Frozen Tundra!!

Today was a pretty great day!  Started out with my thinking I would spend a lazy day at home, grading papers, but Michaelann, a lovely fellow Herrinite and friend, asked if I wanted to come to The Game with her and her hubby.  A word about The Game.  Herrin Tiger football is in the thick of postseason fever; the kids are beside themselves with excitement--we're into the third round of playoffs, and our school can hardly think about anything else!  Our stores' windows have been painted.  The football boys' lockers are bedecked with glitterin' signs.  The dress code is strictly orange and black at school.  All week, I've been interrogated by the kids--"Are you coming to the game??"  Aaaaannnnnndddd, I knew it was going to be extracold today, so I hemmed and hawed when they asked.

Last night, when Michaelann asked if I was headed to Carterville to watch today, I confessed that I didn't get a ticket, shame and guilt flooding my system.  No worries, she tells me.  Sort out my layers and warm clothes, and through the magic of Facebook, she could hook me up.  She'll be at my house at high noon to carry me to the game. 

So that's how I ended up at The Game, freezing my tuckus off, cheering and yelling for the Tigers as we played in the cold.  It really was a great time--I spent the game with good friends who also only understand the rudimentary basics about football--"Go, sports!!"  All I can tell you is that we sported better than the other team sported, and there were lots of huddles and times when sports were discussed, and the referees did all kinds of yellow flags and hand signals that indicated when we had sported well or poorly.  Some kids sported too hard and were injured, but for the most part, we all had a great day.  Even in the frozen tundra of the football field sidelines.  So glad I went!  My attendance was duly noted by the kids who recognized me in my fifty layers of clothing and outerwear, so I won't be in trouble when I go to school on Monday.  But, since we won this game, the kids are going to be in a FEVER PITCH of excitement all this week, since we're now in the fourth round, and we'll be sporting AT HOME next time.  Oof.  Keep all of the faculty in your prayers this week . . . .