february 14th.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

I find that each year I hear about more and more people who are overly critical of this holiday. Yes, it was created by Hallmark. Yes, we should celebrate love everyday and not just this day. Yes, billions of dollars are spent on excessive amounts of flowers and candy. But can't we enjoy the holiday without endorsing the negativity behind it?

First of all, valentine's day doesn't have to be for couples. I got a very special valentine's day card in the mail yesterday from Ms. Emily Segal. It was handcrafted, funny, and touching. She took the time to sit down and put a little piece of her heart into some artsy cards for her best girlfriends. And you know what? After a stressful 90-minute commute on a delayed and construction-ridden subway, it made my day.

After a little laugh and a little cry, I got bummed out that I didn't do something similar for my friends. But then I realized - I can. Anytime I want.

Valentine's Day should also be about giving - and I don't mean diamonds and dinner and flowers, oh my! A while back I posted some links where you can donate for free just by playing an easy game or with the simple click of the mouse. Here are two of them again: www.thehungersite.com and www.freerice.com. Or do something like send that $10 to any of the organizations which are supporting the crisis in Haiti if you haven't already done so. SHOW THE LOVE.

And for those of you who are in relationships yet don't think Valentine's Day should dictate when you show your love for that special person, you're right. But...if it never hurts to tell someone you love them, then today is no exception. :)

I found this while browsing. It's weird. But I like it.

[http://mirrored-minds.net/kogarashi/LJ/zombievalentine.gif]

Also, today would have been the birthday of my dear grandma, who passed away about three and a half years ago. I still get overwhelmingly emotional sometimes when I think of her and how much I wish she knew what I was doing right now and how happy I am in my life. I look around my apartment and take solace in the fact that some of my most treasured things came from her - pictures, letters, a beautiful lamp - things I hope to never ever get rid of. I miss her every single day and hope she's celebrating her birthday in style somewhere. xoxoxoxo

Lastly, I'd like to make a gratitude list. Somehow the last three holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve) have all seemed to yield a necessity for taking a moment to think about the things I'm grateful for. Valentine's Day seems to also fall under that category...

1. Nick. We've never been big on Valentine's Day in terms of presents or grand gestures of love. More or less, we have always gone out to a dinner or stayed in and cooked one and that has been enough for the both of us. Last week, we found out Nick got scheduled to work last night (Saturday) and that it didn't look like we'd be spending Valentine's Day together. I was bummed, but pushed it aside because I've been grateful to be able to see Nick every weekend since I moved to the city. A few days ago, Nick decided he would drive down to New York just for the day, even though he could only stay for about 24 hours. When I asked him if it was really worth it, he responded "We've never spent a Valentine's Day apart, and I don't intend to start now."

2. The girls in my program. The program is small - there are only about twelve of us who are in it full-time. While I still don't know the girls all that well and only really see them during class, they are all so nice and have made more than enough effort to at the very least be outgoing toward me and make me feel comfortable. As the new girl, I can't really ask for much more than that.

3. Smart wool socks!

4. The Appletree Market. This market is a block and a half away from our apartment and is open 24 hours a day. So clutch.

5. Subways and busses. I was amazed last weekend to think that I went from New York City to Albany and back without needing a car or a cab. Public transportation RULES.

6. Old friendships. Cheesy, I know. But yesterday, I spent the day with Laura who, although we've been friends since freshman year of high school, haven't spent all that much time together over the years. We had a lovely day going out to lunch and hanging out at her apartment doing arts and crafts and watching TV. I am so so grateful for the friendships that withstand time.

7. HULU.COM. Helloooooo life with no cable. Sad, I know, but I really do miss it. Luckily, on those nights when I've done all my work and I'm too tired to read, hulu let's me find something to fall asleep to and with CAPTIONS.

8. Phone calls from Mom and Dad "just to check in." Enough said.

9. My wonderful stepfather John who doesn't keep in touch with me often but randomly decided to send me a little spending money last week. He's the best.

That's it for now. I'll have plenty more in the future. Stay warm everybody.