The Thankful Cavegirl.. and a glass of Cabernet

The Caveman has many mottos..
'4 legs are always better than 2 legs and 2 wings' (regarding his preference to beef over poultry)
'How did we do _______ 10,000 years ago and how do we do _______ now?' (In regards to... just about everything... and how he can apply more primal instinct)
'Only bring things into your lives that make them better'
'That's what SHE said'


Ok.. so they're not all terribly clever, and they're not all originals.. although I'm sure Michael Scott DID take a couple of comedic lessons from Sir Bacon..
But this second to last one.. the simplest.. is the one that resonates with me most often.


I see people walk into relationships they know will make them miserable. 
I see people take in trouble-making animals that will be nothing but a hinderance on their existence.
I see people apply for jobs they know they will hate...
And there will always be a reason to do these things... somewhere in our minds.
Like.. if it isn't unpleasant, it means it's not hard work.. and if it's not hard work, it's worthless.


Frustrating thought, really...


But the pleasant memory that brings this to mind is this:


Last winter.
My condo.
A Caveman is on his way over for dinner and I've decided I'm going to surprise him with a beautiful meal.
I know he's been living a newly paleo lifestyle and I want to adhere to it, but make it special.
He comes in, exhausted from a long day at work followed by training. He showers while I finish preparing


3 steaks (your favorite cut)
1 tbsp butter
shallots, sliced
Fresh garlic, chopped
Baby Bella Mushrooms
1 bottle of red wine, suitable for drinking
Pepper
Beef stock


Once your steaks are seasoned and cooked to your liking, set them aside to rest and let juices redistribute.
Toss butter in your pan and saute onions until softened. Add mushrooms and garlic.

Deglaze your pan with about 1 cup of your chosen merlot or cabernet.
Add about 1 1/2 cups of beef stock and reduce by half.


As my Caveman came down from his shower, I greeted him with a glass of wine and spooned sauce over his steak.
It was such a simple addition to what he would have been eating at home (a slab of ground beef on the foreman.. bbq sauce on top) but all he needed from me was this small, thoughtful touch. Nothing elaborate or over the top.. just special enough to show that I wanted him there.
Just special enough to show him he deserved a delicious meal...
He smiled at me so warmly that I can still feel it.
 He would have been content at home with his Fratboy-esque culinary attempt and a night of tivoed episodes of Community.. but something about tonight made our life start to feel like home to him.
We curled up on the couch and watched The Ten while we drank our wine and took turns giving back rubs.
And he was happy.
And I was thankful.