Bowl Game Trip SLASH Why I love Carolina

White Horse came to pick us up at 6am the day after Christmas. Waking up was no problem -- I had been up since 2 because I found out my best friend got ENGAGED!! (Which, if you know us, basically means I got engaged. I'll let her wear the GORGEOUS ring though.) Trying to sleep on the train was like a kid trying to sleep on Christmas Eve -- the excitment just makes it impossible.
We arrived in Charlotte and as soon as we walk in our hotel I see Deunta Williams. OH.MY.GOSH. So I call my brother over and tell him and we jump up and down and scream like little girls. Next thing I know THE ENTIRE TEAM is coming down the escalator. I could have gone back to Raleigh after that. It was amazing. Butch said "Merry Christmas" and "Go Heels" and I talked to Greg Little. (Actually I sort of stalked and pointed and said, "There's GREG!!" and he proceeded to come over and shake my hand and say "Whats up, How are you?" -- Again, could have gone home then).
We then went to lunch at this precious restaurant called Zinc. The food was delicious -- Daddy got some random beer and Lis and I split a bottle of wine (GAME DAY!). After lunch, we went back to the hotel where they were doing the equivalent of the "Old Well Walk" through the hotel. The team came through and high fived everyone. When TJ walked by Lisa yelled, "WE LOVE YOU TJ" and I honestly don't think I've ever seen someone look happier. Poor TJ has had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Everyone is giving him such a hard time when 2 years ago 2 eight win seasons in a row seemed impossible. But anyway, I digress. Back to the story. This is the part of the story that reaffirms my faith in athletics, gives me chills, and reminds me why I love my university more than anything. Marvin Austin came through on the Old Well walk, sunglasses on, per usual, but he was sobbing. SOBBING. I have never seen a guy cry so much in my life. If there was every any doubt he was leaving, it exited my body when I saw him. But can you blame him? And the fact that he loves Carolina enough to sob and visibly shake when he thinks about playing his last game, gives me CHILLS. Thank you, Marvin Austin, for reminding me why I love Carolina and college sports. You will be missed.

(What's Supposed to be the) Monday Morning Review

I took Monday off after a busy weekend in Charlotte so the Monday morning review is coming a bit late today. I will just talk about sports here and about the actual bowl trip (along with Christmas, why I love Carolina, etc, in a later post). Carolina football lost a CLOSE one to Pitt in the Meineke Car Care Bowl Saturday. Carolina lost 19-17. Pitt's a really good team and it was a very exciting game, albeit heartbreaking. Football season, I miss you already.

Carolina bball won a (too) close one Monday night versus Rutgers. We had very balanced scoring with 6 players in double digits (including LD and Dex). Dex had a pretty breakout game with 16 off the bench. Marcus was out with a sprained ankle. I hate that he's having to miss games again this season after last season. Next game is tomorrow night versus Albany.

Monday Morning Review

Thank goodness the holidays are here to give me some Christmas cheer because Carolina certainly did not do that with their loss to Texas on Saturday. We hung around for most of the game, but played INCREDIBLY sloppy. That includes my baby LD :( It was an all around dissapointing game.

SO SO SO hopeful for the bowl game next Saturday, but so so so scared. Pitt is a ridiculously good team with a defense that can also make the claim to be one of the best in the nation.

On another note, Dukie Jay Bilas had this to say about my baby:
Point Guard Larry Drew, the biggest question mark entering the season, has played more like an exclamation point. Drew has played with poise and control, and is averaging 9 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.9 turnovers per game. While not a speed merchant, Drew plays with good pace and has done a very nice job running the team. He has also hit some really important shots and has greatly improved his shooting from last season.

My dad's response? "Bilas obviously didn't watch the Texas game." BOO.

Snow?!

WRAL is reporting that snow could be heading to the Triangle tomorrow afternoon through Saturday morning!! SO EXCITED! Snow around Christmas?? That never happens here! Well, snow never happens here, let alone snow at Christmas! I just have to make it to 5pm today -- then pilates, Daddy's bday dinner at Coquette (YUM), holiday festivities at work tomorrow (hopefully including snow and leaving early!) Yayyy! Happy Holidays, bundle up and definitely use the weather as an excuse to rock some winter white :)

Brush with Greatness

If you are familiar with Chapel Hill, or if you consider yourself somewhat of a fashion afficianado, or even a sports buff, then you have heard of Alexander Julian. He is an acclaimed clothing designer, though his most notable contribution to fashion comes in the form of basketball jerseys for the UNC men's basketball team. Yes, Julian is responsible for the argyle that makes me feel we are better than every team in the country, even when we aren't playing better than every team in the country. Basketball + fashion? Definitely a man after my own heart.

