I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I think I watched as much football this past weekend as was humanly possible... I was home for 4 days, and I think there was a game on the entire time I was there. I love rivalry week! However, I think I am the only person in the state of South Carolina who didn't care one way or the other about the Clemson-Carolina game. My mom's side of the family is diehard Clemson, while my dad's side of the family is diehard Carolina. I grew up in a Citadel house, though, so I never really favored either. Of course, I did watch the game, and since I have come to just adore Dabo, I was pleased to see a Clemson win.
While the Clemson game was on, my dad and I flipped back and forth to the first round I-AA playoff game between Appalachian State and SC State. I know I'm supposed to support the SoCon even when my teams aren't in the playoffs, but I just have such a problem cheering for App. I can't do it. Plus, I think SC State's coach is just precious and always so jolly looking (I'm seeing a trend here... ha!), so I was hoping the bulldogs would pull an amazing upset. It looked like they had a chance for a while, but they just couldn't hold on. I guess I have to be a good SoCon fan and be an App fan for the rest of the playoffs now. I just don't like the sound of that!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Verrrry nice little weekend
This was my first weekend in a LONG time when I had nothing to work on for school. Absolutely nothing, and it was glorious. Between Nov 13 and Nov 20, I had turned in over 80 pages of papers, and I was ready to not have any work to do until finals in a couple of weeks. Of course, I made work for myself, but I didn't HAVE to do anything. I cleaned my whole house, rearranged my bedroom, did about 8 million loads of laundry, grocery shopped, read a book (that's the real shocker right there), got my oil changed, and got 2 brand new shiny tires on my car (Happy birthday, Dad... I'm broke, you're paying for those tires you suggested I get). Oh, and I watched a couple of football games. Pretty ugly games, as a matter of fact.
The Furman-Wofford game was on tv, so I got to watch my Paladins get trampled 35-10. I really have nothing to say, other than it was ugly, and my upstairs neighbor probably now thinks I have Tourette's. Oh well. It was the end of a disappointing season for Furman, but from what I hear, it could also be the beginning of a new era for Furman football. I'll just leave it at that.
Meanwhile, The Citadel was playing at Florida. It was on Pay-per-View, but when I tried to order it before the game started, it said it was too early to order it. Then, when the game had started, it didn't even give me the option of ordering it. Thus, I went to my last resort, the ESPN game tracker. I kinda wish I hadn't. Although I had no sound to tell me what was going on, the score said plenty. 49-6 at the half, and 70-19 total. Granted, it wasn't just Florida--it was #3 in the country Florida--but it's still painful to see that. Normally in these "money games", The Citadel does well in the first half but sputters out in the 2nd since they don't have nearly the depth as bigger teams do. I was at least glad to see them pull out some good plays in the 2nd half. Like Furman, this was the end of a disappointing season, but it's always a tough road in the SoCon. I expect the program will only go up from here.
The Furman-Wofford game was on tv, so I got to watch my Paladins get trampled 35-10. I really have nothing to say, other than it was ugly, and my upstairs neighbor probably now thinks I have Tourette's. Oh well. It was the end of a disappointing season for Furman, but from what I hear, it could also be the beginning of a new era for Furman football. I'll just leave it at that.
Meanwhile, The Citadel was playing at Florida. It was on Pay-per-View, but when I tried to order it before the game started, it said it was too early to order it. Then, when the game had started, it didn't even give me the option of ordering it. Thus, I went to my last resort, the ESPN game tracker. I kinda wish I hadn't. Although I had no sound to tell me what was going on, the score said plenty. 49-6 at the half, and 70-19 total. Granted, it wasn't just Florida--it was #3 in the country Florida--but it's still painful to see that. Normally in these "money games", The Citadel does well in the first half but sputters out in the 2nd since they don't have nearly the depth as bigger teams do. I was at least glad to see them pull out some good plays in the 2nd half. Like Furman, this was the end of a disappointing season, but it's always a tough road in the SoCon. I expect the program will only go up from here.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Rainy little Saturday
I love football in the rain. I don't know why, but ever since the Furman-Wofford game in 2002 (now referred to as Mud Bowl '02), where it poured and poured and poured, I just love to see games played in the rain--and mud. However, I generally like to be prepared for the rain and have a way to get home other than on foot if it rains.... no such luck on Saturday. As I headed out to walk to the stadium for the Citadel-ETSU game, I remembered the forecasts for rain, so I went to grab a raincoat. Oh wait, do I own a rain coat? Nope. Refusing to be that person that has the umbrella blocking everyone's view of the game and looking up at the beautiful sky, I decided to chance it. Well, I clearly made the wrong decision (I'm seeing a frightening trend here...), as it rained pretty much throughout the whole second half. I don't leave football games early, especially if it's a close game, so I pretty much got soaked... and then had to walk home in the rain too. It was so worth it though, as the second half was really exciting. I'll spare you the play-by-play, but there were lots of great plays, lots of turnovers, and a last-minute Bulldog win! I was so excited for the guys for their homecoming win. It was a great final home game for the seinors. Next week they're headed to the Swamp, so I'm not so optimistic, but perhaps the rainy game prepared them for the swamp-like conditions? ;)
Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, Furman suffered a loss to conference rival Georgia Southern. I forgot it was on TV and didn't record it, but apparently I should be glad I didn't get to see any of it. Furman really needed to win out to maintain playoff hopes, so I think post-season play is pretty much out of the question now. I hate it for them, as what I've been hearing is that the problems on Saturday were not quality of play, but of play-calling. Lots of people are starting to talk about Furman's need for a new coach, but I'll stay out of that one... at least in writing. The Paladins will play at Wofford next week, and although the playoffs aren't in reach anymore, I'd love to see them get one more win.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, Furman suffered a loss to conference rival Georgia Southern. I forgot it was on TV and didn't record it, but apparently I should be glad I didn't get to see any of it. Furman really needed to win out to maintain playoff hopes, so I think post-season play is pretty much out of the question now. I hate it for them, as what I've been hearing is that the problems on Saturday were not quality of play, but of play-calling. Lots of people are starting to talk about Furman's need for a new coach, but I'll stay out of that one... at least in writing. The Paladins will play at Wofford next week, and although the playoffs aren't in reach anymore, I'd love to see them get one more win.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Oh, the irony...
Not a whole lot to report about this past weekend's football. Furman had an open week, and The Citadel suffered a heartbreaking loss at Wofford. The SoCon is known for close games and exciting finishes, but I'd love to see the bulldogs end up on top after these "SoCon Finishes". I hope Homecoming this weekend will have a better outcome.
Anyway, on to the irony. I love my dog, as you all got a glimpse of Wednesday in class. However, as I was in class telling you all about how wonderful shelter dogs are, Champ was at home tearing his way out of his crate. He has (well, had...) a nice, expensive travel crate that is made out of a durable canvas. It was perfect for traveling on the weekends because it folded up and fit easily into my car. Champ never really had any problems being in there (he'd go in there on his own to take naps sometimes), but I guess I've been leaving him home alone a little more than he liked lately so he decided to rebel. He just ripped a huge hole in the front of the crate and escaped. I got home and thought it was really cute how Champ greeted me at the door... until I realized he should have been in his crate. Luckily, he really does ok loose in the house by himself, so it wasn't a big problem.
I left him out in the house on Thursday, and on Friday I went to buy a new crate. Stupidly, I shelled out another $120 for the SAME exact crate. Afterall, the holidays are coming up, and I really loved how easy it was to travel with that crate. Plus, Champ gets a little apprehensive in metal cages after his shelter days, so I would hate to bring any of that back. Well, needless to say, getting another canvas crate was a bad decision. I left him crated for a couple of hours on Saturday morning, and he was there to greet me at the door again when I got home. I wanted to be angry, but the only one I could blame was myself. So I guess I'll be shopping for another crate this week... but I've wised up and will go for a tradtional crate this time. I'll be accepting donations in class on Wednesday for anyone who would like to contribute to the cause. ;)
Anyway, on to the irony. I love my dog, as you all got a glimpse of Wednesday in class. However, as I was in class telling you all about how wonderful shelter dogs are, Champ was at home tearing his way out of his crate. He has (well, had...) a nice, expensive travel crate that is made out of a durable canvas. It was perfect for traveling on the weekends because it folded up and fit easily into my car. Champ never really had any problems being in there (he'd go in there on his own to take naps sometimes), but I guess I've been leaving him home alone a little more than he liked lately so he decided to rebel. He just ripped a huge hole in the front of the crate and escaped. I got home and thought it was really cute how Champ greeted me at the door... until I realized he should have been in his crate. Luckily, he really does ok loose in the house by himself, so it wasn't a big problem.
I left him out in the house on Thursday, and on Friday I went to buy a new crate. Stupidly, I shelled out another $120 for the SAME exact crate. Afterall, the holidays are coming up, and I really loved how easy it was to travel with that crate. Plus, Champ gets a little apprehensive in metal cages after his shelter days, so I would hate to bring any of that back. Well, needless to say, getting another canvas crate was a bad decision. I left him crated for a couple of hours on Saturday morning, and he was there to greet me at the door again when I got home. I wanted to be angry, but the only one I could blame was myself. So I guess I'll be shopping for another crate this week... but I've wised up and will go for a tradtional crate this time. I'll be accepting donations in class on Wednesday for anyone who would like to contribute to the cause. ;)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Heartbreaking little Saturday
If you've ever met my dad, you know that he loves all things Citadel, and he is an especially big fan of Citadel football. We've had season tickets ever since I can remember, and he rarely misses a game. This season he decided he wanted to bring some friends down for a game so that they could get a glimpse into one of his favorite things. In fact, he went all out, buying a suite for the Georgia Southern game so that he and his friends could enjoy the game from the best seats in the house. We had a full house in the suite with my parents, about 6 other couples, my sister, and a friend of hers. The food was excellent (never thought I'd say that abut Aramark, but oh well), and we all had a great time. I just wish the game had turned out differently.
