One is NOT the Loneliest Number--So Happy B-Day Oregon!

I realize that I have been a complete and total slacker in the blog-posting area of my life. I would first like to apologize to my sister, Celia, who apparently checks this blog quite often and has been let down numerous times in the last month as a result of my lack of posts. Celia, I'm sorry and will try to post more!!

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Historically, I have had rather mediocre Valentine's Days. One or two romantic ones, but for the most part February 14th has stood for Oregon's birthday more than the day celebrating Saint Valentine AKA the Patron Saint of Love. In fact, the best Valentine's Day I ever remember was in 3rd grade. During my elementary years we would all get to make Valentine's Day mail boxes and every student would give valentine's to everyone else. What an ego boost it was to have 20-25 valentines day cards--my mail box filled to the brim, almost overflowing with good tidings from my fellow classmates. I couldn't wait to get home and read all the valentines that my classmates dropped in my box. I would walk around my house with my chest all puffed up, toting my plethora of valentines. These were the BEST of days. I think that this is an activity that should be brought to the working world. Though I'm not sure if my office would be on board. As a got older, my teachers stopped setting aside class time to make valentines mailboxes, which came as a real blow to my fragile pre-pubescent ego.

No matter my relationship status or age over the years, however, there is a man that has always come through for me. And no, his name is not Ben nor is it Jerry. That man is my father, Mike Batlan (he just got a Facebook so please add him as a friend). In college he would send flowers each year. I would get called to the Administrative Services office in Melrose Hall and be presented with a display of flowers. It was a true thrill for a girl as I would carry them across campus back to my dorm room. Girls would ask: "Libby, who sent you flowers?!" and I would say cryptically "Oh ya know, my Dad!" I would see their faces fall as they realized there was no magic love story happening here. Nevertheless, I very much appreciated the flowers. Clearly, Mike has set an major precedent for himself. This year, if flowers are not delivered to my apartment, I will understand, but will be disappointed of course. Please check back to find out how this situation ends. Dad, if you read this, no pressure or anything! (But seriously, Pops, send some flowers my way).

This year, I am as single as a girl could be. And I am not bitter nor upset about it. I don't believe in throwing an "I Hate Valentine's Day" party or bemoaning my lack of roses and or chocolates. Instead, I look forward to watching some Olympic figure skating and possibly doing a much needed load of laundry. Super stoked about it. So suck it Hallmark and your greeting card holiday. Wait--I'm not bitter so I take that comment back.

A fact that many people forget is that February 14th is Oregon's birthday. This year, our good old state will be turning 151 years old and still going strong. Oregon looks good for her age, though this year may be the year for some Botox. A girl needs some help after a sesquicentennial.

Also, I'd like to note that Winter Olympics 2010 began last night!!! I freak yeah love the Olympics and I am watching some downhill skiing as we speak. Can't wait to watch everything over the next two weeks. GO USA!