Though holiday purists tend to celebrate July 4th – Independence Day – on, well, July 4th, we here at Walk-O-Rama felt that July 2nd, the official date of the legal separation between the US and Britain, was more appropriate for our celebratory parade around campus. Though we could be doing so because we are just super patriotic, the reasoning most likely has more to do with the fact that 1) the actual holiday falls on a Saturday and 2) the group felt the need to walk off our big bagel brunch.
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance…” – John Adams
Years later, Walk-O-Rama was out making John Adams look all prophetic. In the spirit of obtaining independence, we determined that we would seek out our deliverance from the workplace by fleeing our offices and setting out into this great land of ours. Songs of patriotism filled the air, and as we approached the brand new, now totally open to the public Computer Science Building, the tune “This Land is Your Land” seemed of particular relevance. We had determined that this building belonged to us too, and are hoping the summer months will give us enough time for our squatter’s rights to fully kick in.
As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said “No Trespassing.”
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.
John Adams gave us permission to celebrate early today. Thanks, John! Adams. John Adams. Sir.
We decided the best course of action would be to sneak in the back way where no one would see us, and also because the first several doors were not nearly up to our standards. Boy were we glad we held out. Though we were spotted sneaking in by several passersby (one of which we asked to photograph our entry), we did have the opportunity to enter through the grandest entrance of them all.
This building is your building This building is my building. This building was made for you and me. But mostly me.
This was not an approved Walk-O-Rama entrance
The interior of the building, much to our surprise, was much nicer than it had been months ago when we trespassed in the facility before its completion. Go figure. Beautiful lights illuminated the open spaces, “Stony Brook Red” furniture made every nook and cranny look inviting, and even the toilets (though not accented with comfy toilet paper) sparkled with a green tint of water that symbolized clean. Wow. It was amazing. The building of the future even included a pantry and an Area of Refuge. Truly, this place was built with us in mind. Tears nearly came to our eyes, but then we remembered that it was a holiday. Our Founding Father’s had surely decreed that there would be no crying allowed on July 2nd, even out of excessive joy.
We will try dangling our light bulbs from the ceiling in this dazzling, artsy manner later in the afternoon. (This is your official heads up about that, building manager John)
Clean.
Finally, a building that gets us! An Area of Refuge in close range to the Pantry!
We approve of our new red furniture that seemed to inspire intelligent, thoughtful conversation
Staff Retreat 2016?
Prime Roth Regatta spectator seating
Peggy had no difficulty locating her new office and pulling decor from her bag like Mary Poppins. Really, that rug was tucked nicely in there
Child actors portray Kristen and Raquel as they watched Peggy unpack her office furnishings
This walk of liberation inspired Peggy to shed the confines of the workforce as she determined to break free from the grind and pursue a more stress-free life filled with happiness, relaxation, yoga, paddle boarding, and ice cream sandwiches. For real. Sadly, this is to be her last Walk-O-Rama adventure.
As we wandered back to work, we swear we heard the remaining lyrics of “This Land is Your Land” coming from her direction, though she will surely deny all knowledge of it.
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.
We will miss our friend and occasional Walk-O-Rama member, Peggy. Go get your freedom and always remember to celebrate July 2, even if only as your final Walk-O-Rama adventure!
Peggy comes to the realization that this place is nice, but not for her
Farewell, Peggy! You will be missed.
Walk-O-Rama 