Hehe, Nephy, we're quite alike. J called the other day to apologize in advance for his not being here and his internet problems and no flowers and yada yada... I had to laugh, because I figured he'd know from our past conversations that I'm not into that sort of thing. Flowers are sweet, but unnecessary. If he was home, I might expect dinner, even if it was pizza. We'd throw in a movie and just be happy to be together. It's what it's about.

If we get each other something, like Nephy, it's not the traditional Hallmark crap. I got him the original Transformers movie. He's always doing nice stuff, so since he'll be home next week, I don't expect him to have anything for me (he's in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where there's pretty much nothing except an Air Force base), nor do I want him to go out of his way to get some sort of last-minute gift for me. He does so much for me already.

He was still nervous, on the phone, that I still expected it despite telling him otherwise. I think some other woman of the past ruined him by saying one thing and meaning another. He always thinks I have some sort of weird expectation that I just don't have.

Happy VD all!

Ya know, I understand the Singles Blues on Valentine's Day. I've been there.


But there's no need to make yourself look even more pathetic by raining on the parade of those who want to celebrate a sweet holiday.


What's the difference between Valentines' Day and any other holiday?
Can only the Irish celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Is Christmas merely a consumerist excuse for money-making?



The byproduct of singles' awareness is, yes, very unfortunate. But the holiday itself is no more crass or manipulative than any other. Yes, the corporate world will try to make money off ALL of them. That doesn't negate the value of celebrating ... or not ... as you choose.


But don't knock those that do.


It's very poor form ... and it smacks of unattractive jealousy. Or worse, boring ennui.

Oh whatever- I bagged on the commercialisim of Christmas already.

See- I don't think it's "sweet" I think it is contrived. Contrived to make men feel obliged and guilty so they pay out the nose to show love to a mate they should be showing affection to every day.

I do think Valentines Day is different than other holidays- more trumped up for no reason other than rampant consumerisim. Much like Christmas-

Those that celebrate it - more power to them. I choose to celebrate it with casual indifference and a small exchange of gifts to those around me in "honor" of the sentiment of the occasion.


...and if I get "some" all the better :)

It's contrived, but what other holiday isn't? Personally, I don't care for Valentine's day but I don't hate it either. It just is.

I like what they did in Tori's homeschool class: The kids made their own valentine, then passed it around the class and had other kids sign it- like a yearbook. She got some lovely comments that I know made her very happy.:)

Yeah, well, not everyone celebrates VD that way. We don't even exchange gifts, but we do set aside time to be together. We try to be romantic every chance we get (it's not hard because we're fond of the snuggling - both the literal kind and Marge Simpson's euphemism) but I tend to feel that holidays are a nice reminder to slow down and enjoy the people in your life. Has everything to do with time and energy, little to do with bowing to what the commercials "demand" of us.

Our VD date involves going to the pier to watch the sunset and take photos of it together - as I've alluded to before, nothing makes us feel more affectionate than being creative together.

And hey, dead vegetation is pretty.

I have to agree with iSm.

I am one that feels that love means never having to give me a gift to prove it. I do enjoy whatever we do and try to acknowledge the day as another holiday, like St. Patricks' Day, etc..

But, I will not rain on anyones parade. I've biten my tongue numerous times to keep from spewing sarcastic comments. Been around the block, seen a lot, but, I would feel like a chump if I took the sails out of someones happy day.

And, just to add, I am having a cozy day. Hubby left me a card full of wonderful sentiment. We are both working today but will eat out tonight. This is our 26th V'day. Honestly, I would not appreciate if he went out with the guys tonight. Nor would I go out with the gals. A little conoodling on the couch, perhaps watching some old family movies, touching back on what is important.

Hey Steve, quit raining on our parade raining parade.

Though I do like giving flowers in theory. But we're both such lazy housekeepers that the dessicated hulks remain for weeks after they have any visual merit remaining. So we don't bother.

But to answer your questions. Yes, I wonder why anybody other than Irish and Catholics would acknowledge St. Patrick's Day. Of course, anybody is free to do what they want, just as I could observe Ramadan. But since I'm not Muslim, why would I? Also, I don't like beer nor eat beef.

Alex, you never fail to crack me up! I'll be sure to tell Gary why he has no clothes left at home, ;-) ! Actually he's on the road so he's safe. I always tell him not to bother with the triple priced flowers and such. Just surprise me sometime during the year with flowers and I'll be much happier and it's way cheaper!

The boy and I are making heart shaped cakes to give away to our friends. He really wants to get the heart shaped pizza for dinner that they advertise on tv, with the stupid beat up cupid!! I may just give in after the cake baking and decorating. Boys have a complete different idea of decorating than girls though, but they do a great job of decorating the walls and floor with sugar and little deco things!