V day

Oh the mass consumerism of this holiday called valentine's day. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against the day itself, I've enjoyed many, but the media circus and aisles of valentines day paraphenalia irks me to no end. So if I buy my significant other a card, chocolate and dinner, I will be okay for another year. What kind of message is that? (This is not saying that you don't have to buy me chocolate this year, I rather appreciate it) But real thought into some of these so called expressions of love would be more appreciated, and more personal. If you've ever eaten a valentines meal at a nice restaurant, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Usually there's only 3 sittings per evening, all 3 course meals, from which you have a choice of 5 items, they can't even let you pick off the whole menu, and then your meal is assembly lined out. Very romantic. I think when I was younger and didn't have money to spend on these rituals, it was a more creative meaningful holiday. You had to be, you couldn't go out and buy huge masses of chocolate or go out for a fancy meal. Has this been lost as we get older for the easy and indulgence in mass consumerism?

Speaking of societal confusion, Anna Nicole Smith died last week. How many times has she been in the paper for semi scandolous endeavors and now there's a whole circuit of media painting her as a saint and a valued member of society that will be missed? I'm so confused! Dear Media, you cut her down and laughed at every chance you got, now you're respectful toward her? How does this work? And what is the fascination?

This week I will be spending Valentine's day with my Dad, and babysitting for Shannon so that she can enjoy a nice thoughtful valentine's. I feel better doing something nice for someone instead of accosting a date of sorts and buying into the ideal. Besides, isn't thinking and caring for others what Valentine's is all about?