Saturday I got the opportunity to meet this legend at his store, Julian's. He donned a bright red jacket and green pants - definitely festive - while sipping some varietal of red vino.

I introduced my family to my latest love in the store, the Glen Carolina bamboo scarf, and made hints that it was definitely atop my Christmas list.

Julian embodies the idea of a perfect mess by taking two seemingly unrelated things, fashion and sports, and marrying them into a beautiful, superior, national championship winning union. :) The fact that those two seemingly unrelated things are my two passions -- that's just the cherry on top. :)

Monday (Supposed to be morning) Review

No football news to update on as the Heels are resting up, practicing up, and otherwise swaggering up for the Bowl Game in less than two weeks! The Basketball boys took on Presbyterian. It was the game my brother and I go to while my dad and Lisa celebrate their anniversary at Elaines. We had such a good time. We won by over 40 despite Dexter and Marcus being out, and Marc Campbell playing 20ish minutes.

In other news, LD is 3rd in the nation in assists. That makes me happyhappyhappy. :)

Winter White

I lovelovelove the idea of winter white. Something about it screams I'm fashionable, I'm fresh, I'm clean, I'm crisp, I'm a snowbunny. I love that. I think I have a huge desire to be a snowbunny because we never get snow around here. And when we do? MAGICAL. The snow on the pines is gorgeous. Seeing the Old Well covered in snow is something I'll never forget. Yet, these snowy moments are few and far between for me, so until the next time I'll just wear my winter white and pretend to be a snowbunny. :)

Monday Morning Review - Depressing Style

It was a sad weekend, both basketball and football wise. The bball boys took to the hardwood at Rupp Arena vs. #5 Kentucky. The matchup was one that was discussed to no end because of Kentucky's freshman phenom, John Wall. Wall is a Raleigh Word of God graduate, but someone that we ended up not wanting because of character issues. (Or as Roy puts it, "Sometimes the shoe just doesn't fit.") Kentucky dominated for most of the game, but only ended up winning by 2. I'm really proud of the boys for fighting back the way they did; I wasn't sure if this young team could do it.

Last night they announced bowl games. Meineke. Again. Not happy. The plus side? The money we saved not flying will now go to a Bahamas trip in March. :) At least we're going to a bowl. We're playing Pitt who is #17 in the country and not a very good matchup for us...

National Champions Part Deux

A rematch of epic proportions took place at the Dean Dome last night as Number 11 North Carolina, defending National Champions, took on Number 2 Michigan State, defending National Runner-Up. Carolina started out hot and aggressive, shooting well and driving to the basket with more ease than normal. The game was a fast paced one and Carolina went into the half with a 16 point lead. The lead would not stay 16, however, as Michigan State battled back in the second half. Carolina fought to keep ahead, led by the scoring of Ed Davis, Deon Thompson, and Larry Drew. Dexter Srickland, Tyler Zeller, and John Henson played critical roles off the bench and the Tar Heels defended their title with a win over the Spartans.

"Increased confidence, increased playing time - just overall experience. I was born to play this game and this position. As long as I'm out there, I'm going to make something happen. I came out here to run the team and to win games." - Larry Drew II (18 points, 6 assists).

Everyone, remember I was there in the beginning. When fans got nervous when Drew came into relieve Ty Lawson. Remember that. All the rest of you -- bandwagon.

Cyber Monday!

Yesterday was Cyber Monday, the online equivalent to Black Friday. I am not quite sure how I have missed this phenomenon in past years (maybe the lack of an actual paycheck factored into the equation), but I was a proud participant yesterday. One of my best purchases? A gorgeous silk blouse (see picture, left) from Ann Taylor that I have been craving for some time now. It's normally 85.00 but I got it for 40% off yesterday. It's going to replace my silk white and black Banana Republic blouse that has taken a beating over the years.

To continue the shopping spirit, albeit not cyber, I headed out to Target at lunch with a $50.00 gift card in tow (Thanks Wes!) There I got a gorgeous feather headband, an incredibly comfy robe, and the most "I vacation in the Hamptons" slippers you have ever seen complete with cable knit detailing and pom-poms. I wore them last night as I began writing my Christmas cards. Happy shopping and happy holidays! :)

(What's supposed to be) The Monday Morning Review

I got up at 6:45 Saturday Morning in 35 degree weather to go support my boys at Carter-Finley. Thank goodness the tailgate was fun because the game itself was entirely and utterly depressing. We officially blew it. I can't write anymore without getting really upset about it.

Sunday evening the bball boys pulled out a close one against the other Wolfpack, Nevada. The game was entirely too close but LD had 12 points, 10 assists, and 1 turnover. :) It was a bit sloppy (per usual) but I was proud of us hanging in there when we went down late in the second half.

