You can't always get what you want

I must have been through this lesson a thousand times in my life. But, Saturday was reassurance that the universe is always against you and, truthfully, you cannot always get what you want.

Last week was probably the worst week EVER at Penn State. The beginning of the week was met by the untimely passing of freshman Joe Dado. I didn't know him, nor did most of the students that attend Penn State. But everyone was affected by it. One of our own died on his way home from a good time Saturday night on campus, and he was alone, and alcohol was definitely a factor. Everyone's statuses on facebook were spreading the word to find him on Monday, and then I got a text from a friend saying he was found dead. And sadly, it was true.

The shining factor of this week was supposed to be the Whiteout game against Iowa. We were all excited, and I was even planning on attending College Gameday. When I woke up that morning at 7:15, I saw rain. Lots of it. And so I went back to bed. No use getting wet and cold before the game. So, the rest of the day was chill. But the rain never let up. We got into the stadium during the alma mater (yes, that late) and we were in the junior/senior section for the first time ever! I was already soaked and freezing, but I didn't care. And the Whiteout failed because of the rain sadly. But, that first play in the first quarter! Wow, I was sure by then we were going to win.

For I outlined KEYS for Penn State to beat Iowa. Unfortunately, Penn State would ultimately lose to Iowa 21-10, those 10 points being scored only in the first quarter. Here it goes:

1. Daryll Clark needs to be sharp. Throws perfect, recievers open, and NO INTERCEPTIONS. This was all made for the most part in the first half, and by that I mean first quarter. But, second half, the throws sucked, the recievers weren't there, and he threw not one, and not two, but THREE interceptions.
2. Evan Royster needs room to run. This was again, made in the first quarter. It failed after that, and the running game was a lost cause.
3. The Defense must shut down the running game and the passing game. Again, met in the first quarter. But, the running game on Iowa was pretty good, and unfortunately, they made the passes they needed to. So fail there.
4. Special teams needs to do their thing. They didn't. Missed field goal (even though it was really close) and Iowa got decent yardage on returns. Plus, that blocked punt set the tone for the entire game.
THE ONLY KEY TO PENN STATE WINNING THAT WAS MET:
5. The fans need to be as loud as they can be. And seriously, the fans were the 12th man on the field many a times.

Yes, there were bad calls. Even one my mother pointed out that the analysts were questioning the merit. But, I think even possibly if those bad calls did not happen, we still wouldn't have win. We sucked.

Now, getting back to the theme: you can't always get what you want. I wanted Joe Dado to be found. He was, but he wasn't found alive. I wanted a successful whiteout and us to win, and to just have lots of fun. I did have fun, but we didn't win. The Eagles did win the next day, so I was happy with that. I think I need to come to realize I can' t be asking for too much these days. We are in a recession after all. So we definitely can't get what we want like we used to. I doubt I'll ever truly learn this lesson. It's near impossible. I go through it every year.

I remember senior year when Liberty's football team got pounded by Becahi yet again. My brother was so so upset by the loss. So, I put in my High School Musical 2 soundtrack and sang to him "We're gonna work, work, work this out. We'll make things right, the sun will shine. We got to work, work, work things out. If we all come together, we can work this out." I think we just all need to work these things out. Like this weekend I'm going home and I want to do a million things. I think I need to put a limit on what I can/can't do. Because after all, you can't always get what you want.

But if I COULD ask for one thing, maybe let the Eagles WIN the Super Bowl this year? That would be very nice, and I'd be a pretty happy girl. Thanks world. But knowing you, it won't happen. Because, I can't always get what I want.

SIGMA!

So, I've been talking about sorority recruitment and how it was crazy tiring. Well, now that's done and I got a bid into...

SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA! (Tri-Sigma, or just plain Sigma for short)

And, let me tell you, I LOVE MY NEW SISTERS! They basically rock. My pledge, er, new member class, is wonderful in more ways than one and I'm having a blast hanging out with my sorority. I've met like 50 million people these past few days it feels like, but I'm in heaven. It's been a blast and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

It's been a pretty crazy week, obviously, I got a bid into Sigma and that was fun. I've been hanging out with the sisters everyday since that day, whether it's going out, playing osm flag football, or watching an Eagles game. It's been fun and I can't wait to do more. I'm actually going to participate in Greek Sing, which should be fun.

