I don't know if anyone noticed, but the largest student-run philanthropy in the world went on this weekend. I hear some people put themselves through willing sleep deprivation for 46 hours, and that it might've earned $6 million or something.

Thing is, I obviously know a little more than that because I had the dubious pleasure of being one of the editors on duty from midnight to 7 a.m. Sunday at the Bryce Jordan Center's press row.

Though I never did quite catch on to the line dance, it was beyond my human capabilities to keep from singing and dancing along to the many songs that were just asking for my sub-par accompaniment. That and a venti triple-shot latte and I was set.

When my fellow editor and I weren't reading and editing blogs and Web updates, singing was our amusement of choice. And I must say, the serenading was quite intense. I hazard to guess that we even put some of the colored visitor sections to shame.

I did, however, at one point find something so unique to do that it provided amusement for my Collegian friends and I for quite a while.

I was convinced I saw my friend on the edges of the BJC floor about 3:30 that morning, and having little else to do, set about trying to flag him down so that he might venture up to visit us. After occasional, half-hearted waving attempts, I gave up, but not without a last desperate attempt.

I sent, at exactly 3:49 a.m., perhaps the creepiest of all text messages: I CAN SEE YOU.

Problem is, my friend did not look up. Perhaps that's because he was at home in his apartment, nowhere near the BJC, and woke to find a text message that nearly caused him a heart attack.
Apparently he got over his initial chills and simply closed the blinds before going back to sleep, but his creepy-stalker perception of me will likely last. Good thing he knows better ... right?

Though my weekend included several other jaunts, the ear-pounding, yawn-inducing Thon experience truly defined it. I think that's what I love about this random weekend in February -- it's an event you could never find anywhere else, teeming with energy, and a welcome break from the tired routine of spring. Keep on dancin', y'all, for those that can't.