Commercial Sheep & Valentines Day

My last proper relationship was for 6 years.  During that time we didn't really buy in to all the hearts and flowers of Valentines Day.  We'd usually get each other a card but thats about it. It wasn't a big deal and we didn't waste money because society and the commercial giants demand it.

I've been single, 4 years next month. (Wow time really does fly when you're having fun!) and I've realised that as a single person I spend more time, energy and money on celebrating Valentines Day. how weird is that?

A day that was designed and aimed at couples has created a sub culture for the singletons.  When I was in a relationship I wouldn't have been thinking about ValDay but this year, it's taken 3 of us, several conversations to plan a whole day dedicated to being single.

Seriously, it all feels a little bit weird if you ask me. I'm off to spend the day wandering around London, getting involved with Chinese New Year parade, other random London related stuff and then off to our favourite Chinese for a romantic, or not so much, dinner for 3.

Now, I like spending time with my friends, I just kind of wish we'd do it another day. One of the other 360 odd days this year that doesn't have a "couples" related theme.

Until next time....

Much love,

Miss Make It Happen.

Do You Remember?

I’m “only” 31 years old so I can only go back so far but do you remember in the 80s and 90s when every shop, high street, pub and train station sold poppy's? 

November would rock around and you’d start to see the little boxes appear next to the shop tills, and The British Legion and Scouts would be out in force selling poppy’s on every high street and high foot traffic area. 

Fast forward 20 odd years and I’ve spent the last 2 weeks unsuccessfully looking for a poppy. Not one shop, station, pub i’ve been in has sold them! I had to spend Remembrance Sunday without my poppy. Thankfully, I found a scarf with poppy’s on so I did try to do my bit. A number of my friends have had similar problems so i know i’m not alone. 

I’ve been thinking about why this might be and have come up with various reasons for why poppy’s seem to have become an endangered species but I just can’t put my finger on the real reason. Has anyone else had similar problems? Do you know why I can’t find a poppy?

1 - We just don’t care any more

2 - my geographical location

3 - we’re scared of offending some one

4 - we’re forgotten why we buy those little pieces of red paper stuck to green and black plastic.

i’d hope that it wasn’t number 1 and 4 but I have a sneaky suspicion it might have some thing to do with number 2 and 3.

 I’m on my way to have lunch with a Veteran and I’m actually quite embarrassed that i’m turning up without my poppy. I know he’ll understand but its not the point. Maybe Euston station or the surrounding shops can be my saving grace? keep your fingers crossed for me.

Please let me know how easy / hard you’ve found getting your hands on a poppy. i’m quite interested to know.

*UPDATE* I managed to buy a paper and metal poppy from London Liverpool Street Station before my meeting. Winning

Until next time

Much love

Miss Make It Happen.