It's Okay (to be single on Valentine's Day)

With February 14th comes the bitter diatribes, the gushing after Hallmark glow, the rom-com awwww worthy memories, the heart crushing disappointment or the balance of complete disinterest towards all things love, chocolate or teddy bear related.  Never a dull moment really.

Whichever side you choose (undoubtedly there will be a side - even if expertly feigning nonchalance), know that you are not alone.  Several others are sure to agree with you (some more loudly than others - you know who I'm talking about, as there's always one).

Despite what might be said, there is really no such thing as a wrong stance when it comes to V day - UNLESS, it is claimed that what others think is wrong in comparison.  I guess this applies broadly to almost any of the important topics though - although this particular cane of worms is a discussion for another day (and another blogsong perhaps?)

Ultimately though, come mid February -  the romantics can run out of the woodworks, and all the newly single people can run in.  Of all the V day types, I truly think those most misrepresented are single people (this includes those-soon-to-be single types as well):

• I've seen people lament the sadness of their lives and all that is lacking just because they happened to not be in a relationship on Valentine's Day.  
• I've heard of people staying in unhappy relationships because the thought of being alone on February 14th is too much to bear (there's a furry toy joke here somewhere).  
• I've been told, that you're colder than cold if you break up with someone before the day's old.  

Rhyming aside - it's just a day right?  A harmless little day which WE as semi-respectable individuals, choose to attribute meaning to.  The emotions involved with breaking up with someone, or your identity as a single person in theory will be same whether it's Feb 14th, or July 29th (but not April 8th, as that's my birthday).  

The point here is that it shouldn't matter what you are, even if it IS Valentine's Day.

So you're single? Yeah? Good for you! Being single is a great thing!

Now before you coupled up people come running at me with the thorns from your new roses (sent by your own sweet Valentine, or by yourself pretending to be said Valentine), please heed the words in this blogsong first (in a new added feature - the video now comes with lyrics... once day I may just figure out how to do them karaoke style).

So you're in a relationship? Yeah? Good for you! Being in a relationship is also a great thing!

For the record, this Valentine's Day I belong to the 'blissfully unattached' category - although in the past I too have received floral arrangements (in true expert fashion - thank you very much).

So you really don't care? Yeah?  Good for you! Breathing is also a great thing. It's all great! (And you ask where the love is! Pah!)

So - no matter what your location, viewpoint or Facebook relationship status may be, I hope that you had a Happy Valentine's Day...however you chose to celebrate it.


Rubes

PS. A huge thanks to the lovely people of 'All Spice' who graciously donated their vocals to the ending of the song!

PPS.  If you wish to view the video on its YouTube page then click ----> here.

NB.  I'm currently at home in Far North Queensland, which means operating in a rural framework (loosely translated: I am forced to operate using 'talent' from around the house in replacement of actors, to engage in non paid product placement, to work with less advanced types of software, and to deal with internet speed that a turtle would smirk at).  But you should smell the fresh air!

2012 (wait and see)

So. It's 2012.

Yup.

On one hand you have Chinese astrology saying all good and powerful things about the year of the lucky dragon. On the other hand you have John Cusack and global mass destruction (complete with appearance of villainous Russian billionaire).

2012 for me means many things: it means a year of endless opportunities, a year of good old fashion hard work, and evidently, a year of grand sweeping statements.

Dramatics momentarily aside, this year feels like it's time to get real. It means committing to something and sticking with it. It thus means the return of this blog. Ta-da!

This time I come back a little older, perhaps a little wiser, and certainly a lot more honest.

Sometimes things don't work out as you intended them to. Shouldn't stop you from trying though. Try and try again, right? I seem to always subscribe to the school of 'learn-things-the-hard-way' and the last couple of years has been plenty busy with such learning.

'They Call Me Rubes' has been on hiatus for most of this learning time. Originally I had planned to compose one song a week and I gave myself 4 hours to do this. A little ambitious sure, but possible. Alas, I hadn't factored in a little something we call my life. I managed nine of these songs, and although they are now removed from this site, they will eventually be archived for memory's sake. The original concept didn't work out as intended. Try and try again, right?

So, 2012 is a year of launches or relaunches, this blog included. One of my New Year's resolutions is to commit to realistic achievements; thus, 12 blogsongs in one year. Every month will see a new song, which as always, speaks about a topic that I would usually blog about, but does so in musical format. And this time the blogsong will come with a brand spankin' video to boot.

The first blogsong - "2012 (wait and see)" is about as philosophical as I'll allow myself to get when incorporating 80s synth into the background music. The beginning of the year always brings hope - and my hope is that no matter who you are or where you're based, that 2012 brings you all that you hope for (and that you'll forgive/ignore the blatant use of grand sweeping statements in blogs).

So. It's February.

Yup.

And this is January's blogsong but a teensy bit late?

Uh-huh.

Try and try again, right?

Rubes.

NB. Video includes an abundance of domestic animals, drool worthy locations, and no-budget, time-reducing, on-the-run footage. That's just how I roll.

PS. If you are interested in the lyrics then check them out here on the youtube channel.