Pic of the Week.

This weekend, I finally got around to doing something I’ve wanted to do for a long time: I made Valentines!

As February crept around, I realized that I’ve spent way too many Februaries being pissed or upset that I didn’t have romantic love in my life to celebrate the holiday with.

Some years it bothered me less than others, some years I gathered with other single friends to drown our sorrows in alcohol. There were some years that I actually did have a boyfriend, but we never did it big — no roses, fancy dinners, chocolates, or even cards.

A few Februaries ago, I started wondering why it’s all such a big deal? Sure, it would be nice to get flowers, get dressed up and remind each other how much love we have for one another.

But that would be nice on any day.

So, I decided, perhaps many months ago, that I was not going to be sad on Valentine’s Day this year. I’ve been single for almost two years now, and though there are times I wish for someone to share my life with, there’s a lot of other things I’m grateful for.

Of course, I’m thankful for my friends and family. But I’m also thankful for the people I get to see everyday — my coworkers and my trainers — two groups of people that inspire me to be the best (granted, in different ways). And then there’s those people I don’t get to see, some I haven’t even met: my readers!

In order to show my love and appreciation for the ones I love, I ventured to Hobby Lobby and spent a few hours going up and down the aisles, collecting items to make my Valentines. I ended up with various pages of printed paper, heart stickers, red and pink ribbon, and of course, glitter.

Between shifts at work, I sat at my dining table and crafted about two-dozen original cards. While I was at it, I watched some festive movies: When Harry Met Sally, The Fault in Our Stars, and 500 Days of Summer.

And though it sounds cheesy, it made me feel good knowing that maybe something small I did will make someone else smile. Sometimes, happiness comes easy, but I know for most people, it doesn’t come often.

Some of my cards will be hand-delivered this week, others have already been mailed (California, Indiana, Tennessee, Kansas, I’m talking to YOU!). And I may or may not have mailed one to John Mayer… Because… soulmate.

On Saturday, actual Valentine’s Day, I have to work at the shoe store, so chances are, I’ll be helping people get the final touches for their Valentine’s Day dates. And that’s okay. Of course, I wish I had a date, too, but I’m okay just being me.

If you’re feeling sad and/or lonely on Saturday, stop by the mall — I’ll give you a hug, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and let you try on some shoes. Shit, let’s get drinks. Let’s do whatever makes us happy, because that’s all that matters.