The February Thaw

Today, on Valentine's Day, let's take a moment to celebrate Random Acts of Love.

I know Valentine's isn't about "randomness". It's about celebrating your love on The Day. I know most people think it's stupid, and the Evil Card Companies have an Evil Scheme to make Even More Money. But last time I checked, the executives at Hallmark weren't out kicking orphans or puppies, so I think we can let them off the hook.

I like to think of Valentine's Day as the day we celebrate our love for each other, and to take a day to appreciate the little random acts of love that keep us going all year long.

So, today I celebrate random acts of love. Let's leave the cynicism in the candy aisle and let our hearts thaw. Let's get inspired by what New Jersians refer to as, "The February Thaw".

Or, at least one Dirty Jersian. Named Steve. (Or Daddy, to those in the know.)

The February Thaw, according to Steve, takes place during a random two or three day period in winter. The snow melts. The ice thaws. The clouds clear and the sun emerges for the first time in weeks. The sky is blue and the air is crisp and the people are happy.

The February Thaw, according to Steve, is a magical time. After weeks and weeks of gray weather, bitter cold, icy winds and relentless snow, New Jersians are treating to a taste of spring. They spend more time outdoors than the usual time is takes to travel from the garage to the car and back again. They smile. They laugh.

And, according to Steve, they make mad, passionate love to their wives and nine months later, bring home the cutest baby they ever did see. Named Lindsay. (Or Little Meggy, to those in the know.)

Here's to random acts of love, and all the wonderful results that follow.