Tonight at 9:00 (break out the holiday coffee tomorrow am) I'll be in the Dean Dome watching a rematch of the National Championship. MSU is currently ranked 2, while we are 12. It should be a good game and a HUGE test of our ability to hang tough with a MSU team that has 4 of its 5 starters from last year back. Will post tomorrow. GO HEELS.

Sports Update

Shame on me for not having written yet this week about the sports of the past week or so. Last week the bball boys beat Ohio State (on two Larry Drew 2 clutch free throws, I might add) to take us to the Finals of the 2K classic tournament against Syracuse. The game with Syracuse showed me that an extension of the 2009 Championship team this team is not - and that we have huge amounts of growing and improving to do. Friday night Syracuse dominated and we looked... well awful.

Fast forward to Sunday noon, Chestnut Hill. The fball boys dominated BC 31-13, lead by Deunta Williams 3 interceptions on his birthday. That brings our record to 8-3 going into the final game of the season, NC State.

(Football side note: Recently learned that the Peach Bowl is held INDOORS. Do you know what this means?? I can wear any dress, any shoes, any perfectly adorable outfit I desire without the slightest regard to the temperature outside. IN LOVE.)

Monday night the bball boys played Gardner Webb at home. We looked a little better and it was a really fun game to watch. A good Daddy-Lindsay night. :)

Simple Pleasures

It's the little things in life... Like the new black croc jacks I got this week. While I'm forever in love with with my bronze jacks (they go with everything) I have been craving these for some time now. My wonderful mom surprised me with them on Monday. Since I believe jacks will be in my wardrobe until the day I die (more comfy than heels, more sophisticated than rainbows, perfect for football games) I have wanted this pair to add to my arsenal because I think they add that extra level of 'I'm very wealthy and sophisticated yet it just comes very naturally to me without any work' to any outfit. :) Depending on locations and weather, they very well could be bowl game bound in the near future.

Monday Morning (or close to it...) Review

Ohh a good football weekend makes it a little easier to wakeup on Monday mornings (especially when I get to sport my Carolina blue cashmere scarf, but I digress...). The Heels had an amazing day Saturday, beating the 14th ranked Miami Hurricanes 33-24, and becoming bowl eligible with seven wins. The defense was amazing with several interceptions, and TJ moved the ball down the field exceptionally well. There was one play, however, that I'm certain will remained engrained in my football memory for years to come. Kendric Burney intercepted the ball and began running down the field for a touchdown. At about the 40, the Miami defense was closing in on him near the right sideline. Burney managed to give a quick handoff to Melvin Williams as he was going out of bounds. Williams then ran the ball down the field to the endzone, where he was hit, and the ball flew loose. Williams dove on the ball - recovery Carolina - touchdown Carolina. :)

Sunday the bball boys hit the court against Valpo. In a much less exceptional fashion, the Heels downed Valpo by 11 points. While a win is always a good thing, it was a game that it was very hard about which to get excited. We lacked any intensity and played like we didn't care. It was good to see Bryce and Homer Drew on Valpo's sideline, though. It reminded me of my high school days and one of my most well received articles in the Hi-Times. I'll post it later for a nice blast from the past. For now, off to look at possible bowl locals (Charlotte, Nashville... Atlanta??) and think of corresponding outfits.. :)

It's baaaack

Basketball season that is. This the best time of the year - when basketball season and football season overlap and I get to spend every free moment in the southern part of heaven referred to by the commoners as Chapel Hill, NC.

But back to basketball.

We're 2-0 so far with wins over FIU and Central -- hardly powerhouses-- but a good start. We are ranked #4 in the country, a ranking many believe to be a bit high.

We are young and inexperienced and I've seen things that have made me cringe. But the things that we've done right... boy, have we done right.

The game against FIU was a bit shaky complete with 26 Tarheel turnovers (though, I must add, LD had six assists and only 2 TOs). The Central game looked like a different team. We still had our freshman moments, but we dominated overall and I saw flashes of a defense that won us the National Championship last year.

Quick scouting report before we get any further into the season:

Starting five
1. Larry Drew: LD2 is actually looking better than I expected. He has huge shoes (think Shaq size shoes) to fill with Ty gone, but he is looking a lot more steady this year. His defense looks solid, he's hitting the open man, and he's even knocked down a couple threes.

2. Will Graves: Will is looking a little chunky after not playing last season. He is very much the unknown factor right now.

3. Marcus Ginyard: This team would be nowhere without MG. He's in the best shape ever, he's defending well as always, his field goal percentage is up, and he's a vocal leader that will help mold the younger kids. He had 17 against Central.

4. Ed Davis: Ed is a beast, as always. That kid could play in the NBA today if he wanted. His rebounding and post moves will win many games for us.

