In the words of Frank Loesser, “Baby it’s cold outside” but with the upcoming three day weekend, the risk of doing nothing should not be an option for Eastern students.

Instead of getting out of town, I encourage students to stay in Charleston and explore the town in which we chose to live.

The University Board will be showing “Paranormal Activity 2” in Buzzard Hall’s lecture hall at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Eastern is blanketed in snow, so put on your gloves, scarves, and coats go outside and play in the freezing cold if you are brave enough. Have a snowman building contest or build an igloo fort.

There is nothing is more exciting this time of year than a big group of students having a snowball fight in one of the quads.

The Student Recreation Center will be open Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those who want to continue their New Year’s resolution to work out more.

For students who do not want to leave the comfort of the residence halls, have a movie night with friends and order food. All resident halls should give students the option of renting out supplies from pots and pans to DVD players.

This keeps those who do not want to venture out into the cold to stay inside.

Another option for students to fill their free day off is by visiting the parking lot of Lantz Arena for a clothing drive.

The drive will take place throughout Monday and the clothes given will be donated to local charities.

Students should take advantage of this three-day weekend and make the best of Monday off, so when classes resume you can hold a good memory without the regret of wasting a free day.

Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581- 2812 or ovogunbodede@eiu.edu.