I'm a closet nerd.

Okay, okay, maybe not so closet, but not in the way you are thinking.

It's pretty obvious that I'm a nerd in that I love lists, organizing, planning, crafts, the alma mater and Pretty Little Liars.

It's not so obvious that I'm a nerd because I like video games. Not cool ones like Halo or Call of Duty (although, I do like Grand Theft Auto, is that cool?) But seriously dorky ones. Massive online role playing games like World of Warcraft.

Now when I say that I like them, it doesn't really mean that I'm good at them. Actually, I'm awful. But I find the whole concept fascinating. My best friend got me into WOW (get with the lingo, y'all) in college. I fell in love with it because we would sit there for hours, him staring at the computer trying to make it to the elusive level 70 Palladin, me cooking us filet mignons on the George Foreman in his dorm room (pretty sure that was totally against dorm rules, but whatev), us both sipping Icehouses (we were naive and poor and not of age, we took what we could get).

Now that I type that I'm pretty sure that doesn't sound like heaven to most of you. But to me it was. I love wasting days and nights away with that boy, still to this day.

When he transferred colleges, we both had apartments and we were both 21, so I didn't have to cook the filet mignons illegally and we made the switch from Icehouse to my beloved rum and diet coke, but little else changed.

Then graduation and the real world hit. And now I long for those silly video game filled days.

Well, a couple of months ago, said best friend and I pre-ordered the new Star Wars online role-playing game (nerd status, solidified). And oh my goodness y'all, it's now available for download. We sorta, accidently lost the code to download it, but the Help Desk is supposed to call us back today with it. With any luck, we'll have the code soon and will be playing, eating and sipping in just a few short hours.

So my secret's out. I'm a nerd. But if loving laid back times with best friends and good food and drink when the world seems a little more simple makes me a nerd, I never ever ever want to be cool.

Life

Several events lately have reminded me of how precious life really is.

My friends were so lucky to make it out alive Saturday night. How someone could value life so little that he thinks money is a reasonable excuse to hurt people or even take their lives is beyond me.

But that's exactly what the people who killed Eve thought. Eve Carson's murder trial is going on right now and more and more details are coming out. They said they killed her because she saw their faces. Why didn't they wear a mask?? The death of an amazing person all for 700 puny dollars. It literally makes me sick.

Eve asked the murderers to pray with her right before she was killed. In her darkest hour, she was able to know what really matters. As I've said before, I didn't know Eve well, but I had the privilege of meeting her a couple of times and the backyards of our houses practically touched. I cry every time I read anything about it. I hate those people for what they did.

My best friend's dad died when he was 17 in early December. This is always a hard time of the year for him. I never knew his dad, but to think about losing a parent at any age, let alone 17, is incredibly hard to fathom.

Freshman year of college my grandmother died. I know that grandparents die, but it was sudden and we had an extremely special relationship. I'm so fortunate in that I know she knew I loved her with every ounce of my body - we just had that sort of bond.

All of these events have served as a huge reminder that life is precious. It can end at any moment. We complain and get caught up in the rush of things, but are you living the life you want? Are you being the kind of person you want to be? Are you telling the people you love how much you love them?

The one thing I really want to get across in this post is to value life. There are awful people in this world who don't. But not all of them are murderers. Some are every day people who hate life and don't appreciate the time we are given. I think at times all of us are even guilty of this. Let's make a conscious effort this December and beyond to value this life and appreciate it for the gift that it is.

Monday (Good try!) Morning Review

This weekend was a full one.

Friday afternoon Lauren, Anna and I went down to Charlotte for my cousin's bachelorette party! Dinner and drinks were a blast. I headed back to hotel a little early because I wasn't feeling great, but had a wonderful time! 

Saturday was back to Raleigh quickly because Lauren and I had tickets to see Cinderella. I loveloveloved it. For those of you who don't know, I have this fascination with princesses/pretending I am one and this was right up my alley.  We then grabbed dinner and watched my bball boys (a little too closely) defeat Long Beach State.

