o p i n i o n s

There is nothing like St. Valentine's Day It is the lovingest day of the year By Brendan Gardiner The time is upon us once again. Where did the year go? Where does it ever go? Does it feel like you just packed away your Valentine’s Day decorations, only to turn around and drag them out again? Well, you and me both. I could think of worse things to complain about, though -- like, for instance, something that is not my favorite time of year! Yes, or rather No, there’s nothing like St. Valentine’s Day. If only there was more time to prepare! The New Year’s balloons barely have a chance to bounce twice before my mind turns to how I am going to make this the best Feb. 14 ever. There’s not a moment to waste. Just ask my friends, and whoever my current girlfriend happens to be, and they’ll tell you that as soon as the last strains of Auld Lang Syne peter out, I punch in. It’s not just me, either. You see it everywhere you go this time of year, especially around my place. People putting those last-minute touches on the red, white, and pink window dressing; rushing to the store for a dash of this or that for the traditional recipes; dropping in on neighbors (who never seem to be home!) for a little well-wishing. (I’ll never get over the number of people who go out without turning off their televisions.) I think I’ve done it, though. This year could be better than ‘99. And if you were around for that, you know that’s saying something. I really hit my stride that year. Ask my friends. I had just moved into my new place in December, and everyone there was so nice. The apartment management company even said I could decorate the lawn. I think they thought I meant for Christmas. Please! I had a blowout of a party that year. The theme was Love. Everyone said it was the best one they had been to. I made a tape of traditional holiday love songs, and I fired up a little chocolate fondue to get the mood going. Then there was the coup-de-grace: Spin the Bottle. People were a little shy about playing, so my girlfriend and I played for a little while and then the party sort of broke up. I think that’s because it was a weeknight, but hey! I’m a purist. Go ahead and have yours on a Saturday. The lawn, the party, the girlfriend... I never thought I’d top ‘99. Yet I think we have a challenger. 2002 could be the new high watermark. I’m in a new place again and the people are really nice, just like when I moved into the last place. The party is all set to go. I just have to press "play," so to speak. And there’s a girl I’m going out with who might be hotter than the one from ‘99, though she laughs a little weird. But you should see the lawn! I rigged up a mechanical Cupid that shoots real arrows (that I have dulled a little bit) at people passing by. Using five motion detectors and some software that a friend of mine wrote I’m able to lead the pedestrian slightly so that the arrow actually hits him or her. As George Michael and the other guy from Wham! said, "If you’re gonna do it, do it right." There are also the heart stringer lights, of course, and the lesser plastic Cupids. Oh--if you’re going to build a giant tribute to the Hershey’s Kiss as a centerpiece, make friends with someone that has a Sam’s Club card. People aren’t exactly giving away Reynold’s Wrap these days. Or chicken wire! Well, have a blessed and prosperous St. Valentine’s Day. You’re going to be running around, of course, trying to make it just perfect. That is practically a guarantee. But take a moment in all the frenzy and remind yourself what the day is all about. If you can’t think of it, just drop by my party. It’s the theme -- Love!   Brendan Gardiner also celebrates Sweetest Day.