We interrupt the football coverage to bring you an amazing performance by She & Him

Thank goodness Steven DVRs Conan, otherwise I never would have caught this. I still can't stand the monologues, but his musical guests alone are worth adding him to your DVR schedule. This episode was particularly great as it included an interview with the always bizarre Sarah Silverman.

Wish list for 2011: See She & Him in concert.

The last Nebraska showdown

We missed the UCF game because of Dana's wedding, which turned out to be a lucky break. We tried to catch the game in the Pizza Hut in Osborne, but due to the world's most ominous clouds, we watched an hour of delay programming and the ugliest 2nd quarter of K-State football that I've seen since the Prince era. Not good, friends. When we left for the church I was sure we were headed for our first loss of the season. But somehow, through the power of Dana and Justin's nuptials, Carson Coffman found some leadership and we ended up 4-0.

Unfortunately, that luck did not carry over to our Thursday night ESPN showdown with Nebraska. There was no luck that night. Just high, high hopes....

I hate how well Nebraska travels. Too much red in that stadium. Makes me never want to go to away games.

And then sickening realizations...

I hate you Nebraska, and your history of running quarterbacks. Like Tommie Frazier all over again.

Michael Bishop was in the house, and when I saw him walk out of the tunnel, it felt like such a good omen. We chose new seats for the game, closest to the tunnel and in the corner, where we thought we could see more of the endzone. They were great seats for pre-game.





Pre-game started out great. There was energy, a packed house and skydivers that landed on the field! What could possibly go wrong? I felt nervous in our new seats, even though we got to be next to the players as they came out of the tunnel. I just felt like we were too far away from the endzone crowd to really control the emotion and pace of the game. Although, I'm not sure if there was any seat in the house that felt in control of the game after that botched 4th down attempt. Suffice it to say, Bo did not get mad that night. Taylor Martinez had a record setting game, and I had a hard time moving forward with the same enthusiasm. A loss is always more crushing in football than it is in basketball, but there's just always been something about Nebraska. I know Coach wanted it, and we all wanted it to at least be close. Instead it was embarrassing, and revealed for the first time just how young our defense was.

I'd like to say that I was a good fan and kept the faith, but the truth is that the season felt over for me after that. We had some good ups and downs, more wins and losses, and our first bowl berth since 2006. But beating Nebraska would have been better than all of that. If only. I'll take comfort in not seeing that game on our schedule next year. But I'll take more comfort in seeing Nebraska struggle in the Big 10 next year.

Golden Birthday

Let's catch up, shall we?

Back in September of this year, I turned 25 on September 25th. My cousin Dana also got married that day so I celebrated my golden birthday a little early. In the past couple of years, Dad has proven to be the best birthday shopper in my life. After years of books and study guides for birthdays and christmas, he has rewarded me with techie goodies. When he came to visit this summer and see my newly painted digs, he noticed that the only thing missing was a flat screen HDTV for football season.



He is enormous and flat and beautiful. Not only did it make every other TV in the house obsolete, it's given me a new perspective on entertainment. HD is the only way to watch TV.

Not to be outdone, Steven took the opposite approach to win my gadget loving heart. Where Dad went big, he went small.



My iPad was quickly christened Gordon, and has become an indispensable member of the family. Hailey sent me this adorable carrying case for him, and Steven's co-workers introduced us to the Angry Birds. Steven's Dad got him a Nook for his birthday, so our house is appropriately gadgeted for 2010.

Steven is all of 1 day younger than me, so we celebrated our birthdays together, even though his golden birthday isn't until next year. I had a pretty good hunch that he had bought me the iPad, so I tried to catch up in volume. It's a family tradition.



My 24th year was spent accumulating creature comforts - house, yard, garage, driveway, painted walls, real furniture, big screen laptop, CD player for Iggy, home WiFi, and now a fancy TV and iPad. It's made me appreciate being at home, settling in and enjoying these conveniences. I'm sure it's made me entirely too dependent on stuff, but for now, I'll just appreciate the fact that we're young, with good jobs, and small bills. 25 is good.

Homecoming

Picture = theme of post. Consider yourself previewed.

I have neglected you, dear blog. There have been happenings. There have been big games followed by big losses. Big birthdays full of big TVs and tiny tablet computers. The men in my life know me so well. There have been weddings and secrets and curtains and the first boot purchase of 2010.

And then came Homecoming.

