Who can possibly think of spring break when here it is, March 8, and we had how many inches of sleety, snow fall on us? Given the state of Michigan weather, the only telltale signs that our well needed respite is on the horizon, are the clues that one would only find indoors. And no you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to discern it. An insider’s look, and I do mean insider of pre-spring break 101, 2015.
The first clue that spring break is right around the corner is obvious. Correction, only obvious to us “regulars” at Michigan State's largest, on-campus gym, IM West. I am one of those "love food and beverage" people so the only way I know how to possibly make a feeble attempt at combating the battle of the bulge, is to work out. I try to force myself to go faithfully on a regular basis and yes do tempt myself with cold stone as reward afterward, but this is beside the point. I routinely try to go 4-5 times a week at various times of the day on top of my six a.m. Pure Barre fitness class. It could be 6 a.m., 1 p.m. or 8 p.m. You know break is coming when machines that you consistently have to wipe the cobwebs off of, now cannot be seen because of the long wait lines. Seriously, when did they remove all the ellipticals? They didn’t, it’s the, "spring break is coming and I have a week to get in shape" people trying to get on them. Where did all these die-hard work out fanatics come from? I certainly haven’t seen them since oh, let’s say, the first week of January.
The next clue is the tanning bed. Now I’m gonna give a shout out to the best place in town to tan with the most AWESOME owner. That is VIP Tanning and Marshall, the owner is unsurpassed in taking care of both his beds and his clients. The bulbs are replaced when appropriate, he carries the best lotions and can make recommendations based on any type and budget, but more importantly he cares about the East Lansing and the MSU family. If it is Paczki Day, Marshall is giving them away... for free, if it is Thanksgiving, he's sharing his Great Harvest Bread Co. pumpkin bread... this is a guy that is your family when you are away from them; Generous and supportive to the Greek community, too. I obviously am a bit biased and cannot say enough about him or the place, but the closer you get to spring break, there is typically a LONG wait to get into the beds. I recommend to call in advance to possibly prescheduled your visit, otherwise precious studying (cough, cough) moments might be wasted.
The next clue is the talk and tweets about healthy eating and abstinence prepping for spring break. How many of us start our days with the intention of eating healthy because spring break is only a week or two away because we want to look great in the latest Triangl bathing suit? That is, if you can get one in time for spring break in your size, or given the popularity of them it may arrive just in time for summer as they are all sold out. We wake up feeling positive and determined, only to have all commitments thrown out the window after a fun evening with friends when Conrad’s comes calling, or someone walks in with Goomba's Pokee Stix... Yep, willpower - 0, temptation - 3 million. And guess who wins? I was recently talking to one of my best guy friends whom I love to pieces. He shared his puzzlement of girls and spring break with me. Guys don’t experience the same crazy need to get in great shape mode in a two-week time frame that girls do. He said, “Let me get this straight, you are going to diet and not do the normal college eating and socializing for two weeks prior to spring break only to go on spring break and do it all then?” Totally bewildered. Well, I guess you would have to be female to get it. It’s the never ending give and take, diet and gain, promises to oneself made and broken.
Bottom line, you want to have an awesome spring break. Regardless of in your mind if the one week crash diet worked or not, remember, you look beautiful just the way you are. Rock that swim attire. Your confidence is what shines more than that Triangl bikini. Make some memories, new friends, be safe and have a blast.
Carpe diem. Spring Break 2015.
