Ohio State football tickets, Buckeye Donuts, and Splash Mountain. What do all of these things have in common? It takes forever to wait in line for them, but once you finally reach the front, life is pure bliss.
Splash Mountain. Just look at it and all of its wonder and magic.
Whenever I walk past this great ride, I always imagine myself running up to the entrance, hopping on a log, and experiencing the story of the Briar patch, with all of its winding turns, catchy Disney songs, and sudden drops. However, there is always one obstacle that stands in my way, and it's a big, white sign that says,
" 1 hr & 30 min wait from here, ya'll"
It is the biggest slap in the face: a 90 minute line from god-knows-where to the beginning of an adventure has made me re-think of committing to a grand adventure.
So how does Splash Mountain pertain to my life here in Buckeye Country? No, it's not that my life here now is like the adventure of this great water ride; and no, Disney has no plans of creating a theme park on campus called The Magical World of Brutus Buckeye.
(but seriously, before I get on with my blog how cool would a theme park, completely adorned with OSU stuff look? Just think about it, rides decked out in scarlet and grey, buckeye candy shops, and the chance to meet and get Brutus's autograph?)---this is sad, pitiful proof that I am way way to hard core of a Ohio State Buckeye fan and if you don't read this little blurp and decided to continue on with the story I would not be offended in the least.
OK, let's try to stay to stay relevant to the story, Michael. Anyways, so how many times have you ever wanted something so bad, but when you got to the location you realized that you had to wait in a line?
(yes, finally we have hit the theme of the story)
For example, I get late night cravings for something bad for my body, whether that be a pizza, Taco Bell, or a donut. So I pick my lazy butt out of my chair and walk down to campus to get a delicious treat; however, to my dismay and absolute horror, I get to one of these places and realize that there are at least 4 people in front of me. The only possible word to describe my emotions at this point is: mehhhh
So just like the feeling of absolute disgust that I experienced when I walked into a cholesterol heart attack, it was nothing comparable to the overwhelming sensation that stunned my body when I went to go pick up my student tickets for the 09-10 Ohio State Football Season.
No joke, when I got there I saw a few people so I was like "Ok, this shouldn't be too bad," but then staff of the building told me to follow the line all the way back, which ultimately landed me at a 1 hr and 45 min spot at the back of the line. While I stoodthere, I thought to myself, " is this really worth it? Almost two hours to wait for a cut-out nice piece of holographic paper that says Ohio State Football on it?"
As much of a passionate Buckeye fan, I actually considered leaving and trying again later in the afternoon. Yes, I know, ridiculous.
But then a bell went off in my head and I realized something...this is Buckeye football. Honestly if I can wait almost 8 months for the renewal of college football season, then an additional 2 hours of my life won't make a difference. So that's what I did, I stood there and I slouched there, until finally I heard the joyful noise of " I can help whoever is next."
That sounded like the school bell on the final day of my senior year in high school.
I wanted to run up to that window as fast as I could, but
- knowing my clumsiness, I probably would have tripped, creating an embarrassing scene
- I might have scared the girl working at the desk which would have made our conversation at the window a little akward
Talking to the clerk at the window, I got a little nervous.
What if something happened in the system to where I was screwed?
What if the whole process of applying for state residency messed up my current student info and I was screwed?
Ahh What if?
But then, she handed me those tickets and I felt like Charlie from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, because I kept making sure that I had it in my pocket as I was walking home. Yes, that's right, an overwhelming sense of OCD took over my body and I actually thought that if I were to get pick-pocketed I hope they take my cell phone or wallet, just please not my tickets.
But anyways, I felt so accomplished. So rewarded. I had just stood in line for the next 5 football saturdays at Ohio State University. All I can say is that it was absolute and pure bliss.
OH!