So Close to the End

      Its no secret that I want to get my first semester classes over with. I want to get into my major classes so that I can study what I want to learn. I don't know about anyone reading this, but I HATE CHEMISTRY! Our teacher gives the hardest tests and my average for the class is a lot lower than I want it to be. The most frustrating part is that I try my hardest to study and ace the test just  to find myself with another D. 
      On the bright side, I just finished my last test and actually feel good about it! I really hope I did as well as I thought. I have been studying since break, and I feel like I have been praying about this grade more than anything because I. Do. Not. want to take it over again. 
     In other good news, I finally got my schedule together for next semester, and break is just three weeks away. I haven't given up yet though. I'm still trying as hard as I can to bring up my grades as much as possible. I just need the mental rest. I'm looking forward to Christmas and being back home. I'm also looking forward to finally seeing my girlfriend and going with her to see the Christmas lights in Ocean City. We had a lot of fun and got a lot of pictures. For anyone who has no clue what I am talking about, this is the light show:           
It is always a great trip, and it is even better on a night that it is actually snowing. I really do hope we can have some snow. I love snow, and I love the cold weather. I'm just counting down the days till break.
    I guess, in a way, it will be weird to be home while everyone is in school, but I think I might go back and visit my high school. The funny part is that I told myself at graduation that I would NEVER go back, but I think it would be interesting to see all of my younger friends and teachers. Obviously my parents want me to work, but I think I might wait till the last two weeks of break to work. I just look forward to being a bum. haha

Another Intense Game I Missed

     A week ago my friends started telling me they won the lottery for the FSU game. I was disappointed that I totally forgot to sign up, but I wasn't too upset. I heard that Florida State was ranked 10th and considering we weren't ranked this year and that our record has been pretty bad this year,  it wasn't a big deal I couldn't go. 
     This week has been probably the most stressful week I have had yet. I have had so much homework, and there was no way I could get it all done, so I was glad I could have a chance to sit down and get most of my work done yesterday while my friends were at the game. So, yesterday night everybody was pumped for the game. I heard multiple groups of people planning their night in the hall before leaving for the game. Finally, everyone was gone, and up until that moment I didnt realize how many people actually got a ticket.. The hall was empty, and to be honest I got pretty bored....and lonely hahaha but I turned on the game while I worked. The first few minutes went by and I was pretty surprised we were holding them. We even tied with them, and when we got the first touchdown I lost all interest in attempting to do homework. I threw it aside and watched our team battle it out with such a monster of a team. 
       I must have looked like a crazy person the way I was alone yelling at the tv. The game was so intense already, and I got so jealous I wasnt there. The entire game was held withing three points. We took turns winning and loosing until it all came down to the last four minutes. We got the kick and were up by 2 points again. I was so excited that we might win. Out of nowhere their team ran the ball across field and got another touchdown in the last 40 seconds of they game. 
      At this point some friends that went to the game became frozen and wanted to come back and watch the game from my room when we saw this we were all so incredibly frustrated. What a close game. And to think what that could have done to our rank. The rest of the night was even more depressing because  I had to stay up and do homework... exhausted as I was. 

The Sound of Hokie Hearts Breaking Around Campus

       This week started out with rumor that Blacksburg would be in the middle of two storms throughout the week. The temperature was to drop a lot , and there was even word that it might snow! Sunday went by, and I have to admit, it was freezing. I finally got back to the dorm after dodge ball to shower and skype with my girlfriend. A few minutes into our conversation, and we were interrupted by screams coming from down the hall. I walked out of my room to see a hallway full of extremely happy students. When I asked what was going on, everyone told me to check my phone. I looked at my messages excited to see that we had off school the next day. I can't even explain how relieved I was. I had so much homework due.
        It was going to be amazing to sleep in and have a day off. I turned around to my roommate who was on the phone to find out he was upset. I was extremely confused. He was mad because he didn't want the schedule to be messed up, which I guess I can understand. Still, who wouldn't be excited for snow and a lazy day?
        Then all of a sudden, my phone vibrated with another message saying that school was actually "un-cancelled". I was furious. How could they do that to us. What a cruel joke. I went back out into the hallway to rant with everyone about this. I didn't know it  was possible for one text to make people so incredibly happy and another text make people so angry and upset all in the same hour. Now we were left angry to finish all the work we could have been doing in that hour. Some people were even considering skipping classes anyway, but I didn't think I could be that bold. Plus, I already missed English the week before because I had to take a test at the empo. Anyways, I'm sure teachers and students would agree that this was a ridiculous thing to do to us.
       I wake up the next day telling myself that it was going to be a good day anyway, but the moment I stepped out the door it felt like i was walking into a freezer. I loved seeing the snow falling, but the wind chill ruined it. It was sooooo unbelievably cold and miserable to walk a half mile from Lee hall to my classes. People at home wouldn't understand. The cold up here in the mountains seems so much more frigid than the cold weather back home. All day was miserable, and not to complain, but most of this week has been miserable too. On the bright side it's almost the weekend.

