If Mayan prophecies about the world ending in 2012 are correct, then we should celebrate this Feb. 29 with enthusiasm.

A leap year occurs every four years to compensate for a small miscalculation in the calendar. If it is a century year, no leap year will occur unless the year is divisible by 400.

One year represents a full rotation of the Earth around the sun. One full rotation is 365.24 days, not an even 365. If leap years did not happen, the calendar would be off by 24 days every 100 years.

A friendly dog awaits visitors to Cata Vinos, which will host a Sadie Hawkins Day wine tasting celebration in honor of leap year. Photo By Maggie Costello-Kessler

One of the most popular leap year traditions began in fifth-century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick that women must wait for men to propose. St. Patrick agreed to designate Feb. 29 as the day on which a woman could propose to the man she loved.

A similar American tradition, Sadie Hawkins Day, was introduced in 1937 in the cartoon strip “Li’l Abner.” In the storyline, Sadie and other women in Dogpatch were allowed to pursue and catch the town’s most eligible bachelors.

Local wine tasting shop CataVinos will celebrate leap year day with a Sadie Hawkins Day celebration at its 3063 N. Alvernon Way location.

Any woman who proposes to her boyfriend between 4 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 29 will enjoy six free tastings from a special line of wines produced in leap years. For anyone not intending to propose, the wine tasting will cost $10. The price for non-proposers drops to $8 with a take-home purchase of $10 or more.

For further details, visit catavinoswines.com or call 323-3063.

So have fun this leap year’s day! It could be the last Feb. 29 on Earth.

aztecpress@pima.edu

It’s 3:45 p.m. and dark on the backside of the Catalina Mountains. My legs are screaming for a break, but I know there are still a few more miles of hiking left. I stop to take a drink from my Powerade.

I had decided to spend my Easter searching, not for eggs but for the remains of a downed fighter jet from the ‘70s in the Catalina Mountains. It is said the wreckage resides somewhere on the Butterfly Trail.

As I drove down Tanque Verde Road, I consumed my breakfast: a banana. I knew that would come back to haunt me at some point.

After driving up Catalina Highway and paying the $5 fee to enter federal lands, I arrived at the start of my longest hike ever.

When I stepped from my car at 12:45 p.m., I realized my second mistake: I didn’t pack a light sweatshirt. I had completely forgotten to take into account that higher elevations mean colder temperatures.

However, I wasn’t about to let a little wind chill deter me from finding this crashed jet.

I began my hike at Bigelow Trail to get to the Butterfly Trail. Immediately, I was captivated by trees that seem to stretch up toward the sky. There are a few fallen trees, and others have scars from a past fire.

The trail was very well maintained and pretty easy to follow, though I ended up going the wrong way about 5 minutes in. Before long, I found my way back.

After hiking uphill for a bit, I reached the beginning of Butterfly Trail and a breathtaking view of the valley below. Houses dot the vast expanse of valley floor.

I pressed on down Butterfly Trail, which led me through a series of switchbacks with uphill and downhill segments. The farther down the mountain I went, the greener the scenery became.

Fire scars and new growth are seen from a vantage point in the Catalina mountains on the Butterfly Trail. Photo by Stephen Real.

It soon became obvious why the trail got its name. Butterflies would flit away as I got close and settle somewhere else. Many lizards also darted across the path.

After hiking for about an hour, I stopped to check my map and realized I was close to the fighter jet crash site.

The trail took me to a small creek where everything was bright green. I hopped across a few rocks and continued down a path lined with flowers on both sides. All the while, I scanned the scenery, searching for that fighter jet

When I reached another portion of the creek, something caught my eye. It was a big chunk of metal leaning against a tree. The rust and spider webs told me it has been there for a while. I had found a piece of the fighter jet.

I continued down the trail, anxious to find more of the wreckage. A half hour later, the trail started to climb, taking me back up the mountain.

Disappointed, I concluded that I would not find the main part of the wreckage.

On the hike back to my car, I realized the climb was going to be exhausting. Most of my two-hour hike had been downhill, making the majority of the return trip uphill.

During my brief 3:45 p.m. break, I noted how beautiful everything looks in the late afternoon glow of the sun. I began hiking again and soon found myself back at my car.

Even though I didn’t get to see the crashed fighter, I still enjoyed an amazing view from the Catalina Mountains. It isn’t enough to simply read about a hike or look at a picture of a spectacular view. Things like that can only be experienced firsthand.