And, also, THE BIG GAME is this week! Yes, the Whiteout game is finally here- the moment every Penn State has been waiting for since last November... Penn State vs. Iowa. Yes, revenge is a sweet thing Hawkeyes. We may have had some lackluster wins the past 3 games, but you better watch out for Saturday because I predict we'll see some of that ol' nasty Penn State Defense, a very healthy Royster, and an angry Daryll Clark. It should be a great game, not to mention COLLEGE GAME DAY is in town!! I might actually not sleep in on Saturday so I can go, I mean seriously, it's College Game day!!! ESPN people!!! I know someone out there will be willing to wake up with me to head on out there and white-out College game day. Who's with me????

So, I've got the big game to look forward to. I am quite excited for the whiteout game, it should be tons and tons of fun!

I think that's all to say for now. To close on an unfortunate note, for those who don't know, a Penn State freshman went missing early Sunday morning after leaving the FIJI fraternity. So keep an eye out for him. I hear there is a walk tonight to find him, so if anyone can go (I unfortuantely can't) it's at 8pm in the HUB Auditorium (if I'm not mistaken).

So this past week, I...

So, this past week, I...

... had no life.

That's the basic gist of it.

See, I decided to go through sorority recruitment. Man has it been crazy. But I love it. I just worry that in the end I won't be "a chosen one." Which is possible in the end. But, I'm holding on and going through with it. We'll see what happens.

But yes, the Greeks at Penn State have been my life this entire week for the most part. Not that I really mind. Sure, it's a lot of time, but it's been a very fun and educational experience. Yes, that does seem like a generic answer, but it's the truth. I've enjoyed meeting the girls and seeing what the "grass is like on the other side." Hopefully all works out and on September 17th, I'll be officially greek.

Of course, in between all this, I've had school too. I had my first exam this week! It was nerve-wracking because my study time was limited to the night before. But, I pulled it off and did a good job. And, I also had a bad run-in with a cold this week that was NOT swine flu. But, I sucked it up.

Now, we had bad weather these past few days in Happy Valley. So, I was worried about football game weather. But, the rain held up during the game. However, I overslept slightly. I woke up at 10:30. Game starts at 12. Ran out of my room all ready by 11 somehow and we were in our seats by 11:58. Yes, we barely made it to kickoff. But it was all good.

Penn State won... again. 28-7 against Syracuse. They didn't look awesome. They looked okay. Defense was pretty good I guess. We were kind of bummed there was no playing of Sweet Caroline. I think these back to back to back noon games are tough. Yep, next week's game here against Temple is another early one (ugh) but the following week is primetime against Iowa!

Today, I had to do a bunch of work. But, it was tough while watching the Eagles KILL the Panthers today. It was nice to see the ol' Jim Johnson D living out his legacy, causing the Panthers to commit SEVEN turnovers. So yes, good day for us Eagles fans. Although it looks like McNabb is out for a bit with some cracked ribs, which sucks. But, I've got faith. We're Philadelphia fans- we run on faith.

So, as you can see, this past week, I... HAD NO LIFE. Nothing interesting in my opinion. Maybe I'll have better luck this week. Some excitement perhaps?

Football is BACK!

There's only one thing I love about fall.

No, it's not the change of season. God I hate the cold.

No, it's not the back to school thing, although i do love Penn State.

THERE IT IS: FOOTBALL!!!!!!

Yes, football season is back, as I can currently hear the sounds of Beaver Stadium right now. Oh Penn State, I missed you. I missed you so much.

If there is one school in the world you must see a football game at, it's Penn State. Beaver Stadium is THE place for football. Number one student section, Number one party school, Number one sports school, Number one place to see a game at.

It's intense, but amazing. Whether it's jumping up and down to Zombie Nation when it's pouring rain, being thrown up in the air after a touchdown, singing the Hey! Song or Sweet Caroline, Beaver Stadium just rocks.

