Valentine's Day.
It can be the best of times; it can be the worst of times.
Some spend it clutching their significant others, while others spend it clutching a pint of Ben and Jerry's.
But it doesn't have to be that way. There are alternative ways to celebrate Feb. 14, whether you are in a relationship or in a rut.
Mmm, chocolate
If sweets are what you crave, then Changing Hands Bookstore has got what you want.
The locally owned bookstore is inviting people "to have dessert first" in a chocolate tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday. The store is launching its new line of chocolates made by Gilbert confectioner Granny's Chocolates.
The event might just be the perfect way to get a chocolate and romance fix all at once. You could check out the latest romance novel, or, if you are lucky, maybe you'll meet a valentine.
"There was a couple who met in line at a book signing a few years ago and eventually got married," says Changing Hands spokeswoman Yvette Roeder.
While Roeder says the event is catered more toward people looking for a date, it could work for couples, too.
"Couples can look at the latest books together as well as some of our Valentine goodies like Kama Sutra books, massage oils and more," she says.
And, the cost of the event doesn't get any sweeter; it's free.
Changing Hands Bookstore is located at 6428 S. McClintock Drive in Tempe. Be ready to eat.
Rock on
Valentine's Day is all about showing the love.
This year, make others and yourself feel good a little early by checking out the Tsunami Benefit Concert at the Marquee Theatre on Valentine's Day Eve this Sunday.
The show will include headliners Phunk Junkeez, as well as local rockers Until August, Jenna's Arrival and more, making this event the perfect gift to give yourself or to the rocker you love.
"It's a good way to treat yourself and it's also a great way to meet people," says biology sophomore Jen Vinson. "It's definitely something different."
Tickets are $10 and all proceeds will go to Music for Relief, which benefits the American Red Cross International Response Fund.
The show will also feature a raffle and a silent auction of items such as guitars, posters and gift certificates donated by sponsors of the event, which starts at 4 p.m.
The Marquee is located at 730 N. Mill Ave. in Tempe.
Tickets are available at the Marquee box office, all Zia Records locations and online at www.luckymanproductions.net.
Volunteer
Possibly the greatest, if not most altruistic way to spread the love of Valentine's Day, is to give it to those who are less fortunate.
Volunteer some of your time on Monday to make Valentine bags full of candy and other goodies and drop them off at a local shelter or nursing home. An even more inexpensive way to brighten a child's day is to make cards for patients at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Usually charities, nursing homes, shelters and other organizations, such a Phoenix Children's Hospital, require that you call ahead if you would like to drop off the valentines personally, so it wise to arrange it a bit ahead of time at (602) 239-2400.
If time is tight and you need a quicker way to warm your heart on Valentine's Day, consider donating a blood at your local United Blood Service bank. Locations can be found online at www.ubs.org. Although they recommend an appointment, the whole process takes about 45-60 minutes and, according to UBS, one donation saves three lives.
Not only will you be helping someone else's heart, you'll be sure to make yours feel good, too.
Reach the reporter at jenna.eckenrode@asu.edu.
