an introduction of sorts. . .

Okay. . .I have been snooping around on all of your blogs for the past hour or so (pardon my creeping) and I'm starting to get the feeling that I'm supposed to come up with some things about me to post in (on?) my blog. While I'd like to argue that there isn't anything worth posting, something tells me that I should probably just get it done. So, here it goes.

My name is Alison Carollo, but I've always been called Ali. I've never thought that I looked like an Alison. Like most of you, I will be a senior this year, and the thought of that is a little daunting to me. Actually, no. . .it's terrifying. I'm so excited for my experience at a university to be everything McFarland hasn't been, which results in my getting a wee bit nauseous every time I hear the word "college." Of course, I'm a world-class over-reactor, so please don't let my insecurities and distorted perceptions of reality impact how you feel about your futures.

Anyway, writing things like this is always a bit difficult for me because I can never think of anything that seems interesting enough (or normal enough--see above for proof!) to write about. I think I’ve always been a relatively shy person, though I don’t know that many people would describe me as such. In fact, at present, I can't think of anyone that would vouch for this self-bestowed label. How sad it is that I'm surrounded by people who mistake insanity for confidence? I'm kidding (mostly). Labeling people is dumb anyway. Labels are for filing systems and canned produce.

Alright, I need to be more serious considering a good portion of the last paragraph had nothing to do with me. Let's see. . .I’m fairly certain that college (cue queasiness), grades, and success in general are the things I think about most. It's a little sad but it's just how I am.

On the very rare occasions that I manage to get my mind off of doing well in life, I usually find myself realizing just how strange I must seem to the people around me. I often use exaggerated arm gestures and almost indescribable noises to compensate for my frequent inability to express myself verbally. For example, when I get excited, I typically forget that my limbs bend and am known for making "the noise." (If you're not familiar with it, you will be by the time this class is over. However, if you want to be ahead of the game, you're going to need to watch (and appreciate) this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFKFyzP34lc)

I like some alternative and rock music but would much rather sing along (badly) with songs from countless musicals I’ve seen or am dying to see. Current obsession: In the Heights. I also want to see the world, especially Europe, but, more importantly, I want to save the world from so many things, a few being discrimination of any kind, killing of the environment, animal cruelty, hunger, war, and overpriced jeans.

Also, if you haven't noticed by now, I am quite partial to parenthesis and the color purple.