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Chance of rain is… Never!
Oct 30, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Tour, LSU, SEC Football, SEC Stadium Tour, Uncategorized
Saturday morning came in Baton Rouge with promise of a good time and not a cloud in the sky.My opportunity clock (alarm clock to the non optimist) sounded precisely at 7:15am. By 7:45am, I had received a text from “Jim the LSU Tailgater” (as he is identified in my phone) that he and his crew would be arriving at their tailgate within the hour.
A text at 7:55am from “Mystery LSU Guy” (as he is identified in my phone), told me that not only was the mystery LSU guy (see blog post from the LSU v Oregon game) getting an early start at redeeming himself, but that LSU fans, no matter how late they were out the night before, get out early for every game in Baton Rouge.
Jim "The LSU Tailgater" and Stan the Man
My lovely host, Patti, dropped me off at the Parade Grounds around 9 am and set me loose on a self-guided tour through the sporadically placed tiger dens, also known as LSU tailgates.
I found my way to the famous Indian Mounds and “Jim the LSU Tailgater’s” primo tailgate spot a first down away from the Indian Mounds and directly next to the circle where the team is let off the buses. This is also where the parade of Golden Girls and both Mike the Tigers make their game day debut.
This is where the fun began.
I filled up on Boudin balls (thank you for not telling me about these before Saturday…my waist line is now in trouble), met up with my best friend from college (Lauren) and her generous LSU family, chatted with some new media friends and finally, met up with Mr. Mystery Man.
Mystery Man was accompanied by Larry, Curly and Mo. My first ab workout, from laughter, of many was completed as we parted ways for more tailgate hopping.
Larry, Mystery Man, Curly and Mo
Lauren and I walked down the hill for a quick visit with Ms. Aimee, a competitive tailgater. Yes, that’s right, she enters her tailgates into contest because she’s that good.
To wrap up our LSU tailgate tour, Lauren and I share an authentic LSU plate of fried catfish, an Abita beer and a shocking 17 point lead Ole Miss has over Arkansas with the lovely Adams family in the parking lot surrounding the stadium.It became apparent rather quickly that “Touchdown Tigers!” did not necessarily mean the Auburn Tigers. (I do wish the announcer had been a bit more specific about his calls.) Posters of “WE WANT BAMA” began to surface in the second half and the crowd in Tiger Stadium grew more subdued than I thought possible. Pretty sure everyone was saving their energy for the other team from Alabama.
Jambalaya, fried catfish, purple and gold cookies-the perfect LSU plate!
Four quarters later and day dreams of more boudin balls, I’ll admit I was considering calling it an early night. Thankfully, I recalled my promise of meeting Mystery Man, Larry, Curly and Mo at Mike the Tiger’s humble abode before they were going to take me to my first Walk On’s experience.
Wait, do you really think those four guys waited at Mike’s house? Not even close.
More exploring of LSU’s gorgeous oak-covered campus led me to find the members of the peanut gallery dancing to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is yoooooou”.” I suppose Christmas is going to come early (Nov 5th) this year.
A few classic dance party songs later, we were all ready to walk on. To Walk Ons.
What a place to let my hair down. An open dance floor and promise of a phenomenal 80s cover band coming on at any second, I could hardly stand the wait. Plus, I have a soft spot for establishments that give you take-home-cups.
I don’t know the name of the band that covered songs from Purple Rain to Courtesy of the Red White and Blue and every hit in between. But I do know that thanks to my host Patti, Jim the LSU Tailgater, Lauren and her family, Mystery Man, Larry, Curly and Mo and the unforgettable hot pink leg warmers on stage, the Gridiron Belles trip to Baton Rouge was more than complete.
Lauren and I have been trying to get to this game for 9 years!
Since there is never a chance for rain in Tiger Stadium, I’ll be back—because my new favorite place for Saturday nights is Louisiana.
Geaux Tigers!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Now it means something
Oct 17, 2011 CATEGORIES: BCS Championship Game, LSU, SEC Football, Southern Belles, Uncategorized
The Sugar Bowl would be old hat for the Mad Hatter
Of course every game played before yesterday was an important game. But now, with the first week of the BCS rankings disclosed, it all finally means something.
In case you missed the breaking BCS poll news last night, LSU, #1 team in the country. Alabama is #.2
Christmas is coming early, Belles! LSU and Alabama match up on November 5th in Tuscaloosa. Enter where I start praying to the football gods that somehow both teams could play for the real National Championship on January 9.
There is an entire chapter in my book dedicated to explaining the BCS. If you still aren’t sure what the BCS means or the implications it has on your season, go ahead and pick up a copy of Gridiron Belles. Or, just send me your questions and I’ll make sure you understand faster than Jeff Demps.
Tidbits for BCS conversation:
-BCS= Bowl Championship Series. Basically, there are a handful of post season games that are considered BCS bowl games. The aforementioned rankings (among other things) determine which team will play in which bowl.
