• 54°
franklin county times

Finding a way to enjoy the day

By Staff
Kim West
For some reason a lot of people dread Valentine's Day. I know it's a holiday that's synonymous with romantic relationships, and it's easy to feel left out if you're not in one. But I think it's a holiday that reminds us to show our loved ones that we appreciate them, and that isn't limited to only spouses or romantic interests.
I also think it's unfair that most expectations for this day seem to be placed on men.
I asked my friend Chris what was the most romantic thing he had ever done for someone for Valentine's Day, and he said he had worn a tux and rented a limo to take the girl he was dating out on the town. When I asked him what was the nicest Valentine's gift he had received, he said he couldn't really think of one.
Besides covering my first sub-regional basketball game and going to class, I decided to enjoy Valentine's Day despite not being in an official relationship.
This month is a very stressful one for everyone in my office because of our annual Progress edition, and I wanted to do something to show my coworkers how much I appreciate them.
Since we're all participating in a building-wide contest patterned after "The Biggest Loser" reality show, I figured sabotaging my competition, er, co-workers, with Valentine's candy isn't very thoughtful. So I opted instead for those cute Valentine's cards everyone used to exchange in elementary school and a platter of sandwiches.
Next on my list was calling my parents because they're probably the main reason why I don't relate this holiday with only romance. Every Valentine's Day when I was growing up, my younger sister and I raced down our quarter-mile driveway because we knew something special would be waiting for us on the kitchen table – a pink or red helium balloon, a large heart-shaped box of chocolates and a card from Mom and Dad.
To cap the day I spent some quality time with my roommate and gave her a small gift since I didn't get her one for Christmas. Then we enjoyed a cranberry cocktail and played some spades with her boyfriend and my pending dance partner Brian, who humored me with a couple of slow dances.
I think it was my favorite Valentine's Day so far and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Franklin County

John Blackwell: Ballfield complex commemorates former teacher, mayor

Franklin County

Documentary participation fails for lack of consensus

News

Miss RHS Pageant names winners in numerous categories

Franklin County

County hears broadband feasibility study

Franklin County

Red Bay considers amending animal ordinance

Features

A vision for Russellville: Downtown Collective forms, Aspiring to next level for city

Galleries

41st Annual Miss RHS Pageant takes stage March 3

Franklin County

Franklin County students compete in annual cook-off

News

Chucky Mullins committee plans golf, youth sports, remembrance events

Franklin County

Ralph Bishop: Rec center name emphasizes former mayor’s commitment to community

Franklin County

Lack of buy-in quells documentary participation

News

Gusts shatter library window

Franklin County

Forestry commission gives out free trees March 2-3

News

RB council works toward new garbage collection system

Franklin County

Tharptown senior signs with Army

Franklin County

BTCPA to host auditions for final show of season

News

REB renews line of credit, reports on blackout

News

T-mobile holds Russellville ribbon cutting

News

RPL holds rock painting, storytime event

Franklin County

PHOTOS: FCS holds career expo

News

REB, TVA donate to local groups

Franklin County

Spring enrollment at NW-SCC sees 32 percent growth

Franklin County

4-H opens registration for rabbit, chick projects

News

Russellville council authorizes solid waste franchise, purchase of dumpsters

x