There’s really no way to describe this past Saturday’s State / ‘Bama game without borrowing a line (or two) from my mother-in-law:
Oh, it was more fun! Just more fun! We had so much fun!
And we won! We did! We won!
Sister and I really did wake up at 4:45 Saturday morning because it was very important to me that we arrived in Starkville in time to see the team walk into the stadium at 9:30, and even though about half of you rolled your eyes when you read that last little phrase, please don’t judge me because I believe that it has been well-established that I have some obsessive issues where MSU sports are concerned.
So we left the house around 6:10 (OH YES MA’AM), and you’ll never guess where we made our first stop of the day:
We actually saw another State fan there, and as we left the Starbucks parking lot I honked my horn at him in a show of solidarity, and he wasn’t COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT by the two crazy sisters OR ANYTHING.
We made great time traveling to Starkville, and after we parked the car we began what felt like a six-mile hike to The Junction. But I did stop and snap this picture for the internets – because it was an absolutely gorgeous day.
I mean, nothing says “SEC FOOTBALL” like a ginormous water tank that’s been emblazoned with the school logo.
It brings a tear to mine eye.
Once we made it to The Junction, we stood on a corner while Sister called her hubby and said, “LOOK ON THE GAMEDAY CAM! LOOK ON THE GAMEDAY CAM! YOU CAN SEE US ON THE GAMEDAY CAM!” but he couldn’t find the link on his computer, so we pretty much just stood there looking like this, never stopping to think that THE LARGE TREE IN FRONT OF US would have completely blocked us from the gameday cam’s view:
See? Perfectly uncrazy.
This particular picture actually convinced me that I need to go with a bolder lipstick color, and if my car hadn’t been parked approximately forty-five miles away from where we were standing, I would have run down to the Walgreens and picked me up a sort of rich burgundy color. But that is neither here nor there.
And fortunately, the outcome of the game was not dependent on whether or not my lipstick color effectively balanced out my paleness.
I think we can all thank the good Lord for that.
Also, maybe I need to find me some EVEN BIGGER sunglasses for the next game. Maybe some that will just go ahead and COVER MY WHOLE FACE ONE TIME.
Ya think?
So we made our way to the Dog Walk (OH, I ADORE PROMPTNESS) and waited for the team while Sister rang her cowbell for about thirty minutes straight.
She actually had a cowbell-related injury Sunday morning – a bit of tendonitis, we believe – but winning takes commitment, people, and Sister was determined to ring that bell for the long haul.
In fact, I can still hear it ringing in my left ear. Even now. Two days later. In the privacy of my own home.
And look! The band!
I’m telling you: I love me a marching band. I especially love me a marching band that plays “Hail, State” four or twenty-six times in a row.
Right after the band and the team finished the Dog Walk, we ran smack into my freshman roommate Amanda and her family. Amanda still looks exactly like she did in high school, but since I love her I just call on the name of Jesus to wipe out any stronghold of bitterness that threatens to take root in my ever-aging heart.
Amen.
My sophomore roommate (and frequent bloggy commenter) Daphne was there, too; in fact, she is the person responsible for making sure we had tickets for the game. Even though I talk to Daphne all the time on the phone, it’s still quite a treat to be able to see her LIVE AND IN PERSON so that we can look at each other while we’re laughing. Because we make each other laugh a lot. Which is why we weren’t always very, um, constructive with our time management when we were roommates. Because we were too busy laughing. And not studying. For many hours in a row.
We headed back over to Daphne’s family’s tailgate because we were a bit hungry what with waking up at 4:45 and all, and after eating about fourteen pigs in a blanket (COME ON, NOW) I saw my friend Lea Margaret. Sister and I got to visit with her for a long time, and I’m sure you’ll be shocked to know that I took a picture of her and her adorable little boy, too.
I just love her to pieces. She really is the most Southern person I have ever known in my whole life ever, and yes, that even includes my mother-in-law.
That’s quite a feat, my friends.
Right after we said goodbye to Lea Margaret I was ready to get to our seats, seeing as how it was about 45 minutes from kick-off and WHAT IF WE MISSED SOMETHING IMPORTANT, LIKE WARM-UPS?
That would’ve been horrible.
The first half of the game was fairly uneventful until the greatest interception in the history of all time ever, at which point I picked up my camera and started clicking away, screaming like a crazy woman all the while.
I think you’ll be totally impressed with the results and agree that I have quite the future in sports journalism.
Yeah. No idea what’s going on in either of those.
