So Lost

This week is a bye week for the Steelers. As of right now, I am completely clueless as to what to do on Sunday. How did I ever get by the summer months without football on Sundays? I guess I could cheer for another team, but let's be real, that definitely won't be happening any time soon. I suppose I could sleep all Sunday and act like nothing happened and that no teams played. Quite the dilemma I have here. I'll let you know what I end up doing, but, if you have any ideas as to how to pass time on a Sunday without the Steelers, please let me know.

Annoying? How So?

There are some words that make me cringe and there are others that are just annoying. Everyone has their own definition of the most annoying words but researchers at Marist College took it to another level by actually conducting a survey by phone. Really? As if there is anything more annoying than someone calling to interrupt you during dinner or right after you got home from a 9 hour work day, now, there are telephone surveyors who want to know which words annoy you. For me, it would be when they said “Hello.” But that is neither here nor there. Shock alert, the number one most annoying word is “whatever”. I think they could have bypassed the survey and just asked any mom who has a teenage daughter what the most annoying word is. The one I don’t understand is that 6% of people say that the word “anyway” is one of the most annoying words. Now I’m a college student, and last time I checked, that’s a transition word. And I know for a fact, those are encouraged in many of my writing classes. I suppose for a word to be annoying you must be exposed to it quite a bit. In my opinion, since the 4th grade I have been exposed to the word “like” by any girl that has ever opened her mouth, so that tops my chart. However, a close second is the word “ditto”. Ew. I just don’t understand why people can’t just say, “Yeah, me too.” As I sit here with a disgusted look on my face because I just used the word “ditto”, I dare you to take some time out and really think about what words just rub you the wrong way. I’m sure once you stop to think, you and I will be sharing the same look.

Fashions

My usual attire for a tailgate (on a normal day) is pretty standard. On my head, I wear a leather helmet with the Steeler's emblem stitched on. Of course, I have to represent my boy (and future husband) Heath Miller and wear his black jersey. That is probably my most prized possession. I then have Steelers armbands as well as face paint or my black Steeler stickers that go under each eye. And last, but certainly not least, the final addition to any Steeler fan's wardrobe, the Terrible Towel. I like to show my pride for the black and gold, but I don't hold a candle to some of the other fanatics you can find in a parking lot of Heinz Field. For example I've seen the "Super Steeler", which is a fan turned super hero. He wears a cape and everything, it's pretty cool. I've seen (white) people dressed as Mike Tomlin. There are the people that have something Steelers on every article of clothing. Then there are the few crazy people who will go out in 2 degree weather and wear nothing but body paint and shorts (I try not to make eye contact with those people). Either way, you're bound to find someone that will make you do a double take. My suggestion is even if you don't have tickets for the game, just go down and people watch for a while. Sooner or later someone is going to give you a beer, so it's a win/win situation.

Ouch...

I have to direct this post to the amazing win against the Vikings. We ruined their undefeated season, beat Brett Favre, and witnessed someone blocking against a ref (that had to hurt...I guess all three of those had to sting a little for the Vikings). Our offense might of looked shaky, but dammit, our defense kicked some serious ass. Another successful game (and tailgate, of course) and hopefully it keeps on going. I need this season to last a long as possible so I can have an excuse to ignore the Pens. Love them, but, I don't really do the whole hockey thing.

Tailgate Approved

If you have seen any NFL games lately, you have seen the "Tailgate Approved" commercials. They are ficticious infomercials that showcase ridiculous tailgate necessities. For example, the "grooler". You know the grill/cooler. Yes, they are dumb, but, mildly entertaining. Anyways, check out the site. It has some cool games, and, it's a fun way to pass time. http://www.tailgateapproved.com/tg/#/home

Yay NFL

After spending the weekend to think about it, I have to say that nothing compares to NFL tailgates. I've been to my fair share of college tailgates from PSU and Pitt, and while they are a good time, they just don't do it for me. I love the way all ages and everyone from all places can join together for one recreational cause. At college tailgates, you have to either go to that college or be an alumni to feel like you can truly embrace the team. I go to PSU all the time and frequently go to the tailgates, but I just can't feel like I belong. Maybe it's because I'm not really into college football as it is. But, I can go to any NFL tailgate and feel like I have a right to be there, because, even though I don't necessarily like the teams playing I can provide input into my expectations for the game. Also, with college games, I feel like everyone needs to get as wasted as possible before they head into the stadium, because, inside of college games, they don't sell alcohol. It's a constant flow of beer bongs in your face and shotgun races. There is no time to relax and just eat a dog or interact with all the surrounding tailgates. At NFL tailgates, the same goal is to get drunk, but, not so drunk that you cannot keep yourself from passing out in the 2nd quarter. You don't have the same pressure to get so wasted that by the time you leave the game you still maintain a decent buzz. I guess I'm bias. As much as I enjoy getting drunk with my friends at college tailgates, I just really love spending time with my dad and uncles and pap, drinking and hanging out until it's time to step foot into the stadium. I think I like it mainly because I feel like it connects me to them in a way that my brothers and other cousins can't. I think it will give me something to remember when I'm older. When I started writing this post I was so wrapped up in explaining why NFL tailgates are so much more fun to drink at, but, I think I realized the real reason why I prefer them over college tailgates, and, maybe found why I'm so attached to the Steelers as well. Hm, well isn't that something...I feel like i just had a revelation, tear...NFL tailgates rule (I'm channelling Billy Madison here).

Another Debate

The last debate between liquor and beer seemed to get some positive feedback which makes me now pose the question, "Does college football or the NFL provide better tailgates?" For me this is pretty tough since I love both so much. They both bring about great times with great people. For those of you saying there is no difference between the tailgates, you couldn't be more wrong. I personally know what I like better, but, what about you? There has to be one that you have better times at. So, tell me, and be prepared to back it up.

Food Just Tastes Better Drunk

I know it has been over a week since we played the Chargers, but there is one thing that hasn't left my mind since, and that is food. It's well known that typical tailgate food consists of burgers, hot dogs, and chips, along with other things that are quick and easy to prepare on a disposable grill. Don't get me wrong, these foods go amazing with beer and football, and, I do love them very much on game day, but, I have been introduced to the finer side of parking lot cuisine. My Dad's buddy is an accountant and does taxes for a restaurant in the Southside. It's called Mallorca. They have the best food (they have prime rib 3 inches thick and bigger than your average dog...well, maybe a Chihuahua), and the owner always takes care of us when we come down for dinner. The owner has season tickets to the Steeler games too. After we left our first tailgate we walked by his and dropped in to say hello. There was probably a good 4 grills going, and, once we got there they were taking the filet mignons off the grill, oh, and lobster tails. Yeah, not the average tailgate. Along with the first class food, they had a fully stocked bar, which in my opinion is better than any food you put in front of me. I'm not putting down dogs and chips, but I mean come on, when have you ever seen that. The only thing I have ever seen that came close to that was seeing someone sitting in the back of their truck eating a cheese steak. I think it is safe to assume that I am now spoiled when it comes to tailgate food, and hopefully I don't have to go back to the days of a bag of Sun chips and half cooked burgers.

Almost Home

Well, for those of you wondering why I haven't made a post lately, I've been in Vegas all week. At my hotel we had to pay for wireless, and I opted out, so right now I'm writing from the airport. Anyway, I did find a way to tailgate. There was a killer sports bar in our hotel, The Palazzo. If you have ever been to Vegas then you will know that drinks around here are like ridiculously expense. Example, $13 for a shot. Therefore, I was presented with a challenge on how to get drunk to watch the Steelers. Well, like I said, there was a sports bar, and if you placed a bet, you get free drink passes. That was enough for me. So, I placed a $100 on the Steelers, and if the combined score of the game was greater than 43 points, I would win. Although I enjoyed the free drinks, I will never bet on a game again. The game was unbearable to watch and my stomach was in knots the entire time. Thankfully, I won. My brothers, however, put $200 each on the New England/ Denver game, because, they were told it was a "sure thing." As long as New England won by 3 points, they would win their bet. But, as we all saw, the game went into overtime and Denver won with a field goal. Good for me, because I hate the Patriots, but, bad for them because there went $400. It was a good time, but I can't wait to get back to the Burgh and back to $2 drink specials.

What a Game

As you know, last night we played the Chargers. Thank God we won. I went to the game with my dad, uncle, and pap. We started out eating and drinking heavily at Max and Erma's. We didn't have a specific tailgate to go to, so we each started calling people we knew, hoping that they would be tailgating. We finally stumbled upon one. That was the best because it's free beer, and no clean up. After a 5 or so beers, and a shotgun with my pap (my dad was proud), we headed into the stadium. My uncle scored us club seats on the 45 yard line. Easily the best seats I've ever had, and the fact that we won didn't hurt either. I have yet to go to a home game where we lose (knock on wood). I wish I had more to share about this tailgate, but the truth is, I was just too drunk to remember. Stay tuned in to see if I can get any information out of my dad as to what happened at that tailgate.

Whoa...That Was a Close One

Just a little update for all of you, I am going to the game. I talked to my dad yesterday, and my uncle asked us to join him in club seating. I'm very excited to be able to share another tailgate story with you on Monday. I really thought I was going to have to resort to tears in able to go to the game. Hopefully the Steelers can finish the job this week and pull out a win.

Say It Ain't So

So as you all know, saying I love to go to Steeler games is an understatement, especially night games. Now my family has season tickets, so I usually get them because I'm the youngest and the only girl in my family, which means I get what I want. Well, this week the Steelers play the San Diego Chargers. I went when we played them in the playoffs last year and it was a blast. For some reason unknown to me, my dad has decided to use the tickets this week. His excuse was that our friends from Europe are leaving soon and he wanted to take them to a game. O.k. I let it slide because, come on, they want a little Steeler loving before they go back to Switzerland. But, now they bailed because they found out it was a night game (apparently they aren't into that). You would think being my father's only little girl, who is in love with football (every father's dream I'm sure), that I would be first on his list to take, right? Wrong. I have been dropping not so subtle hints all week and last night I finally came out and asked him if he was going to take me and he said that he already asked his friend, Ken. This pissed me off because in my opinion my dad and I are better friends then Ken and him. Anyways, Ken has to ask his wife to get permission to go, so I am still holding out hope.

I know this post has nothing to do with tailgates but I needed to vent. I guess it could relate to tailgates because if I don't go to this game, I cannot tailgate or write a post about my time. Now he's just taking away from my academics, which is just wrong. Even Hines is upset about the chance I might not make it to the game.