A Game Six Years in the Making

When Brian and I met six years ago in 2008, we discussed college football.  (If you know anything about my husband you know he is obsessed with college football, and, more specifically, obsessed with Ohio State College football.  I am not exaggerating.)  During one of our meetings six years ago, we discussed that I went to Virginia Tech.  Brian informed me that one day Ohio State would play Virginia Tech in college football.  When we he looked at the schedule, we he found out it would be six years later, in 2014, and promptly let me know to keep that date open...  At the time, 2014 seemed so far from 2008, but six years went by fast and here we are, in 2014.

An OSU fan and a VT fan at some point in the game!

So last night we attended the game six years in the making: Ohio State versus Virginia Tech.  The game was here in Columbus, OH at Ohio Stadium and next year Ohio State will play Virginia Tech again but in Blacksburg, VA.  A home game for each team and then that is it, for now.  Virginia Tech and Ohio State are in different divisions, so while they won't play each other every year, they will this year and next.  I'm sure there's some sort of scientific explanation for this that Brian could elaborate on for you but that is about the extent to which I care to get involved in.

Speaking of extents of involvement, let me explain my thoughts on college football: I am pretty happy when the season is over because I usually get tired of hearing about college football and/or hearing the games on our TV in the background on the weekends and/or rearranging plans because so and so is playing so and so and it's going to be "a great game".  I don't mind a game here or there, but I don't have the devotion or the love of one specific team to be a hardcore fan, like my husband...or the rest of the people in central Ohio for that matter.  Plus, 9 times out of 10, I'd much rather be doing something else than watching football on the tele...

This game was more of an obligation.  We had been discussing this game off and on (read: building up the comradery) for six years!  I had to go.  To be honest, I thought Ohio State would blow Virginia Tech out of the water.  The Virginia Tech Hokies are often referred to as the "Chokies" because they get down to the end of the game ahead or close to winning and end up losing.

Just hanging out at the tailgate prior to the game!

In the beginning of the game, I remember thinking of how pretty the sky looked from the sunset.  And at one point in the third quarter, I remember seeing an airplane in the sky above and I swore the lights were flashing in sync with 'Hang On Sloopy' that the Ohio State band was playing.  (This is my involvement in the game.)  Meanwhile, Brian was sitting on the edge of his seat, along with the rest of the 100,000+ people stadium because it was a really close game.

I even took this picture of the sky because it was so pretty.

Close to around the same time I must've said something smart because without even turning to look at me Brian said, "Zip it, Missy.".  I don't even remember what I said - probably something about "may the better school win" or something like that.  Surprisingly enough, Virginia Tech went on to win - 35-21.  I was even shocked at the outcome.  Ohio Stadium was silent last night, and Brian was not happy about this loss.  Given the fact that I could've cared less either way, it would've made my life easier and more enjoyable if the Buckeyes had won.  But, unfortunately for them, they didn't.

That small little section of orange and maroon was THE ONLY
section cheering of the ENTIRE stadium.

I imagine at the game next year, Ohio State will find a way to blow Virginia Tech out of the water but having the bragging rights for the next year of who really has the better school has kind of made this football season worth it!  I know this win won't last for long but you had better believe that I'm going to silently bask in the win of all wins.

This was the game that mattered - and I won.  (At least that's how I look at it!)

Bri and me.  One has a forced smile, one does not.  You be the judge
on who is who.

He's Baaack!

I would tell you, but you wouldn't believe me...

...So I will show you:

Matt came back into town.  He loves him
some Buckeyes...and chili dogs...and
extremely short trips to the states as seen
here and here and here and now this post.

He had never attended an OSU vs. Michigan game and
both Brian and he decided what better game than Urban's
first season and the very last game of the Buckeye's
so far undefeated season.

Meanwhile, Kate supported her Daddy and
his Buckeye's from home with her
Mommy, who, unfortunately, did not don
any scarlet and gray that day...

They chose a good one.  They were both
able to revel in the glory of the Buckeye's
defeating the Wolverine's in the 12-0
victorious first season coached by
Urban Meyer. 

I don't think this is a game that either will forget anytime soon!  Thanks for making the trip, Matt!

Bring the Juice

That's right, bring it!  Coach Urban Meyer wants an angry football team.  He wants an aggressive football team.  And he wants his team and his team's fans to Bring the Juice!  And the Buckeyes have already brought the juice as they start the season off with a 56-10 victory over Miami.

