This post is well over due but as you know, I have a Boo Bear to deal with, so time is of the essence.

This past Valentines Day I was left speechless with disgust as I witnessed the most horrific scene at our local Applebee’s.

As most of you know, my husband and I do not celebrate Valentines Day for a number of reasons. However, Malik’s mom was visiting us that day and wanted to go out for lunch. Her choice of venue: Applebees. Now, since arriving in the US in 2007, I have never experienced Valentines Day in a public way. Malik and I always stay home on this day; so, to my surprise, I was shocked, literally, into silence, when I witnessed the following scenario.

As we were half way through our meal, a young couple was seated next to us for lunch. At first, everything seemed to be in place. Here was a young man taking his lady out for a meal. Sweet, right? Guess again.

About 15 minutes after they were seated, their food had arrived. From there everything went down hill for this poor young man. His date instantly threw a tantrum. With raised eyebrows, piercing eyes and deathly tone she stated “what is this? This is not broccoli!” For a moment, I looked up at her like she was crazy. That lasted a moment though because it turned out she was a total nut. Her date was like a scared puppy dog, confused on what to do; yet, he signaled for the waiter to come over.

As the waiter approached, she said “what is this? I asked for broccoli.” So, the waiter stated that they were out of broccoli since it was a busy business day and that they had served the mixed seasonal vegetables instead. With her eyebrows now at a 90 degree angle and her eyes piercing anger and fear into her boyfrind and then the waiter, she demanded “I want to speak to the manager.” I thought to myself, how odd, all this hullabaloo over a side of seasonal vegetables.

The manager approached, apologizing for the lack of broccoli, stating that he would change the entire meal with no charge. At this, the young woman just rolled her eyes, looked at her date and waved her hand NO! The manager continued to explain the situation further but she was not willing to hear another word.

After about a 7 minute argument about broccoli and seasonal vegetables the lady stands up, puts her coat on, glares at her date and walks out of the restaurant; leaving her date fumbling with his meal, glasses, keys and wallet. I was in complete and utter shock, as were so many other customers there that afternoon.

This is just one incident that I witnessed of many similarly maddening situations. The sad part about all of this is that I realize that for too many women, a relationship is rarely about the quality time spent together and more so about where they dine, what gifts they receive, what holidays are celebrated and how they define appreciation.

Ladies, a strong and successful relationship is not built or based on what restaurant you dine at or what vegetables come with your side. Ladies, stop looking and man-made holidays for love and appreciation. Focus on finding a good man who loves you 365 days a year, who appreciates you 365 days a year, who will be a good husband to you 365 days a year, who will be a good father to your children 365 days a year and who will randomly show you his love in his own way through the year.

Men, PLEASE STOP CATERING TO WOMENS INSECURITIES AND MAN-MADE HOLIDAYS. Give only when YOU want to and avoid forced traditions because you think it is expected of you. Show your woman your love in your own unique way. Once you begin to do that you will be happier, sincerer and more respected.

I think the economic verdict on the global economy is in, The Age of Thrift is here. Not the technology age, or the industrial age, not even the age of Aquarius. The Joneses are now officially out of power. The citizens of America and the world are getting a dose of reality that they haven’t seen since the Great Depression. Is this the Great Depression for the vast majority of folks? No, but it depends who you talk to. To be honest, I don’t know, but people are hurting out there, even the well to do are getting hammered too. Should we really have sympathy for someone who has to get a Caramel Macchito once a month instead of everyday? Should we have sympathy for someone who has to forgo buying a Mercedes Benz for a Honda Accord? Probably not.

So what exactly is the Age of Thrift? Simply, less spending more saving. Less dependency on credit, if not none. Unfortunately all the financial analyst, economic think tanks and fancy economists in the world were unable to influence the government on properly managing the economy. Even the czars of Wall Street were intoxicated by greed, wait a minute, did I just say that?. LOL I applaud the Obama administration for trying to rescue the economy from a prolonged economic catastrophe, but I feel the damage has already been done. Let me be clear on this issue, you don’t need a Phd to understand that Cash is King. Typically used as a term to highlight the importance of having the proper cash flow in a business, a household is no different. The American people are getting the message, the personal savings rate is around 3.8%. We shouldn’t be celebrating yet, Americans still have spending and debt problem. Not to mention the personal savings rate should be more around 10%.

Keep in mind that the last time the Dow Jones Industrial Average was around 7900, was in September of 2002. Everyone is asking, “What will it take to get out of this?”. No one knows (not even the $3,000 dollar suit wearing financial professionals), but it’s time to get your “thrift on”. The global economy will have to contract further before it gets back on track. We have too much stuff in the economy, and not enough people with the proper disposable income to buy all the stuff. Hopefully being frugal will become a badge of honor and not a badge of ostracization. If it hasn’t set in how important saving is, check out this video from Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit who watched the value of Citigroup go crashing and burning in 2008. Even the billion dollar entity isn’t immune to thrift (at least on a corporate level). Lets welcome the Age of Thrift.