Valentine Surprise
As a kid I intensely disliked Valentine's Day. I've always been an over-analyzer, so deciding which card was right for which friend was painful. Should I give Abbie the puppy or the kitty Valentine? What if she spells her name "Abi"? What if I forget someone? Oh, the embarrassment! But, then, what if I am forgotten? Who thought up this torturous holiday?
My dad is a real romantic...he'd bring home flowers for no reason. On Valentine's Day, he'd buy flowers for all his "girls". Sadly, his efforts were not held in high regard. I'm practical like my mom, "They're just going to die; they probably won't even last the weekend." That sucks all the romance out of the air, doesn't it?! With age, I've learned to take pleasure in a nice bouquet of flowers. On occasion I'll even buy one myself, just because. I still have trouble bringing myself to participate in the Valentine's Day floral price gouging, but I do appreciate the sentiment.
My husband threw me off guard this year. He asked me to find a babysitter for Valentine's Day! From the sounds of my daughter coughing until she gags, my soul mate's gesture may not come to fruition, but this is one time the thought definitely counts.
I can't remember a time when we have celebrated with more than a card. As you may have guessed from my warm memories of Valentine's Days past, our lack of Valentine fanfare has never bothered me. Even though I would have been perfectly delighted with my husband's exquisitely selected card, I was delighted to know that on Valentine's Day #17 he wanted more.
Who will you surprise this Valentine's Day?
Employees
- Have an employee Valentine's drawing. Give away a basket, a dinner, or a day off--whatever is in your budget. You can randomly choose an employee, or you can use it as a productivity incentive. Each employee gets to put their name in one time for every four units billed, or for every progress note written, or for every evaluation performed. Whatever benchmark you are working on, you can use a Valentine's Day drawing as an incentive.
- Pass out personalized Valentines--write a quality you appreciate about that employee.
Employer
- Pitch in and take your boss out for a Valentine's lunch.
- Take up a collection and buy your boss a bouquet...send it anonymously!
Clients
- Ask your clients to share their most memorable Valentine's Day. It may be the perfect conversation starter to build rapport.
- Have clients make Valentines while they work on sitting balance or standing endurance.
- Make a Valentine obstacle course for wheelchair mobility or a Valentine treasure hunt that incorporates mobility challenges.
Family
- Cook your kids heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast.
- Make handmade Valentines to put in your spouse's or children's lunches.
- Help your sons pick out flowers for Mommy or sisters.
- Have a Mommy/Son or Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Date.
- Have a Grandpa/Granddaughter or Grandma/Grandson Valentine's Date while Mommy/Daddy have their date.
Take a minute to share your Valentine's Day ideas. You may help to make someone's day special.