First off, can we all agree that Valentine’s Day in a made-up, kind of cheesy holiday that could surely be left off the calendar without much fanfare? No? Well, fine then. I’ll go along with the sappy love holiday BS a little bit and, mostly only because two amazing women I know (Melissa and Lora) happen to have been born on February 14. I would prefer to celebrate their birthdays instead but alas, they live 3,000 miles away.
Since I feel pressured to write a “holiday” post for Valentine’s Day I thought about who (and what) I really love and would like to recognize on this day of exaggerated love:
Running
I love you running because you are always there for me and, when I don’t pay attention to you, you don’t bitch about it.
Baristas
I’m dead f****** serious when I say “I cannot live without you!”
Waiters/Waitresses
Laugh all the way to the bank this random Sunday in February, with all the love money you will be sure to get. You have certainly earned it.
Teachers
You chose a career where you put your mind and body in harms way, to suffer though what must be the hell of getting so many kids to pay attention and learn, all with the knowledge that if you had no moral code or values you could have easily been a millionaire with a career in reality television. Or politics. Or YouTube.
Technology
Without you I wouldn’t be able to judge others so swiftly and harshly (and justly, I might add), nor would I be able to tell the world my very valuable opinion via every conceivable social media outlet, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for Netflix, texting (because imagine having to talk to people!?) and Minecraft – without which I would never experience a moment’s peace from my children.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
…and especially to my dad who I wrote this essay about for ESPNW:
My father’s incredible story about his family’s escape from Cuba has inspired me since I was a 9 year-old peeing herself in gymnastics. #TrueStory
Lastly…
During this “holiday” weekend, look for my updates from the Toy Fair in New York City on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. It’s sure to be quite the shit show experience with the boys!
Who would you give a Valentine too?
Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? How?
Yes, I cannot even imagine how stressful it is for the waiters and waitresses this weekend. At least they know it’s coming. This was hilarious and I agree about coffee!
I knew you would like the coffee one because you so get it 🙂
As I was helping my kids fill out Valentine’s last night, I had the same thoughts – why is this a “holiday”? At least it’s something to look forward to in February. I’d definitely give a Valentine to running. It’s the most caring, tough loving, that doesn’t take your B.S. thing out there. And I LOVED your article for ESPNW! It’s in my High 5 Friday! Congrats Allie!
My kids have the most bare bones, from a box and nothing else, Valentines this year. I just couldn’t do it and they don’t seem to care so…
Thank you so much Angela and THANK YOU for high-fiving it too 🙂 You raise me up!!!
Haha! I love your spin on valentine’s day! This year we aren’t celebrating until March 14th because the holiday is 3 days before my birthday and it is just too much love and attention in one week, ya know? Happy Valentine’s Day Allie! 🙂
OMG that is awesome! Have an amazing birthday weekend. I can only imagine what you have planned!!
All week, I’ve been thinking to myself, why do people decorate their houses for Valentine’s Day? Isn’t it crazy?
Congrats on that awesome article–I didn’t know you get to write for ESPN! Very nice.
SO crazy!!!
Thank you and this is my first article for ESPNW…hopefully there will be more!
I swear every year I forget it’s Valentine’s Day and when I was younger I used to pray and beg the Lord above that SOMEONE would ask me to be their valentine. My how priorities change! I beg my hubby not to buy anything because I don’t want him to be one of those “suckers” Happy Valentine’s Day and I will see you tomorrow!
OMG so true!! Valentines Day was such a big deal in high school and conveniently was coordinated with the sale of Daffodils! I mean really? I love that you tell your husband not to be a sucker!!! That is awesome.
See you soon!!
Whey there Valentine!
Will the boys be allowed into Toy Fair or will you be doing Play Fair? Just read that no one under 18 is allow into Toy Fair….just checking before you get there….
JMF
I’m doing Toy Fair as a blogger and we are all going to Play Fair. Thank you for looking out for that Jane!! xoxoxo
Oh how fun….I would be in my glory! ❤️
Haha…my husband doesn’t like to celebrate any made-up hallmark holidays like valentine’s day, mother’s day, father’s day….. (he’ll do birthdays and anniversaries)…. I certainly treat myself on mother’s day… . Valentine’s Day not so much, except for this year of course….I’ve never been so excited for it.
Again, the ESPN article was so great….. the only problem is, I’m not sure how you are going to write any other future piece that will beat that…. but I’m sure you’ll prove me wrong.
OF COURSE!! This is a big weekend for you and I shall be stalking while I’m in NYC and cheering you loudly!!!
Thank you for saying that about the article and for always being such a big supporter of mine!!!
Not that you need it but best of luck this weekend and just take it one step at a time. Whatever happens SMILE BIG and be proud at the finish!!!
Your article on your dad was seriously amazing! He sounds like a pretty awesome guy with some great perspective and valuable things to teach all of us. His escape from Cuba actually sounds very similar to my grandmother and aunt!
Lest you forget, without technology, we also would not have GIFs and #BlackLove.