The Bulldogs got of to a great start, with the defense scoring first on a safety. A touchdown a few minutes later put them up 9-0. Georgia Southern answered with a touchdown quickly, and then both teams scored again before the half, leaving a half time score of 16-14 in favor of The Citadel. The teams answered each other's scores throughout the second half, ending regulation tied at 24. The teams battled it out through three overtimes before Georgia Southern ultimately came on out top, 44-41. It was a hard-fought game for the Bulldogs, and I hated to see them lose another one. I don't know many people on the team anymore, but it's hard to see the ones I do know look so disappointed after such a hard game. I know they worked so hard and wanted the win so badly. They're still on the quest for win #450, and I hope to see them make that milestone this season, either at Wofford next week or at their next home game, which just happens to be Homecoming.
Furman traveled to Samford on Saturday and also played a close game, barely edging out the (other) Bulldogs 28-27 after blocking the potentially game-tying PAT late in the 4th quarter. The Paladins have an open week next week, and with The Citadel away, I'll have the weekend to just relax at home... or more likely tackle the massive amounts of work I have due in the next couple of weeks! It's starting not to sound like such a nice little Saturday afterall!
The Bulldogs got of to a great start, with the defense scoring first on a safety. A touchdown a few minutes later put them up 9-0. Georgia Southern answered with a touchdown quickly, and then both teams scored again before the half, leaving a half time score of 16-14 in favor of The Citadel. The teams answered each other's scores throughout the second half, ending regulation tied at 24. The teams battled it out through three overtimes before Georgia Southern ultimately came on out top, 44-41. It was a hard-fought game for the Bulldogs, and I hated to see them lose another one. I don't know many people on the team anymore, but it's hard to see the ones I do know look so disappointed after such a hard game. I know they worked so hard and wanted the win so badly. They're still on the quest for win #450, and I hope to see them make that milestone this season, either at Wofford next week or at their next home game, which just happens to be Homecoming.
Furman traveled to Samford on Saturday and also played a close game, barely edging out the (other) Bulldogs 28-27 after blocking the potentially game-tying PAT late in the 4th quarter. The Paladins have an open week next week, and with The Citadel away, I'll have the weekend to just relax at home... or more likely tackle the massive amounts of work I have due in the next couple of weeks! It's starting not to sound like such a nice little Saturday afterall!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Surprise!
Back in June, my two best friends decided that they were going to train to run a half marathon in October. At first, I definitely had my doubts. One of them, Jessie, runs regularly, but I've never known her to run more than a 10k (not that that's anything to take lightly!). The other, Reggie, was a 6'1", 275 lb offensive lineman who had never run beyond what was required for practice. However, they definitely surprised me with their commitment to training, so I decided to surprise them by going to Greenville for the race on Saturday. The race was at 8am, and since I wasn't able to drive up on Friday night, I left Charleston at 4:15am to get there in time. It was SO worth the early wakeup call, though. They were so surprised to see me and very thankful that I was there to support them.
I have never been to any big races before, as I'm clearly not a runner, but the event was really neat. There was a kids' run, a 5k, half marathon, and full marathon. All of the runs started outside the Greenville Drive baseball stadium, and the finish line was right behind home plate. After the start, I went into the stadium to watch runners from the shorter races finish. It was so cool to watch people cross that finish line. There were kids and grandparents, the clearly experienced runners and not-so-experienced walkers, and lots of groups of friends, all of whom were so excited about their accomplishments. And the support from everyone was amazing. Everyone got to the finish line met with applause, cheers, and smiling faces to greet them.
Just before the 2 hour mark, I saw Reggie enter the stadium and come around the field towards the finish line. His goal had been to finish within 2 hours, and he crossed the line in an hour and 58 minutes! He hung around the finish line to meet Jessie when she finished not too much later. I have never been so proud of my friends. I mean seriously... a half marathon... that's amazing. I was so happy I got to be there to see it, and it was a truly inspirational day. Blogger doesn't want to let me add pictures, but you can see my album from the event here.
On the football front, both "my" teams had tough days this week. The Citadel lost at Samford, and I just hate it for the guys. Their next win will be the program's 450th win, and I would love to see them reach that mileston Saturday at home in front of their own fans. Furman lost a tough one at Appalachian State, too. It was close most of the game, and in the 4th quarter the Paladins were within a touchdown. However, App scored one more touchdown, and my Furman boys just couldn't get it done in time. Not a good weekend for me in football, but I'm looking for a pair of wins next Saturday!