(NOTE: In a few more months "bring the juice" will have a whole new meaning...)

The juice has been brought!

Go Bucks!

The Urban Era

Just under a year ago, Brian released his ninth licensed print!

Today, Brian's tenth licensed print just drizz-opped!  (Yes, I said "drizz-opped".)  I can definitely speak for him and me when I say we are very proud of his preserverance, enthusiasm, and dedication not only to photography but to the Buckeyes themselves. 

Check out the new print here:

Keep up the good work, Bri! 

Oh, and GO BUCKS!  (I can't forget them, of course!)

Hang On Sloopy!

Sloopy hang on!  O-H-I-O!

How do I begin about the weekend?!  It.was.incredible!  For many reasons!  The main one being that my brother, Travis, and sister-in-law, Shanel, trekked out to Ohio to spend some quality time with us on our turf!  Just being together was the best part of the entire weekend, but, as you know how we like to do it when we have guests in town, we also got down with some trade mark Columbus activities!

On Friday night when Travis and Shanel arrived, we headed to downtown Columbus to catch a glimpse of Highball Halloween.  We stopped here for the first time together last year with my Grandparents, and we had to keep up the tradition!  We once again saw some amazing (and ridiculous) costumes!  But that is part of what makes Highball Halloween so fun!

On Saturday, after relaxing at the house (read: sleeping in) we grabbed lunch at Katzinger's deli and headed down to the tailgate to get ready for the Ohio State Buckeyes to take on the Wisconsin Badgers.  What a fantastic game!  We were bundled up and sat in a sea of scarlet while we watched the Buckeyes wallop the Badgers!  It was a very, very exciting game, and after an unbelievable victory everyone rushed on the field to celebrate and bask in all the Buckeye glory!  Some have even said it was the most exciting game they have ever been to in The Shoe.  (Brian ranks it in his top five for your reference.)  After the Buckeye game, we carried on downtown as usual after Ohio State football games and stopped at the Varsity Club to meet up with [some of] of the tailgate crew, where we also basked in the Buckeye glory!

Finally, on Sunday, we enjoyed each other's company while we made a big breakfast* together, popped into Jeni's for a quick sampling of Ohio ice cream**, and dropped my bro and sis-in-law back off at the airport.

We cannot begin to explain how wonderful it was to have both Travis and Shanel stay with us for the weekend.  We had 48 hours of uninterrupted togetherness, and it was positively superb!

Please come back again, Travis and Shanel!!!  We ♥ u!

*A big breakfast at the Hendricks Household involves: blueberry pancakes, perfectly fried eggs (compliments to Shanel), sausage, grits, orange juice, lots o' love, and good company!

**Jeni's slogan should be: "Jeni's.  That's how we do ice cream in Ohio."

Script Ohio Tradition

Celebrating 75 Years of the Incomparable Script Ohio!

Today we debuted Brian's ninth licensed print!

Congrats, Brian!  And GO BUCKS!

Scotland is Free!

Remember this guy:

He visited us and Columbus, OH and the Ohio State Buckeyes nearly one year ago, AND we went to visit him in Zurich, Switzerland?

Yes, that guy!

Our dear Scottish Peach (currently Swiss Peach), Matt, flew into town on Thursday and stayed with us until yesterday morning!  It was, as usual, an awesome visit!  Since I had Friday off, Matt and I headed over to Easton and spent the day shopping.  We had so much fun!  And I nicknamed him my gusband!  For the rest of the weekend, my gusband and my rusband (that is my "gay" husband and "real" husband, respectively) spent their time carrying on, cracking jokes, laughing, making me laugh, going to the Ohio State game, drinking, chowing down on tons of American foods, and having a good ol' time!  (Note: Matt is not gay.  Not at all.  But since he was shopping with me, I figured the nickname fit him perfectly!  Plus, I've always wanted a good shopping buddy!)

We all had a fantastic weekend with Matt in town, and we cannot wait until our next rendezvous!  Loves to you, Peach!  Thanks for making the trip over to the States to visit!  It was wonderful to see you!

One Week Until the Best Time of the Year

(I would have to argue that the post title is debatable, but I won't go there.) 

Brian, this one is for you.