Afterwards, I went downtown with some friends. One of my good friends lives downtown so we usually walk from his house and take a cab back. Two of the boys decided not to take a cab back this time and were mugged. It was so incredibly scary. Everyone is okay - minus some stitches and broken orbital bone, but it's still terrifying! Sunday I went around hugging everyone and telling them how much I loved them and how grateful I was for them. You never think those things are going to happen to you, but they can and do and it's awful!

Sunday morning, I had brunch with my dear friend Meghan at Cafe Caturra. They have bottomless mimosas for $10 which I'm a huge fan of! I then watched my TJ lead the Texans to a one point victory with a touchdown pass in the last 2 seconds of the game. He's all over ESPN now. I'd just like to say one thing... you heard it hear first, folks. 

Make it a great week! Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet?

Trying this thing called being a good, frequent blogger

Daddy and I had a great time at the basketball game last night. The Heels won 97-48 - my kind of game! I've decided James Michael McAdoo is my favorite, mostly because he goes by James Michael. I sort of have a thing for calling people by their first and middle names so he makes my heart happy. Plus he's cute and good at basketball.

Monday (Close enough!) Morning Review

Last Wednesday my bball boys took the court against top-10 ranked Wisconsin in what was sure to be an epic game. It was a close game played by two dramatically different (but great) basketball teams, but we pulled out the victory. I'm sure it was my visit to Top O and the two Old Well whites I drank that helped.

Saturday we lost by one to #1 Kentucky in Kentucky. It was a great game all around that came down to the last few seconds. Down one we had the ball with time left. Henson went up for a shot and was blocked with four seconds left. Kentucky got the ball - we still had time to foul, but seem so confused by what just happened that we let time expire. Wish we had that one back.

I had a really great weekend overall though, despite the loss. It was the perfect combination of family, friends and me time.

Thursday (okay that's not really the weekend, but we'll count it) I went to my brother's Christmas show at school. He had a speaking role and all of the Christmas songs put me in the spirit. He also introduced me to his little buddy (the 4th graders get assigned a kindergartner that is their buddy) who may be the cutest thing in the world.

Okay, so my brother is devilishly handsome too, I know. :) 

Friday night a couple of friends came over and we decorated the Christmas tree. Unfortunately I only have a before picture, so use your imagination. I do have one of the mantle all done up and pretty though.

Christmastime!

Only $40 bucks for this 8 foot tree!

Saturday morning I got my hair cut! 7 inches off! Can you believe it? I really like it, minus the fact that I think it makes my face look fat. (Hence the weird expression).

Do you do this kind of thing in your office? 

After that I headed to mom's to eat pizza and watch the bball boys.

Ohh Capital Creations, you warm my heart (and tummy!)

After the game, I went to the grocery store and then got crafty with some Christmas centerpieces. Do you like?

Greenery, cranberries, distilled water and floating candles. So easy!

Sunday was spent at the bar because a certain TJ Yates has officially become the Texans starting quarterback and was starting his first game. Sorry I'm not sorry I told y'all how great he was ahead of time. I forgive you for doubting me. Check out this Bloody Mary from Barking Cow - complete with cheese stuffed olives, string cheese and bacon.

I don't like Bloody Marys but this made me want to.

Tonight it's back to Chapel Hill to watch the boys take on Evansville. God bless you 7:00 games that put me in bed at a decent hour and God bless you "not so great teams" that get me lower level seats as opposed to the upper level ones we have for most games. Yikes, I'm really not as spoiled as that just sounded. Always grateful to go to Chapel Hill no matter the time or seats. GO HEELS!

Thanksgiving Update

How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was busy and AMAZING.

Wednesday night we had a party for one of my best friends' 26th birthdays. We had a blast dancing the night away to Lisa Loeb, Natalie Imbruglia and Sophie B Hawkins (90s party!). Thursday I headed to Jamestown with Mom to spend Thanksgiving with one side of my family. We had a blast. The day was filled with fried turkeys, wine and lots of joking around.

