by Amy Reese

Modern Day Candies with My Sweetheart

Yesterday, my Monday got off to a rocky start. It began with no heat because last night the heater just decided to quit, which happened to occur on one of California’s coldest nights on record. (I’ll have to check that. Whatever.) It was a mere 28 degrees last night, that’s below freezing. Yeah, I know some of you Northeasterners and Canadians and wherever else it’s as cold as fuck are probably laughing. Yeah, laugh. It’s not supposed to be this cold here. I could barely climb out of bed. This also meant that I should wear a very warm coat, gloves, a scarf….those kinds of things, none of which I own. So…it’s cold, okay!

My son had water polo practice later that day in the pool, in the cold outside. We made it to practice all right, although I questioned the gas gauge of my car as it has been full, even over the full mark, since yesterday, and this after driving at least 250 miles. In other words, it’s not likely this gas gauge was accurate. That should have been my red flag.

I watched my son’s practice in its entirety as he was sure to scold me if I left for the car, never mind that there was only one other parent there braving the extreme cold. After the practice, of course, my son was cold from getting out of the warm pool. Shaking, we both made our way to the car, ready for the heat, but then…the car didn’t start.

My ten-year-old son smirked at me, and said, “I told you this was going to happen.” Did he? No, he didn’t. He went on to tell me that this is what happens in the sitcoms, you see. First, something is strange with the car, like the gas gauge malfunctioning, for example. Next, you’re driving somewhere pretty far away not within walking distance. And lastly, well…I don’t remember that one.

What I will always remember is the little box of Valentine’s sweethearts we shared while waiting for our tow. I just happened to have a box in my purse. You know those sickly, sweet, little hearts with the cute sayings on them? It was our dinner.

He read each one, giving one for himself, and then one for me. We started with Hug Me, Be Mine, Say Yes, Time to Dance (love it), and You Can Do It. (do what?). These are, perhaps, some of the obvious phrases you’ve heard before. There were also many blanks with nothing, and many that just said, It.

But, are you aware that these boxes now include candies with Text Me and Tweet Me? One of the most baffling to my son was, Let’s Ride. I shrugged my shoulders at him. “Strange,” I said. “Maybe a roller coaster?” Give me that. I need more sugar for my sugar high.

Good thing we didn’t come across a Sext Me. Must be a misspelling, I would tell him.

It’s true, I would like to preserve these moments for eternity, and wish I could freeze the clocks.

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85 thoughts on “Modern Day Candies with My Sweetheart”

  1. Amy,
    That’s sounds like a good time, although it’s too bad it was so cold. This is the coldest winter in a very long time for Korea too. Even though I’m from northern Canada, I won’t make fun of you since everything is relative. There were old-timers up in Newfoundland who considered 75 to be unbearably hot. 🙂

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      1. OMG! Hot tubs to watch our children’s sporting events?!? What an awesome idea! You could make a fortune with an idea like that!

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  4. I actually took today off from work because it was too cold for me to get out of bed! And that’s a cute story; it’s a good thing you had something to eat with you, haha.

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  6. The weather, she’s relative. This is me praying there’s no snow storm when I go to deliver. You and your son are troopers. And I actually ran out of gas once when my son was little. Luckily he wasn’t in the car. But consider the clocks frozen. That’s the best reason for a blog.
    So so funny.
    Love,
    Shalagh

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    1. Thanks, Shalagh! That’s true about a blog…here the clocks are frozen. I hope the weather cooperates with your delivery. I have my fingers crossed. I hope the car just needs gas…but I think there’s something else wrong with it. Whaa!! Really hoping for a lot of things today.
      Love,
      Amy
      xo

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  8. I remember those, but seriously Text Me, Tweet Me. Argh!! Maybe one of those should say that for those of us who remember what the REALLY cool messages were.

    P.S. Layer, it helps.

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  9. Uncomfortable for the body, but warming for the heart to be able to share a moment like that with your son.

    Something is up when Ohio has near 60 degree whether in January (last weekend–no longer), and California is freezing. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Carrie. It was sweet, and he has idea how sweet.
      You’re right…what’s up with all this? Climate change…so, is it now cold again? That is really warm for Ohio! I hoped you had a chance to enjoy it. I guess we take what we can get.

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  10. sorry you got cold Amy. Blame Canada, that’s where the cold weather is coming from! haha. sorry. The story with your son is cute though. I remember those little candies. Not sure I like the tweet me and text me one though. ugh. Keep it sweet and simple is my motto.

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    1. Michelle, I didn’t think of that way, but of course, our candies have been social mediaized…it that’s not a word, it should be. I guess nothing is off limits, not even our lovely, innocent candies. It’s a good thing my son doesn’t pay it any mind. He just wants the sugar.

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  12. Now there’s a day with many bummers. Good news is that all are safe. Now, I have to go back to the store to look for those candy hearts. 😉 Speaking of the store, at the grocery store I most often shop, the crackers are with the other snacks as potato chips, pretzels, etc … and the cookies are across the aisle from the candy … (must be the kid’s paradise aisle) … and neither are by the soup.

    Stay warm … hope it gets better for you soon.

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    1. Ah, thanks, Frank. Yes, you’re absolutely right. We’re all safe and sand. Heater is now fixed. Still working on the car.