- The National Championship this year (Sugar Bowl) is in New Orleans. The last two times the National Championship has been the Sugar Bowl, LSU has not only been a competitor in the game, but has been crowned the victor of said game. (2003, 2007)
- LSU and Alabama play each other on November 5th in Tuscaloosa. Since the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the BCS are who play in the BCS National Championship, it seems that the title game is going to be played about two months early. ( Go ahead and cancel all plans you may have on that day.)
Love it or hate it, it’s time to understand the BCS, where your team stands this season and why moving forward, BCS rankings are the only ones you need to worry about! I promise you, this ranking means something.
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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God Bless the Palmetto State
Oct 6, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Tour, SEC, SEC Football, South Carolina, Southern Women, Uncategorized
South Carolina v Auburn in Columbia, SC
1) The Gamecock’s AP and Coache’s Poll ranking may have gone down, but they sky rocketed in the Gridiron Belles Poll
2) South Carolinians use the Palmetto symbol more than Texans use the lone star.
3) Prayer trumps all stereotypes within the stadium. And at the post office.
I arrived in Columbia, SC on Wednesday before the Auburn game to give a brief talk to the South Carolina Kappa Deltas about business etiquette and SEC football. I was told that it would be a small crowd of about 50 girls because there was a bible study at the same time that most members attended.
Thursday, I spent a substantial amount of time at the local post office where I was told to “have a blessed day” by workers and patrons alike… for no other reason than maybe my hands looked full and I could have been glistening.
Friday, at LaRoque clothing store, the owner and her friend Elizabeth (GIB Tailgater of the Game) told me they met at church.
Garnet perfected at LaRoque
The next day at the game, while I stood and placed my hand on my heart for my favorite part of the game, the National Anthem, I was surprised when the “voice of god” no pun intended, asked the entire stadium to bow our heads in prayer.
Let’s be clear.This wasn’t a quick, generic prayer that you’ve heard 100 times before. This was someone down on the field, in synch with the Divine, talking to the Divine and asking the Divine to bless the players, coaches, fans, opponents, and the Palmetto state. True story. The prayer went on for at least 4 minutes. You can imagine all of the things blessed in that amount of time.
I felt like I was responding to the prayer/petitions of the people at church on Sundays. Just about everywhere I turned, it seemed like the Gamecocks and Tigers needed a prayer refill…
South Carolina fans commenting on the improvement of the marching band as more significant than the football players indicates a long game ahead. Pray for us.
Auburn’s Michael Dyer carries the ball down the field 1000 times. He then gets walked off the field by trainers. Pray for us.
South Carolina’s Garcia can’t seem to connect with one receiver. Someone in the stands suggests adding liquor to Garcia’s Gatorade. Pray for us.
Displaced Auburn fan disguised in garnet and black is spotted. Pray for us.
Auburn’s quarterback Trotter took the snap. The ball is in his hands. Please pray for us.
One extra second left on the game clock didn’t get played. Whoops. Pray for us.
South Carolina fan immediately sells his season tickets to the lowest bidder. Pray for us.
Sloppiest game I’ve seen in a long time. Pray for us.
Aforementioned disguised Auburn fan didn’t brag or partake in trash talking after a win. Pray for us.
Aside from all the praying and the need for all of the praying on the field, I must say, South Carolina Belles, Gents, tailgaters and fans deserve some credit for being wonderful. Four and a half days in Columbia and I not only figured out how to correctly say “Gervais Street” and “Huger Road” but I have a whole new group of friends, I felt a part of the community and I feel more than comfortable launching USC near the top of the Gridiron Belles poll.
Morgan and George and gang, thanks for a great tailgate!
Allison and Joel... the most patient USC fans I know. They sat next to an Auburn fan for four hrs. And gave her a ride home.
Thank you to my wonderful hosts, Reeve and Scott Ballew. My new favorite place to shop in Columbia, La Roque. My new favorite USC tailgaters, Elizabeth and Wesley Donehue, Allison and Joel Hughes and Morgan and George Crouch. My new media friends, 107.5 The Game, 97.5 WOC and Chloe from The Gamecock. The Columbia parking enforcement team…. You got me this time… twice… but I’ll be back!
I may never look at a crescent moon the same way again… but then again, Saturday is three days away so I’m likely to be swooned all over again. Yep, go a head, Pray for us.
Xs and Os, Christie Leigh
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Dear Girlfriend.
Sep 29, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Tour, SEC, SEC Football, Southern Belles, Southern Women, Uncategorized
It’s that time… football widows are coming out of the woodwork. The season is heating up. The tune of our Gents’ love letters have changed.
Below is an actual letter from a football-loving-boyfriend to a less-than-football-loving-Belle. This is his plea to her as the football season ramps up. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Dear Jean Rose,
Football season is here, cupcake, but I don’t love football more than you. I promise. I’m penning this letter to let you know I love you more than football and also to go ahead and apologize in advance for all the things that might make you upset this season.
First of all, I apologize for Tripp. I know you’re still upset about last season when he got too drunk to leave and slept on our couch. I know you said it stunk for three months. I guess Febreeze doesn’t always work the way I want it to.
