Why I Like Valentine's Day

Okay. Some people think Valentine's Day is the second most over-rated holiday after New Year's Eve. I used to agree. But then I realized a few years ago that this day could be whatever you make of it. Mike and I used to go out to dinner, do the whole "date" thing - but we never really enjoyed ourselves. I always felt like it was some sort of competition at the restaurants. Who looks good, who's having the most laughs, who's getting a box of jewelry, etc. I never felt comfortable and always felt judged, for some reason. Strange, yes. So after Quinn was born our Valentine's Days changed. We started just celebrating at home. A special dinner, flowers for me, I'd pick up a little gift for Mike (book or something), and we'd just hang out together at home. It's always been different then any other day of the year because it's as if we both make an extra effort to do something that we know the other one would really love (cleaning off the kitchen table, washing up the dishes right away, making dessert, coming home early, etc.). Last year Mike made galobki and we're continuing that tradition today because I love that dish and it is a pain in the butt to make. He put it together last night and I just have to put it in the oven later. I made some cupcakes today with Quinn - some for our dessert tonight and some to take to work tomorrow for my students. Quinn and Liam both got balloons and cards from us and I got Mike a Johnny Cash DVD. I also enjoyed having Quinn write his name on cards for grandparents, great-grandparents, and aunts and uncles and then sending them off in the mail. This morning Quinn woke up still sick (runny nose and eyes) so we went to his preschool to drop off flowers for the teachers and his valentine cards for the kids. I was a little sad that he'd miss his party (and I'd miss my morning blog time), but he'll have many more school valentine's days to look forward to. I think Valentine's Day falls at a great time of year. You all know I've been in a winter funk and I can honestly say that seeing the flowers on the kitchen table (and he put some in the bathroom too!) has made it a little easier to look outside at all the snow. The flowers are like a little reminder that spring is in fact on it's way and soon we'll have flowers in our own yard. It's also a great time because the buzz from Christmas has worn off and it's just a little something to look forward to. Nothing big, but just a little something special. So yeah, I used to think this day was just over-rated, but then I changed my idea of what it should be like. No fancy restaurants, no jewelry, no high expectations. Just us - me, Mike, Quinn, and Liam - enjoying another day and being one day closer to spring.

So Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!