A cheap date is easy to achieve

By Kathleen Grohman

In case you haven't seen all the flowers waiting to be delivered or wondered why so many people are wearing pink, red or white, it's Valentine's Day.

But if you completely forgot, don't worry. Here are three easy dates that only require $20 and a bike.

Last year, sophomore Coury Jacob took his girlfriend to the rose garden on Naglee Avenue for a picnic about a mile and a half away from campus.

"Valentine's Day isn't about buying gifts and going to the nicest restaurant, but rather cherishing the time you spend with the person you love," he said.

The rose garden is a very romantic setting, with picnic tables, a large fountain, an open grass area and rows of roses. If you are on a tight budget, the picnic can be purchased at Benson (cellar has some Valentine's-themed candy) and if you don't have a bike, you can walk to the rose garden.

If you and your special someone are more of a stay-on-campus-couple, there are also several beautiful picnic spots on campus. The rose garden next to the Mission is pretty and may make for a nice walk, but there is not much room to spread out and relax.

The area between the media services building and O'Connor Hall offers many good spots, particularly the grassy area near the fountain in front of Varsi Hall.

Staying on campus provides a safety for the one thing that will ruin a picnic: rain. However, getting stuck in the rain at the rose garden a mile away from campus and having to huddle together under a tree for shelter may make your date more memorable.

Picnics are great for the atmosphere, but sometimes not the best for food. There are several good restaurants only a short distance from campus. Mio Vicino and Thai Pepper are two favorites in Franklin Square.

Mio Vicino has yummy Italian food -- the cheese bread is especially good. You and your loved one can sit and enjoy a good meal on the green gingham tablecloths.

There are also many movies opening on Valentine's Day, including, "Step Up 2 The Streets," "The Spiderwick Chronicles" and "Definitely, Maybe."

"Definitely, Maybe" looks like the best bet for a cute romantic comedy, but very cheesy. It is about a little girl who wants to help her single dad rekindle love with his old flames. The theaters near Santana Row -- CinéArts and three of the Winchester theaters -- are only a short bus ride away.

Valentine's Day is a little more difficult for those long-distance relationships. A cute, sentimental gift that can be sent in the mail is the typical way to go. For example, you can send a jar of red M&Ms and one white M&M with a note that says, "You're one in a million."

But never underestimate the power of a single letter telling the person how you feel. Handwrite this letter to make it more personal. It doesn't have to be some romantic and poetic love letter, just make it sincere.

Sending flowers is also a good way to remind the person that you are thinking of them.

Let's not forget a major segment of the population that likes to refer to Valentine's Day as Singles Awareness Day.

Remember that Valentine's Day does not just have to be about a girlfriend or boyfriend. It is time to be with any or all of the people you love. Call your family to wish them a happy Valentine's Day or go out with some friends. Or if you are feeling really brave, go tell that special someone how you feel.

Contact Kathleen Grohman at (408) 551-1918 or kgrohman@scu.edu.