Stop and Stare

Today (Sunday, 10/03/10) was one of those days that just flew by so fast because everything was just so great. Not that nothing went wrong–because, have you met me yet? It’s funny how so many people think I’m this responsible Type A personality, when in reality I’ve only learned to keep my mess and klutz in check for the sake of the human race.

Anyway, today, I have a lot to be thankful for so I should get on with it.

with my mom @ the Farmer's Market on the Embarcadero

PERSON: My Mom

There aren’t very many people I can count on to do anything for me, but my mom always comes through. She’s been there through the thick and thin, making the big sacrifices and all. But the little things also matter. Today, I was in such a rush to meet up with my tailgate buddies that as soon as I loaded my small cooler and bags of chips, I hopped into the SUV with them…and forgot my purse in my own car.

I had to call my mom from the tailgate to go to my car and please take my purse so it doesn’t get stolen. She does.

Later, after the football game, I realized that I had also lost my car keys. Naturally, I called my mom and she came driving up to Niles’s house with my spare keys. She was so awesome with her patience and just being there for me that I was so glad and thankful she is who she is.

EVENT: My First Raider Game, aka Being in the Black Hole

I loved my first NFL game. I loved that it was a Raider Game. I loved that it was with Tripps, PMaster, and Tim. I loved the tailgate and the little traditions. One such tradition: the line for the newspaper. Tripps sees my curious look and shrugs, “No one gets to touch the paper, especially the Target ad or the Best Buy ad before Tim.” I see. Tim grunts and pulls out the pages he wants and sits in his beach chair. At which point, everyone takes their piece of the Sunday paper, sits in momentary silence and reads.

w/ Tripps and PMaster (and his wolfman beard)

(Because I left my camera in my purse in my car, I had no Game Day pics. But I do have this classic one of the three of us at a Cal Game, which is just fine and appropriate because we’re going to another one next weekend anyway. Though, PMaster really needs some Cal gear…)

Another tradition: BEER ME, BITCH! –> apparently, PMaster is the Beer Bitch, and he must refill everyone’s beer or bring them a fresh bottle within five seconds of the last drop being drained from the current bottle. Tim told me that I had to yell at PMaster as loud as I could. Hence, “Beer me, Bitch!” I demand, and off scrambles PMaster to the cooler. It was 10 AM and I was on my third bottle. Wow, look at me.

Tradition III: Tim’s legendary burgers. They were GOOOOOOOOD. I asked Tim if the secret ingredient was love. He gives me a scowl and goes, “This is a Raider game, the secret ingredient is hate.”

Then, when we went into the Oakland Coliseum, we had to go to “The Wall” and rub Tim’s name with our “Non” Hand. The what Hand? PMaster explains, “You rub Tim’s name with the hand that you don’t masturbate with. For luck.” I crook my eyebrow at him, “Say what?” Awkward second ensues. Then Tripps grins, “We’ll be gentlemen and turn our backs when it’s your turn, okay?” Much better.

Music was also pretty fun and they had little dance-offs on the jumbo-tron which was mighty entertaining. They (over)played “I Gotta Feeling…” which annoyed PMaster to no end. He isn’t a fan of any other music other than growling and metal, so all the hip-hop and rave music blasting through the speakers only made him growl. Hahahaha! So, of course, Tim and I took every opportunity to “whooooo-hooooo” to the Black-Eyed Peas as loudly and as enthusiastically as we could.  I pointed out that the Raiderettes could not possibly shake their booties to Metallica, whereas Usher and Pitbull were far more appropriate (and in Tim’s case, much, much more appreciated).

The game was awesome, despite the Raiders’ loss. It’s not like one actually goes to a Raider game anticipating a win (*cough*) since it’s been a good 7 years or so since they were actually good. But a Raiders game is an experience, a sensory assault, and a real test of your virtue and patience. PMaster and Tim are two of the best shit talkers I know…and in a Raider game, that’s multiplied by a thousand other people. Then, there are the characters: Darth Raider, Raider Wolf, etc… the video below will give you an idea of such characters.

Needless to say, I had a helluva time at the game!

THING: Spare Car Keys

Well, yeah…back to reality. I’m so glad there are such things are spare keys. Otherwise, I’d have to pay a bazillion dollars to get a fancy-schmancy, inordinately expensive VW key.

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