Happy _______________________ Day.

Ah, February 14th. What a wonderful day.
Whether it is Singles' Awareness Day, Ferris Wheel Day, Condom Day (!), or just plain old Valentine's Day, I wish you a happy February 14th. To those in Hawaii, I hope the remainder of Friday the 13th doesn't get hit by bad luck. Disregard that. By the time I finished this, it wasn't Friday in Hawaii anymore.

Ah Valentine's day, what a steaming pile of corporate crap. You capitalize on insecurities, materialization, and the cult of being macho, and you wound the pride of anyone who doesn't not care, but still get's assurances that Single's Awareness Day is So-Much-Better.

Personally, I'm ambivalent about the matter. Pink, hearts, flowers, and chocolate may not be my cup of tea (or rather, thermoses of tea at this hour), but I'm sure there are some who love it. If we're conditioned to like them because they demonstrate love, then so be it. Doesn't matter if it's capitalized beyond all recognition, as long as the feeling is there (to be utterly cliche, of course).

But please, please don't get diamonds.
"Thank you for supporting the De Beer's diamond monopoly, where we find rocks on the ground and sell them to you for half your monthly income! Your loved one will love you even more because you gave her this unique rock. We have thousands of other unique rocks just like this, in case you want a new one. Of course, they'll cost you, being so rare and all."

Anyway.
I'm looking forward to the candy sales on Sunday. Who's with me?