I've never been one who was a big fan of Valentine's Day. I always thought of it as a consumer-driven holiday that annoyed/burdened couples and made single people feel more single, but today I'm beating to a different drum. While I do think it's lame to designate one day to love; especially given that people generally don't say "I love you" they say "Happy Valentine's Day!" which means absolutely nothing...Happy Valentine's Day, Merry Flag Day - arbitrary. Nonetheless, I do find that life happens, and it happens quickly. So quickly in fact, that I rarely ever stop to tell the people in my life that I love them. So right now, there will be no wishing anyone a happy anything, but I offer this instead...
Abi...my sister and friend, I adore you. I couldn't have asked for a better sister to look up to. You're interested and invested in people. You paint, draw and write really well. You have really cute kids. You're a great cook. You run long distances. We are like night and day, and you inspire me.
Tolu...in all honesty, I never thought I'd like you as much as I do. You were a real ass when we were growing up, but I digress...hahaha. The point is, I do like you, a lot. You are so funny, and I like the fact that if we don't talk for two days it feels like it has been too long. You're a passionate coach and leader, and though we're miles and miles apart, I feel as close to you as I could to anybody.
Mom...when I'm sad and broken you're still "mommy" to me. You pick up the phone when I call you in the middle of the night, and you always send me cards. You've passed on the gene that collects an obscene amount of mugs and stationery to me, and never pass up an opportunity to say "I love, you."
Dad...my biggest supporter. You're always there to offer tangible suggestions/solutions, and you let me come home as often as I want. You call me at 7am on a Saturday and keep calling until I pick up to make sure I'm okay; then when I do, you tell me to go back to back to sleep. You tell funny jokes, and listen to my politics even when you don't agree. You write encouraging notes on post-its...and I save every one.
Paul...my brotha from anotha motha (and fatha for that matter). Ambitious, innovative, kind, caring, with you're own special blend of humor. You make my sister happy. Your more than a great father, you're a great dancer as well. You've set the bar very high.
Auntie Sade...calm and kind. You care deeply for your family, and always put them first. You travel. You help guide those who would follow in your footsteps.
Dayo...you command attention when you enter a room. You give people funny nicknames in your cell phone. Your freakin' hysterical.
Deola...you exude a quite strength. You're dedicated, kind, and beautiful.
Demola...funny, funny, funny. You're a healthy eater. You can dedicate a lot of time to PlayStation. You're eclectic taste in music is pretty fantastic.
Maya Grace...the sweetest little girl in the world. You say exactly what's on your mind and I love it. I love talking to you on the phone. You sing and dance, and I was blessed to be there at your beginning.
Cole...dimpled little boy. Your laugh and smile light up a room. I can already tell that you're hilarious, and I am on pins and needles waiting to hear what you have to say.
Maya...my dear friend. The person who would like me "even if I walked like this." CBG. A constant in my life. A WWF - All Star. I love you and am so happy that we continue to grow up together.
Brina...some of my favorite memories are of sitting and doing nothing with you. You moved away and I miss you tons. You make Rice Krispie Treats an event. You spend equal time between E! and ESPN. I had the best seat in the house at your wedding.
Isabelle...the most genuine person I know. You make noises when you eat. You care deeply and always seek out the best in people. We get each other. You strive to learn new things. You mistake chickens for fish. You're a good friend.
Lori..."totally awesome. " The coolest grown-up I know. CBG. You drive around in the middle of the night to make sure lost dogs don't freeze. You have a wicked way with flowers.
Leanne...we pick up right where we left off. You're an amazing artist. CBG. You never say "goodbye." I know we're going to have a good time regardless of what we're doing. You know the way around my walls.
Rikki...I like that we still have slumber parties. You know who you are, and you know what you want. I know I can tell you anything. You know that you can tell me anything. You're good at chess, and pick out a mean Shiraz.
Jon...you travel and cook well. You live in NY, and send me hi-larious YouTube videos. For you, I would drag myself out of bed. You tell funny stories. If you're in LA on a Sunday, I know where I'll be at 1pm.
Lia...you're a good person. You love your dogs. You're good to your friends. You tell people what they need to hear. You listen. You're drawn to bright colors. Happy Birthday. Our story's gonna be huge! ;)
Ryan...a little piece of home. You treat me like one of the boys. You have a good heart. You're very driven. You make up funny phrases.
Natalia...the romantic. Passionate about life and music. A dreamer. Sweet...but not that sweet. You make the W fun.
Ashley...you're so talented. I love the way you see the world. You approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. You write and play and create.
Clara...the little one. You are brave and faithful. Co-creator of the modern chicken dance. You make your own rules.
Michelle...you, me, and a couple of margaritas...such a great combination. I love your stories! I love that with you two years apart could've been two days. You should carry matches in your purse.
Leah...you put the "blog" in fantastic. Your humor and bravado are completely endearing. You take the time to meet strangers. You embrace sarcasm, and make videos of your cats.
Cristina...you like combining activities and meals, and I dig that. You aren't afraid to try new things. You didn't like Dreamgirls. We tend to stumble upon hidden treasures when together. You're always down for a movie (even if it's the cheesiest movie in the world).
I could go on, but I'd be here all night. If you happen to know any of these people, you're truly lucky because they are each amazing. If you don't, trust me, your life would be a lot better if you did.
I still think Valentine's Day is stupid.
