discoveries | stadium diaries

One party foul from the weekend: Driving through campus to find a tailgating spot, I recognized this girl walking on sorority row. She had memorable facial features then and she still did. I saw her and immediately gasped to the entire car, "She's STILL here?? Oh my gosh." Only to have Allie bring me back to Earth saying, "Em, you're here right now. She's here to visit, too." How did my mind completely lapse in that moment. Weird. And sorry to the random girl that I accused for a 7th-year Senior. 

Life has moved on a little more than one might have thought. Last weekend, the crew made a pilgrimage back to our old stomping grounds. We drove down to Tallahassee to take in the Florida State vs. Clemson game. Allie was, of course, a champ at corn hole, the Seminole tattoos were still rocking and I remembered the entire fight song. 

Being a Southern Wonderlister football season is a staple for me. It's influence has changed shape over the years but it has always been a constant. As a little girl, watching college football on Saturday afternoon was a chance to get family together and cook out. In high school Friday night was the feature, spending hours on the cold bleachers waving a pom pom for my varsity team. Then in college, it was the real experience. Student section, ticket lotteries and 'Nole gear most Saturdays. Now, almost 3 years after it has changed once again. It is a love for the team and the school colors, for the memories, for the endzone full of young, wild and free's. But I'm older than most everyone suited up in pads and helmets and definitely much older than the daisy duke, bandeau top babes coming from their dorms. It's an odd feeling, friends.

Learning to bask in the new-ness while still cherishing the old is a skill that must be refined. I'm learning.

Don't Leave Without |

Playing a game of corn-hole. A fun, non-athletic, team game that we can all enjoy with a brew in our hand.

Singing your school's fight song. Yes, you can remember it if you really try. It will immediately take you back to your college years.

Hugging your college friends and reminding them how much they meant and mean to you. A little wink or side-hug is all you need to say, "hey, you made this experience meaningful to me."

Remember to |

Take photos! Don't leave without taking advantage of classic photo ops. The senior-year roommate photo needs a remake at an alumni game.



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