16B - The Michigan Daily - Thursday, February 10, 2005
Students share their best Valentine's ideas

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By Amanda R. Shapin
Daily Arts Writer
A simple box of chocolates and a
dozen roses no longer make the cut
for Valentine's Day. While a roman-
tic dinner is the classic February
14th outing, creativity is what really
wins points these days when trying
to impress a special somebody.
University students have caught
on to this trend and share their best
Valentine's Day ideas and experi-
ences.
Meal Magic
For those that have their signifi-
cant other close by, putting some
extra thought into a romantic din-
ner might be all it takes to impress
a date.
"I took my ex to an amazing res-
taurant, and her favorite color was
orange so for dessert, I had them
write, "Happy Valentine's Day" in
only the orange-colored candy hearts
on top of it and gave her orange and
red roses" said LSA sophomore Ben
Ryberg.
Putting in that extra touch is
exactly what it takes to score extra
points for Valentine's Day.
Adding on to the dinner theme,
LSA sophomore Jackie Cobb's boy-
friend was resourceful and set up an
indoor picnic on the floor of his bed-
room - complete with food, can-
dies, wine and flowers. Even in the
dead of winter in Michigan, a picnic
can help set the perfect mood.
For those who prefer dining out
while still getting a true taste of
Ann Arbor, LSA freshman Randi
Davis suggests a progressive dinner,
"It's really fun going to a different
restaurant for appetizers, the main
course and for dessert. It's a good
way to spend time together and it
makes dinner more interesting."
Giving Large
For those students with unlim-
ited spending money for a gift, Ross

"I think the best ideas come to a
person when they simply try to make
the other person feel like they're the
only other person in the world."
- Charlie Miller
LSA sophomore

School of Business sophomore Ryan
Shuwarger has a few ideas up his
sleeve.
"If I really wanted to impress a
girl, I would get someone to write
her name in the sky or send violin-
ists to her house to serenade her,"
said Shuwarger.
Another extreme idea for the holi-
day and something a college student
is unlikely to follow through with is
a surprise weekend vacation.
LSA sophomore Andy Browne
dreams, "I would secretly have a
limo pick up my girlfriend at her
college residence, then blindfold her
onto a private jet for an exotic week-
end getaway to the Caribbean."
Unfortunately, extravagant dates
like these will be hard to come by
for the struggling college student.
Creative Control
Fortunately, a little imagina-
tion can still help in delivering a
priceless gift. Surprising your Val-
entine is a great way to make it an
unforgettable day. To keep the spark
going in a long distance relationship,
LSA sophomore Matt Coakley went
the extra mile for his girlfriend.
Covering himself in wrapping
paper with a bow tied around his
neck., Coakley made the trip out to
Colorado to surprise his girlfriend.
While this one was a gamble since
it was a surprise visit, it went over
well.
Another fun gift idea comes from
LSA sophomore Ann Marie Mark

who is giving her valentine concert
tickets, something they can enjoy
together. The important thing to
remember is that this holiday is not
about how much you spend on each
other, but rather about the time you
spend together.
LSA sophomore Maureen Degnan
remembered the time when she was
asked out by a boy in her class for
Valentine's Day, even though he had
broken his foot the day before.
He "still managed to get me flow-
ers and chocolate, and we also had
to walk a mile to the restaurant,"
Degnan said. "Just him making such
an effort meant a lot."
Putting together the ultimate idea
of Valentine's Day, LSA sophomore
Charlie Miller sums it up nicely.
"I think the best ideas come to a
person when they simply try to make
the other person feel like they're the
only other person in the world and
that they're extraordinary."
Take a hint from these imaginative
students and plan something special.
You've still got a few days to go!

PHOTO ILLUSTRAION by YAN WEINER/Daily
Some students seek out creative ways to show their love.

GN. SECOND THOUGHT, LET'S JUST BE FRIENDS.
WEEKEND MAGAZINE.
HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY!