What just happened? UGA vs. South Carolina 2002

Well, it was a tough weekend for Bulldog fans. It's definitely hard to lose the season opener, but on the bright side, it was a non-conference loss so we still have a chance in the SEC... fingers crossed!!!

That being said, I decided to post my football memory early this week with the hope that we can put Saturday behind us... and look ahead to playing South Carolina this weekend.

The UGA vs. South Carolina game in 2002 was my first away game. It was a very exciting time as we prepared to head just a couple hours north to visit the Gamecocks. We were coming off that super close win against Clemson and we felt like South Carolina would be a fairly easy SEC road win for us... boy were we surprised!

Rookies at our first away game!

That game was special for a number of reasons... First, it was so HOT! It wasn't the normal hot though, it rained just before we walked in, so it was that post rain heat radiating off of EVERYTHING hot. I won't even mention the humidity! Second, not only did it rain before the game, it rained all during the game. This was the only time in my college career where they had to actually stop the game in the middle because of the heavy rain, lightning and thunder. This was also slightly problematic for us because there is not really an easy place to stash 400 band members. When they finally found us a place, after we stood in the stadium during the lightning, we got there and turned right back around because they were about to start the game back up.

The strangest thing of all however, happened right at the beginning of the 4th quarter. We had not really played well throughout the entire game, and we were starting to get worried. We backed them up to where they were lining up very close to their end zone, then as the quarterback went to throw the pass, this happened (click to watch the video). From the stands, we were so confused.. it looked like Pollack just deflected the pass... but then the refs signaled touchdown... CRAZY!!! We didn't really know what was happening... but we'll take it! Touchdown Bulldogs!

We went on to win that game 13-7, and needless to say it went down in my memory forever. Get 'em this week Dawgs!

Foodie Friday Buffalo Chicken Dip

In honor of the first Saturday of College Football I decided to make an easy dip... perfect for a tailgate or game watching party. It is also perfect timing... "Boomama's DipTacular" happens to be today!

The roomies tailgating before the 2005 opener.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

-1 block of Cream Cheese (8oz), softened
-1/2 cup Bleu Cheese OR Ranch dressing
-1/2 cup Bleu Cheese OR Mozzarella Cheese

-1/2 cup Hot Sauce (I used Texas Pete)

-1 large can Chicken Breast, in water, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir the cream cheese, until smooth, in a pie plate or 8x8 pan. Stir in dressing, cheese, hot sauce, and chicken (drained).

Bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly. Stir before serving... to avoid hot spots.

Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.

This week, I decided to make it and bring it to work for a "taste test" with my co-workers. They loved it! Hope you and yours will enjoy it too!

It was a very popular snack for the afternoon team!

My first game!

I know I am breaking my word on the very first post... sorry! It's just that I have no real memories or attachments to Oklahoma State or their football team. In fact, I haven't even been to OK since we moved when I was in diapers. SO in honor of the 1st game of the season. I thought I would write about my 1st UGA game... August 31, 2002... UGA vs. Clemson, kickoff 7:45pm.

I did not grow up in a family that made a weekly journey to see their favorite college team play. I suspect this is mostly because I come from a mixed family... see my previous post. Anyhow, this was going to be my big introduction to UGA football... and it was a night game.

I remember waking up that Saturday morning and even before I left for practice the grassy areas around our dorm were covered with tailgaters. I went to practice and when I came back more tailgaters! They were so loud and excited... and the game was HOURS away... I could tell it was going to be a crazy night!

Getting ready for the DawgWalk.

That first DawgWalk was something really special. We were the barrier between the masses and the team. For the first time in my life it was "cool" to be in the band, this was totally different from my experience in high school. We got the up-close view of the action, as we formed the marching block and started the cheers and chant... "Hey lift your head up to the sky... ain't nothin' finer in the land than the Georgia Redcoat Marching Band!"

Walking into the stadium was surreal... looking around at all the empty bleachers... knowing that in a matter of minutes all those seats would be full. When I stepped on the field for pre-game it all came together. Sure, all the seats were filled... and 86,000 people were watching me... but they were 86,000 of my best friends, right?