FYI

Where: Trailhead begins two miles after San Pedro Vista on Catalina Highway.

Fee: $5 to enter federal lands.

Things have been shaky and you’re tired of having to walk on eggshells around your girlfriend.

Unfortunately, not all relationships have a fairytale ending. It’s OK to be a little selfish sometimes. Start thinking about your sanity and happiness.

It might be time for you and your girlfriend to go separate ways.

There is only one rule when it comes to terminating your love connection: Be civil.

At the end of the day, you two don’t even have to like each other but you both need to be treated with respect.

You’re adults. There is no need for name-calling, vandalism or death wishes.

Sit down and reevaluate your lives. Try figuring out what went wrong in your relationship and ask yourselves if salvaging is worth the effort.

Don’t dwell on the things that made the relationship turn sour. Instead, cherish the good times and learn from each other’s mistakes.

If you two decide it’s time to split, don’t make any empty promises to each other.

Contrary to popular belief, you two do not have to remain friends. Telling her you can still be friends when you have no intention of doing so might make things messy.

Once you stop returning calls, answering texts and liking Facebook statuses, she might get even clingier. This is the stage where the crazy, obsessive ex starts to develop.

Remember, some females are really sensitive. If you truly do want to keep being friends, then do so. But be just her friend.

Using her as a late-night, last-resort booty call might give her the illusion you two will someday get back together.

Breaking up is definitely not a fun task. It’s easier when done with civility, and fewer feelings get hurt.

BY D.J. OCHOA

It’s sad to witness a relationship fall through the cracks, but when it happens to you the pain is unbearable.

When a relationship comes to its end, it is as if you have been hit with a ton of bricks. The only medicine that will help you cope with such an ordeal is time.

It sounds cliché, but time will allow you to reflect on yourself and the downfall of your relationship.

Once you have given yourself time to burn all of his pictures and cry your eyes out, don’t start talking down on your now-ex love.

It’s hard to do, but if you continue to talk down on him it will only make you look bitter.

Keep your love problems private. Don’t pour it out on Facebook for the whole world to know.

Trust me, no one cares to hear about how you hate men now and that you’re going to “live it up.”

Now that you are newly single, your girlfriends will try to uplift your spirits by hitting the town.

If you are going to go out with your friends, don’t bring up your ex in conversation. Your friends love you, but they don’t want to hear all your relationship problems when they are trying to “Cupid Shuffle.”

It’s no surprise that you might bump into your ex while you’re out, so try to avoid parking lot arguments by keeping your distance.

Also, don’t be vindictive. Don’t try making him jealous by being all over some random guy.

It will only show him that you’re not over him and you’ll be the one feeling lower than anyone else.

That chapter in your life might be over, but your novel is yet to be read.

By CHRIS HOLLOWAY

1. You really don’t need all that extra cash anyway.
2. The bed just is not as comfortable unless you only have 15 percent of it to yourself.
3. You really learn to appreciate the covers when you only have them for half the night.
4. You get so much more done with all of that motivational support (aka nagging).
5. You really do need constant help driving. Never mind her lousy driving record.
6. Apparently every time somebody washes a load of unsorted clothes, God kills a kitten.
7. The last of your (insert item here) is fair game if she gets to it first. The last of her (insert item here) is punishable by death if found missing.
8. “Logic” can in fact be an illogical thing.
9. Fun is to be experienced only in her presence and/or with her express permission (which is revocable at any time).
10. Men should know that our mental capacity is not equal to our female counterparts, and thus the rules only apply to us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8X0HOApLFM

(From a female perspective)

By MIKI JENNINGS

1. It’s not taking someone out to dinner if you ask them to pick up the check. Thanks for ordering seconds, by the way.
2. To add insult to injury, after they force you up against the wall in their sleep, they’ll snore directly in your ear.
3. While wrestling your half of the blanket away, don’t leave your pillow unguarded. It’s perfectly acceptable to throw an elbow in defense.
4. At least his laziness makes you look like the most productive person ever.
5. Men will assume they’re better drivers, despite their tickets for aggressive driving and parking in a fire lane.
6. I don’t give a damn about washing unsorted laundry, so I don’t know what to say about that one.
7. When I buy a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, I want it to be there when I get home from work. Not “mysteriously” missing every single time.
8. Girl logic is, as a rule, more correct than standard logic. Obviously.
9. If “fun” includes playing video games for six hours straight and showing your friends how you can snort granola, it should be revocable at any time.
10. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse. Really, we’re just trying to keep you from hurting yourself.

