I hate Valentine's Day

Before you judge me (and believe me, there will be some judging going on), it's not the sentiment of Valentine's Day that bugs me. Truth be known, I am a hopeless romantic. But I think the evil empire that is Hallmark has ruined the day for me.

I consider myself to be basically an honest person. I rarely tell out-right lies. Okay, maybe I tell the truth but not necessarily the whole truth. But usually I do this to spare someone's feelings. The ends justify the means, right?

So why can't they sell some not so sappy cards at your local Hallmark store (not to exclude the other purveyors of canned sentiments)? Why can't I find an "I love you, but you really piss me off!" card? Or maybe a "You were the love of my life, but now, not so much".

Or, for the Grey's Anatomy fans, how about one that says "Seriously? Seriously?"

Addendum:

An article out today reveals the most popular card in the U.S. this year.

The card's face is a deep red foil, with "For the One I Love" across the top in black script, a large picture of a red rose in the center, and a thick black ribbon cutting through the middle. Inside, it simply states: "Each time I see you, hold you, think of you, here's what I do ... I fall deeply, madly, happily in love with you. Happy Valentine's Day."

The card's designer, Marcia Muelengracht, said she was not at all surprised the card sold five times better than the average Valentine -- so well it's being offered for a second year.

"I cut to the chase -- what I would want to give and what I would want to receive," Muelengracht said. "A guy wants to say he still loves her. A gal wants to know he still does. She wants to get goose bumps. He wants to think he'll get lucky."

And as the song says, "that's what it's all about."

Spt #5 - Of our own device

No we're never going to survive unless we get a little crazy.



"Memory, Agent Starling, is what I have instead of a view."

Hannibal had his drawings of Florence, but I know how I'd decorate (or "have decorated") my cell. How about you?