Sunday, October 07, 2007

Live Your Life With Arms Wide Open

It's been a while since we last posted and there's been so much going on. So the next few posts will cover a few highlights - conspicuously missing will be any and all mention of Rutgers football...I'm still in a proverbial corner licking my wounds.

A few weeks ago a friend of ours lived a dream of his, which was to have won of his favorite recording artists, Graham Parker, give a concert at his house. Graham Parker was in a band called Rumour in the 70s and they had quite a bit of success, including accolades from Rolling Stone. They were very popular when Ed was in college (at RU) and courting his wife. Graham holds a special place in Ed's heart, memory, and CD player - so when he ran into him at a political fundraiser, he couldn't resist asking for a backyard concert.

As with all things in life, Ed managed to persuade Graham to do exactly what he wanted (Ed is a wonderful friend, but an even better litigator). So there we sat, enjoying the music, friends and fun. Though we couldn't stay long (I wasn't feeling well), it was a wonderful and surreal evening.

It was definitely not a "normal" Saturday outing for us, but that is what life is all about! Thought it would be fun to share in the case that anyone reading is a Graham fan...




Thursday, September 20, 2007

RU Choppin?

So we've been a little busy lately! Autumn is upon us and we welcome it with open arms. October and November have always been months of wonderful change for us: first date, engagement, marriage, promotions and new homes. We hope this autumn brings smaller changes, but plenty of joy.

But what is most exciting for us this year is that fall heralds the REAL beginning of football season. As you can imagine, most of our extra-curricular activities in the past few weeks have required the wearing of scarlet - and with 8 homegames, I suspect much of the same through November.

The Scarlet Knight of the foam variety.

Dommy enjoying pre-game festivities

Dom holding my beer so that I could document my attendance.

HEY! Look who we found in the stadium! We love Coley for SO many reasons, but mostly because he is the most polite houseguest ever and never once complained that we made him sleep on a youth bed (Ok, so maybe I just saw the price and bought the bed and didn't read all the way through the description....maybe).

Dom eyeing up the band....let's just say they haven't quite caught up to the team yet. We've got an "R" formation - this year we're working on recruiting for the "U"

This is what hope looks like.

Those of us who were blessed to be at the Louisville game will never look at this the same way again. The stadium at sunset is one of my favorite places on this earth. When those lights come up and the purple clouds stir into the inky night sky....magic happens.



So I am really excited to enjoy this seasons as a "real fan" for the first time in YEARS. In working at the President's Box, of course I enjoyed the games and chatting with donors, but I was "professional Courtney" (uncomfortable pumps and powersuit sold separately). But to be in the STANDS, and be able to SCREAM....that is what football is all about to me. That view is what brings me back to my days in the old stadium, my dad bringing us hot chocolate while we waited patiently through yet ANOTHER losing game to watch MK in the halftime show. It is what brings tears to my eyes in excitement and pride as I look around at faces I don't know, and those I do. Strangers, my students, my colleagues, my fellow alums who share in these moments. I love watching the children tense up after we score, waiting for the cannon - and I remember games...almost entire seasons...when the cannon lay silent. That is where the magic lies for me.

BUT

When we were invited up to a box - as GUESTS - with our dear friends, who could resist? And even if I could, my husband's excitement to be in a "private box" and relief to find padded seating was convincing enough. I am many things...but jaded and spoiled I will never be.

And she sure does look lovely from up there.

Dom rockin it VIP style

Dom and Coley: men of leisure....it is has it should be.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Movin' On Up

Fra-GEE-lay...must be Italian!

Our office moved this week and while we were incredibly excited about the move, it couldn't have come at a more hectic time (save for the first day of classes).

But we still found time to enjoy the change of scenery and begin to get acclimated to our new environs.

Here are Iris and Melanie addressing the signage issue and playing on File Island.


And somewhere in the middle Eric and I found time for camera wars, a little Heart & Soul, and my favorite....dolly slalom rides.

But in just a few short days the waiting lounge will be filled with students....with questions...who want answers...and that, my friends, is a little bit terrifying.


So after one last evening of fun (Thursday is the RU football kickoff), it's off to the races. I know that we will learn so much, laugh too much, and really reach out to our students in this new space, and it makes me love it already. That and I'm a little high off the fresh paint fumes....