P.S : I love you everyday

It is that time of the year today, the dreaded holiday where the prices of flowers and chocolates seem to soar through the roof. Shops are dressed in pink and red, where images of hearts seem to adorn every nook. Restaurants have figured out a way to get in on this Hallmark created holiday too by raising prices. (Ok maybe not Hallmark, but you know what I mean) The real and original Valentine is probably rolling around in his grave that this day has turned out to be one commercial extravaganza. But then again which holiday has not turned into a money making, guilt ridden holiday.

Shouldn’t romance be spontaneous, mutual, voluntary and unexpected ? But it seems on Valentines day, it is none of those. We are expected to spend money and time buying gifts and planning it in advance. As much as I appreciate the gifts, the chocolates and flowers, I would rather have the person/people I love give me gifts because they love me and not because it is somehow deemed necessary. Don’t we have Christmas for all the gift giving ?

At this moment I really don’t want the chocolates, because my favorite Cadbury chocolates has been banned into the US. I think I will skip that Hershey bar.

It might be Valentines day, but the sun is shining brightly and I am getting ready to go run my 10 miles. I am thankful for the warm day I have to go run and show myself some love doing something I enjoy.

Most of my friends are aghast that I refuse to get caught up in the commercialization of this holiday. I have to admit when I was younger I did get caught up in the Valentines day extravaganza, wanting the cards, flowers, gifts etc, but as I got older I realized, I love the people in my life no matter what day of the year it is.  I think one of ex boy friend’s I spent years with said it best to me when he said “I love you every single day and I don’t love you more on Valentines Day”. Instead of the flowers and chocolates and expensive dinner at a fancy restaurant, he instead chose to cook with me and do things we both enjoy doing. To me that is what Valentines day is about.

So as this day continues and everyone enjoys their time with people they love, I am off to run my 1o miles.

However, before I head out to pound the sidewalk, I headed to the kitchen and baked a cake to share with a few friends I will see. My evening with friends has nothing to do with Valentines day, but a way to spend some time before I head out on my vacation.

In case I have not said this recently, I love you my family and friends, the same as I did yesterday and will love you the same tomorrow. Happy Valentines Day !

 

Almond Cake