*My Valentine*

Who's to say expensive gifts and dinners need to come into play on this special day?

Just the thought of a loved one, a phone call to a family member, a whisper to a sweetheart far far away, a loving pet on your dog's head or even treating your ownself extra-special today would seem the littlest of gestures but would mean the world if given with the biggest of hearts.

So you see, the whole world celebrates Valentine's today, whether they want to or not.

Well, except for Jeeves maybe...?

I'm thinking...what is the story behind Valentines Day? I got this inkling that it's taken after some guy's name.

And if I don't have one this year, I might as well imagine what it would be like if the original (Mr) Valentine was my Valentine back then... :->

Let me story you this...

During the early days of Christianity, the Roman emperor had forbidden his soldiers to marry as it distracted them, thus weakening their ability to fight in battles. One particular bishop, Valentine ignored this and married soldiers and their ladies in secret. Convicted, he was declared a martyr after his death. It is said that Feb 14th is the day of Valentine's death and today, we celebrate this day to commemorate the life of St. Valentine.

So now you know it wasn't just some day 'invented' by certain parties for commercial reasons. ^_^

The next time someone wishes me 'Happy Valentine's', I shall respond 'Yes yes, he was a good man'.

For Valentine's 2009, I'm presenting you with the best gift one could ever receive.......................the gift of knowledge! ...In trivia form.

*First Valentine’s Day box of candy – 1800s, by Richard Cadbury

*Valentine’s cards sent each year – estimated 1 billion, second highest behind Christmas (2.6 billion)

*Percentage of Valentine’s cards purchased by women – 85%

*Percentage of flowers purchased by women – 27%

*Oldest surviving Valentine’s note – 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans while imprisoned in the Tower of London

*Diamonds as valentines gifts – began in the 1980s when the industry began marketing the idea, until then it was chocolate and roses during the 20th century, and love letters and cards prior to that.

*Wearing your heart on your sleeve – this saying comes from a Valentine's Day tradition in the Middle Ages where young women would write their names on slips of paper to be drawn by men who would then wear the name on his sleeve to claim her as his Valentine (i swear if this is still in practise today, men would only want to be wearing loooonggg-sleeves)

So, despite all this Valentine talk, nah I did not partake in the cliche candle light dinner+movie+.... combo today. (haha, the word 'combo' makes it sound so cheap...sorry couldn't think of another). In fact, it was a rather calm and relaxing weekend for me plus I had Benjamin Button's curious case to ponder upon since Friday. Yes the movie does have an impact on the way we should view the world and be viewed by. Seize the opportunity that comes your way, you're lucky only if it knocks twice on the door. And no one's as lucky as that guy in the movie who got striked by lightning 7 times ...and survived. But I only heard 5 times. Pure genius this. If you're now going 'huh?', then I suggest you catch this movie soon.

Valentine weekend's not over for me. In 4 hours time, I'll be at the hills again, this time to catch the sunrise...hopefully.

Happy Valentine's, people.

Love thee, siuV