geaux tigers?

I'm an SEC girl. I like to think between the two different times I looked at schools in the South, I've pretty much got it covered.

• Alabama - I grew up in an Alabama household. When I didn't go to UA, there was many a doubt if there would be a newly formed rift in the family. Thankfully, not the case.
• Auburn - My college debut. Only a quarter, but still part of the mix.
• Florida - Where I obtained my MBA. My Florida school of choice when it comes to sporting events, due to my tenure in the interesting state of FL.
• LSU - Looked at going here once. Auditioned for the flute professor, but ultimately decided it wasn't meant to be.
• Mississippi State - Geaux dogs ;) This is where my heart is, regardless of the sad sad scoreboard at football games as of late. Ah, I remember the better days...
• South Carolina - The school that almost was. I almost transferred there sophomore year to do a double major in international business and music. I would have likely had no life. I ended up deciding to opt to stay closer to home.
• Tennessee - My parents went to grad school here. Not a super strong connection, but one none-the-less.

I've gotta say, I think LSU fans are the craziest in the SEC. My sophomore year I marched in the band to waive my out-of-state tuition. I vividly remember as I was styling ever so much in those hideous polyester pants them having the girls in the inside of the formation as we marched in since the fans were throwing glass bottles at us. I remember them stealing some of our flag corps equipment. I think the icing on the cake was the 60-65 year old man who mooned our bus. Yeahhhh... so that's what I think of when I think of the LSU fan.

So I did feel a bit "dirty" last night as I stood at the bar with the Cajun, the Writer, and the Chef rooting, ironically, for the Tigers. Not a huge LSU fan. However, when it comes to SEC vs. anyone else, I'd like to think I'd default to whomever's the SEC team (with the exception of Ole Miss -- sorry. Never can do there). I originally headed over to catch up with friends but I'll admit to getting quite drawn into the game. I was victim to an occasional "stanging" from the Cajun. Oh well - makes me stronger... just jealous I beat you to your NY resolution? ;)

The scene was quite funny. To our right, there were about 4-5 deaf men watching the game. I was fascinated at their multi-tasking capabilities as they somehow managed to converse, eat their quesadillas, and watch the game without missing a beat. Very impressive. I was equally amused when, from time to time, they managed to turn around and shoot comments over our way in support of LSU. Spirit like that makes the stroll from my place even in cold weather worth it almost every time.

That and the new smoking ban. Let me tell you, people can complain about the potential loss to businesses and who knows, maybe it will change. I think that some though like yours truly will be more prone to venture out to such venues than perhaps in the past. Some of my city snob friends would definitely not schlep to VA or MD just to be able to have a cigarette alongside their beverage at the bar. I'm loving it.