As students, sometimes we just need to get away. Some of us plan a long weekend in a close metropolitan city and feel posh for a few days. Others will steal away to a relative's cabin up north for the weekend.
After moving out freshman year, I'm sure we all went through the thoughts such as, "I'm never going home, being at college is just too cool." Sometimes, though, I find myself sitting in the library wondering if I should or shouldn't stick my pen in my eye.
I know I want to do it. I'm holding it. It's a sharp Bic. Bics are sturdy. I don't need my left eye anyway because I'm right-handed.
Then I sigh. I'm a student, and it's time for a getaway. Here's the ironic spin of it - we retreat to a place we've lived for years, and it's an actual "getaway." It's the type of place where, if all the lights are turned out, I can still find myself around and not fumble or trip on one of the cats. It's time to go home for the weekend.
If you come from a family that has had too many nuclear meltdowns and all you do is fight and scream and shred furniture minutes after you walk through the door - then I apologize. You will be going up north to the cabins or visiting Chicago.
Who would have thought a few days at home was like going to a spa or visiting an exclusive resort? This resort is so exclusive only four people are allowed in it. They, and three cats and three dogs.
This resort is kind of like a bed and breakfast as well. I sleep in and wake up, not to the sound of a vomiting, coughing, moving, farting roommate, but to the sunlight that looms through my open blinds. I shuffle in my sheets and waddle downstairs to see what's going on with my parents and realize we're all going to have breakfast. Breakfast? I always forget this amazing meal exists.
This resort is located in a prime location, because there is always something to do - especially when living close to a major city. Parking is free all day and all night. There's no fear of Parking Services. My car just sits in the driveway. That's all. No more, no less.
I've only realized this new resort this past semester, especially when it took me about six weeks to come back to it. It's comfortable. The movie selection is unlimited, because my brother's back in the house, and we have an exclusive home theater in one of the rooms. Even "The Ten Commandments" can be as exciting as "Star Wars" or "The Matrix." Or, well, at least as loud.
The only staggering drunks I have to worry about during the weekends are the cats.
So, really, when anyone is feeling the weight of class and is staring straight at that Bic pen, just remember there really is a place to run away to. Schoolwork disappears, or it lends a quieter place to get it done, and it's nice to be able to actually sit on a couch.
And, if your "resort" is too far from school, find a friend and borrow his.
Write to Evan at emann@mrpotatohead.com
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