It's the day after Homecoming, and I don't know if I'll be able to get any work done today. So I started off the night by pre-gaming in Bay's room with the ever-present Natty Ices. Anyway, we just sat around and shot the breeze. Then I walked back to Morris Pratt to change into my going-out outfit. Along the way, I saw a steady stream of scantily-clad girls walking towards the center of campus from the bus stop. Every once in a while I heard a squeal as the MoHos congregated around the men they encountered. (I wonder if any of those guys were sketchy, recently graduated alums who think it's easy to pick up girls after partaking in the bar and in the blind date scenes outside the bubble.) I changed, told my roommate Debs that I'd be quiet and that I wouldn't be long. She laughed and said she'd join me soon, after she watches the 10:30 p.m. showing of "Ratatouille" with Bay and Kate.

I wandered over to the social quad after taking my time at the water fountain (safe drinking method #1) and snacking on some Sun Chips at Schwemm's (safe drinking method #2). Now, I know that I'm not popular and that I don't know everyone on campus, but jeez-I didn't know more than half the people smashed against each other in Crossett. Somehow I found myself at a gathering in Taplin, which featured the ubiquitous Beirut table.

Honestly, I don't understand the drinking culture here. There is always a Beirut table with some people playing while the others watch on, talk amongst themselves or dance awfully. Beirut breaks up groups of people into small cliques, and it takes up too much time and energy of players in the game. Also, it is a ridiculously unhygienic game. Do you ever wonder how so many people get staph each year? I think it's because of this game.

Either way, I left the room after picking up a cup of God-knows-what punch (it tasted decent, so there probably wasn't a lot of the usual vodka and dog shit). As I walked down the stairs, I almost ran into a large guy who looked like he shouldn't be in business school, much less college. I spilled some of my drink on him, mumbled "Sorry" and ran as fast as I could. I discarded the cup in the nearest trash can I found-I don't like people who litter. I sprinted to the triangle (past the meandering herds of people who looked like first-years), wandered through the swaying and tumbling masses in Hitchcock and eventually found a few girls who live on my floor. We were streaked with sweat from being in the proximity of at least a hundred other people. Somehow, we got separated. As I searched for them, I happened to see Chad … making out with a short blonde chick in the common room.

I don't think I was sad about it-I just figured that it's been a while since we saw each other. He had lots of interviews (with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, you know the type) for the past few weeks, and hockey practice. I figure he's got a right to do what he wants to do. Though I wish that girl the best of luck with the free mammograms he provides.

October 23, 2007

I've got lots of midterms this week, and it's pretty stressful. Yesterday, I squeezed in some time to walk over to the gym between studying for my math and psych classes, but I was discouraged by the high number of very fit people on the treadmills and elliptical machines. I hate it when people stay on for longer than half an hour when it's obvious that there are other people waiting. It's so selfish. I need that machine more than you do, Miss Fit 'n' Trim Triathlon 2007! Get the fuck off the ellipticals-I'm more of an elliptical (or even circle) than you are, Madame Stick.

I sat in the front room of Val during dinner and watched people stream in during the six o'clock rush. There were the flocks of first-years who milled about and tried to crowd themselves around a small table of 20-you know the kind. There were the smaller groups of friends, maybe three or four tall skinny guys ("Army of Darkness"?) walking in and getting their cheese pizza slices. There were sports teams, with the Under Armour gear-too cool for school. I've already mentioned the ubiquitous neon yellow and green sports drinks. Maybe there would be a purple or orange drink amongst the high-rise horizon of glasses. These glasses towered over bungalows of pasta (carbs), fried chicken (protein) and maybe some spinach.

I've been avoiding Chad. I feel really uncomfortable around him, and I don't really see much of him anyway. Today, I saw him walk into Val wearing a baseball cap (it looked good on him, I'll admit), but I don't think he saw me behind the copy of The Student, which I flung up in front of my face at just the right moment.