I don't really like surprises. The truth is, I'm afraid of being disappointed. I know that makes me sound spoiled (Aaron would agree), but it's true (the disappointment part--I might argue a bit about being spoiled). Besides not liking them particularly, I have an uncanny habit of (accidentally, I might add) spoiling surprises. Sometimes I happen upon gifts (no, I am NOT spying or looking for gifts when I find them!); sometimes it's just because I know Aaron so well, and let's face it, he is a tish predictable (which actually helps mitigate the disappointments, truthfully).

So, a couple of weeks ago I walked in on Aaron while he was at the computer. "Get AWAY!!!! Don't come any closer! You can't see this!!!!"
Me: Uh.... What? What are you doing?
Him: I'm working on something. Don't look!
Me: Well what is it?
Him: (dripping with sarcasm) It's a SUUUR-PriiiiSE!
Me: Oh. What kind of surprise.
Him: A surprise surprise. Are you going to let me finish?
Me: Is it for me? Alright!! Whatever....So when are you going to tell me?
Him: In a few months.
Me: MONTHS!!! You can't keep a secret for months! Which month?
Him: GO AWAY!!!!!

A few days later he was looking at a brochure for safaris he ordered and glanced up at me. "Would you rather go on a safari like this or go to, say, Italy?"
Me: What for? Like for a romantic thing between you and me, Italy, hands down. For a fun thing with the kids, the safari.
Him: But, you always said you wanted to go for a safari.
Me: Yeah, but given you and romantic Italy versus chasing wild animals in a jeep? It's you, babe.
Him: Hmmm.

A few days after that...
Me: Are you taking me to Italy?! Is that your big surprise?!
Him: JERK!!! Why do you always do that?! Stop asking questions! I'm not telling you anything!
Me: Well, when are we going?
Him: I don't know yet. In the fall...
Me: When your parents are here?
Him: Yeah.
Me: Did you clear this with the boss-lady?
Him: Hmmph.

And, a few days after that...
Him: I had a big plan of how I was going to tell you.
Me: Oh? What was it?
Him: Well, since you spoiled it and I can't do it now, I guess I'll tell you. I was going to put the tickets in a card for our anniversary. I was going to be all like, "I forgot to get anything for our anniversary, but I got you this card!"
Me: You know you would have caved long before JULY, dear.
Him: Hmmph.

And then a few days later...
Him: Okay now. I'm SERIOUS. Lay off with all the questioning! You know you can weasel it all out of me, but I really, really, REALLY want to surprise you! Just this ONCE, okay?!
Me: (whining becomingly) C'mon. That's like impossible. I know there's a surprise--I must know what's going on.
Him: Honey. Really. Promise me.
Me: Mmmmmrrrgh. Okay.

And, so far, I haven't weaseled anything else out of him. Oh, except that I gave him some anti-disappointment tips and he assured me that his current plans are right on target!

Oh, and by the way, YIPPPPEEEEEE!!!! I'm going to Italy!!!!!