Happy Valentine's Day!

I know, I know. Valentine's Day isn't until Tuesday. But things are BUSY (can I say that again?) B-U-S-Y around here (more on that later...) and since I can't seem to fall asleep tonight I decided to post at least a little something while I have time.

Valentine's Day isn't just about chocolate and roses (though I won't turn them away). And it's not just about romance. It's kind of a silly holiday in a lot of ways - but in the right spirit it is fun to celebrate. I was single for a lot of years before I had a sweetheart to call "mine" and I had a LOT of great Valentine's Days! I think it's because I thought of the day as celebrating those you love - anyone who's day you might want to brighten with a candy heart or a little note of "I love and appreciate you in my life". Fancy dates and dinners were highly lacking...but I had fun friends and roommates who also knew how to celebrate and that made it all the better. During college, I even had a house full of my best guy friends, who were girl-friend-less at the time (minus one, I think) who went together and got me flowers on Valentine's Day! Maybe it wasn't romantic but it sure brought a big smile to my face. I think it was one of the nicest things ever (good job, boys - and I'm still in touch with every single one AND their wives and children!) 

Of course one of THE best Valentine's Days I had was when I started dating Jacob. I remember it very clearly - we had only been dating a few weeks so I didn't know if he'd do anything, and wasn't really expecting anything...but he invited me over and made me dinner after class (I was in grad school by then), a dinner by candlelight (and did you know he's an awesome cook? why, yes he is! and not just on special occasions!) Anyway, we had dinner and he surprised me with a little valentine card - of course he designed it just for me, the crafty graphic designer he is. He gave me a yummy smelling candle as well. And I surprised him with two crystal goblets and some "sparkly" to toast to some fun times ahead. Then, we went to the beach at Golden Gardens for a little walk in the moonlight...we talked and listened to music and discovered are world views were aligned in many ways. It was the beginning of something wonderful...

I don't know why I'm rambling, really. But I just want my friends and family to know - whether you have a sweetheart or not - that I LOVE YOU. I wish I could name all of you here but I don't think that would be appropriate. (I'm pretty sure most of you know who you are). I will be thinking of you this Valentine's Day. You make my life all the better and for that I thank you. I'll save my love notes to Jacob for, well, for HIM. But here, I wish you all a wonderful and joyous day celebrating the people in your life that you are grateful for - the people that you love and the people that love you. Virtual hugs from me to you this week. 

Now, go on and eat some chocolate! Happy Valentine's Day!