You may or may not want to be a dinosaur yourself.

Katie Explains it All.

By: Katie Reily

Posted: 10/28/05

I'm a freshman and I've heard many rumors about Halloween in college, but I'm still not sure what to expect. I've heard its "crazy," but I don't understand how that is possible because I haven't dressed up in 3 years. -Costume-hunting in Clark

You are in for quite a "treat," pun-intended, Costume-hunting, because for the first time in your life this wonderful holiday is about more than just the candy. It is your opportunity to wear a costume more involved than even the one your mom put you in before you could talk, and you get to choose it. If you are wondering why you would want to do that, then I question what you are even doing in college.

Besides a time to challenge yourself academically and personally, etc, etc...you need to really embrace it as the last chance you have to act like a complete fool and still maintain the respect of the outside world. With that in mind, go nuts! Are you still bitter about the costume your parents vetoed because they didn't want a note from the teacher or calls from parents? Because if that is the case, then now is the time to shake off that bitterness. Be bold, be shocking, and for crying out loud, don't be a scantily-clad fire fighter because that just isn't very original.

I'm so sick of all the rain. I never want to leave my room, and when I finally do, I just arrive at my destination wet and angry. I just want some sun in my life! How do I get out of this funk? -Cabin-feverish in Carlin

I am very flattered, Cabin-feverish, that you have credited me with control over the elements. But although I may be good, I'm not that good. However, take heart in the fact that it sounds to me like you are at the cutting edge of the newest fall fashion at Holy Cross, the wet-dog look, so things are already looking up. As for some rainy day activities that might keep you entertained, I think a Hawaiian-themed beach party, complete with grass skirts and margaritas with little umbrellas, will not only remind you of a warm and sunny existence, but it will certainly keep your mind off the rain outside. Another option is to build a fort. I bet you have forgotten the sheer joy that draping sheets and blankets over furniture inspired in your younger years, and three weeks of nearly relentless rain is a dangerous enemy against which we must protect ourselves. When you feel that you are flirting with your breaking point, pack up your clothes and towel and walk to class in your bathing suit. True, you will probably be freezing cold in addition to being wet and angry when you arrive, but hopefully, the reactions you get from passersby will be funny enough to break the funk. And don't get too down, because the rain can't last much longer and the snow that is sure to follow will present you with a whole new set of problems that you can't solve with a bathing suit.

Have something that needs explaining? Email Katie at kmreil06@holycross.edu.