But still. It was awesome.
The band performed their patriotic show during halftime, and I don’t think there was a dry eye anywhere around us as the band and choir paid tribute to each branch of the armed services. They also performed “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which is pretty much a sure thing in terms of making me want to lie down and bawl my eyes out.
The second half of the game was completely nerve-wracking, but the Bulldogs held on. And when the last seconds finally ticked off the clock, Sister and I were somewhat incredulous because OH MY WORD, WE ACTUALLY WON THE GAME!
As you can see, I have my hair pulled back off my face. No flippy, cute-sy hairstyle for me. No ma’am. I was ALL BUSINESS, people.
And then I took more random pictures of unidentifiable masses of people.
MAD. SKILLZ.
But here’s the best picture of all:
We stayed in the stadium for about twenty minutes after the game, and I’m telling y’all: it was the most fun ever. D, my brother, and my daddy all called once the game was over, and since I couldn’t hear anything, I’d just hold up the phone and let them listen to the cowbells.
Keep in mind that my brother graduated from Ole Miss. But the sound of the cowbells didn’t make him throw up or anything, so we were really proud of him.
A couple of hours later we hiked back to the car so that we wouldn’t be too late getting home. As we were leaving campus Sister looked to her right, saw rows of tents still set up for tailgating and said, “Oh, that would be a great picture.”
I love that place so much.
Win or lose.
Go ‘Dogs.
I’m first to comment, and I have to say (loudly), “GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I was SO excited, and I wish I’d been there. Thanks so much for posting the pictures! I wish I’d gone to the Bama game instead of the Tennessee game! But I, like you, love that place, win or lose. Glad you guys had a great time! My brother went to the game also, and he couldn’t talk at all on Sunday. :)
I love that you get as excited about football as I do. This post makes you one of my favorite people of all time.
And let me be the first to say – I hope the Dawgs “Croom” us (AR) next Saturday so we can get a new coach. Please beat us! I think you make it happen!
Wow! That was a great post! Made me all excited about football and everything, which is quite a feat, seeing as how I…well…don’t really like football!
But, hey, I’ll root for the DAWGS, seeing as how I don’t have any other team to root for!
(Can I call that fanmanship by association?)
One of the beautiful phenomena of living in the South…being all starched and ironed, full face of make-up on, fully coiffed and accessorized…for a football game. :0) Isn’t it the greatest?!
Ok, Boomama, I just can’t say all that I want to say about this fantabulous job of “recap” I’ve ever read. I can’t tell you all the things I laughed at. Every sentence was well orchestrated my friend. I do believe I was there on this trip with you after reading this. Oh, and the laughter!!
Can I save this permanently to read again and again?? Just too, too funny. I really do hope Sisters tendonitis is better today. Priceless. The whole dern thing. Priceless.
I feel like I’ve been to a State game after reading this! LOL! You and your sis are beautiful!
as sad as it makes me for my team, I’m very happy for you ;0)
Now that is kindness right there.
Blessings,
Karla
I begged you to crop my looking-like-a-4:45-a.m.-wake-up-call self out of those photos.
Lord have mercy on ME.
This post had me grinning from ear to ear. Your happiness radiated all through this.
I cracked myself up. I kept looking at Sister’s cowbell, and wondering what UX meant. I thought it might be some different way of signifying an alumanae…an ex… of some sort…then it hit me. It was Chi Omega upside down. That made me smile – a lot.
This is such a cute and funny post.I worked off some stress with laughing.Even though I have no affiliation with State (I am a UT fan to the core-Hook Em Horns) it almost makes me love your Dogs too. It also reminds me of Friday nights here in our small town, where high school football is king. We love our Moguls, we’re 10-0 this season, ranked 4th in the state, headed to the play offs,and since my little brother is a senior all this just makes my heart want to burst with pride! I may have to do a post like this at a playoff game!
Oh Boomama, I can’t believe I was sick and missed the whole deal. You did a great job of what MSU is like. Total Glory..Rock On Dogs!!!My daughter is a Chi Omega there. My other two daughters and I were Kappa Deltas but we love her just the same.I am glad you had so much fun and you looked precious..I am right there with ya on the lipstick..IT can make or break us on those days when we need Mr. Color the most!
Aaack! You have it all wrong! It’s “GO AUBURN!” “WAR EAGLE” and such. Someone gave you the wrong tickets by mistake. :)
I know nothing about American foootball, but I can identify with all your excitement because I am the world’s most enthusiastic rugby fan! I can just see what a great day you and Sister had!