Dodgeball Round 1!

    Last weekend was the start of intramural dodge ball. I had signed up weeks before not knowing what to expect or how it worked here. I just thought it might be fun. I signed up for two teams since i heard there are only about four games per team. 
    We got to War Memorial Gym and realized that most of the team wasn't able to make it.... Not a good start. We ran around collecting people to play on our team. Finally we have enough players, so we go to sign up. Our team was kind of early, so we watched a few rounds of other teams playing. It was so intense! Most of the teams were frats, and they were so serious. In a way it was intimidating but still looked so fun.
    The team we were to be playing was called "The Ducks". Finally when they showed up,we all started to laugh. The Ducks were a team of 4 fat guys and 1 in shape guy. They all wore yellow shirts and headbands. 
    The first round starts and ends in thirty seconds. We won. Fortunately for them, we had to play the best out of 5 games. Next round starts. We win again. Then the third round starts with delay, because another of their players showed up. Somehow this team beat us on the third and fourth round. 
    It all came down to the fifth round. The whistle blew, and everyone grabbed a ball. For the next three minutes there was a continuous volley of dodge balls. It was hard to tell who was winning. We would hit their player, and they would hit ours. It was a continuous trade off of players. Though they couldn't move fast, they still threw pretty accurately. 
    Last two minutes of the game, and their was only one of our players and one of theirs. Their player was incredibly funny to watch. We don't know how he lasted so long. Lets just say he was a big target. He was also exhausted. He tried to call for time outs, but they were not allowed. He also tried telling the ref that he was getting sick. Our player was beginning to get angry because this kid hogged all the balls. Finally the opponent threw the ball as hard as he could, and SOMEHOW our player caught it right infront of his face. He threw it on the ground in victory and we all cheered. 
    Altogether, dodge ball was really fun. I am looking forward to playing again this weekend. I hope we will end up playing another team like this one. 

The Lucky Paper Airplane

          This past weekend was one of the best weekends I have had in awhile. I was able to get a lot of work done on Wednesday so that I could enjoy the extra few days of the weekend. I signed up for the lottery for the homecoming game and actually won this time. I can say that I was pretty happy. 
          Thursday and Friday were pretty relaxed days, but Saturday was going to be awesome. I got together with "Vanwindenswag" and a group of friends to go to the Maroon Effect game against Duke. We found our seats in the south end zone right as the game started. The first few plays go by and we begin to doubt our team because of rumors of Duke's recent success. Only a few minutes into the game and we are down by twenty points.. The only people cheering were the group of blue Duke fans packed into the corner of the east end zone. 
          Then out of nowhere someone in the row below us threw a paper airplane towards the field. Never in my life have I seen a paper airplane glide as far as it did. The majority of the south end zone saw it and completely shifted their attention. We all started cheering loudly for this paper airplane. It was ridiculous. The airplane flew all the way down to the 34 yard line on the opponents side of the field. The strange part about it is that the current play ended on the 34 yard line right as the airplane landed. Before the next play, a man on the sideline grabbed the plane.
          The next play started, and our team got an interception and charged down the field. This was followed by a touchdown and another touchdown after that. It was like the entire game took a complete 180 degree turn. As we are all cheering, the camera man for the lane stadium screen came over and recorded us cheering for the whole stadium to see. This happened twice, and on the second time our team scored another touchdown.
         The camera man left, but the view was still awesome. The sea of maroon seemed to suppress the once so cocky blob of blue in the corner. The final score was 42 to twenty. Not one touchdown was scored by the other team after that paper airplane landed, and that was why we joke about the lucky paper airplane.

