Valentine's Day

Mahalin, Laska, Liefde, Lieben, Ahava, Amour, Amore, Amor, Love. Ahh, yes, the season of hearts and chocolates and roses is upon us: Valentine's Day for those of you with significant others to share in the romance, or Singles Awareness Day (SAD) for those of you who will drown your loveless sorrows in the candy you bought for yourself trying not to think about how all your friends are out on dates while you sit at home alone. Hey, don't worry, I'm right there with you, Singles! Singles, I know you often get left out of this holiday so I will be getting to you and your SAD in just a little bit. First, let me focus on you mushy-gushy folks.

Aside from there being a bazillion and one songs about love out there in the universe, Valentine's Day has always had a musical element to it for me. When I was in high school, the Thespians would have a yearly fundraiser around Valentine's Day. They would sell different options for deliveries to your special someone during the school day, not only making the one receiving the gift feel special, but giving the rest of the class the gift of interruption. The minimum option for the day was a single rose delivered with a note. Next was a song (your choice from a list predisposed by the Thespians) for them to serenade your sweetie pie with that rose. And lastly, there was the "Doc Special." One of the coolest, funniest, most coveted teachers in our school was endearingly called "Doc" by everyone because he had his Doctorate. He would participate with the Thespians on this day and make a limited number of special appearances (based on his class schedule) where he would come serenade the gift receiver with "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal. I was lucky enough to experience two Doc Specials in my high school tenure and I can confirm that they were awesome. So for me, "Kiss From a Rose" IS Valentine's Day.

I know that every couple has their own special song(s) that they associate with their relationship, but if you're looking for a more extended soundtrack to keep you in the puppy love mood throughout the day here are my top 5 songs about love: "L.O.V.E," "Can you Feel the Love Tonight," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Everything," "Love on Top" and one more for fun: "You're the one that I want." Ok one more, this medley is pretty epic: "Moulin Rouge Medley".

Ok, on to my SAD celebrators. Let's start you off with "You can't hurry love" by The Supremes, Michael Buble's "Haven't met you yet," and Kelly Clarkson's new song "Stronger." I think these are great songs to keep you in high spirits today! BUT, if you really feel like diving into dessert with your boyfriends Ben and Jerry and crying while you watch Love, Actually, here are some songs about being alone that I have neatly compiled for you to mull over:

Whether you are celebrating the love of your life or the way you love your independent life today, I hope you have a great night, and I leave you with this little gem: "Calculus"