Oh Sister — you are beautiful!! What are you talking about??
THANKS for sharing — that sounded like major F.U.N. Great girls day out.
Love the Chi O cow bell! Nice touch! As a LSU tiger fan, I must say I am VERY happy for your team! Geaux Dawgs!
I’m glad your team won. Pray ours does two on the 24th.
Mama Bear
This is why I love your blog. I’m not a college football fan at all but just reding that made me feel like I was a fan…or at least wanted to be :) That’s a happy kinda post.
That’s called gooooood writin’
I’m glad you had such a great day!
Was the choir singing as well during half time? Oh the memories. I love the shades!! I just love the recap. We missed the team cominging when we went, but not the band. I got my dear children right up front to see the greatness that is the Famous Maroon Band.
Thanks for the pictures and account of the game. I miss going to football games at State! Looks like they’ve improved the Junction area a bit. It was still Malfunction Junction when I was there and cars were crashing everywhere. LOL Now if you had just gone to Obi’s and gotten some cheese dip and a roast beef sandwich, the experience would have been complete. Wonder where my cowbell is…
BTW, I was in the choir when I was there and the patriotic half time show was always so cool to participate in. Everyone cheering and all that. We always wanted to turn around and watch what was going on behind us with the huge flag and all that, but our choir director didn’t like that much…
Sophie,
It’s been a while since I’ve stopped by—been so busy college hunting with my “Senior…grew up way too fast” son!
Congrats to your Bulldogs for a great victory! We both had a good weekend…my Dawgs (GA) beat Auburn!!! Sic ’em!
Hope all is well!
Tracey
so, who is the chi o–you or sister? off topic, but i got together with old birmingham roomates this weekend and we talked birmingham food. go figure! : )
wow. those sunglasses. wow.
Unfortunately, I live West of the Mississippi, and North of the Mason Dixon line, so my college team (CU Boulder) sucks. Oh, well. Like you, I’ll tip my hat to you in love and praise God for taking every last drop of my bitterness away. Really. I will.
What a great re-cap. You both looked fab! How did your brother end up at Ole Miss?
So, just out of curiosity, do all XOs there make a cowbell with the crest and letters? Sorta like making your paddles as a pledge (which did you know they are no longer allowed to do? my little sister had to make me an “owl board”, and that was almost 10 years ago.)? So glad y’all had a good time!!
That was an AWESOME recap. I just love ya sister!!!
“….but since I love her I just call on the name of Jesus to wipe out any stronghold of bitterness that threatens to take root in my ever-aging heart….” ROLLING on the floor laughing with that one.
I do hope Sister is recovering from her tendonitis.
I’m just thrilled that y’all had so much fun!
Can I just say that I love that you’re such a loyal fan! I think that says good things about you.
Oh, and I have those same sunglasses!
So, I’ve been reading your blogs for a little while now. I was intrigued by your love for SEC football (I’m a student at Auburn), and all things of God… including the South ;) I came across this jewelry designer recently and thought you might want to take a look. The pieces are really unique and SO pretty! http://lisaleonard.blogspot.com/ I’m putting some of these on my Christmas wish list!
Have you heard the awesomely positive stuff Coach Croom said about Mississippi? I may have graduated from Ole Miss, but every time I hear him, I want to stand up, cheer and yell, “YES, SON. YES!!!” :)
You are just so cute.
Even though I am an U of AR grad I was so excited to see that MSU won. I love for the under’dogs’ to win. I also really like your coach and want to see him do well. However, this weekend I will be pulling for the Hogs. I feel sorry for our boys. They started the season with such high hopes. I think Darren McFadden is out of the race for the Heisman but he’s a really neat kid and I want to see him and his teammates do well. And yes, I will be at the game with my makeup on, big sunglasses and appropriate accessories! I suppose it is a southern thing…
Whooo dawgies!
I just froze my husband’s laptop when I grabbed it out of his hands and turned it upside down to see if Sister’s cowbell was IN FACT a Chi-O cowbell. I thought I loved y’all…and now I know for sure.
At least she and the cowbell looked beautiful as the tendinitis came on.
Mercy, BooMama, I was so excited to read about your day–and then I saw the Chi O cowbell! Am I really sisters with your sister?! That’s practically family!
Chi O love and mine!
I am sitting here reading this blog. And I am in awe that another female loves football as much as I do.
I cheer for Norte Dame.