Friday Mom and I hit the road back to Raleigh early. I knew I was tired when I slept the entire ride home - I can never sleep in the car. That afternoon I went to my Dad's for Thanksgiving and another day filled with food, fun and family. Friday night my bball boys took on USC in a tournament in Las Vegas and won soundly.

Saturday my football boys took the field against the Dookies. Victory! It was a 3:30 game so we had a great tailgate prior including grilled steak, beans, broccoli salad, chips, cake batter blondies, etc. YUM! Because of the game time, we were also able to enjoy the most amazing sunset. This picture = my heaven.

Can someone please explain to my why blogger is rotating my pictures when they are saved in the correct way? Ughhh. I'll try to fix that later.

Saturday night the bball boys took on UNLV in Vegas and... lost. We did not play well at all. We have dropped from #1 to #5 and head into a tough week of games vs. Wisconsin and Kentucky. Hopefully we'll bounce back! 

Hope you all had a happy happy Holiday!

Weekend Update and Thanksgiving Festivities

Y'all, I had such a blast with my cousins last weekend. It's SO WEIRD that they are old enough to hang with my friends and not be considered "kids." We enjoyed tailgating, dance parties and a great weekend minus the result of the game. My  #7 Tigers LOST! To silly State. Can you believe it?!

The bball boys played Tennessee State last night and Daddy and I headed over to the Hill to watch the game. It was a really fun game to watch and we ended up winning by about 40. Carolina has started this new thing where they give you good tickets for the bad games, so we were really close to the court. I love seeing the players talk and interact! Next week we have a late game so Daddy and I are going to head over early and get some dinner at either Crook's or Weathervane. YUM!

Today is my last day of work for the week before the Thanksgiving festivities begin! Tonight we are having a 26th birthday party for Marcus! It's 90s themed and should be a blast. Tomorrow I head to Jamestown with Mom to spend Thanksgiving with the Hall side of the family. I come back Friday for Thanksgiving at Dad's with the Priesters (plus La, ha!). Saturday is the Carolina Duke football game and the last game of the season. It is also Marcus' actual birthday so I image we'll go out that night. Quite a few fun days ahead. I love Thanksgiving.

Here's a preview of one of the dishes I made for tomorrow's feast. Bananas Foster Upside Down Cake!

I'm back, for real real

If y'all have read the blog for any amount of time, you know I tend to have times where I don't post for a while, then declare I'm back, only to not post again for a while. Then one day comes when I post again regularly. I'm hoping this is that day. Sorry y'all!

My Heels are not doing too well on the football field. An ugly loss to State lead to a bye week. We take on Virginia Tech tonight (Thursday night game!) in Blacksburg. Tough task considering they are #8 in the country.

Other tidbits:

The bball boys are doing well and undefeated. We played our first game on a naval ship which was awe inspiring. I had chills the whole time.

Matt Schaub, the Texans starting QB, is out for the season. You know what that means! Wait, you don't? You're not a crazy TJ Yates fan like me? Well it means TJ Yates moved into the backup QB position behind a relatively weak Matt Leinhart. Let's do this Teej.

Two of my cousins are coming up this weekend to go to the Clemson State game. I absolutely cannot wait to host them and cheer for our Tigers! Any ideas on how to entertain a 19 and 14 year old?

Please forgive me!

I know. It's been 2 weeks since I blogged, which in the blog world, is like the equivalent of two years. Please forgive me. Work and trips and friends and family and well, life, have taken over. But as my dear friend T.I. says, I'M BAAAAAAAAAACK.

Clemson was an absolute blast, minus the game. The Heels got destroyed and some annoying Clemson fan continued to yell, "Hey, girl in the blue dress! (Me) Go ahead and get on that bus back to Durham." Since Carolina is in Durham and all. I wanted to turn around and give him a polite lesson the difference between Chapel Hill and Durham (aka the difference between Heaven and Hell), but my mother told me to remain classy. We ended up losing 59 to 38 AND Matt Merletti, the sweetest player ever who befriended my brother, got hurt and officially saw the end of his football career. So sad.