Rachael was in town, which meant that I went to the Homecoming parade for the first time since the dreadful Homecoming Committee experience. One girl, two cones and a driveway does not a pleasurable memory make. This time was marginally better. No candy, good weather and we got to hear Bill Snyder talk. That was nice. Also the emcee for Homecoming was a boy from my graduating class. Which made me feel OLD. Steven and I snuck out early to reserve a table at Hibachi Hut for dinner. Steven chatted up the little old reservation lady and got her to call us when our table was ready. Which led to the best discovery ever.... the Bistro sells beer. It was a nice respite from the crowd of matching jackets and Ugg boots.

We got home about 9 that night and I was exhausted. Steven was too, which is why I was so surprised when he woke up promptly at 6:30 Saturday morning and refused to go back to sleep. Turns out he had a "surprise" that he needed to "finish" that morning. I was too sleepy to demand an explanation. He came back in to wake me up at 8 and say that we had to leave in an hour and that we wouldn't have time to come back before the game. Interesting. Slightly more awake and definitely more curious, I took a shower. I ran through all the positive possibilities in my mind which took about 2 minutes. Then I let the bad ones take shape which got me all the way through the powercat tattoo and blow dry. By the time I had packed my gameday bag, I was exhausted and just hoping we were getting pancakes. Hypotheticals make me hungry.

The mandatory pre-game photo was extra special this weekend.

Steven, who I finally noticed had been wearing his coat and shoes and sitting on the couch since 6:30, finally let us leave the house and head to the car. After some nifty driving diversions, I realized we were not going to a tailgate, getting an early seat, eating breakfast at the burger shack or stopping by the office to pick up old chili. We were at Steven's church. Which was empty. But he had a key. And was suddenly full of the smallest small talk ever. "Sometimes we come up here on Wednesdays so that the church ladies can use the basement." "Do those TVs get ESPN Gameday?" "My, what comfy cushions are on these pews." Etc, and so on, painfully.

I knew what was coming at this point, and was completely terrified. Don't puke. Don't blurt it out before he says it. Just sit tight, be quiet and stay in the moment. It's terrible, when big life moments are happening. TV and movies and books have ruined big life events for me. There's so much pressure to act the right way, to not be cliche, to be honest, to be real, to just be present. I tried to turn off my mind and be, but mostly I felt pulled in a million directions, overwhelmed with what was happening, overwhelmed by everything that was right (Steven) and could never be right (miss you Momma) on that day. He said sweet things and got on one knee and dropped the ring and the blubbering tears came, which was good, because he had wrapped the ring in kleenex for the blubbering moment. So prepared. There was such relief after the ring was there and on my finger and we could finally tell each other why we had been acting so crazy.

Happy kids in church. Oh happy happy relieved happiness.

So the power of the ring didn't extend to a K-State victory, but I take full responsibility for the revival of the K-State defense. I also saw Carson Coffman in Goodcents today, and I'm pretty sure he felt the good luck vibes. The football season of my engagement will end with the first K-State bowl game since 2006. It must. It's in my prenup.

We took a lot of these kinds of pictures.

All in all, it was as perfect as could be. Engaged on a football Saturday, before a home game, on Homecoming weekend. Did I mention that my men know me well? It's been a good Fall.

2-0

Rant: I asked several K-State football "fans" this week if they were going to the game this weekend. Their response? A sarcastic, "No. I'm not going to this game." I'm sorry. Do you not enjoy watching your team win? Were you not looking forward to seeing if Carson Coffman could throw the ball, and how our new receiving corp would do? Do you pay for season tickets just to say you do? Is it too much work to spend 4 hours outside on a beautiful Fall evening? You must have better things to do on a Saturday night in Manhattan, KS.

Short story, long - some K-State football fans need a bit of a reality check. Beating UCLA doesn't guarantee more victories later in the season. It doesn't guarantee a ranking, or a bowl game, or a conference champion or any future success. Part of the home field advantage is fan support. Loud, vocal, excited, energetic, in person support. For a home game that isn't televised, there's absolutely no excuse for not wanting to be there.

Luckily, 48,000 real fans agreed with me and were on hand to witness and cheer on our team to a 48-24 victory over Missouri State. Even better fans were treated to a fireworks show at the end of the game. K-State knows how to keep you in your seat.


Stop punking out, Manhattan. You're on notice.

***End rant***

Because Steven is a legitimate member of the community, he got us in on the Young Professionals tailgate special for this game. We got t-shirts, gift cards and free food in Cat Town, plus, the always awkward "networking opportunities." But it was fun to wear matching shirts to the game, even though they weren't purple.



