Whitney Houston and Valentine's Day

Firs things first, I can't really believe that Whitney Houston died. I was home alone when I got the news over Twitter and called my mom to tell her to turn to CNN because I was pretty sure they were going to have breaking news in a hot minute. It felt much like Michael Jackson's death. I was living in England then. I had just come home from a pub and saw the news on Facebook. I called my mom in the states and she answered, "I know...they just said it on the radio". It seems I am alone when news like this comes across and I call my mom to commiserate. A kind of weird tradition is forming, I suppose. Anyway, yesterday, I noticed someone making a joke about her death on facebook. I don't really care what your feelings are about Whitney Houston, but it was in poor taste to do that hours after her death. It upset me and I had to stop myself from writing a mean response. As her godmother sings, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T".

In maybe the fourth grade, I was Whitney Houston for Halloween. When training for the 1/2 marathon, "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and "I Have Nothing" were frequent visitors on my playlist. And, I admit, "hell to the nah..." was one of my favorite sayings for a while. Also, I haven't been able to watch The Bodyguard in its entirety for years (WHY OH WHY MUST IT END THE WAY IT DOES?!?). I say all of this to say that I hope we give her and her family the respect they deserve in the coming weeks. Over and out.

And, oh, it is almost Valentine's Day. I was thinking about it and I think it is a tad unfair. You see, even when I am in a relationship, my Valentine's Day is usually subpar. I think it started in 6th grade when I ended up crying in the girl's bathroom at the Valentine's Day Dance because people were pressuring my boyfriend and I to dance (Happy ending: We did dance. Not sure to what song...it may have been My Heart Will Go On). Since then, Valentine's Day has been just okay or downright sucky. I admit I have high hopes for the holiday. My parents and maternal grandparents met each other on Feb. 14th, nearly 40 years apart. So, I admit, I may have unusually high expectations. Sorry.

Still I don't think I've gotten my fair share of chocolate, stuffed animals, or boxers with hearts on them (or whatever it is that people get). I want some chocolate dammit...and I don't want to buy myself chocolate (though, come on, we all know what/who the Greatest Love of All is...and because I love her so I will be chowing down on a thin mint regardless). So here is my thing: I'll get candy for you if you get me some. Stipulation: I need to know you. I don't want to give my address to a stranger (sorry strangers). BUT if we are friends and I know you and trust you to send me non-poisoned chocolate, I will send you some chocolate...and maybe even some heart boxers if they are on sale on the 15th at CVS. Leave a comment, friends. Be my valentines.