Hopes, Dreams and Other Things

This is the closest we get to a touchy-feely kind of date, but it's got some variations that even the most practical among you may enjoy. It might also help you get to know your partner a little better, assuming he or she doesn't start looking at you strangely when you suggest it.

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO...

Cut up a piece of paper into at least twelve 1" x 2" pieces.

Head to a party shop, florist or balloon store and purchase at least a dozen helium balloons in various colors.

Pack the balloons and paper pieces in the back of your car and pick up your date. Also bring along some extra ribbon and pens.

Find a quiet park or field where you can be alone with your date and the balloons. Take half the pieces of paper each and write down some of your hopes, dreams or goals. We're not talking world peace here. Just some of the things that you would like to see happen in your life. Maybe even the things you'd like to get done in the upcoming week, or some of the nasty nagging things in your life that you keep avoiding, like cleaning your closet or doing your taxes. And if your thoughts are going to where ours possibly would, be classy enough to write on one of the papers, "Would like to get to know my date better" rather than "Desperate to get into my date's balloons."

Take turns attaching the papers to the balloons and letting them go, but not before you've shown or told your date the wish that's attached. Once you've released all the balloons, take a leisurely walk and talk.

COST

Inflation is not a concern, as each balloon will cost under a dollar. How many balloons you want to release will be determined by your budget, the size of your car and the number of hopes and dreams you plan to tackle. If you want to be more extravagant you can always rent a helium tank, buy a bag of balloons, ties and string and release to your heart's content.

CAUTION

Metallic balloons tend to do kinky things with power lines, and you don't want your date thinking that one of your hopes caused a blackout in greater Cleveland. Non-metallic balloons are best for this sort of thing.

WHERE TO FIND

See "Balloons," "Party Supplies," or "Rentals" in the Yellow Pages.

LOST AND FOUND You can always attach a laminated card to the balloon with your name and email address or phone number. See if anyone responds.

FUNERAL PICK'R'UPPER

Let's say a good friend of yours didn't make the last turn on the way back to town and you've suddenly got a funeral to attend. There's no reason why you and the remaining living can't get together with a bunch of balloons and write messages to the dearly departed. At least you'll be adding some color to an otherwise dark day.