There are a lot of of things that I miss about the USA living in South Africa. And right after my friends and family, the thing I miss most is OU football. This week is one of the most important, most legendary, most fun, most historic games not only in OU football history, but in collegiate football history in general. This Saturday at the State Fair of Texas, The University of Oklahoma and the university of texas will meet again (they've only been doing this since 1900...)
The OU/TX game has much significance for my family. According to Birkett family lore OU/TX was finally when Tom B. wore Mary down enough to convince her to go on a date with him. Consequently, Tom and Mary made many trips to Dallas during my childhood to watch football, and would leave Laura and me at home with some rando so they could indulge in funnel cakes and football while reminiscing on the days of old. Eventually Laura and I got to go with them (Mom always told me that people made out under the bleachers and the toilets overflowed everywhere 'it's no place for children') I can safely say after my first trip to Fair Park, I was sold on the thrill of this weekend.
A stadium split at the 50 yard line. A neutral site every year. An entire weeekend dedicated to football and your favorite team. A Friday of cancelled classes. It's football time.
I am so sad to say I won't be there this year. In fact, I haven't been since 2009. You can be for sure that I will be at Fair Park in the Cotton Bowl in 2013--after all, my husband has yet to experience the majesty of OU/TX weekend.
Since I'm not going to be there, here are some of my favorite pics from years gone by. (sadly, only photos of my college years and beyond...the childhood OU/TX pictures are in shoeboxes in Bartlesville, I'm sure)
The OU/TX game has much significance for my family. According to Birkett family lore OU/TX was finally when Tom B. wore Mary down enough to convince her to go on a date with him. Consequently, Tom and Mary made many trips to Dallas during my childhood to watch football, and would leave Laura and me at home with some rando so they could indulge in funnel cakes and football while reminiscing on the days of old. Eventually Laura and I got to go with them (Mom always told me that people made out under the bleachers and the toilets overflowed everywhere 'it's no place for children') I can safely say after my first trip to Fair Park, I was sold on the thrill of this weekend.
A stadium split at the 50 yard line. A neutral site every year. An entire weeekend dedicated to football and your favorite team. A Friday of cancelled classes. It's football time.
I am so sad to say I won't be there this year. In fact, I haven't been since 2009. You can be for sure that I will be at Fair Park in the Cotton Bowl in 2013--after all, my husband has yet to experience the majesty of OU/TX weekend.
Since I'm not going to be there, here are some of my favorite pics from years gone by. (sadly, only photos of my college years and beyond...the childhood OU/TX pictures are in shoeboxes in Bartlesville, I'm sure)
sophomore year--2006
The first trip to OU/TX without being chaperoned by the 'rents
Imagine a whole bunch of your best friends, all staying in the same hotel, in a town four hours away from where you usually party...all followed by an amaaazzinnng football game.
oh, and these are my wonderful friends Annie, Christie, Randis and Kayla, Amber, and me
junior year
Annie, me, Randis, D, Christie, Emily, and Sarah
another hotel party
junior year, in the Cotton Bowl
Rachel, Emily, me
senior year--2008
no more hotels for us--we finally smartened up and started staying at D's house, where her parents fed us well, and drove us to the bars. Wonderful people!
D, me and Rach with all of our DU boys after a delicious BBQ meal
and I have no idea why Mike put that bunny on my shoulders
Lacey, the best frisbee catching dog in the world
also, I wish I still had those flip flops
in the Cotton Bowl
amazing seats for our senior year
RAA, with our friend Alicia
post grad--2009
RAA is reunited on the greatest weekend of the year
also, I miss those sunglasses
I'll miss you State Fair of Texas. and happy 60th birthday to Big Tex. I promise, I'll be there to celebrate your 61st.
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