I have never been to any big races before, as I'm clearly not a runner, but the event was really neat. There was a kids' run, a 5k, half marathon, and full marathon. All of the runs started outside the Greenville Drive baseball stadium, and the finish line was right behind home plate. After the start, I went into the stadium to watch runners from the shorter races finish. It was so cool to watch people cross that finish line. There were kids and grandparents, the clearly experienced runners and not-so-experienced walkers, and lots of groups of friends, all of whom were so excited about their accomplishments. And the support from everyone was amazing. Everyone got to the finish line met with applause, cheers, and smiling faces to greet them.
Just before the 2 hour mark, I saw Reggie enter the stadium and come around the field towards the finish line. His goal had been to finish within 2 hours, and he crossed the line in an hour and 58 minutes! He hung around the finish line to meet Jessie when she finished not too much later. I have never been so proud of my friends. I mean seriously... a half marathon... that's amazing. I was so happy I got to be there to see it, and it was a truly inspirational day. Blogger doesn't want to let me add pictures, but you can see my album from the event here.
On the football front, both "my" teams had tough days this week. The Citadel lost at Samford, and I just hate it for the guys. Their next win will be the program's 450th win, and I would love to see them reach that mileston Saturday at home in front of their own fans. Furman lost a tough one at Appalachian State, too. It was close most of the game, and in the 4th quarter the Paladins were within a touchdown. However, App scored one more touchdown, and my Furman boys just couldn't get it done in time. Not a good weekend for me in football, but I'm looking for a pair of wins next Saturday!
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Bittersweet Win
Well, Saturday was the day I'd been waiting for all season... Furman vs. The Citadel. I drove up on Saturday morning in time to tailgate with friends for a while before meeting my parents (diehard Citadel fans) for lunch at the Citadel alumni tailgate. My purple "FU" shirt didn't go over too well, but they were all gracious hosts... and the barbeque was delicious! When I went into the game, I found out that one of my best friends had made a suprise trip to the game during her fall break. She's in grad school in St. Louis, so she doesn't make her way back here often. It was a wondeful surprise!
I knew going into this week that if both teams brought their "A-game" it was going to be anyone's game. This has been especially true in recent years, making for some pretty exciting football. I could tell early on that the bulldogs had not brought their A-game, and the paladins definitely had. Furman had built up a pretty sizeable lead by the 4th quarter, and although they made quite an effort, The Citadel just never caught up. Of course, I was thrilled for a Furman win, especially after last year's crazy game that ended up in a loss for the paladins. However, it really was pretty bittersweet. Because I'm a few years out of Furman and I tutored athletes at The Citadel for a while, I know more Citadel players than Furman players these days. Seeing such disappointment on the bulldog players' faces almost made me wish the game had turned out differently. I always enjoy some good banter/smack talk with Citadel players in the weeks before the game, and I was excited to finally have my bragging rights back... but I can't even bring myself to gloat this time.
Furman moved up to #18 (or #19, depending on which poll you see), and The Citadel is out of the top 25 on all polls. Regardless, the bulldogs have a great team with the potential to finish the season stong, and I look forward to the remaining home games and seeing how the season turns out. Next week Furman is at Appalachian (fresh after an upset... lord help us!), and The Citadel will travel to Samford. I'm taking the weekend off from football, but I do have some top secret plans that should be a lot of fun... more on that next week!
I knew going into this week that if both teams brought their "A-game" it was going to be anyone's game. This has been especially true in recent years, making for some pretty exciting football. I could tell early on that the bulldogs had not brought their A-game, and the paladins definitely had. Furman had built up a pretty sizeable lead by the 4th quarter, and although they made quite an effort, The Citadel just never caught up. Of course, I was thrilled for a Furman win, especially after last year's crazy game that ended up in a loss for the paladins. However, it really was pretty bittersweet. Because I'm a few years out of Furman and I tutored athletes at The Citadel for a while, I know more Citadel players than Furman players these days. Seeing such disappointment on the bulldog players' faces almost made me wish the game had turned out differently. I always enjoy some good banter/smack talk with Citadel players in the weeks before the game, and I was excited to finally have my bragging rights back... but I can't even bring myself to gloat this time.
Furman moved up to #18 (or #19, depending on which poll you see), and The Citadel is out of the top 25 on all polls. Regardless, the bulldogs have a great team with the potential to finish the season stong, and I look forward to the remaining home games and seeing how the season turns out. Next week Furman is at Appalachian (fresh after an upset... lord help us!), and The Citadel will travel to Samford. I'm taking the weekend off from football, but I do have some top secret plans that should be a lot of fun... more on that next week!
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