I still hate Valentine’s Day. I’m still bitter and I will still want to throw brightly colored, probably already stale Necco hearts at anyone who wears pink or red today.

But, I’m lazy. And bitterness requires more energy than a general acceptance, so Philadelphia, here’s my Valentine of sorts to you (feel honored, I’m not even sending one to my parents):

10 Things I Love About Philadelphia
(In no particular order)
1. Brunch at Sabrina’s Café. You stuff French toast with farmer’s cheese? I will have your babies. Throw Oreos into the mix? I will find a way to pop those babies out on the spot.

2. The endless people watching opportunities. There are parks and benches and, hell, just stoops EVERYWHERE. Each of these perches offers a new viewing opportunity: tourists, anarchists, screaming weirdos, obnoxious prepsters, the list is endless. And I am grateful.

3. Half price cans on Wednesdays at Good Dog. Strongbow is my boo (yeah, I said it. That's about how seriously I'm willing to take myself). And the non-sweet potato fries in their mix are my crack.

4. The tile gardens and mosaics around town. Whose locations I am currently blanking on, except for the one near Whole Foods on South. This is highly distressing, as every time I see them, I stare in awe, oblivious to anyone trying to walk past me, going, “Shiny!…. One day, I will somehow figure out a way to create such a thing. Or, um, beg someone else to do it for me.”

5. How walk-able town is. I don’t have a car, and I’ve driven a whopping one time since June. I can’t parallel park. It would NOT be safe for me to live somewhere that I needed to drive. Mostly because all pedestrians would need to fear for their lives with me behind the wheel. But, Philly, I can walk almost anywhere I need to go (or Septa the rest of the way), so you’re safe.

6. Baltimore Avenue from 42nd to 48th. Clark Park warms my heart in all weather. Dahlak is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in town. And actually, you should head South right off Baltimore when you hit 48th, because right there you’ll see some truly gorgeous architecture.

7. Cookie dough pancakes at Marathon on the Square. I was convinced those were a goner forever when the Marathons around town changed their menus. I was wrong. They still exist and I love ‘em.

8. The Gathering at the Rotunda. The “longest running hip hop event” in Philly will never ever disappoint you. Unless, like me, you haven’t been to it in way too damn long. (Because all the friends who used to go with you moved out of town and you don’t want to go by yourself – should this sound familiar, for the love of God, let me know. I don’t care if I don’t know you. I want to go back and not alone. I’m shy.)

9. The way most of the city does harbor some extra disdain for douchebag entitled Penn kids. I wanted to beat them for four years. I am more than thrilled to realize everyone else who’s had to deal with them feels the same.

10. The fact that I can afford to live here and pursue a career in art. Thank you, Philadelphia, for having non-exorbitantly high rental options. And a wonderful theater community.

Image via travelblog.org.