Trouble has reached paradise. Each day brings a new battle.

The simplest things now trigger fighting between you and your girlfriend. Simply breathing the wrong way makes her angry.

There are a couple of things that might initiate her extreme mood swings. Unfortunately for you, she can indeed blame hormones.

We all know the dreadful PMS symptoms. Movies don’t exaggerate. Some women really go through extreme emotions during their menstrual cycle.

If this is the case, give her some space. Spend quality time with your bros.

Sometimes, though, a relationship rut causes the fighting. Nothing seems to be going right and it frustrates the living hell out of both of you.

No one wants to be wrong during a fight. You’ll often say things you don’t mean. Feelings get hurt and a relationship may fail.

Get some space. Time apart, not to be confused with a “break,” will do any relationship some good. It gives you time to cool off and rationally work out your problems.

Talking to friends about relationship problems is generally not the best idea. Your friends want the best for you. Seeing you so down on life gives them reasons to bash your girlfriend.

More often than not, fighting doesn’t mean the relationship will end. Don’t make things awkward for your girlfriend when she comes around your friends once things settle down.

Although it’s tough, keep a level head during fights. Gathering your thoughts before confronting her will definitely help prevent WWIII.

By D.J. OCHOA

It seems your smooth-sailing relationship has hit testy waters. Regardless of how picture-perfect your relationship can seem, photogenic flaws slowly began to unravel.

Fighting with your boyfriend can be frustrating, but it’s completely natural. As your relationship progresses, some of his attributes might rub you the wrong way.

It can be as miniscule as the way he responded. Perhaps he shot you an unsettling glance. Whatever the case, space provides the easiest solution.

Allow yourself time alone to reset your batteries. That way, you two won’t want to gouge each other’s eyes out.

Make sure you don’t bluntly express that the sight of him makes your skin crawl. It will only stir the pot of warfare.

Instead, let him know that you need to unwind after a hard day. Believe me, he needs it too.

Sometimes space is not enough, as the bell rings and Michael Buffer screams, “Let’s gets ready to rumble.”

If you are caught in a brewing fight, make sure respect does not fly out of the window. It’s hard, but hold back to prevent digging the hole deeper.

No matter what you two fight about, it makes no sense to intentionally hurt one another with words. Sticks and stone do break bones, but words shatter unity.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, the nature of the fight will be meaningless. Once the fight is over, make sure it stays that way. Dwelling on the fight only harms the relationship.

Long-distance relationships are not easy and they’re definitely not for everyone.

They do make you appreciate small things that most couples take for granted. Something as simple as your girlfriend’s scent will become your favorite smell in the world.

Regardless of the number of miles between you, the saying “distance makes the heart grow fonder” is absolutely true. It just takes a lot of work from both parties.

Attempt to see each other often. In-state relationships are obviously more flexible. If possible, you and your sweetie should travel to see each other every weekend.

Out-of-state poses more problems. Many times, you’re both in school and have a harder time traveling. If this is the case, take turns visiting during winter, spring and summer breaks.

There are options available for times you can’t be together. Programs like Skype let you see each another on a daily basis. Set up Skype dates, and time apart will fly.

Ask your girlfriend on a date. For example, go to the movies “together.” Text each other during the film to feel closer. Just make sure your phones are muted and you’re seated a reasonable distance from others.

Trust and constant communication play major roles in any relationship but become the two biggest players in yours.

Trusting your girlfriend wholly while you’re apart is a challenge, but your relationship will be much smoother once you do.

After being committed to each other for a long period, seeing each other every two months might make you miserable. Clearly, a huge decision needs to be made.

Talk about the possibility of moving closer. If your relationship can survive the test of distance and time, any obstacle you two come across will seem like a walk in the park.

By D.J. OCHOA

Maintaining a healthy relationship takes hard work on both sides. When it comes to a long-distance relationship, you’ll need overtime to make it work.

Many of us have heard that long-distance relationships eventually crash and burn. In most cases, it’s a logical theory.

Being miles away from your lover can make you weary. You wonder if this is the perfect time to have a relationship.

However, long-distance relationships can be managed, despite the cons of not being able to see one another often or having physical contact.

When entering into a long-distance relationship, both parties should realize what they are getting into. You will not have the same luxuries as couples that can see each other any time.

