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I haven't blogged in a while. Alot of things have changed since then.
What kind of things? you ask. Well, it is now 2009. Two-thousand-and nine. A brand new year. Most of us, I think, use the new year as a launchpad. A jump off point for new beginnings. A fresh start. A new leaf. Out with the old, in with the new. Starting over. When the clock struck midnight, I told myself that this would be the time to make some changes.

How many times have we told ourselves that? New years resolutions are very expressive; but do we actually mean it? How often do we follow through? Do statistics show that tossing aside our resolutions is the most likely outcome?
Well, I don't know what the statistics show.I can only speak for myself. I can happily report that It's now mid-February, and i have indeed stuck to my resolutions and thus, have made some positive changes in my life. But, I also think its important to know that one doesn't have to wait until January 1st to make a change, and that each and every day brings new opportunities for better things and a brighter future.

Getting back to February, yesterday was Valentine's Day, ah, the day of love. Il giorno di amore. And boy, was there enough love to go around.And then some. After flipping through the channels depicting countless romantic movies,films about charming mishaps and tribulations that no matter what, always yield the happy ending for the cute guy and lucky lady, one can be convinced that if you aren't with a special sweetie on Valentines day, then life sucks.

But does it,really? Of course not. Sometimes we get so lost in the way that society programs our thoughts on love. Valentine's Day isn't about finding the man or woman of your dreams, the enchanting soulmate to sweep you off your feet. It's not about the teddy bears ,the candy hearts or cards that play music when you open them. Heck, its not even about the gourmet boxes of chocolate (although, those chocolates are pretty tasty...) No, its about reflecting on the loved ones in your life, and the people who you care about and the people who care about you. Each and every day, not just Valentine's day, there are so many people in our lives to appreciate , acknowledge and be thankful for, whether its friends, family, or even pets.(Whom I consider to be in the "family category anyways.) I also think that its important to have a sense of self peace and acceptance. It's not a day to get down in the dumps about not having a boyfriend/girlfriend, just be happy with who you are and the ones in your life that you care about, and forget about those cookie cutter valentines day cliches. Make everyday special. Make everday count.
After all, we only live once.

-Melissa