Thank you Danielle! And now I’m interested to hear more about your grandmother and aunt…
I would never forget #BlackLove and would cry for days if your blog posts had no GIFs. Thank you for the reminder. I’ll be needing two more Valentines…
Much agreed about waitresses (I’m a mom, I refuse to eat cafeteria style) and teachers, that is one job I could not do. Bless them!! Valentines also to school bus drivers, firemen, paramedics, nurses and police officers, such noble professions that receive very little thanks. My husband is on the VDay list, not only because he is a police officer, but because he is the best damn husband a girl could ask for!! He is cranky a lot, mostly because he deals with stupid people on a daily basis. Seriously, he does laundry, toilets and floors, but mostly he puts up with my anxiety and certifiable family. My dad is on VDay list, he’s gone now, but he was definitely everyone’s Valentine- even the waitresses at his favorite local joint came to his funeral! (This is making me cry) I don’t know your dad, but I know I would love him, so give him a giant Valentine hug from stranger girl on your blog. I read the story about your dad-simply incredible! Your dad’s words hit home for me…my son hates school, he has missed 3 months of school due to a learning disability, which causes him anxiety and school refusal. I’ll be reading him your dad’s story today. My dad was born here, but also started with nothing, not even an education. He did well for himself and appreciated everything he had. I’m not the athlete you are, but he was also one of my biggest supporters-driving to Nashville, TN with cancer to see me run my first 1/2 marathon. I love reading about how your dad is always at your races-that is heartwarming and simply awesome!! Sorry about the blog on your blog-I got carried away. In closing I just want to say, not only have you inspired me in so many ways over the past several years, I’ve also enjoyed getting to know the girl behind the contagious smile leading the class. I had no idea you also have anxiety (how could you not with twins, omg!) are judgemental and swear like a truck driver…who knew!! Thank you for your hilarious posts, some of my favs-“deer crossing the lake and unattended children will be given expresso and a puppy.” Now I’m just wondering if you’ll appreciate my very long winded post or judge me:) Have a wonderful weekend and Valentines Day!
I agree with your list of Valentines for so many “service” professions!! And I love that you will be reading my story to your son. I hope it has the desired effect. I know my boys have asked me to read it to them over and over. They were very involved in the drafts and edits!!
Thanks for all your kind words Christene and, I’ve been judging you for years 🙂 LOL!!! xoxoxo
LOL!!!
I LOVED seeing your name and story in espnW! What an amazing story and I loved the lessons that you learned from it. And yes, Valentine’s Day – it’s kind of silly, no? And don’t get me started on the Valentine’s cards that the kids have to give every year!
And have FUN at the Toy Fair this weekend!
Thank you Christine. I have said this all over social media but, without you and your never-ending selfless acts of helping me with my freelance “career” (HA!), that article would have never happened. I will never read it and not think of you. Truly – thank you!
And my kids’ Valentines cards for school this year are bare bones and right out of a cheap box. I give not one shit about this either 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend. I know you will!
I would give a Valentine to my Zumba/Yoga instructors! This amazing ladies always turn a bad day around ! I’ve warned my fiancé, don’t ever make me pick between them or him… because he will lose! #noshame
And to my son’s teacher- anybody who can teach my kid the math he is doing now, is a hero to me!
Would it be corny if I said I appreciate the same things you do, running, my barista (all my love belongs to Craig at STBX), and waiters and waitresses (Anybody who bring me yummy food will get my love)? But I do love them so!
I don’t especially like Valentine’s day, but my fiancé enjoys celebrating it. However, this year we are balancing a long run in freezing temps, a meal that will not include alcohol, and traveling to my sister’s for my niece’s birthday.
Happy Valentine’s day to you and your family!
It’s not corny at all! It is a very long list of people deserving our love and affection 🙂
Good luck on the freeze run! Stay safe and enjoy your fun weekend!
Congrats on the ESPNW article, Allie! I just finished reading it and was tearing up. You’re such a gifted writer and your dad is clearly an amazing and inspiring man.
I don’t get Valentine’s Day as a holiday either. But I will give a valentine to running, coffee, and a supposed forecast for the end of rainy season here in Seattle.
Thank you so much for saying that Laura! I really appreciate it.
And YES for Valentine’s for a good forecast!!
What a Dad! Father’s day must be a HUGE celebration at your house!
Oh it IS!!!
You mentioned in the article as a Gymnast at 9yrs old you would not be able to sleep the night b4 competitions; what do you attribute ‘sleeping like a rock’ these days? Visualization, other coping mechanisms?
Having twins. Seriously. Most days I’m completely mentally and physically exhausted that I fall right to sleep…even the night before a race. Although there have been a few BIG races where I cannot fall asleep and wake several times during the night so I try to get a really good night’s sleep two days prior and hope for the best!
Love it!! We don’t really celebrate Valentines Day. It’s funny my hubby and I each got each other a card, but in the end neither of us ended up writing anything in them and they are still sitting in a drawer. He said he’s going to wait for a random day to give it to me, because why should it only be on one day that we tell each other we love each other. I totally agree. I don’t need candy, flowers or cards. I’m much more appreciative if it’s a random act of love 🙂
OMG I love that and totally agree!!! Random acts of love are infinitely better.