The time with my family, however, was amazing. I forget how much I love spending time with my mom's side of the family. I don't see them as much since they live in South Carolina and we don't get down there as much as we did when my grandmother was alive. Here are some pictures from tailgating in Clemson.

This past weekend the Heels took on Wake Forest at home for Homecoming. It was such a blast. We had one of the best tailgates ever and we even busted out the grill. Sausage dip, ham and swiss palmiers, pasta salad, flank steak sandwiches, cake balls and wine and beer were all enjoyed before heading into Kenan where the Heels stomped the Deacs 49-24. I saw lots of people from college that were back from Homecoming and had a great time.

We take on State at State this weekend. Send your thoughts and prayers up to the Tar Heel blue heavens we can get our first win against state in six years. YIKES. I think we've got it. GO HEELS!!

Monday (Let's Pretend!) Morning Review

Aye... the Heels did not play so hot this weekend. We took on Miami at home and quickly fell down 17-0. We made a second half comeback, but it was too little, too late and we lost 30-24.

This weekend we head down to undefeated Clemson (yikes). I'm a little scared for the game, but so excited because I'm actually going to Clemson! I am heading down Friday around noon to see my family and cheer for the Heels. I absolutely cannot wait to watch the Heels play, see some loved ones, tailgate hard and enjoy one of the greatest football atmospheres in college sports!

GO HEELS!

Monday Morning Review

Can you believe it? I'm posting a Monday Morning Review on a Monday Morning! What are the chances?!

I enjoyed a fabulous weekend. Friday night was super low key and was spent on the couch watching DVR-ed shows with the roomie and half a Pumpkin Blue Moon. I was up bright and early Saturday to make Honey Bun Cake and Bacon, Gruyere and Green Onion Scones for our tailgate. Then off to Chapel for a lovely tailgate and a (not so lovely) victory for the Heels.

The first half was awful and we went into halftime tied zero to zero. Yes, it was a thrilling half. Things got better in the second half and we pulled out the 14-7 win over Louisville. That makes the Heels 5-1! We play Miami next week which will be a tough test.

I was up bright and early again on Sunday for the Walk for Hope. Lauren (roomie), Lauren (friend) and I did a 4-mile walk and had a great time. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and watching some football at a new local sports bar, the Barking Cow. It is about a mile from my house and is AWESOME. I'm sensing a Sunday ritual...

What did you do this weekend?

Steve Jobs' Death and Pancreatic Cancer

I've debated writing this post for several reasons, but have decided I need to. I need to for the voiceless and while my voice may not reach the masses, even one person reading this is a start.

Since last night my Twitter timeline, Facebook, television, etc. have been filled with the news of Steve Jobs' death. It is terribly tragic news about a visionary who has given so much to our society.

Since the news of Jobs' passing, I have seen articles about pancreatic cancer, the cancer that ultimately took Jobs' life. While I'm grateful some good can come of Jobs' death, that is, bringing awareness to a cancer that gets very little attention and funding, I am also a little sad that this is what it takes.

Pancreatic cancer is often referred to by doctors as an "automatic death sentence." The survival rate for someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is a mere few months. Yet, it is also the cancer that receives the least research and funding. Jobs is an inspiration for so many reasons, including the fact that he not only lived, but thrived, well past his "mere months."

It is certainly important that we mourn the death of Jobs and again, I am grateful for the attention he is bringing to pancreatic cancer. It's also important, however, to remember that there are other, less famous, ordinary people, like me and you, who are suffering or who have lost loved ones because of this disease.

My best friend is one of those people. He is the stoic type and would probably never want me to write this (or at least never ask it of me), but I have to and I think Steve Jobs would be okay with that and I'll accept my best friend being mad at me if this makes an ounce of difference. It is that important.