We cheered... and cheered... and I think I screamed more than I ever have... BUT, we ended up winning that game 31-28... it was the start of a wonderful season for UGA... and as for football Saturdays, I was officially hooked!

*This was pre-digital camera for me... so they pics are not necessarily from the 1st game... but they are from my 1st season*

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Don't worry, you did not miss Labor Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, it's not Christmas time... BUT, it is less than a week until the start of college football.

Georgia Blocks...G-E-O-R-G-I-A

This year will be an interesting one for me. This time around, I have one very important person in my life who does not share my love for the Red and Black. Patrick and I have been looking forward to football season since we started dating. We are both devoted fans... he is a lifelong Auburn Tiger... and I am of course a Georgia Bulldog.

We know it could be worse... though the Bulldogs and Tigers are old rivals... we get along most of the season. I dare say we would be in a very different place if I was an Alabama fan or if he was a Florida fan. Though, growing up in a mixed household (Mom is an Auburn Tiger... Dad an Alabama fan), I know that it can be done. Patrick and I are hoping it will be a smooth season... until that fateful Saturday in November at least.

I have so many great UGA football memories... this fall as a part of my blog I am going to take a look back at some of my favorite moments. Most will correspond with the team UGA is playing each week.

We made an early morning appearance on ESPN's "Cold Pizza," prior to the LSU game in 2004... and I got to meet two of UGA football's finest... Coach Richt and Coach Dooley.

I hope you enjoy them... and one more thing.... GOOOOOOOOOO Dawgs!

Foodie Friday Chicken Spaghetti

I have been out of town this week, sorry for not posting! However, while I was gone I made this week's Foodie Friday recipe.

Throughout our relationship I have made several different dinners for Patrick, this is by far his favorite. It is my Great Aunt Carolyn's recipe... I told you that family cookbook is my favorite! It is quick, easy, and very tasty!

Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients:

1 package boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4)

1 8oz package Angel Hair pasta (the normal box is 16oz, so just use half)

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1 can Cream of Mushroom soup

1 can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel)

2 cups Mexican cheese blend (8oz pkg)

Cook chicken in boiling water to cover until tender, about 30 minutes. Remove chicken, reserving broth. Cool and chop chicken into bite size pieces; set aside. To reserved broth, add enough water to cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta; set aside. In a large bowl, combine soups and tomatoes. Stir in chicken and pasta, blending well. Place into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly!

This is certainly one of our new favorites! It is great for making ahead and freezing. It also works if you want to freeze it in individual portions.

Our yummy dinner at Patrick's apartment!

Great Deal: Southern Living magazine

Just wanted to let everyone know... amazon.com has a deal going for one week only (ends next Saturday)... 1 year subscription of Southern Living magazine for only $5! That's right... $5! Just search "Southern Living" at Amazon.com and scroll down until you find the 1 year subscription. According to the site shipping is also free. Not a bad deal... Enjoy!

Matchmaker Matchmaker...

Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match...

People often ask Patrick and me how we met... we grew up in different states, went to different colleges, and currently live 6 hours apart... so it is a very legitimate question. I believe that God brought us together with a little help from my good friend Dana.

Dana and I when she visited me in Orlando... we went to Disney World!

Dana is an amazing friend who I have known since our dorm days at UGA, she even drove with me when I moved to Orlando to work at WFTV. We have shared so much in our friendship, she is truly a wonderful woman of God. She is 6 feet tall though, so sharing clothes and shoes has never been an issue with us. However, we do share a love of bags and purses, the Georgia bulldogs, and of course Mexican Food! (Are you seeing a trend among my good friends?)

Brittany, Dana, and I in Honduras.

She always joked while in college that she was in the "matchmaking" business. She loves meeting new people and getting to know them. She is one of the most outgoing people I know, never meeting a stranger.

She had been telling me for almost a year about this guy in one of her classes, that was, in her words, "perfect for me." More on that story in future posts... suffice it to say, Dana saw something in both of us, I am so glad she kept on!

At the D-Group banquet.... 2004.

Not only did Dana introduce me to Patrick, now whenever I come to visit him she opens her apartment to me! She is such a sweet friend who always lets me crash at her place. It has truly become my home away from home!