MATT BUSH & ROXANA ASTEMBORSKI
Art and Design Assistant Editor & Editor
Rox: So Matt and I wrote that column last week about all the great things you could do for Valentine’s Day and things didn’t turn out quite as well as I’d hoped. No surprises, no restaurant, no yacht parties. The culprit …
Matt: What? Don’t blame me. I was under a lot of pressure – projects, midterms, papers due. It’s not like I could spare a whole night for “romance” when I have 20,000 things going on for school.
R: Matt, calm down. I was going to say the culprit was homework. I know it’s totally important to prioritize homework, but I bet there are some ways that we could have studied and had a great time together.
M: Matty likes learning. Teach me more, professor.
R: Today’s lesson: How to study with someone who is more than just your buddy.
No. 1: Bring back flashcards Billy Madison style.
R: flashcard are super useful for any subject. If you want to turn over a new leaf in your relationship, it might be good to start by turning over a few flashcard while in the HAWC or at Starbucks.
M: Are you serious? Like the flashcard I used in 3rd-grade math?
R: Yeah. It’s a great way to be together, interact and, most importantly, keep your nose in the books. Not only is this great for couples who have been dating for ages and are over the honeymoon part of their relationship, but flashcard are a great ice-breaker for two tots on their first library date.
M: You know, flashcard might not be so bad. Here’s your first card for that French midterm, fill in the blank. Voulez-vous _________ avec moi, ce soir?
R: Danser?
M: We have a long way to go.
No. 2: Institute a reward program.
R: Remember how your parents gave you $20 for every “A” on the report card?
M: No.
R: Well, we’ll pretend that’s what happened. The twist for your significant other could be something completely kosher. An “A” on a test could earn a back massage or a homemade Italian meal “like a” momma used to make it.
M: You’re cheesy. So is this macaroni. How do I earn dessert?
R: I’ve got bonus questions …
No. 3: There’s love at the end of the tunnel.
R: If we keep stopping and starting our work every five minutes, we’ll never get this done. Remember last time we slacked on our work? We ended up “reviewing” for class for EIGHT HOURS.
M: But the fans loved us. And I couldn’t stop practicing those rad riffs. They’re just like those chips. You can’t play just one …
R: I know, I know, but let’s face it: that work could have taken us only two hours instead of eight. I say work hard, and then play hard. Knowing there will be something fun after everything’s done and we can spend the rest of our evening together.
R: Mousy wants the crumbs, but if he waits he’ll get the whole cookie.
M: You’re right, it is possible to study and spend time with your boo. Hand me that cookie.
02-21-2008