I only went to one away game and it was the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I will tell you this- even if Penn State would have won that game, I would still say that the Rose Bowl does not compare to Beaver Stadium. Sure it's nice and the weather is gorgeous, but, Beaver Stadium just does it better. The wave for instance. The White-out against Illinois= best stadium wave ever! Slow- mo to the fast-mo... just wow! You had to be there.

This year is going to be even better. TWO, yes, TWO White-outs: Iowa, the sole team to beat us in the regular season, and Ohio State, looking to avenge last season's loss, not to mention it's the 700th game at Beaver Stadium.

This should be one unforgettable season. Get the tailgates ready and wear your blue and white proudly. This is the Lions year. It all starts tomorrow, 12 pm against Akron. Let's go PSU!

Big Brother is watching you...

I'm a huge Big Brother fan.


I really don't know why, but it's like a guilty pleasure that you can't rid yourself of. There's just something about watching 13 strangers locked up in a house all vying to win half a million dollars. Every move is caught on camera and everything you say or do could make or break you.


When watching it, at first glance, it seems like an easy game. You align yourself with the right people, you play your cards right, win a few competitions, and you're set. But, I honestly can say after watching the past few seasons of the show (especially this past season), I can honestly say this is a REALLY HARD GAME!'


You're stuck in a house with no contact with the outside world whatsoever. For all you know, America could have become a communist nation while you were locked up in that house! Okay, probably not, but you get the point. The only faces you see is that of your fellow houseguests, your only activities other than "talking game" is tanning, swimming, eating, sleeping, or playing a lame game of chess. Other than that- game. No music (unless you're Head of Household), no television, no trips to the mall... nothing!


But, I still think I could do the game. It seems like an interesting experience. Now that I'm an obessive compulsive BB fan, I'll compile a list of the remaining houseguests this season, their strategy, whether it's good or bad, and if I could do that strategy.


KEVIN (the current HOH)
Strategy: Be friends with everyone and don't lose your cool
Does it work?: Usually no, but oddly enough, this season it has. Kevin is the ultimate floater. He was nominated for the first time only last week, and they've been in the house since late June! No one has seen Kevin as a threat because he never turned his back on anyone or gossiped until this past week. He's going to be a part of the final four and does have a solid chance of winning in the end.
If I used this strategy: This would be an easy strategy for me to use because I like to be friends with everybody and I'd try to stay out of fights. But, I think it would be a kiss of death for me because, as with Kevin, when I do decide to strike, it might be too late to gain any respect.


MICHELE (the Power of Veto winner; original nominee)
Strategy: Win competitions when necessary, keep your head in the game, and keep your allies in check until you need to get rid of them
Does it work?: Absolutely. Michele is honestly the strongest player in the house. Most people in the game do not like Michele because her main goal is winning the $500 grand. Of course, isn't that why you're supposed to be in the house? She had no problems putting her old friend Chima on the block because she knew Chima was a strong player that would eventually throw Michele under the bus. Michele has won the most competitions out of all the houseguests and has managed to put herself behind the scenes of strong players like Russell, Jeff, and Jessie because she is not eccentric. I believe she will be the winner of Big Brother this season.
If I used this strategy: I could win the game. Michelle is quiet but definitely smart. It would be difficult for me to seperate friends from game, but if I did it, I could go as far as Michelle in the game.


JEFF (won Coup d'Etat, nominee for eviction)
Strategy: Get the biggest threats out of the house, make deals when necessary, and have one loyal partner throughout the game to trust
Does it work?: Yes and no. Getting the biggest threats definitely strengthened Jeff's game in the long run. He made some of the biggest moves in the house by getting rid of Jessie and Russell. But now, he is the biggest threat in the house because he is the most physically strong now. Having Jordan as his partner-in-crime is not helping the matter either because now he and his ally will be split up for good Thursday. He made a deal with the wrong person (Kevin) and now he will most likely be evicted.
If I used this strategy: I'd be gone. Having someone to trust is definitely a good idea, but having it open would lead to my eviction. Plus, deals only last so long, especially with people you were never allies with. I would probably not make it to Jury House...


