Roses make me sneeze.

Dorothy's trip through the poppies was nothing compared to walking past my hall's front desk yesterday morning. Even Glenda the Good Witch couldn't revive me. I was in awe, but luckily, I was ready. A previous Valentine performance had prepared me.

Last year I was in shock when I left my room and saw the stacks and stacks of flowers and gifts at the front desk. Never before had I seen such an array of colors, plush and pollen all in one place. To put it another way, Wal-Mart's garden center ain't got nothin' on a front desk in a women's hall on Valentine's Day. It was like a war zone. They were all over, I was surrounded.

There were lilies, daisies, roses. There were teddy bears, kittens, goldfish. There were girls standing in line to claim their goodies. There were girls standing and watching the other girls. And, there were girls standing in front of the delivery board, searching for their name. This year was no different.

There were so many, gifts and girls, that the deskworkers had made signs of the alphabet to direct traffic. The constant flow of girls picking up flowers was only matched by the constant flow of more gifts coming through the front doors.

On Valentine's Day, it seems like everyone can be divided into two categories: those who got something, and those who didn't. And then, even further than that, there are those who care about not getting anything and those who couldn't care less. I am one of those people. I just don't see the need for all the hoopla. My view: Save a tree, boycott Valentine's Day.

I think it is silly for there to be a day specified to say I love you. That doesn't mean that I think St. Valentine doesn't deserve recognition, but I think he is strangling cupids in the heavens with each delivery truck that unloads into my hall. Although the feast day of St. Valentine is marked only once on the calendar, I think the spirit of Valentine's Day should be a 365 day a year holiday. Love should be shared, expressed and felt everyday of the year. Feast day or no feast day. Girlfriend or no girlfriend. Roses or no roses. Name on the board, or no name on the board.

If at anytime you feel the need to tell your girlfriend or boyfriend you love them, don't wait until February 14th. It is already a year away — and, perhaps, it will be a year too late.

So, to everyone who felt left out because they didn't receive flowers or candy, consider this a special valentine from me to you: Happy Wednesday of the sixth week of ordinary time.

Now it's your turn. Go on over to their dorm and be the first to wish your girlfriend or boyfriend the same sentiment. Remember, nothing says I love you like a big hug and a goofy smile. And, I am sure that your heart will be as happy as all the roses whose lives you spared. Because, after all, love should be about the simple things, not about how much money you spend on roses, dinner and chocolate. Love is great, and the best love is free.

A dozen dead red roses, sent and delivered — 45 dollars. An expensive dinner with live entertainment — 100 dollars. Seeing your significant other's face when you run up to hug them and wish them a Happy Wednesday of the sixth week of ordinary time — priceless.

• Roses make me sneeze.