Break’s comin’. It’s almost here. We can smell it.

You know it’s about time for a hiatus when you’ve got 14 tests and 12 papers due in one week, when you start seeing ads in the Daily for killer airfare and free booze on the way to tropical wonderlands.

And it’s none too soon. It is funny, though, that our annual spring break falls this year about a week before spring actually begins. We don’t really know why that is, just an observation. Who knew?

At any rate, we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts for the break billed to end all breaks. Read if you like:

* DO have some fun. We’re supposed to relax and unwind and make nice in the hay.

* DON’T bring your books. ‘Nuff said.

* DO turn off your electric blanket at your Ames home. Fires are bad and sometimes unsightly.

* DON’T leave one of those snotty messages on your answering machine like: “I’m entertaining the honeys down in the tropics, so feel free to come on over and take my stuff.” Somebody just might.

* DO call home and let your folks know what you’re up to. Mom hates it when her babies don’t check in.

* DON’T lose your memory to alcohol. Yeah, drinking is pretty commonplace over break, and it might even be fun. But how much fun will it be telling tales about your trip if you ain’t got none?

* DO eat some of that squirty cheese stuff — you know, the kind with the pressure top that you can stick down your throat and release oodles of dairy fun. Crackers are good, too.

* DON’T get taken into custody by the local authorities. Jail is never a good thing.

* DO think about those poor college kids who won’t be getting out of Ames.

* DON’T think too long about those poor college kids who won’t be getting out of Ames.

* DO party.

* DON’T miss your plane.

* DO come back.

* DON’T forget to floss.

Theses are just a few helpful hints that we here at the Daily wish to pass along to you for a more enjoyable spring break. Have fun.