I watched my best friend struggle as his father passed away when we were 17 years old, a time when life is hard enough already. I watched him outwardly act as though everything was okay, but secretly confide in me that nobody had any idea what he was going through or even anything about the awful disease that took his father. I have watched him get stronger every year, but still have those moments when he wished he had a dad around to ask for advice. I have watched him now, almost 9 years later, become a man that his father would be so incredibly proud of - one who works hard, one who protects and loves his mother and sister to no end and one who has learned to open his heart again after all these years.

I have watched him, and I know there are so many others that have experienced similar pain. We owe it to everyone who has had to face this awful disease either as a patient, friend or family member to push for funding and research. Pancreatic cancer has many faces, including, but not limited to Steve Jobs, and it is important we do this for all of its faces.

On Nov. 5, Raleigh's Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will host the 2011 PurpleStride 5k for Pancreatic Cancer. Please come out and support this cause. Or, if you can't make it, a donation or even spreading the word to family and friends would be incredibly appreciated. Every effort counts.

2011 PurpleStride for Pancreatic Cancer
Lindsay's Fundraising Page

Monday (I give up) Morning Review

Saturday the Heels took on ECU in Greenville. Other than Georgia Tech, this game was considered our toughest test to date - and we owned it!

Well, I should clarify. We owned the first half. Like seriously, dominated. The second half, not so much. But it was enough to give us the 35-20 win over those dirty Pirates and that, my friends, I will gladly take.

Our game was at 8 and I decided not to make the trip to Greenville because 1) Greenville is gross and 2) Greenville can be scary in a heated rivalry game, especially at night. Instead, I headed to the State game at 3:30 to tailgate and play with friends. We had a blast - and the Pack lost - perfect! We all then headed back to my place where I jumped up and down obnoxiously with every play while the State boys drank away their 2-3 sorrows.

Yesterday was my mom's birthday! We had dinner at Ruth's Chris and I gave her this little baby:

At dinner, I was reminded how much I admire my mom. She has figured out how to have it all. She is the perfect combination of strong, opinionated, compassionate, loving and kind. If everyone had what she has, the world would be a much smarter and kinder place. I love you, Mom!

Monday (Should I Change the Name of this Feature Since I'm Always Late?) Morning Review

Hey y'all!

As I mentioned, I headed to Nashville for the weekend to visit one of my best friends from college. We had an amazing time, complete with ridiculous photo shoot.

There was pure, unabashed laughter. The kind you only have with your best friends.

And pure sadness when we watched our Heels lose to Georgia Tech and found ourselves at the same bar as the Georgia Tech Alumni Association.

But mostly it was a fabulous weekend with a great friend.

I'm so incredibly blessed to have such FABULOUS people in my life!

Monday (Dang it, less close) Morning Review

I am proud to say my Tar Heels are undefeated. They played a solid game against UVA and go into ACC season undefeated. So proud of these boys after all they've been throguh. We had the best time with my aunt, cousin and her fiance.

Nik and I - my sweet cousin and one of my best friends.

Daddy and I!

We take off for our first road game this weekend against Georgia Tech. This will be our biggest challenge by far.

Since the Heels are headed out of town this weekend, I decided to take advantage of an amazing Southwest Airlines deal and do the same. Saturday morning I fly to Nashville, TN to visit my little sister from my sorority. I return Monday morning. The weekend is sure to be one filled with amazing food, drinks, shopping and relaxation! Perfect!

Truth.

Tailgate Treats - UVA Edition

It's Wednesday of game week so tailgate planning has commenced. This week's planning was somewhat influenced by what I already have at home and what coupons I have (it's TRIPLES week at HT) as I'm trying out this whole new thing called being on a budget. 

This week's menu includes:

• Sausage pinwheels
• Caramelized onion dip and pita chips
• Pigs in a blanket
• Cake batter blondies

The rest of the tailgate party will bring other goodies. In addition to our normal group, my aunt, cousin and her fiance are coming. I'm so excited to spend some time with them. 

