Valentine's Day

Well, January went by quick. I cannot believe it's over already. Since February is the month of Valentine's day, I thought I would post my thoughts on these long kept hallmark holiday traditions.

 

So this month, I'd like to wish a happy Valentine's day to all the haters wallowing in their singleness, a happy Valentine's to all of those madly in love and a happy Valentine's to people like me who couldn't care less one way or another. I'm not resentful of the holiday. I just think celebrating your love for someone on one day of the year is something that should already be done. Why can't a man bring me chocolates every day of the week? That's what I am seeking in a valentine this year-chocolate every day of the week. Actually, scratch that. I want steak. Let's not waste our money on all those frilly teddy bears and $3.00 cards. Flowers are nice but they eventually die. Give me steak and chocolate or I'll just find another valentine.

Maybe Valentine's day was more fun when I was a little girl. Look back to the days when you recieved a guranteed 26 valentines from everyone in class plus the rest of the day to eat your weight in icing, cookies, and candies. Remember the days? I remember all the power ranger, ninja turtles, and princess cards. And I remember the feeling of being so full of sugar, choclate and candy, I swore off eating frosting out of the jar ever again. I kept all of my valentines from elementary school for a really long time. But soon, the cards lost their sentiment because at that age you have to give a card to everyone, which kind of makes them lose their specialness.

So funny story...a couple of years ago I was working at Harris Teeter on Valentine's day. Best day ever to work, by the way. It was so nice seeing all the flowers purchased. While I was working the register, the weird produce guy (I forgot his name) came through my line with a card and a dozen roses. After he was done paying, he gave them to me and then proceeded to ask me out on a date. I felt like I was on a tv show. The whole store clapped. I'm sure my face turned red and I was blushing like crazy. Granted, I thought the boy was super weird and probably played video games all day long, but I have to give him some credit. That was a pretty smooth move. I went on a date with him, and it ended with that but way to go produce guy. I'll always remember you.

Nowadays, there is a lot of pressure on Valentine's day gifts- especially for the men. Wal Mart probably has two rows devoted only to Valentine's day. Rows and rows of cards exsist- sappy, funny, friend..you name it. And Hallmark, seriously? I think you are going a bit far with cards that light up, talk and sing. Sometimes, things are best said simply stated without flashing lights in the background.

As much as the holiday is built up around gifts and random stuff I enjoy the glimpse of moments. Like watching a guy try and pick a lock in the sorority house, so that he can break in and leave flowers for his girlfriend. It is nice seeing friend's open up cards and smile. My stomach loves being full of chocolate. I even enjoy recieving calls from family. So America, keep it up! This Valentine's day don't forget to tell someone you care about them. I'll be here in Japan thinking about those I love.

DG