Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. In the past, Valentine's meant going in to Campus Craft and Floral at 4am the day before and the day of, so I could wrap flowers; blow up balloons; tie on ribbons, teddy bears and chocolates for thousands of silly girls, desperate guys, nasty husbands, and cheap professors. Once in a while you would get a really sweet, genuine customer but it was rare even working 15 hour days! After graduating from BYU, my organization skills earned me a call back each year to help with deliveries. My friend, Nora, and I developed a fabulous system that had routes pre-planned and 4 vans running most the day. When I first worked there, deliveries were being made- I kid you not- at 9:38pm one Valentine's! Nora and I were able to make over 200 deliveries between 8am and 6pm. We had flowers pulled and lined up on tables, ready to go as soon as a van was available. I came home each year, determined not to go back because my feet ached so bad, I was paid didley squat, and I hated all the ungrateful, demanding, rude customers that we dealt with all day long, inspite of our most valiant efforts to please! Last year, I didn't go back. I guess that was the sign, because this year they didn't call me and I am home all day! I have been watching my kids pack their backpacks full of valentine cards and treats while singing valentine songs they learned at school. I sat holding Ethan, who is sick, while Kelly made heart shaped Spaniards for the kids. I have received at least 5 hugs from Emily as she says thank you for her new t-shirt with a red heart on it.

So, this year, I can say, "Happy Valentine's Day" and mean it! I pity the foolish souls who paid valentine prices for those roses and the poor sap who has my old job! They will not think it as happy a day as I do- home, hugging my little ones, exchanging little folded pieces of paper and wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!!