When I told the people around me that I would be going home for the weekend, I received the same reaction from everyone I spoke to.
Teachers, bosses, friends and family alike couldn't believe I was willingly sitting out on the third biggest block party in the nation (second only to New Year's Eve in Times Square and Mardi Gras in New Orleans).
I received the same reaction after explaining, too.
"It's dumb."
Now I'm going to explain exactly why it's dumb.
People from all over come to get wild in Athens, Ohio, for HallOUween. Not only do the students attending Ohio University partake in the fun, but people who have no business being here, too.
I didn't feel like watching people tear up the place I called home. People visiting don't offer the same respect and courtesy to the area the people who live in Athens do.
Housing does an excellent job of maximizing security -- everyone entering the dorm has to either identify themselves, either as a student or a pre-registered guest.
I don't want to imagine how dirty the streets are.
Instead, I spent a relaxing weekend home with my family and friends. Safe and sound from the chaos and crowd.
Happy Halloween.