Eighteen years ago, I married my sweetie on a snowy, Sunday morning in Boston, Massachusetts. Soon after we married, we traveled across the country to begin a new life in Portland, Oregon. We’ve since raised two dogs and two children, who keep us laughing and busy. We have definitely enjoyed our life on the west coast.
Today, my mom and I will be delivering Valentine-o-grams for Loaves & Fishes Centers. It’s a fundraiser for the organization and something I love volunteering to do. When the kids were little, they used to join me too but now that they are in school that’s no longer an option.
Doing a volunteer job that requires time and effort can be enjoyable. Especially when you invite a friend or family member to join you. The Valentine-o-gram program always makes me happy, too, since I’m delivering a sweet message on a day when people are expressing their love for others.
Since today is a day about love, be sure to give lots of it out and not just to your sweetie, smiles and hugs go a long way. Give out as many out as you can. Smiles and hugs are definite mood changers!
Do you know someone who has lost a spouse this year? Be sure to call or send them a note today to let them know you are thinking about them. Maybe you could even do something special for them this week.
Check in on an elderly or homebound neighbor today.
You have the power to make it a great day and an awesome week! Enjoy.
1,000 Mitzvahs 
Congratulations on 18 years!
Just wanted to say, I love the way you share and let us in on your happiness. It makes me smile just hearing about (and gently borrowing your ideas) of how you grace others with such kindness and love.
Happy Valentine’s day to you.
Miss Daleen
Thanks so much for your comment Daleen. Please borrow my ideas. Not even gently, share them with your family and friends! Hope you made it a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Linda
Hi Linda,
Congratulatons on your 18th anniversary! I thought about you today when I saw a link to your blog from Jill Ginsberg’s Hundreds of Hundreds Blog which was featured in today’s Oregonian.
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments about the importance of sharing love with the whole world. In fact, our dog Bella agrees with you as you’ll see in the Valentine’s post on her blog at http://bit.ly/efXm15.
Thanks for providing so much inspiration through your blog!
Best,
Patrick
Congratulations (or woof! woof!) on 18 years. Good advice, too. One idea for helping your elderly neighbors is to offer to walk their four-legged friends. It’s a great way to get out, get some exercise, and make everyone feel good!
xoxo,
Bella the Boxer
Thanks Bella! You are right and I appreciate your pawing the keyboard to share your great suggestions with us!