Win or lose. It is tradition.
I wish I could attend one of their games.
You were looking WAY CUTE for a football game and the sunglasses are DIVINE on you.
OK, I must confess…Bama fan that I am… I lived in Starkville when I was younger and my Mom worked at State. I then grew up in Mississippi and was a Bulldog lover. My husband converted me into a Bama fan (and I’ll love ’em, win or lose, coaching changes and all til I die) but I still. love. them. Dogs.
Can I get a little more cowbell, please?
:-) From one SEC-addicted-woman-to-another… Congrats Boomama!
Nothing makes me smile more than to see Alabama go down. What a great game!
It was a great game….and that is hard for me to say since I am as crazy a Hog fan as you are a State fan! Your team has me a little nervous about Saturday. My beloved Hogs have the best 2 running backs in college and can’t seem to get it together, but win or lose I will be one of thousands of fans tailgating at 8am! Oh, and I will remember to wear a darker lipstick! Thanks for the tip! I can so relate to you!!!
I’m still sick we didn’t get to meet. Unfortunately Big D doesn’t share the same promptness that Sister does. I looked at my Dad at one point in the game and said “There is just no place on the earth I would rather be than right here.” I totally meant it — he got a huge kick out of that!Bowl Game Trip Anyone?
Excellent pics by the way. Made me sooooooo wish to be back there again!
Ouch – a cowbell injury! Sister did some mighty fine ringing. No offense Georgia fans (because Athens is a beautiful place and you CREAMED us), but as we left Athens we were “barked” at…. I would much rather ring a cowbell in victory than have to bark at the other fans. A sore arm seems like nothing compared to the throat injuries that could occur! :)
Wow, I can feel the excitement just by reading your post! Glad you had a good time AND that your team won! :-D
My mother was a majorette at State and my brother and I grew up going to the games – I love this post! Thanks for sharing!
“I laughed out loud!” – Christie :-)
So enjoyed the recap! My DH is a high school football coach and our team is….drumroll, please… The Bulldogs!
So glad you had a great game! (our season went down the drain a while back!)
Girl, even though I cannot understand your football obessions, I think you are so cute!! You must make your husband a very happy man!! =) I’m glad to see you had such a good time! I loved seeing all your pics
How fun! I sure enjoyed looking at all the pictures you posted. Thanks for sharing!
I’m humbled to have to admit just how much I loved all of this, despite the picture of the scoreboard… I almost wish I had been there ringing a cowbell, sitting beside you. Although I probably wouldn’t like the sure consequences, which would include being disowned by my family. Glad to hear you and Sister had such a wonderful time!
My kids (my daughter is a student) both said that they have never seen the entire crowd (at least the BUlldog nation) stay in the stadium celebrating with the band for that long after a game. No one wanted to leave! You are so right, theres no place quite like it, and I have been to games at Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Vandy and Georgia. I guess I’m biased. The kids sat with some of their high school friends who are BIG Bama fans, who made the mistake of critizing to my daughters face, the cowbells. Bad move, as she spent the rest of the game doggedly (pun intended) ringing hers in their ear (they were sitting in front of her). Revenge is sweet, no?!!
First things first, Sunglasses: to. die. for.
Secondly, my husband looked at me incredulously when I asked him to click on over to espn.com to check the State/Bama game. I am not much of a football fan, but had to check the score knowin’ you were there!
Anything worth doing is worth obsessing over.
I was there, too! And I love your “take” on everything! I have to admit I wanted to snap some pics after that first TD, too, but somehow didn’t. Maybe because I was jumping around and screaming like a madwoman, while trying not to launch my sleeping 10 week old out of the sling I was wearing. It was such a fun game.
Go Dogs!
Oh that was fun to read. I’m happy you had such a good time and took so many pictures to share with us. And that your boys won!!! Makes it even sweeter.
And I have to mention that I think it’s hilarious that practically the only thing on Sister’s blogger profile is that she’s BooMama’s sister. And that’s she lives in the South, of course. : )
My son Jason and his wife Patti were also at the game. Did you see them? He called us at the end so we could hear the cowbells and the ensuing mania. Go Dawgs!
Is that Paris & Nicole? Why no, its BooMama & Sister!
I like sunglasses that cover, too. The skin around the eyes is delicate, you know.
Oh how I hated that game! But, alas, you can’t win them all. I think our players heads were up their butts instead of in the game, but oh well, LOL.
Congrats on the game and ROLLLL TIDE!!!!