Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m so “over” Valentine’s Day but I also recognize my disdain for it comes from the fact that I’ve had someone to “celebrate” this ridiculous holiday with for the past, ouch, 17 years. The “ouch” comes from the fact I just realized while typing that, that I was seventeen on our first Valentine’s Day together. Sorry, that’s just blowing my mind a little bit. OK, moving on…this holiday does bring out some of the best in many of us and provides excellent blog fodder. Here’s a sampling from some locals, not-so-locals and former locals. (I’ll update, hopefully, throughout the day as I find more.)

Valentine’s Day, Sarcastro style - and I have to say, I was a bit surprised by his candor and openness but glad to see his biting wit is still in place:

That beautiful smile. That picture you have in the car of us, early in the courtship, you are grinning ear to ear. It is one of my favorite pictures of you. If I wreck the car, it will be due to staring at your picture. Thus, any auto accident I am involved in is YOUR fault. My insurance company will be in touch.

Shoot, I guess this is how my parents felt seventeen years ago!

I’m crushin’ on Google’s logo today. All together now…Awwwww!

Nicole at Sitting Still isn’t really talking Valentine’s, but I love what she says about fake feelings versus real feelings. The post is about post-partum depression and how at times, she had to do a bit of “fake it til ya make it” expressions of happiness for the sake of her family and her own sanity. Thankfully, over time, the smiles are not longer fake and that feels so good:

This time, I wasn’t putting on a boisterous display of happy for his sake. I think I probably sighed and smiled weakly, relieved to have him home. However, as difficult as this afternoon was, I also wasn’t miserable. I wasn’t doubting myself or my ability to mother these children. Exhausted? Yes. Touched out? For sure. But still able to laugh at myself when I told Claire she had something on that “area below her lip” and she came back with, “You mean my CHIN, mommy?” Indeed.

It ain’t perfect, but it’s real. And right now? Real feels good.

This is what many of us are really excited about today. I’m totally getting the kiddos to bed early tonight!

LeBlanc puts his Valentine’s grinchy self on the shelf and springs for flowers. Good for you!

I sent one of these JibJab e-cards to DB. The customizable ones are a hoot! h/t: Mrs. Fussypants