Make Yourself a Happy Valentine's Day

On February 15th, 2010 I went for my regular walk through the park with my dog. Unfortunately, I found a man who had committed suicide the night before. I came too late. There was nothing I could do. I called 911. They came, but they can’t perform miracles. It was over.

Why?

A thousand excuses ran through my head, most of them involving the economy. I figured he probably lost his job, his home was about to be foreclosed on, credit card debt etc. My astute husband guessed differently. He said, “It happened on Valentine's night, that can’t be a coincidence, it must be related to his love life.” Ugh. Surely, a lonely Valentine’s Day could not warrant taking one’s life? My sorrow for this poor man I’d never met consumed me for a week. If only was my mantra. If only I had come upon him in time to talk him out of it, if only the store had not sold him that rope, if only he had sought counseling, if only his family and friends had known about his plans. . . .

Even though there had been nothing I could do and the man was a stranger to me--to this day I do not know his name--it bothered me for a while. I only told a handful of people and did not blog about it. I avoided walking that route for weeks. Eventually I made myself go that way, but I thought of him every time I passed the spot. A few months later a spring wind storm uprooted the cemented wooden boards of the covered picnic table where I found him. Oddly enough, several other similar tables in the park were not damaged. The Parks and Recreation Department came and took the dreadful table away. Somehow its removal symbolized for me, the man finding peace and I no longer think of him each time I pass that spot.

But today I did. And I’m thinking of others, too. Others, who may not have a valentine or who may be at odds with the person who they want to be their valentine. I hope those people enjoy the day anyway. Be good to yourself. Read a good book. Make a special meal. Treat yourself. Be your own best valentine. Love yourself for Valentine’s Day. You deserve it.

What about me? Well, I started my Valentine’s celebration yesterday. I made my family a delicious meal: rib-eye steaks, loaded baked potatoes, asparagus, salad and brownies for dessert. As for my own special Valentines Day treat I’m reading Plum Lovin’ by Janet Evanovich. It’s fitting since it’s set during Valentine’s Day weekend. Evanovich is funny and can always be counted on a for a light, good read and I deserve it.

You can love others, too, but don’t forget to love yourself for Valentines Day.

“Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life.” Leo Buscaglia

I Took a Pass During the Game

I was born and raised in Wisconsin. Everybody I know from there watched the Packers win the ‘Big Game’ yesterday. I’m the exception. Oh, I was a good sport about it. I made chili, guacamole, and all kinds of other yummy snacks to serve my household. Back in the day, I used to watch the game just to see all the cool ads, but now I can see them on the Internet anytime so I really saw no point in watching.

The truth is, while I enjoy most sports, I’m just not a football person. Since opposites do attract, it’s no surprise that my husband loves it. When we were newlyweds I went out of my way to develop an interest in football. I thought it would be good for us to have a hobby we could do together. I watched, asked questions and really tried to give it a fair shake before I said, “Uh uh, no thanks, this game isn’t for me, you can have this hobby all to yourself.” I know it’s popular with many people, but as far as I’m concerned football has too many rules and too much stopping for things like changing out offense and defense. Oh, did I mention that it’s played outdoors in the fall and winter and it’s freezing cold?

I have to admit though, that hot chocolate does help with the cold. (I’ve found most things become tolerable if chocolate is involved.) Anyway, my one exception is I do attend high school football games with my husband and family. I started doing this when our oldest daughter started high school. Now that my youngest is a junior I’m still going. Of course, I typically just watch the cheerleaders and the band, but I have to admit I do have fun going.

Basketball. Now that’s a whole different thing. I enjoy basketball. It moves fast and it’s exciting. I typically follow the NCAA tournament, especially the last three games when the final four play. I think I would enjoy hockey too, if not for the fighting. I get irritated when the ref just stands there and watches them fight. It seems contrived, kind of like WWE wrestling. Because it’s exciting, I could get into hockey, but I would need a hot chocolate to fight the cold.

So, what did I do during the big game yesterday? I read and I was really happy doing it. It’s a perfect world, the rest of the family enjoyed their day and I got to enjoy mine, too.

"May you live all the days of your life!" Jonathan Swift