GO HEELS! BEAT THOSE WAHOOS!

What are your favorite tailgate foods?!

Monday (I'm getting closer) Morning Review

Saturday the Heels took on Rutgers at home. The game was a little too close for comfort, but we ended up winning 24-22. This makes the Heels 2-0 to start the season! Our tailgate was also a success as I made a few new treats. Honey bun cake was definitely the group favorite!

We are at home AGAIN this weekend (have I mentioned how much I am a fan of this year's schedule?) and open up ACC play against UVA at 3:30. It's a HUGE game and would be a ginormous win for us.

I'll update on tailgate treats for this week's game soon. :) Happy Tuesday!

Monday (Errr... Wednesday) Morning Review

How was everyone's Labor Day weekend? Mine was spent enjoying a sound Tar Heel victory and getting some sun (burn) at the Lake.

Speaking of the game, my Heels dominated. Bryn Renner went crazy passing 23-24 with only one interception. We won the game 42-10 and played really well.

Ready for a tearjerker? Everett Withers and the team gave the game ball to Butch, who was seated in the Blue Zone. I love that. I love that Butch knows the coaches, players and most fans still support him and think what Thorp did was wrong. I would have loved to have seen Thorp's face when he heard.

We take on Rutgers at home Saturday - should be a tough match-up. First noon game - oh heyyyy mimosas. :)

Fashion Fix: Football Dress Dilemma

Are y'all counting down every hour, minute and second to your team's kick off this weekend (or maybe even tonight for a few schools)? I know I am.  I'll have the first edition of Tailgate Treats later today, but first, to more pressing matters - which football dress to wear?!

There are four options and I'd love your vote.

1) Okay, here is the original football dress (that's me, on the right). I realize this picture doesn't show the full dress, but it's a very simple, Carolina blue v-neck dress from Brooks Brothers that falls about at my knee. It is very classic and fits-like-a-glove. Also, please ignore the tower of cups in this picture. 

2) The second option is this Needham Lane dress that Mom got me for an Easter present. This one incorporates white as well. (And yes, that is a gorgeous model, not me, but you get the idea.)

3) The third option is a bit more casual and flowy. This came from one of my favorite online retailers, Vestique.

4) Okay, the 4th option isn't really an option yet, because it hasn't been posted. This one is also from Vestique and their blog says it will be up tomorrow - I will be checking their site religiously until it comes up. I'm absolutely in love. 

Please weigh in on your favorite. This is a VERY important decision - as I've told y'all many times - what you wear to a game really does affect the outcome!

Remembering Why I Love Carolina Football

With all that's happened to Carolina football during the past year, it's sometimes easy to get sucked into the drama. Between academic scandals, NCAA investigations and the firing of our head coach, the last year has been anything but uneventful. I know many fans that stuck by the team during the investigations, but have threatened to skip games because Butch Davis was fired.

Trust me, I get it. As a loyal Carolina fan and a true supporter of Butch Davis, I was shocked and appalled at Thorp and the Board's decision (not to mention the timing of the decision) to fire our beloved head coach. It would be easy to stay at home on game day in protest. But I'm asking you, for the sake of the players who practice in 100 degree heat and love their school, to reconsider. We need to remember why we love Carolina football.

I love Carolina football because since I was a kid, it afforded me a whole Saturday with wonderful family and friends. While things like what dress I was going to wear and what dish I was going to bring to the tailgate didn't mean as much then, the time with my family and friends has always been precious.

I love Carolina football because it gave me, the girly girl, a chance to connect with my dad about a sport he played for so much of his life.

I love Carolina football because when we won the Peach Bowl, I was allowed to yell "Go Heels!" in the hallways of the hotel way past my bedtime without getting in trouble.

I love Carolina football because when my younger brother was born I automatically knew the first present I would give him was a Carolina football jersey.

I love Carolina football because of players like Matt Merletti, who took the time to befriend my 9 year old brother and teach him the true meaning of "the Carolina Way" through his kindness.

