An exception

I know I usually write about something I love, but this time I'm gonna change things up a little. Since prom is this weekend, and I am beginning to have trouble thinking of things I love, I'll share a few of my thoughts on prom.
Thought Numero Uno-- Dress Codes Suck. One of the things that makes prom so special is that it is an excuse for girls to buy super expensive dresses. Being a guy, I don't really see the joy in this (unless your mom is paying) so I won't try to. However, the guys are also expected to get fancy. Winter Formal is fine-- slacks, nice shoes, and a button up shirt are easy to wear, and I already have them. For prom, however, I am expected to wear a tux, or at least a suit. That's about $100! Basically, I feel obligated to pay for something I really don't care about in the first place. If I had my way, proper attire would mean swimtrunks and flip flops.
Thought Numero Dos-- Traditions Suck. Yeah, I don't have a very positive view of prom yet. Not only am I spending money on a tux I don't even care about, I also have to buy a corsage for my date! Ok, the corsage isn't really a big deal actually, but the point is that there are way too many traditions surrounding prom. While many people see this as a good thing, I really dislike it. My mom has been on my case for the last 2 weeks about matching, getting a corsage, etc. No matter how many times I tell her I couldn't care less, she persists in pressuring me to be "perfect" for prom.
Thought Numero Tres-- Why so long? From start to finish, this year's prom is designed to last 11 hours. Almost half a day. If I can barely survive an 8 hour school day with these people, how am I supposed to be with them for almost 1.5 times that long??? Personally, I don't expect to be there the entire time, but I'm sure my feelings are shared by others, and maybe they don't have a choice of coming late or leaving early.
Thought Numero Quatro--Maybe I'm being overly pessimistic. I realize that prom can't be that bad. I mean, I'm not the first person to feel negatively about this dance, but it remains one of the high points of the school year. I'm sure I'll end up having fun with my friends, but then again, I would also have fun at the Wiz concert if I had chosen not to attend the dance. The dance itself doesn't seem so bad--its mainly the expectations surrounding prom that bug me. I am going, after all, so I must think I'll enjoy myself somewhat.  (Of course, I wasnt planning on attending until I was persuaded by unforseen circumstances.)

For those who are deeply offended by this post, I apologize. I know that most girls (and even some guys) love the chance to show off at prom, and see positives in the exact same things that I dislike about the big dance. Hopefully, I will change my mind after Saturday. We'll see.

This last week has brought with it what is arguably the best weather we've had in 2011. Around 70 degrees, not very humid, and--of course-- longer days. Theres nothing quite like the feeling of freedom one feels as winter finally gives way to spring. Finally, I can go for runs painlessly. Finally, I can go play pickup basketball around the neighborhood. Finally, I can go play football or baseball at the park. After 4 months of only tv, computers, and video games for entertainment, I couldn't wait to go frolic in the sun when I looked outside today. I regret to say that I did spend a couple of hours playing Brawl inside, but for the most part, I have spent the entire weekend outside. 7 or so hours of basketball, an hour of running, and 4 more of  roaming aimlessly around  the park have left me very content, if a bit exhausted.
 While on my nightly runs, I was reminded of the good ol days when I was an innocent youngster of about 11 years, playing carelessly in the street outside my house. After a touch of nostalgia, I decided to play some basketball with by brothers friends, who happen to have an average height of about 5 foot. This made me feel like I was young(er) again, except able to be meaner to my brother (basically the best of both worlds).
The good weather also allows me to have increased independence from my parents. I can run/walk/bike/scooter/drive anywhere and hang out with people I can't be with as much in the cold months. Soon I'll be able to see more friends at UHS, since we can meet up at parks and such.
Of course, the weather isn't perfect quite yet. As I drove down Kirby today, I looked over at Sholem and felt  a twinge of longing to go swimming, Unfortunately, Sholem doesn't open for a month or something, so I'm stuck with the Indoor Pool, water fights, and baths. Another thing about the weather that disappointed me today was the rediscovery of grass stains. I guess I forgot about them over winter, but my butt and those lovely green marks were reunited today, much to my dismay.
Oh well, at least the good outnumbers the bad when it comes to spring!