My Favorite Season

The leaves are changing colors, yoga pants are coming out in full force and freshmen are celebrating the completion of their first round of college examinations. That’s right, fall is in the air.

Remember in kindergarten how your teacher would make you draw a picture of your “favorite” season?  I, unable to decide, anxiety forcing my bladder almost to the bursting point, would sit frozen in my seat staring at my paper until she would come around to inspect them. Then I would grab a black crayon, squiggle a line and a snowman and resign myself to being a liar. I hate winter.

As the years passed, I would throw out different seasons as my favorite: summer because of the sun and the beach, spring because of the flowers and fall because of the ever so gentle chilly weather. But as a senior in college, I am firm in the fact that fall is the reigning champion of seasons. What is there not to love about it? Football, pretty leaves, multiple holidays and lots of pumpkin pie — it has something for everyone.

This is my last fall in Blacksburg, a time I have dreaded since first stepping on campus. I had never lived in the mountains before, yet I absolutely love the season here in the New River Valley. As I sit and contemplate this final hoorah, two things come to mind that I can eagerly await and that guarantee to be glorious occasions.

First off is Hallowillard. What is Hallowillard? Every year the house I live in and the apartments behind us throw a Halloween party of sorts for friends, family and the confused passersby. We turn our parking lot into an oasis of good old fashioned fun: carnival games, live music (Jimmy Fitch, check him out on Facebook) and possibly a petting zoo. We end the night with about 100 people square dancing, hoedown style. It’s tons of fun and you’re invited. Just head on down Willard Drive on Halloween night — you’ll know where to find us.

Second is Homecoming. Now, in years past, I have been one of the thousands who consider Homecoming as nothing more than a week filled with paper being shoved in your hands as you shuffle to class and a brief announcement at halftime. This year however, I have a personal stake in the race as my lovely girlfriend, Allie Golden, is on the court. She is kind, beautiful and almost unrealistically optimistic about everything. I have been busy helping her put up signs, wearing her T-shirt and changing my Facebook cover photo to the creepy face of Willy Wonka. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say vote for Al… but vote for Al.

No matter what you’re doing on Halloween or whether you dread Homecoming like the plague, make sure to take advantage of what fall has to offer. Hike the local trails, go to the football games, enjoy the beautiful landscape and eat pumpkin pie. You’ll only be in Blacksburg for so long: make the most of its best season.

Senior Update

Already a month into Senior year, I feel it is high time for an update on your favorite house's members. What they've been up to, what they will be up to, and what they are up to.

Joe Danehower- Still jacked and still an engineer (surprisingly) Joe is off to the races already on his future, frantically researching grad schools but somehow still maintaining a strict workout regimen. He did get semi-offered a job in Boston (Congratulations Joe!) when asked about it he said, "Screw that, I'm not a dirty Yank." Joe has also started to try and take the helm of the hipster that John Carr left at Willard when he moved to the Midwest. Joe has started listening to mainstream hipster bands, and wearing button-downs exclusively.

Jeremy Mateyk- Still from the North, Jeremy is in his toughest semester so far at Tech, but still seems to be comfortably going on strong and steady as always. Already looking forward to next semester which contains 3 credit hours and lots of time at the Weirlab, Jeremy is maturing and considering jobs across the South, which like an epic romance novel, he has fallen in love cannot imagine living without her.

Evan Underwood- Though time may pass and the years may slow him down, Bug will be Bug. Still a hunter at heart, Bug has been advertising on Craig's List for land on which he can use his Elven bow and arrow. Unfortunately, Bug is not the most computer saavy person on the internet and posted his personal cell and email on CL. After receiving calls and emails concerning private meetings and dirty websites, he has removed his listing.

Sam Bowman- I guess Sam is still doing research in Roanoke. None of us really know what he is up to, because we don't go to Roanoke when he leaves the house. Maybe one day this semester I'll try and follow him without him noticing all day. That would be fun. Anyway, Sam's considering options for next year as well, and seems to be leaning towards moving to the jungles of New Guinea to become one with the culture and spread the Good News. Also, he hears there are tons of wild boars waiting to be attacked with a spear.

Jackson Strawn- Long and lean like a cat, Jackson has been back up to his old, sly tricks this semester. Still employed at DX, he has been working hard both academically and as a member of the food service alliance. He enjoys spending time with Miss Sierra Kimbel Freeze, and seems to always be going to her home to "chill," whatever that means.

James Harris- Stressed to the max by his extreme course load this semester, James is staying positive and in control. Currently filling out seminary applications, he plans to know where he will be next year by the end of October (looks like Charlotte is the front runner). Yes, I did just write this in third person.

John Howard Carr- Lawrence, Kansas. Employed by the local Boys and Girls Club as far as I can tell by his multiple instagrams and tweets.

Doug- On the trail