Wife's Birthday

Onward · 05-07-2009, 07:15

Gentlemen (and ladies...especially ladies!)

My wife's birthday is about 2 months out, and I am at a total loss as to what to get her. My first thought would be a vacation, but I am currently deployed, which puts a stop to that idea. I have always found good advice and knowledge on this site, and would appreciate any input that anyone may have. Need to keep her happy until I go to Selection next year

I've been a member here for about a year; generally try to stay under the radar, lurk and learn. I've used the search feature for this topic, but to no avail; if I've missed something, I'm sorry, and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

This is our first deployment, I've been in country for about 2 months, and we've been married for about 6.

Thanks!!!!

Dozer523 · 05-07-2009, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onward

Gentlemen (and ladies...especially ladies!)

My wife's birthday is about 2 months out, and I am at a total loss as to what to get her. My first thought would be a vacation, but I am currently deployed, which puts a stop to that idea. I have always found good advice and knowledge on this site, and would appreciate any input that anyone may have. Need to keep her happy until I go to Selection next year

I've been a member here for about a year; generally try to stay under the radar, lurk and learn. I've used the search feature for this topic, but to no avail; if I've missed something, I'm sorry, and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

This is our first deployment, I've been in country for about 2 months, and we've been married for about 6.

Thanks!!!!

Pardon me, but I think you need to keep her happy for the rest of her life. But, I think you were getting ahead of yourself, when you've been Married 22 years I'll bet you see this a little differently.

Next, let me offer this idea about SF "relationships", Use the ship analogy. Wives can be viewed as ports or anchors. Ports are fun (Windjammer Cruises) Ports can be safe ("port in the storm") Ports can be welcoming (Home Ports and Ports of Call) Anchors are more protective in the "need it right now" sort of way. They hold you in a spot so things can get done -- repairs, rest and fun -- you don't always want to have to drive the boat. An anchor holds you in place, keeps you safe, and keeps you attached to something. Anchors fail only under the most intense pressure. You can alway get kicked out of a port or depart on the tide.

In my case, my marriage started as a port of call, quickly changed into a home port /sea anchor and now is an anchor. I'm not tied to the wharf. And I'm definitely not mothballed. yet.

So back to what to get her -- married two years and you are away now and away will be a big part of your future relationship. Hmmmm. Diamonds are not going to do it. You have to give her you. Totally and without reservation. Hand written letters (stumbling, clumsy, "gawd-I-hope-noone-but-my-wife-ever-see-this tend to be the best). Barring that give her kids. Then be a great dad.
On second thought give her diamonds too -- like a watch. Something, she will use and look at often especially when you are away. A reminded of the time you promise when you are home.
Of course I may be wrong, this is my second marriage

afchic · 05-07-2009, 08:46

I am going to have to agree with Dozer on the letters. I was thinking the exact same thing, but he beat me to it.

Some of my most precious possessions are the letters I have from my husband while we were away from one another, whether it be my deployment or his. No mushy cards, just words from his heart. I take them out and read them when I am missing him.

As far as jewelry is concerned, have you thought about an eternity ring? It is a ring with three stones signifying your past, your present, and your future together.

Utah Bob · 05-07-2009, 09:56

Married 40 years. When I was in Nam all I could send was a letter on her birthday. We had been married a little over a year then.
What you give her isn't important. Telling her how you feel about her is.

Puertoland · 05-07-2009, 09:59

Tiffany's, a love letter, and chocolate. Then take her out to dinner to some place decent.

Not married, but I've yet to disappoint my Lady whenever I get her jewelery, write something nice, and give a bit of candy. I usually do roses and just cook, but every once in a while I'll take her out to one of the nicer restaurants down here.

Either that, or send her a video where she can see you crushing your enemies and watch them driven before you whilst listening to the lamentation of their women.

Your choice. Hope she enjoys whatever it is you get her.

Dozer523 · 05-07-2009, 11:05

Roses are nice too. Unless. . .
You were attending CAS Cubed at FT Leavenworth while the Disciplinary Barracks still opperated the greenhouse. Long stemmed roses (red, yellow or white) 10cents a piece. Was dating/engaged. Met her at the Kansas City Airport with TWO DOZEN Long Stemmed Roses. I was SO GOLD! Until she learned . . . then I was a

scam artist ! (They were still roses, honey

) we parted ways soon after. (cue Garth Brooks "Unanswered Prayers")
Met MRFL (My Reason For Living) Second date, arrived with flowers (just regular florist type < $15 -- daysies IIR) .
SEZ MRFL: "Oh, thanks. Don't get me wrong, but I really am not that nuts about flowers, they just die; you can save your money, but I DO like these ones." I never bought her flowers again until I was deployed and I had them sent to her office. BUT, over the years I have planted gardens that included hundreds of daffodils. MRFL's favorite color is yellow.
Lots of "littles" is better then a "big".

**Team Sergeant** · 05-07-2009, 11:12

Yeah yeah yeah, look, get her what I got my first wife for her "first birthday", a vacuum cleaner, some fancy dish towels and a nice digital weight scale for her side of the bathroom.

TS

Dozer523 · 05-07-2009, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

Yeah yeah yeah, look, get her what I got my first wife for her "first birthday", a vacuum cleaner, some fancy dish towels and a nice digital weight scale for her side of the bathroom.

TS

I think I might see something you missed. . .

afchic · 05-07-2009, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

Yeah yeah yeah, look, get her what I got my first wife for her "first birthday", a vacuum cleaner, some fancy dish towels and a nice digital weight scale for her side of the bathroom.

TS

What a smart ass!!! Were you able to write this with a straight face???

Utah Bob · 05-07-2009, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

Yeah yeah yeah, look, get her what I got my first wife for her "first birthday", a vacuum cleaner, some fancy dish towels and a nice digital weight scale for her side of the bathroom.

TS

At last. Some reality is inserted.

Gypsy · 05-07-2009, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by afchic

I am going to have to agree with Dozer on the letters. I was thinking the exact same thing, but he beat me to it.

Some of my most precious possessions are the letters I have from my husband while we were away from one another, whether it be my deployment or his. No mushy cards, just words from his heart. I take them out and read them when I am missing him.

As far as jewelry is concerned, have you thought about an eternity ring? It is a ring with three stones signifying your past, your present, and your future together.

Agree on the from the heart letters. Hand written! Poems even...yeah, a poem.

However, afchic, since I'm a fan of eternity bands and a bit if a jewelry freak I'll make a slight correction.

The 3 stone band is the ring with 1 larger diamond in the middle and two smaller (generally, though they can be the same size) representing past, present and future.

An eternity band is a complete circle of diamonds all the way around. No beginning...no ending.

**Bill Harsey** · 05-07-2009, 17:46

I hate to correct this very august group but...

...just get her a new rifle and some cartridges to match.

**The Reaper** · 05-07-2009, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

I hate to correct this very august group but...

...just get her a new rifle and some cartridges to match.

I thought you said you gave her a chainsaw?

TR

**Bill Harsey** · 05-07-2009, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

I thought you said you gave her a chainsaw?

TR

That was an anniversary gift. Brand new Husqvarna with 24 inch bar and Oregon Pro chain.

**The Reaper** · 05-07-2009, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

That was an anniversary gift. Brand new Husqvarna with 24 inch bar and Oregon Pro chain.

You are a true romantic, Bill.

TR