You Knew This Was Coming…

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!

 

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So, normally I am not so much a fan of Valentine’s day. But this year, I addressed the issue in my February goals and I decided that rather spending my energy being hateful, I would embrace the holiday! I’m normally a big fan of themed things, so really, I should love this holiday!

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I decided to first do a little background research on Valentine’s Day itself. Everyone calls it a “Hallmark” holiday, meaning that it was invented by card companies to make more money. I decided to learn where the holiday really came from in the first place. And where’s the best place to start? Wikipedia.

It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.

The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). (source)

Saint Valentine

What I found most interesting about this article is that they sent greeting cards in the 15th century! How random is that? I thought it was a more recent thing, especially since there wasn’t really a postal service before, just a man on a horse! So, of course, I looked up greeting cards on Wikipedia and found that greeting cards began in China to celebrate the new years and that handmade paper greeting cards began to be exchanged in Europe by the early 15th Century.

Also, I was browsing the Runners World and came across a Valentine’s Day related article called Chocolate: Now Good for Endurance by Amby Burfoot. Obviously, it grabbed my interest. Because it’s not like I’m obsessed with chocolate or something…

The article first discussed how low-fat chocolate milk is a great option to refuel after a workout, due to it having fluids, carbs and protein. However, the article went on to say that dark chocolate, especially the variety that comes closest to the natural cacao bean, is said to improve endothelial function. This means that you have flexible arteries, which is helpful in resisting cholesterol deposits.

Now, I know most of you reading this blog aren’t currently worried about cholesterol deposits in your arteries,  however, we always say start healthy habits now!

The article also says that, among mice (ha), that the active ingredient in chocolate results in a “greater endurance capacity.” This information came from an article in the Journal of Physiology, published in July of 2011. I skimmed the study and it looked pretty interesting. If you’re a science nerd like me, you can find it here.

So if anyone gave you chocolate for Valentine’s Day (especially dark chocolate…) then go crazy! Haha, it’s good for you!

 

Oh and remember how I baked those cookies for an Environmental Law Society bake sale on Monday, and said I had to sit at the table for an hour and sell things? Well, it actually made my Monday WAY better!

Although I couldn’t eat any of the goodies, it really made the time pass to be sitting at the table and it was great to chat with the people who came by! I’m glad I signed up, my long Monday didn’t feel quite as long!

 

And if you start to have any negative feelings today (whether you’re single, or attached but disappointed in your V-day with your man), then remember this:

(Also from Anette’s pinterest page)

 

Have a great Valentine’s Day everyone!

And if you need a Valentine, there is plenty of me to go around, because I love all of you for reading! THANK YOU!

 

What are your opinions on Valentine’s Day?

Any fun plans for the day? Wearing any red or pink?