hey

Ahh yes. We have just returned from Christmas break, classes have begun, and it's still chilly outside. Naturally, for Alabama students at least, it's time to start thinking about Spring Break. Though the week of frivolity is still a couple of months away (52 days, not that I'm counting), hotel bookings and elliptical crazes have started. Here are some various tidbits, both personal and general, about SB.

My SB spectrum:

freshman year: the rite of passage. I think Corey Smith's song suffices in summing this week up.

sophomore year: loads of fun without the naivety. Been there done that. Can relax this year after surviving the rite of passage.

junior year: something different. Ready for a change. No need to work on the beach bod, thank goodness.

senior year: the final blow-out. Who knows what this will comprise of...but hopefully something to live up to its title!

Being a deep South Alabamian, I consider myself at least partly knowledgeable about Alabama/Florida beaches. Here are my takes:

Dauphin Island- lots of fun, but probably more so for locals (I have to be a snob)

Ono Island- ask Reed. :)

Orange Beach- really good time. sophomore yr experience. little bit calmer than its friends down the road, but can still be crazy fun.

Panama City- wild. very. but fun. freshman yr.

Perdido/Soldier's Creek- yet again more of a local spot. probably my favorite.

Destin- yay for shopping.

Beaches along 30A (Seaside, Water Color, Grayton, Rosemary, etc.)- awesome if you have an extra jingle jangle in the pocket.

Words to the wise:

Contrary to what you may think or how many tanning bed runs you have made, you do need to wear sunscreen that first day on the beach. Red streaks enwrapping the stomach are not attractive on anyone.

Cookie Cake for breakfast is OK for a day. Not for a week.

If Morgan Sellers will be joining you on your vacay, do not eat ham for a month prior.

Avoid meeting up with high school friends who may be staying in your vicinity. No need for the awkwardness when you have plenty of your college friends nearby.

Panama City is the wildest, trashiest, most perfect Spring Break place on the planet. It is wonderful, if you let it be.

Club La Vela is the wildest, trashiest, most perfect Spring Break club on the planet. It is wonderful, if you let it be.

The Tiki Bar is the wildest, trashiest, most perfect Spring Break bar on the planet (unless you can get into the Flora-Bama). It is wonderful, if you let it be.

Plan on a daily trip to Wal-Mart.

Avoid mixing pop rocks and alcohol. Trust me on this one.