Highlights from my weekend

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I wanted to let y’all know that my computer is broken, so I may not offer to entertain y’all for a few days.

However, I did want to mention that I broke my four and a half year dating fast yesterday. (Okay, okay – it’s not a fast if it’s not intentional. 😉 I know that. But it’s so much more fun to be obnoxious and say it that way.) The hoops were present, albeit in their smaller form. I had a nice afternoon with this guy, but I doubt we’ll be going out again. He was friendly enough… but eh. I’m not chomping at the bit for another date.

On the other hand, Alabama did win yesterday – both in football ( 😉 ) and basketball! Roll tide roll!

Back up sperm, what?!

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Let’s maintain a sense of humor, Florida State.

Apparently, on Sunday night The Simpsons made a silly reference to my alma mater. The FSView & Florida Flambeau‘s coverage suggests that the university can’t seem to decide whether this reference was positive or negative PR for the school.

I think it’s hilarious.

It reminds me of my favorite Will & Grace quote of all time…

GRACE: Well, that’s because it is my sperm. But it’s my safety sperm. You know, like the safety school? You–you apply to college, and it’s the one school you know you’re gonna get into just in case everything else falls through.

WILL: You’re saying my sperm is Florida State?

I love my safety school. 😉

Florida State, Florida State, Florida State… who?

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I am one conflicted woman. I considered praying about this decision, but I think that might be taking it too seriously. 🙂

This has been a difficult football season. Alabama has won only four games to date, even after holding some mighty fine teams to small spreads. Florida State looked to be making a national championship run until they tripped up against Clemson. Let’s not even turn attention to the NFL – my Jaguars have had it rough!

The players and coaches aren’t the only ones dealing with changes. Even at this point in the season, I’m still adjusting to attending a different football school.

I didn’t approach this year with high expectations, at least so far as the number of victories was concerned. On the other hand, I anticipated an entirely different football experience than what I’ve had.

You see, I’ve been a fan of Alabama football for as long as I can remember. Even before I understood and appreciated the sport, I knew that victories for the Crimson Tide meant good things in my household. My daddy was known to award $20 bills to my sisters and I after a successful Iron Bowl. The gift of choice for that man has always been an Alabama t-shirt for his birthday and often a sweatshirt for Christmas.

It is with this mindset that I dubbed Florida State my #2 as I became a Seminole in 1999. The university was my back-up in case none of the others worked out – and they didn’t. I mourned the decision for a night and then turned toward the future with determination. I made up my mind that I would make the most of my years at FSU – and I did.

The three and a half years (and four football seasons) I spent in Tallahassee, Fla., were the best I’ve experienced to date. I won’t try to encapsulate all that I experienced during those years, because regardless, you won’t be able to appreciate those memories. I imagine that anyone who has lived through their own four year college experience can relate. Those memories are not quick to fade.

Football played a significant role in those years. As a freshman, I watched my team win their second national title. I can’t imagine a better cap to an amazing first semester. After toliet papering property of 26 guys the night before, I was barely able to keep my eyes open as we played Duke in 2000. It was at a football game that I hid my disappointment at being rejected by a boy. My final game before moving to Alabama was the 2003 Sugar Bowl. We anticipated a loss going in, but the weekend in New Orleans was worth it.

FSU set the bar high. Though Seminole tradition isn’t as established some fans may think, four hours in Doak Campbell is time well spent.

I’ve found that I’m not always able to say the same of Saturdays in Bryant Denny.

I haven’t regretted any of the games that I’ve attended this season, but the experience doesn’t begin to compare to years past. It isn’t because we’ve walked away from many of those games defeated, nor is it a lack of enthusiasm for a losing team. Just the opposite is true – I’ve been impressed by the dedication of fans. On the evening of the first Alabama loss I witnessed, the student section was still three-quarters full as the team ran off the field. The players were serenaded with “Yay Alabama!” as they headed into the locker room. Fans waited through the rain delay to watch the Tide lose to Arkansas in overtime. There’s no lack of spirit.

Still, I’m struggling. My enthusiasm for the team that I’ve supported since childhood is waning in favor of the school where I spent some of the best years of my life. I’ve been fiercely loyal to Alabama throughout the years… but now I’m considering relegating them to my number two.

Is that wrong?

Be careful with me – I’m sensitive, and I’d like to stay that way

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

You wanna talk defense mechanisms? I’ve got ’em.

I like to think that I’ve progressed quite a bit in recent years, but I know they’re still there. It still doesn’t take much to rouse them.

For example, if I’m feeling insecure, you better watch out. I’m likely to turn sarcastic and perhaps even more competitive than usual in an effort to protect myself. If I’m afraid that you’re going to blow me off, I’ll probably put you in your place before you get the chance.