I've been in awe of Coach Snyder since I was in the 4th grade, but this weekend I experienced something new to appreciate. As the team was stretching and warming up, Coach came by and said good luck to each of his players individually, and gave them a pat on the shoulder. It's such a small gesture, but to me it just exudes class and respect. I'm glad I got the chance to witness that.


After the game, fans were encouraged to stay in their seats to enjoy the fireworks show. Steven and I were worried about seeing them, since they were scheduled to go off right behind us. John Currie, however, thinks of everything and let everyone with end zone tickets sit on the field. I'm officially sold. I plan to have season tickets for the rest of my life, and I'm sitting in the end zone every single year. You're in the front, you're in the action, you're on the field. Though I did start to plan my escape route to the field when we inevitably upset Nebraska on October 7th. I think I'll have to climb over the fence in front of me and hop over... might not be graceful, but I think if Steven helps...


I tried to take pictures and/or video of the fireworks but there was too much going on. I will say that they were awesome, and timed to the fight song, the wabash and one of those patriotic country songs for 9/11. Truly a great way to end a great day in football.


Steven was pretty excited to take a picture in the cat's mouth. Too many people were around for him to fully commit to the possibilities, though.


This is the end zone I protect. I scream, I yell, I stand up so that young and old behind me cannot see. This is my end zone and I will do my part. Also notice my spiffy new gameday bag. Too expensive but completely worth it.

Happy 'Cats.

I can't stop watching this video. So adorably weird.

My abs are sore from Wabashing

Before:

Susan: How early do you want to get to the game?
Steven: I don't know, 30 minutes?
Long pause....
Susan: How early would be way too early to get to the game?
Steven: 5 hours?

Actual arrival time: 1:00p.m. Careful negotiation is the key to our relationship.


These were our seats. Getting there an hour and a half early has its advantages, but unfortunately I got greedy and tried to sit too low, and too in the middle. Those goal posts certainly don't wiggle when you're trying to see the snap. Another hazard of getting there too early and sitting behind the goal posts is kicking practice. We can personally vouch for the health of Kai Forbath. Every single kick made it through the uprights, though some were nearer to the third row than we appreciated. Also, they don't let you keep the ball if you catch it. Kind of crappy, if you ask me. Note for next game: choose a side.


You all know #8, and he was a BEAST up close. I can't believe how much he's grown in the offseason. But my favorite offensive player this year, because he's small and mighty and forgotten is #20, William Powell. Averaged 12 yards a carry versus UCLA and confused the heck out of the defense. It's good to have a pair, and I think this partnership will just keep getting better.

You'll be happy to know that Steven and I helped thwart the game-tying 2 point conversion, as they were threatening to score in our endzone. You're welcome. We'll be happy to offer our services again next weekend, though I think we learned another important lesson about afternoon games and sunscreen.


That's right. I've been branded by the sun.


Congratulations, Cats on an impressive opening victory. Now to face Terry Allen (everyone's favorite KU coach) and Missouri State. I'd like to see a blow-out, but I'll settle for a few more passing yards and a couple of sacks. Kick-off 6:10p.m. GO STATE!

The future?

A couple of weeks ago, this announcement popped up on one of my library listservs and I just about fell out of my chair.

The University of Mississippi Libraries seeks an Instruction/Reference Librarian to deliver user-centered instruction and reference services to the university community.

The successful candidate will:

- Participate in a general library instruction program supporting composition and freshman seminar courses and provide instruction in the assigned subject area

- Provide instruction support through web content and development of online tutorials

- Provide liaison and collection development for the School of Engineering and/or other departments as assigned

- Provide in-person and virtual reference services

- Participate in creative problem solving, take personal initiative, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the library and the university community.

Qualifications: ALA accredited master's degree by date of employment; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

The University of Mississippi is located in historic Oxford, a thriving community offering a wide range of literary, musical and cultural activities. For more information about the University and the community, please visit http://www.olemiss.edu/community/index.html.

I was all set to apply and break my lease and figure out how to get Big 12 football in Mississippi when I read the fine print: "ALA accredited master's degree by date of employment." So I wept. My perfect job actually exists, but I am ineligible for it because it is taking me 3 stinkin' years to finish 42 credit hours. Hopefully whoever gets the job will have some other pie in the sky fantasy job that will open in a year, leaving the position open again, mine for the taking. If nothing else, it has helped me get back in gear for my final year of graduate school.

