Wednesday, February 11, 2004
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Wednesday, February 11, 2004 |
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Events abound for a love-ly weekend By LINDSAY BIANCHI Men, take heed. That time of year is right around the corner when a dozen roses and a candlelit dinner can be the key to unlocking you beloved’s heart. Valentine’s Day has a very special place in the world of courtship and woe to those who mess it up! We are introduced to this ritual very early on when puppy love makes its first appearance and colorful valentines are distributed among our young classmates. Picking the right “Be Mine” for the right “True Love Always” is a delicate process and over the years those early rehearsals for the real world can come in handy. For newlyweds and first dates, there can never be too much romance. Flowers, candy, cards and champaign are all appropriate, if not essential, in making the evening go smoothly. If your other half works, a bouquet from FTD sitting on her desk is a sure way to get the day off to a lovely start. Mylar balloons are fun, but they tend to overwhelm the beauty of the sentiment. Dinner reservations should be thought of well in advance because there will be some competition out there, especially this year since the high holy day falls on a Saturday. Try to get into a restaurant with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere as opposed to Waffle House. And if you really want to bowl her over, have a nice pair of earrings or necklace ready and waiting in your coat pocket. Things can be a little different for couples who have been together for a while, because even though it may seem like old hat, that doesn’t excuse forgetting the one day when recent sins of the past can be erased with a little thoughtfulness. More than any other gift for her at this time of year, thinking about her likes and her needs is far more valuable than wilting flowers and melting candy. Jim Trippon, author of “How Millionaires Stay Rich Forever” has another way of keeping the love alive in a relationship. He says millionaires focus on gifts from the heart and save their money for more practical needs. “Time, thoughtfulness and real effort are appreciated way more than expensive gifts. Removing money as a source of disagreements leads to a more intimate relationship.” Trippon says. If you’re a dog lover, another way to show you care would be to attend the “Puppy Love” Valentine’s Dinner to benefit the Peachtree City Dog Park. The benefit takes place tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Valentino’s restaurant in Peachtree City. The $25 per person dinner includes entree, salad, beverage and dessert. Proceeds will help finance the construction of an off-leash park located in the McIntosh Recreation Area off Kelly Drive. Seating for the dinner is limited. Call for reservations at 770-843-6558 and visit www.ptcdogpark.com for more information. Another charity event on Feb. 14 that will benefit the Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. is the Valentine dinner, dance and silent auction being held at The Barn in Tyrone. A reception at 6 p.m. will be followed by a catered dinner, the stand-up comedy of Steve Geyer and dancing with music provided by The Partytime Band. In addition, an ongoing silent auction of special Valentine gifts will add to the Fayette Youth fund. The black tie optional affair is $150 per couple and tax deductible. For reservations, volunteer opportunities or silent auction donations, contact Sonja Strickland, Executive Director at 770-461-7020. Whatever you decide to do, just remember that St. Valentine, martyred in third century Rome defied Emperor Claudius II by performing marriages in secret. The Emperor wanted to keep young men from marrying so they could serve in his army. St. Valentine was put to death for his actions. While he was waiting in his cell, he fell in love with a young girl, possibly the jailers daughter. He wrote her a letter before his death and signed it ‘From Your Valentine’ and began a worldwide tradition with his selfless acts of courage.
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