      I’m sure you’ll be able to find those candy hearts somewhere since they were out since New Year’s day. 🙂

      That would be a paradise for a kid. A one-stop snack heaven. I’ve noticed that, too, about the soup. Are they ever going to get it together! What they need to do at the grocery store is go shopping with people to see what they need, or should I say, they need to shop with me and organize things how I like it. I’m sure it would be okay with everyone!

      Thanks, Frank!

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  14. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, we’re having one of the mildest winters on record. I’m loving every minute of it. Bring on global warming!! I’m totally into it. haha!

    “Text me” and “Let’s ride?” Eww… The world is changing too fast for me. I’m way too old fashioned for that nonsense. 😉

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    1. I’m glad someone is enjoying the winter, Lisa. Just keep your fingers crossed. Winter is not over yet! Today was actually warmer today and nice!

      Of course, Let’s Ride is probably a throw back to when people loved riding in their convertibles. It certainly doesn’t apply to a 10 year old. And, of course, we can make whatever we want about it. 🙂

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  15. I love the candy hearts, “text me” and “tweet me” – how times have changed from my childhood 😉

    When we lived in a very cold climate I took my son to play sport and his friend came to watch (they were about eight years old). We were standing on the sideline and I looked down and my sons friend and asked him if he was okay (not too cold). He looked up at me and he had a long icicle hanging from the end of his nose! It was one of the funnies things I’ve ever seen. I put him in the car and turned on the heater…

    I’d love to freeze time as well 😀

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    1. I know…times change whether we like it or not. I guess they’re trying to roll with the times.
      That’s hilarious, Dianne! Poor little guy with an icicle from his nose. I’m glad you’re heater worked. That’s a bonus!
      At least we have our memories, and a blog where we can record them all so we don’t forget them.

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  16. This is the kind of story your son will remember, Bumble, just as I fondly remember an instance where my Dad and I got stranded because the car wouldn’t start. It was freezing freezing cold then too, but I still smile when I think of that day.

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    1. Thanks, Weebs. If he does remember it, he’ll probably roll his eyes at me. Maybe in a few years he smile about it. I’m glad you have a happy memory of what sounds like an unpleasant experience. Two freezings…brr..

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    1. It was definitely bonding time, something we don’t do as often as I’d like. The candies…hmm, probably about a couple days old? We see Valentine’s Day goodies on New Year’s Day here, like clockwork! You could have a box of chocolates today and then another on the actual V-day!

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  20. I once worked with a very religious, sweet guy who passed out Valentine’s Day candy at work one year. He and his wife made little satchels and cards, and put a lot of effort into making people smile. Only, they hadn’t read the candy hearts in all the bags they purchased. Apparently, they had gotten them mixed up with what I can assume were gag candies that said things like “get tested” or “blow me”. He was mortified.

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      3. Yes, 5 degrees can make a big difference. And it’s also very interesting that 50 degrees outside does not feel nearly as cold as 50 degrees in the house. When I lived in Miami and had very little in the way of heat sources, it was amazingly cold in the house during the occasional winter cold snap!

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      4. Yes! I was thinking those very things as the house heated up 1 degree at a time. I didn’t think it would take so long. It’s now up to 64 and it feels balmy. I guess 50 degrees outside with sun isn’t so bad. Much warmer than in the house. Very true.

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  23. love this but those darn hearts. I pretty much always have candy stashed — my secret little vice. Lovely memory.
    It snowed here last night– snow day for the kids and a delay for me– there are some benefits to the colder climate : slow ,warm and cozy morning

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  25. Very sorry to hear about all the stuff malfunctioning, B.F… NOT cool (I’m glad to hear the heat is working again… and I hope the car isn’t too serious… or too $ )!
    I grew up in North Dakota (and I heard they’re forecasting -20 or so without the windchill), which is why it’s particularly sad what a wimp I’ve become about the weather. Now when it’s below 60 I’m ready to start screaming, ‘WHY?! Oh it burns, it burns! The humanity!’
    🙂

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    1. Thanks, SIG. Things are looking up. Heater fixed, car okay. Just out of gas, so I feel a little ridiculous. But, the gas gauge just stopped working just like that. So, I have to get that fixed. That would drive me crazy if that didn’t work. Also, I think it’s not as cold.
      Hope you’re staying warm. It’s a probably a lot colder where you are…I don’t want to think just how cold. Bundle up!!

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  28. Cold is total bullshit, but this story is sweet. I mean, what good is a broken down car if it can’t offer up lifelong memories?

    Also, I am going to come and live in California, is that ok?

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    1. Thanks, Jen. My son has forgotten this whole thing by now, but I’ll remember it forever!!

      Yes, this is what you must do! You can move in with me. No more Canadian winters for you. And, you can bring your bees, too. You think I’m a wuss, don’t you?

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      1. I think I am a Cali girl at heart, so I cry when it goes below 15 C which is a reasonable temperature in American. Right now it’s -25 C, which is a terribly unreasonable temperature in any language so I am on my way.

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      3. No! That was actually taken at a beach just outside of San Fran. We go to Monterey every year in September and make a point of driving up the coast.
        I am packing my bags. I hope you don’t mind loud and destructive twins.

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      4. Ha ha! I knew it was Cali. Monterey?! I love Monterey. I used to live there. I remember…It’s so beautiful there. The kids will have a great time together! My child always tells me he wants a bigger family.

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      5. Ok, that’s all I needed. If I remember correctly, it’s about a 3 day drive. I am not sure where you are exactly, but I’ll just drive around shouting AMY! Should work out fine. My husband is in Bogota right now. Won’t he be surprised!

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