JORDAN (replacement nominee for eviction)
Strategy: Be sweet to everyone and have your ally carry you through and do all the dirty work
Does it work?: For a while yes. Jordan has a very likeable personality and the fact that her two allies in the beginning (Braden and Laura) were the first two evicted has helped carry her to the final five. But, the only competition she solely won was a veto two weeks back. Her HoH win was handed to her by Jeff. Jeff carried Jordan throughout the game and now one of them will go home. If Jordan stays this week, she will have difficulty winning unless she's against Natalie.
If I used this strategy: I'd make it as far as my partner. But, once they were gone, I'd have difficulty. Jordan will probably face that difficulty next week if she stays. Being sweet helps, but I'd need to do more than rely on someone else.


NATALIE (the dead weight)
Strategy: Play the "i'm weak" card by winning no competitions and doing nothing
Does it work?: Apparently. Although she was put up four straight weeks in a row, Natalie is still in the house and has yet to win any competitions. Natalie is America's most loathed contestant on the show because she is a dead weight. She has a strong possibility to make it to the Final 2 because she is so weak and has not won anything. This strategy works but if she makes it to the Final 2, she will lose but walk away with $50 grand.
If I used this strategy: I would probably strangle myself. Seriously, I could not stand staying there and winning absolutely nothing. I mean, I'd be excited I made it this far, but I'd know that my chances of winning would be slim. Natalie is so dumb...


WHO HAS THE BEST STRATEGY OUT OF THE FIVE?
Tough call. Probably either Kevin or Michele. Kevin is a difficult person to hate because he has a great personality. But, Michele has all the moves to make it to the Final 2 and potentially win the game. So, I'll say Michele.


WHO HAS THE WORST STRATEGY?
Natalie by far. She's playing too weak and relying on everyone to carry her. It will backfire soon.


What would be my strategy?
My strategy is simple. Find an ally and make a secret deal with that person to (no matter what) go to the final 2 together. I'd make another alliance unofficially to secure myself. I would try not to show my cards too quickly but quietly be a strong player. I'd try in competitions and win as many as necessary. I would break my security alliance when it would threaten myself or my ally. I'd keep my head in the game, not worry about feelings, and think strategy


Would I be able to do it? Doubt it. Endurance would kill me, physical would get me tired. I would probably only do well in mental competitions... but, as long as my partner and I worked hard together, we'd go to the end.


Now, if I was HoH...
The HoH gets their own room, a basket of goodies, a letter from home, some pictures, and a cd. So, what would I like???
In my basket of goodies: Coke! Ice cream sundae stuff, Junior Mints, Baked Lays chips, Pineapples, and M&Ms
My letter: my family only
Pictures: ones that I look good in, please! And no band photos. Some from trips, but not in my uniform... i look so fat. Oh, and none from middle school!!!
CD: Maroon 5, then Jack Johnson. Or both.
And, either one of my blankets, or a hoodie. It gets cold in Cali at night!


So, this season of Big Brother.


My Final Four prediction: Jordan, Michele, Kevin, and Natalie.
It looks like Michele may evict Jordan, but Natalie would definitely evict Jeff. If it's a tiebreaker, Kevin will probably kick out Jeff since Jordan is weaker.


My Final Three Prediction: Kevin, Michele, Jordan
I think Michele will win HoH and put Kevin and Natalie up. I think in the end, she'll get rid of Natalie because she needs to go. Plus, Natalie will do well in the Final Three HoH competition compared to Kevin and Jordan.


My Final Two Prediction: Kevin and Michele
I think Michele will win again because she's much stronger than Jordan and Kevin. I think she will choose Kevin because, knowing America may be the deciding vote, she'd have a stronger chance of winning. Even though Kevin does have friends in the house, America will pick Michele over Kevin.


Winner: Michele
I know it seems like I'm biased towards Michele, but honestly, Jeff is most likely going home this week, and she's the only one who played a good enough game to deserve the money. Natalie did nothing, Jordan did barely anything. Kevin made some good moves, so if he won, that's okay too. But game wise, Michele should win, and I believe she is unstoppable right now.