OU Football. Enough Said.

OU football is an event in Norman.  If you have never attended a game in Norman, I'm not sure if this post will be as fun for you as it is for Sooner fans.

This past weekend was the second game of the season against Florida State.  After a kind of weak performance against Utah State, Sooner fans were ready to crush the Seminoles.   It was an afternoon game, which really meant that Saturday was ENTIRELY devoted to football at the Pawley household.  When you live around campus, the party starts early.  Like 9:00 a.m. early.  Trust me.  There are people outside drinking beer this early on gamedays.  And ESPN Gameday starts at that time, so of course it was on every television in the house.  

The great thing about football season is not just the games but also tailgating.  A longtime friend David Proctor and the law firm he works for hosts a tailgate that is worthy of mention.  The GPHG tailgate offers food, fun, and some mighty fine bar tending.   I want to give a shout out because they have hosted our gameday festivities for the past few years and I appreciate it.  The food is always good and the beer is always cold.  The last two games have been extremely fun, and we were able to see so many old and new friends from college and beyond.  Thanks GPHG!

OU football also means that we get to see our friends that live elsewhere and in town more often.  Our friends Andrew and Jill who live in Dallas come up to Norman for almost every home game and stay at our house.

I like this picture.  it shows our dedication.

I also got to see my sister and her husband who live in Dallas.

 

I also got to see my friends Kyle and Holly who also live in Dallas.  (Wow, I know a lot of people who live in Dallas).  Holly and I were lucky enough to snag a picture with Boomer.  Or Sooner...I'm not sure which one is which.  

We also got to see our great friends who live right here in OKC and Norman, which is always a good time. 


The game was incredible, and we ended up beating Florida State 47-17.  Boo ya.

 I'm looking forward to a great season!  Boomer!

Normantastic

 It has unfortunately been too long since my last post, mainly because I have started school again.  Above is a picture of my desk after four days of school.  You can see why I haven't been posting.

If you haven't guessed or read my profile, I am an English teacher here in Norman, OK.  I teach senior English, which is by far the greatest grade to teach.  (This statement applies to me and me only.  There are some teachers out there who would beg to differ).  The kids are ridiculously sure of themselves and I get to be a part of monumental moments in and outside of the classroom.  As an added bonus, I do not have any testing in my grade, which means that I don't have any added pressures from the state department.  My main goal is to help my kids graduate and learn how to write before they enter college.  The writing part is the toughest part of my job, thus, the crazy, messy desk.

This post is about Norman, and how awesome it can be.  Two Saturdays ago, Travis and I decided to take Toby on a walk and get some coffee at Cafe Plaid and we stumbled upon a street market on Campus Corner called the Dustbowl Arts Market.

It was such a cool little street market, with really neat local clothing and home decorations as well as some great music.

There was one artist in particular, Jacob Abella, who was really great.  He was a strange mix between Rufus Wainwright and Ryan Adams, and Mika.  Check him out on itunes, he has some good songs.  Also, he lives in Norman!  Help support those Norman artists!

Norman also has a great music festival in the spring called the Norman Music Festival that has some great bands and even greater atmosphere.  It is pretty huge, and it located on Main Street.  If you are ever in town during the Music Festival, you should definitely attend! 

These kinds of events are one of my favorite things about Norman.  There is a thriving music and art scene and Normanites really appreciate the local side of Norman.  Needless to say, Travis and I had a great Saturday a few blocks down the street from our house.  We rode our bikes all day, ate local food, listened to local bands, and drank a few local (okay maybe not local) brews.  All in all, it was a great day!