I love Carolina football because of moments like the Music City Bowl, when I cried with relief after an incredible win for a great group of guys after a trying year.

I love Carolina football because of all the times I've gotten to high five players and yell "We love you TJ!!" and see the genuine appreciation and excitement on their faces.

I love Carolina football for players like Deunta Williams and how his huge smile always brightened my day when he declared, "I'm Deunta Williams and I am a Tar Heel."

I love Carolina football because of the feeling I get when singing the alma mater in Kenan after a big win.

Carolina football means more than scandals, investigations or even our head coach. Carolina football is about the young men on the football team who give their all day in and day out for our school. Carolina football is about the memories we create with friends and family as we head to Chapel Hill each game day. I hope you all will pack Kenan on Saturday and show the boys that Carolina means more. Cheer as loud as you can, hug your family and friends and wear your best football dress. :) See you Saturday in Kenan!

Fall Means Football

Okay, so of course it's not really fall here yet. But we have reduced our daily average temp to double digits instead of triple.

I love summer. Adore it. I love the (slight) tan my pale skin gets, I love long lake weekends, I love a hot car (I'm weird, I know), I love how laid back everything is.

But I'm in love with Carolina. And Carolina football makes my heart so happy. The fact that  I will be in Kenan Stadium in my football dress in exactly eight days sends my heart aflutter. Seriously y'all, I'm on a diet/workout regimen right now so I will look good in my football dress and can indulge at our tailgates (oh and boy do I indulge..).

College football is magical. You would think I'd be jaded after all of our NCAA issues of late, but I'm not. I know that most of those guys are good kids who love the game. And even the ones that made mistakes - I think if they were at any other school in the country they would have left for the NFL. But they loved Carolina so much, they stayed, and in turn made some mistakes. I don't love it, but I can forgive them for that.

"Meet the Heels Day" (aka the day last year when this little gem was taken and ended up in the Durham newspaper) was scheduled for tomorrow but silly Hurricane Irene has ruined the day and UNC has cancelled the event.

Just think Bryn, we could've taken a picture together and you could've ended up in the paper, too. :)

No Big Deal, Just An Earthquake

Y'all, not 45 minutes ago I was sitting here at my desk finishing up a couple of press releases on college football (yeah, my job is ridiculously awesome) when I hear a shaking noise above my head. Now this is not entirely rare - for some reason people like to walk on the roof above my head (I'm on the second floor in a two story building), so I didn't think much of it.

Well it got louder and shakier and all I could think was 'Goodness, gracious man on the roof! Some of us are trying to do work." But then I noticed my desk was shaking. And the floor was shaking. And then our building was being evacuated.

Either the man on the roof was 500 lbs and training for a marathon.... or we were having an earthquake. I honestly thought it was probably the former - I've never heard of an earthquake in North Carolina, but then I glanced down at my Twitter feed (love you Twitter) as I was walking out of my office. People from Raleigh to NYC were tweeting "Are we having an earthquake?"

And an earthquake we did have indeed - a 5.9 on the Richter Scale in Mineral, Va. We didn't feel the full 5.9 here, but wow, still one of the strangest things I've ever felt.

Thorp Chose Davis

There has been a huge event that I haven't talked about on here for the simple fact that I'm in denial.

Butch Davis was fired.

Holden Thorp cited no new evidence, but simply said the whole investigation was causing too much damage to our reputation as an academic institution. Someone had to go down for it and as head of the football program, Thorp chose Davis. 

Thorp chose Davis when two days earlier, UNC confirmed its support of Davis as he met with the media to kickoff the season. Thorp chose Davis because of the damage the academic investigation has caused to UNC as an academic institution when Thorp is the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Thorp chose Davis a week before football practice began and took away a coach that had given us more success in the past three years than we'd had in a decade. Thorp chose Davis a year after the investigation began and took away a father figure to almost 100 young, impressionable men. Thorp chose Davis because he thought any action, even a stupid action, was better than no action and took away the football coach that made me love the game more than the tailgates.

