It’s February—the month of hearts and flowers and little valentines. Lately I’ve been thinking about Valentine’s Days past. I have certainly had some very romantic V-Days, but there have also been a few that were less than swoon-worthy.

1) Junior Year of High School
I had no boyfriend and was feeling pretty sorry for myself. I didn’t wear anything special to school, and when I got home I stuck my hair back in a ponytail, scrubbed all my makeup off, and threw on a ratty pair of sweats. When my mom saw me, she said, “Don’t you want to at least put on some lipstick?”

I figured I must look bad indeed for my mom to be remarking on it. But I was feeling sorry for my dateless self, and said no, I did not want any lipstick, thank you. I would go listen to Depeche Mode’s Black Celebration for the tenth time and groan softly.

 

About midway through the tape (this was before CDs), I heard a knock on my door and a familiar voice. A guy I had been dating stopped over to bring me flowers and chocolate. My mom had been in on it and had tried to warn me. I looked horrible, but what choice did I have? I accepted the flowers and chocolate and hoped I didn’t scare my potential suitor away forever.

I didn’t, but that’s another story.

2) Valentine’s Day 2009
Fast way forward and I’m in the early stages of pregnancy with Baby Galen. That Valentine’s Day, I was at the OB’s office because of some alarming bleeding. Turns out I had a subchorionic hematoma (basically a bleed in the uterus). I was put on bed rest for the weekend and all turned out well, but I’ll never forget that Ultimate Sportsfan hung out with me all weekend and tried to make the most of the day by getting us take out and watching romantic movies.

 

3) Valentine’s Day 2010
Baby Galen wakes up with her first cold on Valentine’s Eve. She had just begun sleeping through the night—and not voluntarily—so we hadn’t fully caught up on months of missed sleep. Poor baby was up all Valentine’s Eve with a stuffy nose. Needless to say, on the big day USF and I weren’t awake enough to watch movies or order take out. We just wanted to sleep. But USF still managed to get me some chocolate and a sweet card, which is exactly what any mom with a sick baby needs!

How about you? Ever had an unromantic Valentine’s Day?

And how about an early Valentine’s Day gift? Later today, I’ll be offering an ARC of my next book, THE MAKING OF A ROGUE, on my Facebook page. If you’re already my friend, just comment on that status update. If you’re not, friend me (Shana Galen), and enter then! I’ll choose the winner randomly. Good luck!