This semester I am taking 2 classes, which is a total party after last year's 3 class per semester disaster decision. Additionally, one of the classes is in web development, which means it's less theory, more action, AND - it's an 8 week accelerated course entirely online. Heaven, thy name is electives. This is the first week of the course and I'm sort of hating the accelerated factor because this has also been the busiest week in my entire employment history. I'm used to terrible Augusts from working at the ELP with all the incoming international students, but that is nothing compared to the mental exhaustion of 8 appointments a day, athletic transcripts, summer graduation and departmental DARS audits. Add in to the mix the news that my beloved Mollie friend is leaving me for a job more suited to her kickass skills in new student services and this week has been a whole big sack of awful. At least I found some Fit Flop sandals at Penney's today for 50% off. And Steven took me to get a frosty. So there is a reason to get up in the morning.

***

Speaking of reasons to get up in the morning...

I wish you were real, so you could inherit Snyder's throne.

The Emmy's are on Sunday. Since Schindler's List won every award at the Oscars and they played that damn song over and over again, I have been sucked into the pageantry of awards shows. The Oscars and I, however, have not aged well. As I become more selective with my free time I find myself drawn to TV over movies, and TV actors over movie stars. This has grown into a full blown obsession this year, because I have latched on to the critically adored, universally ignored, Friday Night Lights.

Oh Tim Riggins. Who knew you would be the comedic heart of the show?

I could go on about the wonders of FNL, and I will. In fact, I might start a whole new blog committed to dissecting the characters, the acting choices, the dialogue, the Tim Riggins of it all. But all I'll say today, is that even though I loved Matthew Fox in the LOST finale, and I'm sure Breaking Bad is as good as everyone says, they better all take a seat to Coach Taylor. And ok, fine, it's great to see Nurse Carol back on primetime in a show with Big. I give you that. But is she as great as the inimitable Tami Taylor standing up to that snarky chump Joe McCoy? No. She's not. No one is. And no one has been, for the past 4 years. They finally got their nominations, and their fans made it through the emotional exhaustion of season 4 and we all deserve it.

Well, okay, Zach Gilford really deserves it the most but he wasn't even nominated. Seriously.

John Lithgow's got nothing on you, 7.

If you're like Betsy, and won't subject your eyes to conflict, you can also root for Amy Poehler, the delightfully upbeat and dedicated deputy on Parks and Recreation. You can mourn the snub of Aubrey Plaza by cheering for the many. many nominees from Modern Family and take heart that everyone's favorite geek, Sheldon, doesn't have to share the spotlight with Jon Cryer. But mostly, I would suggest watching, just for the clips. You might see something nominated that you've never heard of, or always wondered about, or never got around to watching. One of the greatest things that Instant Netflix, DVR, Hulu, Cox on Demand and syndication have brought us is instant and commercial free access to entire seasons of television. Indulge yourself. I dare you.

17 days

Guess who got her tickets today?


Just 17 more days until it's fill the Bill time. Are you ready? Here's a video for you, in case you're having trouble getting AMPED.

Sweet Jesus, I miss Michael Bishop. And I had forgotten all about Newman's crazy/insane/amazing return to win the USC game. Unbelievable.

Clear eyes, Full hearts, Can't lose

I discovered the secret to surviving the next 53 days.

Seasons 1-4 available instantly on Netflix.

Belated beyond belief - New house post

Steven and I have lenient landlords when it comes to decorating which means that we spent Memorial Day weekend repainting the walls. It started a dirty sad white, and ended up beautiful, bright and completely ours. We're blessed, and I try to remember that every time Larry ignores our repeated messages about the broken front window.

Dirty sad living room:


Happy gray living room:


Plain, boring white wall:


New, fancy purple wall:


Your average kitchen:


New and improved SUSAN kitchen:





Sad laundry area:


New and improved (though I still need to do something about that light fixture):



The main reason we decided on the house was all the built in storage, and this fabulous bookshelf/wall:


Which leaves all our bookshelves free for decorating:



The bedrooms and study were painted right before we moved in, but I'm still hoping to get curtains made for each of the rooms by the end of the year. I've been fabric shopping for weeks, but I can't commit to buying anything. It's much too stressful. Any color/style suggestions?






This is currently my coffee table. Though I appreciate the ability to move parts of it around as needed, it cannot last forever. Plus, the corners are sharp.


My last project of the summer is the bathroom. It requires wallpaper stripping, priming, and choosing a blue. Basically, it's impossible, because nothing matches my authentically vintage, perfectly hand-me-down, so ugly it's chic shower curtain. It will me stay with me always. Thanks, Momma.



So there you have it. No mice, quiet neighbors, close to work and colored walls. Everything I sort of knew I wanted.