Thorp chose Davis because he's too proud to do what he should have done and chosen himself.

Fantasy Football Draft

While I consider myself a well-rounded girl, there are some things I simply am not. I'm not very athletic. I'm not a seafood lover. I'm not a short hair gal. I'm not a pro sports fan...

Or am I?

While my heart lies (and I feel will always lie) with college sports (Carolina football kicks off in t minus 11 days - be still my heart), pro football may be sneaking its way in my life. And as usual, we can thank TJ for this.

Y'all obviously know about my like love for T.J. Yates. I've said it once a million times and I'll say it again - T.J. Yates made me the college football fan that I am today. And now he's making me an NFL fan... sort of.

My allegiance is, of course, with college football and the most beautiful university in the country, BUT since T.J. is now in the NFL, I have the desire to follow pro sports. Enter "Yaters Gonna Yate."

Yaters Gonna Yate is the  name of the fantasy football team my dad and I drafted last night. The draft was incredibly fun/stressful! It went much faster than I thought and since I don't know a ton of NFL players, many decisions were made based upon "Oh, he's cute" or "Look at his smile! Let's draft him."

Well, the plan was to draft T.J. with the last pick in the draft (the other teams aren't exactly fighting over him), but somehow we miscounted and only had one pick left when we thought we had two!! We had to get a kicker because we hadn't gotten one yet, so this morning, as soon as we were allowed to add/drop players, I made this little change. 

Pending Add/Drops
Date & Time	Team	Add Player	Current Player	Status	Comment	Action
08/23/11 08:56 am ET	Yaters Gonna Yate	Yates, T.J QB HOU	Crabtree, Michael WR SF	Pending	Will be processed Wednesday morning (8/24)	Withdraw

Thank goodness. I don't think you understand the level of stress I had at our miscalculation last night.

So here is our team (substitute TJ for Crabtree). 

layer	Opp.	Weather	Bye	Avg	Proj	Own %	Start %	Status
Manning, Peyton QB IND	@HOU	Dome Sun 1:00pm	11	0.0	352.4	99	96	ActiveReserve
Green-Ellis, BenJarvus RB NE	@MIA	Dome Mon 7:00pm	7	0.0	149.0	97	72	ActiveReserve
Rice, Ray RB BAL	PIT	Sun 1:00pm	5	0.0	228.6	99	95	ActiveReserve
Harvin, Percy WR MIN	@SD	Dome Sun 4:15pm	9	0.0	126.8	96	38	ActiveReserve
Nicks, Hakeem WR NYG	@WAS	Sun 4:15pm	7	0.0	189.0	98	61	ActiveReserve
Rice, Sidney WR SEA	@SF	Sun 4:15pm	6	0.0	121.0	87	31	ActiveReserve
Olsen, Greg TE CAR	@ARI	Sun 4:15pm	9	0.0	82.0	59	26	ActiveReserve
Barth, Connor K TB	DET	Sun 1:00pm	8	0.0	108.1	7	3	ActiveReserve
Giants DST	@WAS	Sun 4:15pm	7	0.0	149.3	93	68	ActiveReserve
Addai, Joseph RB IND	@HOU	Dome Sun 1:00pm	11	0.0	140.2	89	20	ActiveReserve
Spiller, C.J. RB BUF	@KC	Sun 1:00pm	7	0.0	89.2	43	2	ActiveReserve
Amendola, Danny WR STL	PHI	Sun 1:00pm	5	0.0	103.2	59	21	ActiveReserve
Crabtree, Michael WR SF	SEA	Sun 4:15pm	7	0.0	102.8	89	41	ActiveReserve
Gonzalez, Tony TE ATL	@CHI	Sun 1:00pm	8	0.0	107.8	95	74	ActiveReserve
TOTALS

What do y'all think? I'd love to hear the opinion of someone who actually watches NFL games for more reason than a 3rd string quarterback crush.