RED VS. BLUE

       Okay, let me take this time to say that before I started watching this debate, I told myself to try to be as open minded as possible. As the President and Governor Romney debated, I would try to pay close attention to both sides of the argument. I would find which had the same or close to the same beliefs about the government and vote for them.
        Unfortunately, I had to miss the opening statements, but as soon as I got back to the room I turned the TV on. The question was about how each candidate felt about social security. Romney made some good points that I agreed with, but then Obama started talking. He mentioned his grandmother, and he came up with a scenario that was totally avoiding the question. I almost felt bad for him. Looks like the first round went to Romney. Next they started talking about education. I followed Obama for a little bit, but then I just did not agree with his statements.
          The point that really stuck with me and made the biggest impression is when Romney started talking about his state government, and how they made decisions by working together-Democrat and Republican. Imagine that. Our government these days is too much of a competition. So many people are biased on one side or the other and do not even want to hear other side's arguments. The government needs to take a step back altogether anyway. They are progressively getting too much power. If everyone's voice can be heard then maybe some problems can finally be solved without loosing citizen's freedom in the process.
         I also agree that we need to keep our military strong. The world is still just as violent as it used to be in many countries today.In one of the last questions, Obama said his belief of the governments purpose was to keep America safe, but how can you say that if you want to cut down our strength? After watching this debate, I am able to say with confidence that I support Governor Romney. Still, I look forward to hearing the Vice Presidential debate next Thursday. I am not a Joe Biden fan, but it is funny at times to see how he answers questions. I just get the impression that he does not think too well when put on the spot.
       Just a few last thoughts. Its crazy to think I am old enough to have a voice in voting. This time four years ago, I remember not even caring much about these debates. What did I know, and how was my opinion to matter? I actually found this debate to be interesting and almost comical at times. I have a close friend that goes to Liberty University. He is very involved in politics, and I knew for sure he was watching. I sent a text to him to hear his thoughts. It was funny. At this point it seemed that there were three sides to choose from. Did i agree with my best friends points, Romney's, or Obama's .

Scammed?

    I't not sure if any of you have been scammed before, but here is my story of the day...Earlier today I was minding my own business in my room when these two girls just walked right in. Decked out in Hokie gear, it seemed clear that these girls were most likely new freshman too. They set their over-filled backpacks down and started talking about some group/organization they were in. I forget both of their names, but the two girls started asking the most random questions. I assumed it was some sort of survey, so I answered their questions. 
     First they asked what kind of magazine I liked out of the list and who I would send it to if I could. I answered but then asked them what this stuff was for. They replied saying, "we need nine more people to help us out and we will win a trip to Italy!" So I figured I could help them out. They replied, "great! thanks alot! now we just need you to sign here and select your method of payment". Whoa, payment? 
     They wanted me to pay 40$ to buy a "magazine subscription" for a soldier. Things became really sketchy, really fast. I told them I didn't have money, and they packed up their stuff frustrated and bolted out the door. Out of nowhere, my RA came in and told the two girls that they needed to "talk with his boss". At this point, I know something was wrong. He asks for their I.D.'s and they give him a license to do what they were doing that looked less convincing than an ID. made from crayons. Then, he leads the girls down the hall, and my hall mate came in the room to talk with me.
     He started by saying, "What just happened?", so I told him. Unfortunately, he already talked to them and actually let them swipe his debit card for their "cause". We started freaking out, and he had to call the bank to get the payment cut off. 
     An hour later two RA's came to my door. They needed me to talk to the campus police to identify the girls. They were in a LOAD of trouble. Come to find out, they don't even go to this school! One went to Georgia Tech, and the other from Minnesota. Apparently, they had been scamming people in Lee Hall the whole day: asking for "clothing donations" and stuff. This was crazy, and I felt bad for my friend who was actually being nice, and trying to support our troops. So moral of the story, don't trust people you don't know...even if they seem nice...

