Manic Monday: Heart

Valentine's Day highlights for me throughout the years:

when I was a little kid and would look forward to Valentine's Day for the expressions of love during the February popularity contest. Thank goodness nowadays you get a class list.

receiving my first dozen roses as a pre-teen from my "first" boyfriend (he wore safety pins down both sides of his jeans, how cool was that!);

receiving roses from admirers during homeroom in senior year; and not just from a boyfriend, but also friendship roses.

perhaps my first Valentine's Day with my hubby as a boyfriend; but that was eons ago, and more likely I was just thrilled to be spending the time with him during the long distance part of the relationship.

a bouquet of roses sent by hubby to me at the office. But that was more to impress the girls; or perhaps because we had had a fight.

See how much the actual Valentine's occasion really means to me? It's just such a commercial Hallmark occasion. I even made the mistake of starting to get the kids Valentine's Day presents the last couple of years and to what end? Just more clutter in the house. No, I don't think we'll keep that tradition up, although the timing of the Wii might certainly qualify.

Other than fulfilling the annual tradition for our kids and their classmates, we don't partake in the festivities as a couple. I'd prefer to celebrate our relationship throughout the year, when it's convenient for us and we don't have to battle the crowds at the restaurants. So sentimental, I am. Just wear my heart on my sleeve.

Random heart music references just in time for Valentine's week:

Heart - Anne and Nancy Wilson. Loved the hair, and I still think to this day, Annie has the best rock-chick voice ever. Barracuda, Dreamboat Annie, Crazy On You...now that was classic rock.

Heart-shaped box - Nirvana. Creepy video. Haunting song.

Heart of Glass - Blondie. Disco ruled.

Groove is in the Heart - Dee-Lite. Dig.

Heartbreaker - Don't you mess around with me. Toughie Pat Benatar.

Secret Heart - Feist, as written by Ron Sexsmith. Love her version. Too bad it was the year of Amy and she took all the Grammys last night. Feist will have her time.