Your phone will become your best friend, the gateway for keeping you closer to your lover.

Communicating on a daily basis will make both parties appreciate the relationship much more.

Don’t be shy about slipping a little “phone sex” into the conversation. Your anticipation for seeing each other will increase sevenfold.

When you live many miles apart, fighting should be last on your “to do” list.

Sure, when you lived in the same city, arguments sometimes ended with “make up sex.” But now, constant bickering should be kept to a minimum.

If not, the two of you will slowly drift apart and the relationship will not last.

Schedule trips to see each other as often as both of you can manage. No matter how small of a window, you must see one another in person. It will make appreciation for the relationship much sweeter.

Long-distance relationships are a hassle and can get tiresome, but they can ultimately be accomplished.

By GABI PIÑA

Sometimes when an old relationship ends, your ex seems to disappear from your life but pops back up as soon as you change your relationship status to “taken.”

There are a couple of ways an ex can try to sneak herself back into your life. Don’t be surprised if she prowls Facebook, asking who that new b-word is.

The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” hits her in the face. It makes her want you more than ever because she can’t have you.

If she’s the evil type, she’ll tell you how much she misses your “friendship” and ask you out to coffee to “catch up.” The only goal is to get your current girlfriend so jealous that she’ll leave you so the evil ex can swoop back in.

On the other hand, she might really still be in love with you or might genuinely miss your friendship.

Before making any crazy moves, think back to why your relationship ended. The reasoning might affect the decisions you make.

Was she the type of girl who had you on a short leash? If so, get the hell out of dodge. Why try to relight a fire that caused too much damage?

If she was the complete opposite, there is still a reason why your relationship ended. Hanging out with her might put your current relationship at risk.

Put yourself in your current girlfriend’s shoes. You’d probably go berserk if you found out she was even thinking of hanging out with her ex-boyfriend.

Don’t try to rekindle the old bond because it is not worth the trouble. If you’re honestly interested in getting back with your ex, end things with your girlfriend beforehand.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it feels right. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s got to be what your heart wants.

You don’t want to walk away with the wrong woman. Again.

By D.J. OCHOA

In a relationship, the key ingredients to keep this “souffle of love” afloat are trust, honesty and respect.

However, despite you wanting this entrée to be perfect, there are others that might not share your enthusiasm. One person in particular is your long-forgotten ex-boyfriend.

Even though you might have buried that chapter in an unmarked grave, ex’s have ways of coming back to life.

We’ve all heard the cliche lines, like “we can still be friends” or “I just want to see you happy” from an ex.

All that so-called “honesty” only applied when he was in the picture, while you cried yourself asleep to the mix-tape he made for you.

Sure he cared about you in his own way, but now that you have someone else he might feel a sense of resentment.

Keeping in contact with your ex may seem innocent at first, but that spark can potentially turn to flames. Talking can lead to hanging out, which can lead to laughs, which can potentially lead to “knocking the boots.”

It’s important to realize that you’re in a new relationship. Avoid trips down memory lane.

Your boyfriend may be understanding in some situations, but with this one he won’t be. Imagine how you would feel if he was talking to the whore he used to date.

Keep in mind that history can potentially repeat itself, and that will always linger in his head.

Don’t add extra obstacles to your relationship, especially for a person that you once loved. Trust me, it’s not worth the headaches.

Your boyfriend shouldn’t have to battle your evil ex just to keep your love. After all, he’s not Scott Pilgrim.

Your ex will only create problems. He mostly wants to see if he has you wrapped around his sinister finger. Best bet is to show him your middle one as a farewell present.

Spring Break is one of the most popular breaks our schools offer. Most students start planning their freedom the first day of spring semester.

Most guys’ ideal vacation includes going out with buddies, partying it up and hooking up with the hottest girls.

Things are different for you. This year, you’ve got yourself a little lady you need to take into consideration.

The media has tried to make some of us believe that guys in relationships can’t have that wild, crazy fun their single friends do.

In some extreme cases, it has also tricked a number them into thinking that a relationship needs to be put on hold for such events. (I know it sounds extremely unlikely but believe me, it happens.)

There is always a bright side to every situation. There is nothing stopping you and your girlfriend from participating in Spring Break festivities.

Unlike your single friends though, you don’t have to worry about picking out the hot girls from a room full of grenades every night.

