Valentine’s is for suckers

Lolita Harper

Bah, humbug to the love bug.

If, for whatever reason, this Feb. 14 finds you alone -- be it

that your significant other is busy at work, out of the country, or

doesn’t believe in such an overly commercialized “Hallmark holiday”;

or that you have no steady darling -- there is plenty of stuff to do

Saturday.

Forget those fools who are devoting endless time and resources to

someone else; this day is all about self-indulgence.

Angela Cortright, owner of Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Center, is an

expert in pampering. Her day spa offers the best in luxurious

treatments such as steam baths, pedicures, manicures, facials and

body wraps.

“We are about relaxing all the senses so you can recharge your

battery and get back out and do your best,” she said.

Cortright allows no cell phones beyond the doors of the lobby and

walks patrons down the long halls of the spa, painted in soft,

soothing colors create a leisurely atmosphere. After slipping into a

silky robe, customers head to the “quiet room” for some down time

before they are thoroughly indulged.

Calming products are applied to the skin in firm but gentle

motions, applying pressure to specific areas to relieve stress. And

all the while, soft music floats through the room, transporting you

to a melodic paradise.

If you are still thinking about the lack of a date for Valentine’s

Day at this point, you are crazy.

Costa Mesa resident Jamie Dexter said she always likes to gather a

large group of good friends -- both guys and gals -- for a night out.

Dinner at Domenico’s pizza place and then a night dancing at Detroit

Bar suits her better than a sappy date at an overcrowded restaurant,

she said. More often than not, the group ends up at someone’s house

for late-night snacks and card games.

“What better way to celebrate love than with people you truly love

-- as friends, anyways,” she said.

Others, such as Costa Mesa Mayor Gary Monahan, simply do not have

time to indulge in the holiday. Monahan, who owns Skosh Monahan’s

pub, will be at work on Valentine’s Day, tending to the every wish of

his customers -- not his beloved.

But people need look no further than the family portrait to see

the amount of love in his household, he said. One, two, three, four,

five children. That’s the kind of love that can’t be confined to just

one day.

* LOLITA HARPER is the community forum editor. She may be reached

at (949) 574-4275.