2008 with a Michigan Twist

January 1, 2008

If I had to pick one phrase to mark the significance of this momentous day, what would you guess it is?

Nope, not “Happy New Year” – something far less traditional although “Happy New Year would be my second-best option. It’s a phrase expressed across all cultures that represents the start of a new beginning, a “clean slate” and another opportunity to follow through with your new and old New Year’s resolutions (because it’s going to actually happen this year). Personally though, there is a better phrase – and what is that phrase exactly?

GO BLUE!

On this day, the Michigan Wolverines defeated double-digit spreads, the underdog status, lots of smack talk from all angles, and the defending National Championship winners – the Florida Gators. On this day, Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr ended his Michigan coaching career with a big bang and a big win. I personally cannot think of any man who deserved it more. I will proudly announce that the mix of emotions I felt during this game – excitement, anticipation, fear, sentimentality, happiness – resulted in a rush of overwhelming tears and a permanent smile across my face. And regardless of what the future holds for Michigan Football, I will always remember this day as the day I defined with the two words “Go Blue”.

But there are 364 more days in the year 2008 waiting to be defined and explored. So what do I have to look forward to? New classes with new notebooks and new material to learn. Campus Day every Monday and a new pledge class to bond with for Phi Chi Theta, my co-ed pre-professional business fraternity. 27 Dresses with James Marsden and Katherine Heigl. Spring Break in February, although plans have not been finalized, and Dance Marathon in March. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Juno on DVD. My 20^th birthday. Summer vacation with old friends, the Beijing Olympics and the start of my Junior year at U-M. These are just a few events to fill my 2008 academic planner; the rest is written spontaneously.

Now I must go, because one of my New Year’s resolutions is to spend less time being lazy on my computer and more time being active and efficient – like sledding in the Arb, not waiting till the last minute to do homework, shopping downtown, eating out on Main Street, taking a Cardio Blast class at the CCRB, and more.

Until next time, GO BLUE!