You get to go out, party it up and hook up (if that’s what you and your girlfriend do in your spare time) without having to worry that you’ll get a STD from some random girl.

If you’re into the party scene and your girlfriend wants a more relaxing and romantic break, don’t fret. You can still make it work.

Escape to a place away from the usual party setting, meaning away from your friends. Try visiting quiet, romantic locations where you’ll have a lot of alone time.

If drinking with your buddies is what you’ll miss most, suck it up. You can still enjoy a couple of beers in the company of your lovely girlfriend.

The bonus is you’ll be making her quite content and you’ll be sharing a bed with your lady for the whole week.

Doing what she wants to do this year gives you the opportunity of telling her to suck it up the following year.

Practice proper communication with your girlfriend and you’ll have a great break. Above all, be safe and have fun!

—————————

By D.J. OCHOA

Winter is coming to its cold end, and spring is knocking at the back door.

Spring time is not only the season of love, it’s also when many college students venture to vacation spots to enjoy Spring Break.

Since you’re in a relationship this time around, your Spring Break may be different from your single friends.

While your single girlfriend are out slutting it up, making decisions that might not make their parents proud, you have a boyfriend to consider.

He wouldn’t want to see you on the next “Girls Gone Wild” video showing off your lady lumps to the world.

Even though you have a boyfriend, it doesn’t mean that fun times can’t be on your Spring Break list.

Talk to him to find out what he would like to do. Whether its staying in town or going to the beach, you both should agree on the plans.

Remember when making plans, you don’t have to exclude friends from your activities. Spring Break can be an enjoyable experience in a group, while hitting the night life.

Your friends may think you can’t let loose when your boyfriend’s around, so this can be the perfect opportunity to show them you can.

However, don’t be that couple who stay in their own bubble because your friends won’t enjoy your company.

Also, don’t be a miniature Ronnie and Sammie couple fighting every second (that is a dilemma worth staying away from).

If you and your boyfriend want to avoid getting melanoma, a romantic getaway can be arranged.

You and your boyfriend can visit a resort and have some alone time.

Regardless of your plans, you know that it will be an enjoyable week.

So make sure you apply enough sunscreen, and don’t forget your camera (you’re gonna need something to remember your vacation.)

aztecpress@pima.edu

So let’s say I have this friend, and last Spring Break he took a trip to Mexico. While on this trip, his van was stolen. It contained his and his friend’s passports, wallets, iPods and clothing.

To make up for their epic loss, they decided to steal the master key to the hotel where they were staying. They then went through all the rooms to find anything valuable they could use to get home.

They ended up staggering drunk through the desert, and came upon a cocaine-filled abandoned car. That resulted in a life-threatening confrontation with drug lords.

The moral of the story? Here’s a Top 10 list of tips for Spring Break:

1.     Don’t go to Mexico.

2.     Don’t travel alone.

3.     Don’t get your car stolen.

4.     Don’t go to the brothels and get a 13-year-old pregnant.

5.     Don’t forget your camera. Someone’s bound to end up with their face in the toilet.

6.     Don’t drink the water. Bring your own.

7.     Don’t forget to call your mom and let her know you’re alive.

8.     Don’t go to a donkey show.

9.     Don’t end up near a cocaine-filled car about to get your ass kicked.

10.  Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink, drink, drink!

Check out these links to Spring Break destinations:

http://studenttravel.about.com/od/springbrea1/tp/to_spring_break.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i545-Top_Party_Spring_Break_Destinations.html

http://www.hotelsbycity.net/top10/spring-break

http://www.golakehavasu.com

A site to find places and place a reservation specific to Spring Break:

http://springbreakrooms.com/?GCID=S30626x037SBR-SBRS&KEYWORD=top%20ten%20spring%20break&MATCHTYPE=search&adid=Ps_22

aztecpress@pima.edu

1. You get two days off from school. What else are you going to do with your free time?

2. You get to help out a good cause — a portion of the proceeds benefit a UA scholarship fund.

3. You finally get a chance to test your skills on the mechanical bull.

4. When else do you get to wear a cowboy hat?

5. Delicious food… that’s a given.

6. You get to talk to a real cowboy. Call me, Trevor Brazile!

7. The rodeo dance is sponsored by Coors Light — a guaranteed good time.

8. Five words: Barrel racing and bull riding.

9. World’s longest non-motorized parade… enough said.

10. You get to watch the rodeo! Duh!