Valentine's Day has come once again, only this time it feels different. I've been single on Valentine's Day and I've been in a relationship, but nothing has felt like today.
Being at an all women's college is definitely a different experience than most people get in school. We don't get dressed for the day until about 5 pm (if that!) when you have to go do something at Notre Dame or an important meeting. The dining hall is relaxed, with everyone either dieting together, or pigging out on the endless fries available (don't even get me started on the fro-yo machine!). The atmosphere all around is very relaxing and enjoyable. And then the holidays comes along and it's something extraordinary. Le Mans Hall, the biggest residential building on campus had three extra tables set up behind their front desk filled with flowers and chocolates. Regina even had an extra table filled with vases of the most beautiful arrangements. Love was definitely in the air: plans with boyfriends were swapped and shared; girls carried around cute stuffed animals; the post office was overwhelming with all the girls picking up packages from their beaus and family members.
Sam and I too were rushing to the post office to collect packages from home before it closed at four. The post makes our days and these packages did not disappoint. I was so happy to get a package from my family with a book from my Dad (Watching Baseball Smarter by Zack Hample), a cute card from my sister (Uh Penguins!) and a small valentine from my brother (I save the world according to that thing). Mom sent me a whole tin of cookies earlier this week so I've definitely been feeling the love this Valentine's Day.
But my parents are always wonderful in getting us kids something small as a token of their affection. That's not what makes this Valentine's Day special. We (my Smicks and I) aren't even celebrating Valentine's Day this year. Rather, we opted to focus on Galentine's Day. Tonight we focus on our relationships with each other and how amazing it is that we've created such a strong sisterhood amongst ourselves in the short six months of knowing each other. From Dine-In services to movies to Dueling Pianos at the 18+ club at Legends tonight at ND, we are celebrating each other.
Galentine's Day has caused me to do a lot of reflection on the past year. One year ago today I was in a relationship that was going to end in a matter of weeks later. This year it's just me and my girls. And that's okay. You don't have to be in a relationship. It's wonderfully free being single.
I don't think I've ever been able to admit how okay I am being single. I love it. This is a great year.
xoxo
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