Maybe My Luck Is Taking a Turn?

        I know it has been three weeks, but I am still pumped to be here. Everything is so different, and so much better than high school. Sometimes friends will text me, and ask me to compare college to high school. I really don't know what to tell them because there are almost no similarities. I have already met some great friends who seem to have way more in common with me than my friends back at home. Is it bad that I don't really miss the Eastern Shore much?
        In other news, I just got back from the concert held on the drill field tonight. I have to admit that it was the most fun I have had since I have been here. The music was good, the people were hyped up, and the bass was loud! We get there to join the gigantic line and began to worry. There were rumors that only a certain amount of people would get in. The gates opened, and I have no idea what happened to the line because everybody charged the gate! The good news is that there was actually no rule for how many people could get in, and you didn't even need to show the special picture to get in. I was able to play some of the games they had set out and then go listen to "Chiddy Bang". I had never heard of this artist before, but I was blown away. The crowd gave him different words and phrases to include in his freestyle, and he cleverly fit all them in. It was pretty amazing, and everyone in the crowd thought so too. Overall, I thought it was a good idea to have it pretty much in the middle of the week. Personally, this week has been pretty tough, but it was a well needed break. I hope there are more big events like this on the drill field throughout the year.
        Speaking of big shows, the Kevin Hart show is coming up in October, and I am so excited! The tickets went on sale at noon on Wednesday, but I had NO idea how long the line would be. I was shocked to see that in ten minutes from when the tickets went on sale, the line into Squires Student Center was backed up outside and all around the building. Then some ladies came down the line telling us that they might be sold out by the time we get up to the ticket center. I panicked and tried to buy the tickets online on my phone, but the system was overloading. Finally, I called a friend to order me a general admission ticket online before they sold out of those too! They called back to say that I got one, and I was able to get one and print it out at my room. The seats aren't the best they could be, but I am happy to be able to go. Seems like my luck has been taking a turn since the last blog.
     

First Football Game?

      As a freshman here at Virginia Tech, we are constantly reminded of what an amazing experience the football games are. We see them on tv, hear all about the talent of the players, and now we finally have the chance to witness it with our own eyes. Every year, the very second that the lottery opens up, the computer systems are flooded with submissions from ticket-winning hopefuls. We are told that some get lucky and get to see EVERY game. Others may not even win the lottery once their whole freshman year. Unfortunately, so far, this is where I come in. 

      Being one of the excited hopefuls, I signed up for the lottery that took place for the first game against Georgia Tech. Everybody was talking about signing up, and I started to wonder about my chances as they seemed to grow slimmer already. Two days passed, and I heard people out in the hallway excited about their lucky win with the lottery. Sure enough, I didn't win, but there was always the next round right? Well, I didn't win that one either. I had three options: buy a ticket, try to get in some other way, or find people to watch it on our tv.

First, I checked my bank account. It looks like I am going to have to try plan B.

      After much discussion with some of the upperclassmen down the hall, I conjured up a plan. I was told that the security does not allow people that are too drunk to get into the game, and that their tickets are usually given away at the gate. All I would have to do is wait outside of the gate for awhile. The plan seemed flawless, considering all of the tailgating that I heard was supposed to be  happening before the game.

     The day finally came. I was confident in my plan, and couldn't wait to try to get in. Finally, the gates opened and the lines of people formed as long and fast as a line of preteen girls at a Justin Beiber signing. I was finally up by the gate. The first drunk guy got kicked out, but he didn't look too happy. I started to approach him but,I decided that it may be better just to wait for the next one. Sure enough, another was denied entry. This one only seemed upset, so I decided to ask him if he would give me his ticket instead of throwing it away. Still, he asked for money, and I didn't have enough. Then the third came, and I started to realize that this task must have been a lot easier for the females who inspired this plan.

      I gave up and decided to head back to the dorm to watch it. I searched the floors asking people if they wanted to join me, but all I found were a bunch of soulless robots who were trying to get ahead on homework...? At this point, I could not be more confused. So I started watching it in my room alone. Then out of nowhere, my roommate busted in with 5 of his friends right before kick-off. It seemed like the night was saved for the most part, but I am still jealous that I couldn't go to this incredible game myself.