I was reminded of this particular idiosyncracy earlier this week. I don’t know why, but sometimes I talk a big talk. I’m little miss trash talker during the football season (and frequently out of season!) You better watch what you say about Alabama or Florida State football around me, because I’m not going to take it lying down.

Still, sometimes I grow tired of this little charade. Scrappy though I may be, I’m a girl. I hope never to be “just one of the guys,” though that’s a fear I harbor when it comes to talking ball with the boys.

Football, therefore, can pull out those defenses I still harbor. I don’t like to be wrong, and I don’t like to be out talked in a mud slinging session. I should bow out gracefully like the little girl I still am. Instead, I’ll work my feminine wiles or my football knowledge for all they’re worth (or worse still, a deadly combination of the two!)

I’m a mish-mash of idiosyncracies. Some find that lovable; others find it annoying. Take your pick.

Memories #6

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Top Ten College Memories: Memory #9

April 19, 2002

When it comes to nostalgia, I’ll admit that I’m a blubbering mess. I hate crying in public, but I express my emotions through my eyes so frequently that it’s hard to avoid. 🙂

That was the case on a spring evening in 2002, one week prior to my college graduation. I was active in Campus Crusade for Christ during my years at Florida State, and we celebrate the graduation of our seniors every spring by hosting a banquet for the entire ministry.

The banquet for this particular year was slightly different from the others I had attended. Instead of church clothes, we went semi-formal. Our staff interns were leaving that semester, as well. We opened the banquet with several ladies performing a dance to “I Can Only Imagine,” and concluded with music and dancing.

But of course the biggest difference in my eyes was that I was graduating. This evening was a celebration of all that had happened in the three years prior – while it was a tear eliciting event, it was also a joyful occassion. The words that my friend Stacy spoke about our friendship were a blessing, but I don’t think I started crying until after I saw tears running down my roommate Alison’s face. We had lived together since our freshman year, and God did a lot in both of our lives during that time.

After all of the seniors had been introduced, we moved into the music and fun portion of the evening. Heather approached me with a gift that Joyce had sent with her. (Joyce was in Minnesota preparing for a mission trip and getting to know her future husband. 😉 ) I read the card included and laughed as I reached the end – “Please ask Heather to hug you right now… pretend those are my arms.” Hebs gave me an authentic Joyce hug, and I laughed through the tears.

(I guess you could say that Joyce and I have developed a habit of missing these events in each other’s lives. It’s funny – though not in a “ha ha” sort of way – how that works out. She missed my senior banquet and I believe my graduation party, I missed her wedding…)

That evening holds memories that won’t quickly be forgotten. I treasure the picture of some of my favorite Crusade guys belting out “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” I still dance around a room whenever I hear “I Can Only Imagine.” But most of all, I continue to celebrate the friendships that God continues to use to sharpen me and mold me in His image.

Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:23-26

Memories #1

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

This post will be the first in a series that I’ll simply call “Memories”. Hey – it’s not my job to write headlines!

December 31, 1993
After a year as the reigning national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide found themselves relegated to the 1993 Gator Bowl. Some fans would be disappointed by their team being shoved into this “fake” bowl game. Oh, but one twelve year old football fan was delighted by her team’s plight. Though I would continue to refer to the Gator Bowl as “not a real bowl game” for years afterward, on that December night it was the next best thing to heaven.

This little girl lived over five hundred miles from the stadium that her favorite team called home. I had only gained enthusiasm for the sport that my father watched religiously during the previous season. In retrospect, I was fortunate to attend my first college football game so soon after becoming a fan.

It was cold that New Year’s Eve, as it often is to this little Florida gal during the final months of the year. My sisters had passed on the opportunity to go to the game in favor of a lock in at Discovery Kids Zone. I jumped at the opportunity, and I proudly sat beside my father in the upper deck of what is now Alltel Stadium, shivering as I watched Alabama dominate North Carolina.

The scene that night was reminiscint of many to come, though I didn’t know that then. I was surrounded by men, their beers in hand and their voices loud. (The stadiums at both of the colleges I have attended are dry, but that doesn’t save me from being surrounded by drunks.) I knew only enough about the game to understand what was going on, but I loved every moment.

The Crimson Tide stood victorious as the final seconds counted off the clock. Since my daddy had consumed a beer or two, I tried to persuade him to let me drive home. I think he considered it, but he decided that the twelve year old should probably remain in the passenger seat.

The magic of that night lingers in my mind. My first college football game, my first sip of champagne, and the joy that a little girl has from spending time with her daddy are memories not quickly forgotten. I think there’s no better way to enjoy football than shivering alongside someone you love.

Assuming I am able to acquire a ticket, this Saturday will hold the third college football game that my father and I have attended together. It promises to be the best match up yet (Alabama vs. Tennessee should be far more thrilling than Alabama vs. UNC or Florida State vs. Duke!)