knew Mama says
Hilarious post! I wore a Snuggie for the first time two nights ago. My hubby brought one home because his manager gave him one for Christmas. Whaaa? So now I have an army fatigue Snuggie!
Peg says
OMG, What a hoot he is! Love it!
Stephanie @ The Blue Zoo says
I was watching the Food Network last night when reading your prompts and just had to write about how I couldnt be friends with Guy Fieri. lol
Jenny says
Well at least your Father in law did not buy you a little girls pink snuggie. I was all “umm gee thanks” ;)
Booyah's Momma says
Aww, he got you kitchen accessories. See? He was just wanting you to be comfortable in your woman cave.
I also think the world would be a lot better if they actually provided Snuggies in lieu of hospital gowns. But that’s another story.
Becky says
I’m a fairly new lurker, er, visitor, and I had to comment on this one. Too funny! Especially because my boyfriend is the same way. After dropping tons of hints that a new necklace would be great, I mentioned in passing that I needed to get an electric toothbrush. Lo and behold, here were my Christmas gifts this year: said electric toothbrush (top of the line, by the way, complete with sanitizer accessory), a humidifier (because, he insisted, my months of sneezing were due to dry air), and ha-ha-ha, no lie, an electric CAN OPENER!
Hi-larious. The can opener was returned because he spent over $50 on it, and um, no way, a manual can opener works just fine for me, BUT the sneezing has abated (whoo, humidifier!) and the electric toothbrush is my favorite Christmas gift in the last decade! I wish I were kidding. I’m not. It.is.amazing.
Last year, I got a fancy printer.
He may not get me the romantic gifts, but let me tell you, I love my practical gifts. I’m happy to see you do too! :)
P.S. LOVE your blog to bits!
Allison @ Alli 'n Son says
Total opposites, that’s what makes you awesome.
liz says
You look like a bad ass in your snuggie.
Mama Kat says
Psshhh…you know it!
Oddyssey says
OMG that was too funny! I love your stories! And God love him, your hubby probably IS the only person to buy one of those things with a serious intent for the practical use! And that’s so sweet and charming that he thought of you like that.
And btw, I think the “hotness” of you in the snuggie comes from that “Princess Leia” look in the first picture of you in it. LOL
See this for comparison:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bqb5dc7whbw/TP5-zvm6YiI/AAAAAAAAAyA/qH04VOA5QfU/s1600/ANH_Princess_Leia_03.jpg
:o) (that’s a compliment, just so you know)
Dawn Kornfeld says
Love the new look of your blog and love the story about your husband — especially the snuggie. I thought my guy was the only one who took the snuggie seriously when he purchased it! Great post!
Becky @ Accidental Southern Mama says
I haven’t figured out which is more amusing, when my husband shops for me himself or when he has the kids (6 &10) shop for me instead.
Making It Work Mom says
I am all about the Snuggie. That is a man who cares about the comfort of his wife. :)
My first time participating in your Workshop after stalking for several months, all giddy with excitement!
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation says
I have been thinking about the Snuggie…and now I think I need one. I am thinking perhaps leopard print.
Kristi {at} Live and Love Out Loud says
Okay as strange as it is to receive a Snuggie as a gift, I must say that it’s such a guy thing to do! It’s also pretty darn sweet. :) I like Pat. He totally reminds me of my dad – his skin, his hair, everything. Must be a Hawaiian thing. ;)
Amanda says
I bought my fiance` a snuggie for christmas too. He wasn’t so thrilled, but now I have a warm snuggie. LOL
Holly @ Diamond Potential says
I am loving the new design…
That top pic is PRICELESS!!! You need to FRAME THAT!! ;D
Hubby and sons actually WANTED Snuggies… LOL!! Because I ROCK mine and HOG all my blankies to myself and all… LOL!!
Melva says
LOL…so fun.. I got a husband that is pretty literal too. I admit I can’t buy for him either…..unless he has specifically stated it verbatim. Who knew buying gifts was so hard. ha
Christine says
OMG. I just shot coffee out of my nose when I saw the pictures of you in the snuggie. Very very very funny.
Alisha says
That is so funny. Isn’t it that how life usually works … we find our special someone is totally opposite of what we find ourselves to be?
The snuggie is hilarious though.
Heidi says
OMGeeee, LOL, etc, etc—–the picture of you in the snuggie in your car! I can so see myself rockin that look on the morning school run–thanks for the laugh!
Losing Brownies says
I have to say, I love your new look!
Helen says
I love that!! And we so got my aunt a snuggie this year, a pink one. Way to go Pat :)
ColleenwithMurals&More says
Ok. So I dropped by to see what my new celeb-blogger-friend is up to and what do I find??? a bleepin’ writing challenge?!? Crap, Girl! And they’re topics that I actually have opinions on! Damn. Now I gotta think, and it’s Friday, and I don’t feel like thinking, which is why I stopped by just to see what my new celeb-blogger-friend is up to.
Or . . . OR!!! I could just ignore the whole thing because who in the world actually READS 84 comments on their blog???
Just in case you’re THE one who does read everything, the snuggie cracked me up. But if he woulda snuck in an IPAD, I would’ve done my darndest to steal him away!
Kim says
I’m so behind in my life on everything I’m not surprised that this comment will be your 85th and most likely won’t be read. BUT; I have to say that this reminded me of an old Rosanne episode where Dan did something awesome for Rosanne and her sister, Jackie, was astonished. Rosanne looked at Jackie and said “well, you don’t think they come that way do ya? It took years for me to teach him that!” So my point being: you can teach him – and one day instead of the snuggie or can opener it will be the iPad!
Bella says
Don’t ya just love when they put sincere thought into their gifts though? My husband bought me a laptop bag, socks, underwear, a mouse for my laptop and a watch for Christmas.