5. Deon Thompson: Quiet killer. I always look up and Deon has 20 points when I think he has had 5. Another leader for this team.

Key Reserves:

-The Wear Twins: I'm not going to differentiate them yet, because honestly I can't tell who is who and who plays like what. (Side note: Daddy has decided we're calling them "Davis," a mix between David and Travis. When I asked him why we couldn't just call them the Wear boys he responded, "Because that's too pedestrian, Lindsay.") Don't know a lot about them yet, have just seen some good old fashioned effort and hustle. Always needed.

-John Henson: In a word, ridiculous. 6'10, plays like he's 6'3, blocks like he's 7'5...

-Dexter Strickland: Very athletic with lots of skill. Sometimes has trouble settling down into the offense. I would like to see him play some 2 alongside LD.

-Tyler Zeller: Looking better than ever. His work on the boards against Central was awe-inspiring.

-Leslie MacDonald: I haven't gotten much of a sense for Leslie, yet. I've seen him play some good d, but not much beyond that.

-Justin Watts: His role has definitely changed since last season -- at least in the early games. He's showing an improved shot and impressive athleticism.

Now time to savor the best time of the year. Go Heels!

Feathers.

Latest craving: feather detailed headband.

It's a dynamic duo.. a perfectly preppy, upperclass staple (a la Blair Waldorf) with an unexpected dose of the exotic. It's like the Hamptons meets Greenwich Village circa 1900. To bring it local, it's like La Rez meets Goodfellas or Solas meets the PR. Definitely a little bit of a perfect mess.

Revamping of the Blog

Over the past few days I have been giving "A Perfect Mess" a much needed makeover. I have played with it graphically and edited much of its content. The blog had become too much of a personal journal for me and while getting my thoughts and feelings out is important, that is the purpose of the 2-3 notebooks I fill up each month, not of this blog. While you will still probably see the occasional musing regarding my love life (or lack thereof) or social life, especially when I feel it applies to a greater message or a common good, I am going to attempt to leave the daily drama out. No room for that here. This is a happy, thoughtful place. :)

The inspiration for the title came from a Red Hot Chili Peppers Song, "Tearjerker." (If you've never heard of it, go.listen.immediately. Breathtaking. Seriously.) The song says, "She was standing backstage in a dress, a perfect mess." The sentiment is so beautiful -- that something can be a huge mess, yet still perfect. I think there is a little bit of a perfect mess in all of us. I know the term describes me. And this blog. Sports and fashion are my two passions, a combination that is unlikely, and in turn a bit messy.

When deciding on a picture for the title, I first thought of Helena Bonham Carter (Marla, from Fight Club). Marla is a giant mess in so many ways, yet I've always found her so incredibly intriguing and beautiful. I then decided she was too obvious a choice. Marla is definitely a mess, but she is a mess in the most blatant, observable way. Her clothing is dishevled, she attempts suicide, she attends cancer support groups to feel better about herself... definitely a mess. I then decided on Audrey Hepburn because I wanted to show the perfect mess in all of us. Hepburn is stunning, but had a life full of ups and downs, critiques and compliments, just like the rest of us. (She's also one of my idols, but that didn't affect my decision at all obviously.) I also thought this was a fun picture of her, a bit messy, a far cry from her usually prisitine appearance.

So welcome to the new "A Perfect Mess." Here's to accepting and embracing the mess within each of us.

Dressing Room Requirements

Today I was reading contracts that famous singers have and what they require to be in their dressing rooms when they agree to do a performance. This, of course, made me ponder... what will I require in my dressing room once I'm discovered? (Joking, of course, my singing voice rivals my grandfather's, the man whose version of "Peg of My Heart" scares little children -- though in my old age I find it entirely charming and endearing that he constantly sings this song to my grandmother, Peg)

Crystal Light "Natural Lemonade" Flavor
Sweettarts (the normal size ones, please, not the huge ones and not the little baby ones)
Cheese (a nice smoked gouda, white cheddar, grueyere, brie en croute, and roquefort would be lovely)
Bread (toasted with salt and pepper, of course)
Oil/vinegar
TI Cd (how am I supposed to do anything without my personal anthem, "No Matter What")
A good bottle of champy/prosecco (with proper flutes)
Captain (can't forget your old friends)
diet coke (NOT coke zero and WITH caffeine please (silver can))
Goodberrys - vanilla concrete with caramel and banana

Fball slipup

My boys lost Saturday to GA Tech 24-7. It was NOT a pretty game. I made a promise to TJ that I would not talk bad about him, so that will pretty much end this post.

Domination

Carolina beat ECU soundly on Saturday to secure a 3-0 record, the best start for the Heels since 1997. :) We had a great time tailgating and watching the boys march on to victory over those dirty Pirates!