The most memorable Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had was in the 4th grade. For the first time ever, I received a candy gram in the shape of a heart with a cherry lollipop. A boy in my class had decided to actually spend $.50 out of his small allowance (which was like two chocolate milks!) to make sure I knew that I had a “secret admirer” who thought I “was pretty and nice.” I knew who it was immediately from the handwriting, and of course I blushed and ran away. He wasn’t the boy I liked, though I was completely flattered nonetheless. And in the 4th grade, I wasn’t ready for a relationship. Those scared me (I had seen too many rated-R movies for a 10-year old to believe romance came with Disney-esque perfect endings) and it should at that age, dear God.
Fast forward fifteen years later and you meet Amy Hu five days away from turning a quarter of a century. 25 is right around the corner and am I distressed that I spent another Valentine’s Day single? Nope. I have a best friend who made me Korean-style fried chicken and invited me over to watch “Moneyball” with my favorite Stone Smoked Porter beer. And I am surrounded with loving friends who I live with and can vent to after a long day at work.
Today was not simply a reminder of the importance and desire for love, but to be grateful for it as well. I literally almost got into a bad car crash today. I felt like I was caught in the middle of one of the “Fast and Furious” films when the car in front of me did a complete 180 and I had to swerve to my left lane. It was a scary moment. But as cheesy as it sounds, it reminded me to never take anything for granted and that there are really everyday miracles. That woman didn’t get even a scratch on her car after that stunt on the freeway. She just pissed off a bunch of drivers who had to stop, which is nothing new in LA. And as customers walked in and out of the postal center at work today, busy making plans for their significant others and making sure things got sent better late than never, I was happy that God had also blessed me with people in my own life as well.
Loneliness is one of the worst things in the world. It really is. And though I don’t have a significant other to share the occasion with, today was still a great Valentine’s Day because I am anything but lonely.
And a note to my future significant other wherever you are: I’ll do the cooking if you’re terrible in the kitchen, and I don’t care for flowers. Furthermore, it’s hard to see you in solely candlelight, so it’s not really necessary. And lastly, I love Nat King Cole on vinyl, as well as the opportunity to wrap my arms around your strong shoulders and move our feet to his heavenly voice.
This is Amy Hu signing for February 14th, 2012
JUSTFIVELETTERS 
text message from my little brother yesterday: “Happy valentines day! You can be my valentine unless you already have one :p”
we are definitely loved in all shapes and forms.
happy belated valentine’s day, dear amy.