Second, I apologize for not wanting to hang out with your girlfriends’ guy friends from work who don’t have any guy friends of their own. It’s not that I don’t appreciate you wanting to help us “meet new couple friends,” it’s just that any other guy who doesn’t already have guy friends is friendless for a reason. Especially if he doesn’t even have friends to watch football with. Frankly, he stinks. Maybe not literally, but definitely figuratively. So I’m not coming over to watch games at his trendy loft condo with skylights and walls that are cool because they’re half brick and half plaster. I’m afraid when I get there he’ll be crying into his industry chic espresso machine.
Third, when I go out of town to attend football games I promise I won’t do keg stands this year. I’m grown now. You were right when you said keg stands were only for frat boys. You left off girls wearing skirts but I’m not holding that against you. To prove it I won’t even look at the girls wearing skirts.
Fourth, I apologize for not only being unavailable for Saturdays and Sundays in September but also for being unavailable for all of October, November, and December weekends. See, television dictates game times. And while I’m sure I can squeeze in a couple of hours before or after kickoff, I’m not even really sure when kickoff is going to be for later season games. You can imagine how difficult this is for me.
Also, and no matter what, I’m not going to your cousin Lorraine’s wedding that she scheduled for the Arkansas v LSU weekend. Not because I think she’s going to be divorced within six months of the wedding, well, I kind of do, but just because she scheduled her wedding when she did.
Fifth, I’m sorry for whatever I break when my team loses. I know this disappoints you because you “expect more from a grown man.” And I know you’re still upset from last year when I tried to be mature about breaking things and asked you to move everything that was breakable out of our den during football season so I wouldn’t be tempted.
I thought this was being “proactive” but you told me I was being “malicious and destructive and passive aggressive.” Or something like that. You used a lot of big words and lost me because you were wearing a tank top with your good bra. Not that your other bras are bad but just that one is really good.
Sixth, I apologize for not letting you wash my lucky T-shirt. I know it smells. It’s just you’ve always had a lot better sense of smell than I have. Except for those scented candles you always burn … those smell great. They’re lovely. Like burning cinnamon. You know how much I like cinnamon. But when my team is winning it could upset everything if I start washing it. Don’t worry if your friends are coming over, I’ll stay in the basement so they don’t smell me.
Seventh, when I curse in front of your nieces and nephews who have such strict parents that they’ve never even had a Coke or tasted sugar in their life, I’m not trying to corrupt them. Also, I apologize for trying to cover for myself last year and telling your nephew that I was just saying “fruck” and that when you saw a really cool truck it was a fruck. I know how much your sister Mary Claire was bothered by him picking this up so quickly. Who knew kids were such sponges? Finally, I’m not going to give the kids real sugar cookies and lots of caffeine again. I’ll give them straight shots of whiskey. It’s a joke, a joke honey. Only water. Not even any lemons.
Eighth, please don’t ask me right after a loss, while I’m still mad and cursing, whether a “silly football game” is more important than our relationship. I can’t be responsible for my answers right after a team loses. Especially if it’s because of a late fumble.
So, I guess what I’m saying is I love you … and football.
Your ever loving and supportive when it’s not football season boyfriend,
Robbie
P.S. Can I watch football at Caldwell’s house on Saturday?
This can only mean one heckuva football season is on it’s way. I think I’ll pen my letter to my family and suitors explaining why they are taking a backseat to the gridion…
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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It’s Just a Movie. Or is it?
Aug 16, 2011 CATEGORIES: Uncategorized
“It’s just a movie” is something I often heard from my daddy as a little girl. In most instances, my daddy doesn’t steer me wrong, but when it comes to the gridiron movies below, this isn’t just Hollywood, this is football.
Watch a few of these silver reels to gain insight into the mind of players, agents and coaches—or some just to make you laugh, cry, become inspired to do great things and get ready for the upcoming season.
–Jerry Maguire —- Remember the Titans —– Two for the Monday —– Any Given Sunday —–All American—
Remember the Titans celebrates more than a football win
Loving the underdog never felt so right
—Invincible——- Rudy —-–North Dallas 40––The Junction Boys –—- Radio—-—The Blind Side—
–We are Marshall——Ace Ventura Pet Detective—- Friday Night Lights (Show)—Varsity Blues— The Bear —
Ace Ventura is where you learn, "Laces out!!!!"
Belles, football movies are a great way to spend time with your gridiron craving gent. After these silver reels, you will be craving gamedays too!
Happy screening!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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My thank you note to you….
Aug 10, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Tour, SEC, SEC Football, SEC Stadium Tour, Uncategorized
Dear fellow SEC fans,
I’m falling short of finding the appropriate words that adequately express my perpetual gratitude for your support.
This book has been a dream come true for me. A lifetime of aspirations have come together in this 200 page hardback.But what has made me even more proud than this book, is the village it took to complete it. How very telling of the South.
Each team inspired me and contributed in its own unique way. Despite team allegiances, each fan base had their input. Each town across Dixie was warm and genuine in encouraging me to finish this product, not only for me, but for the gents and above all–the belles of Dixie.
If the cover was larger, I would put the names of all of the people that have contributed to the books completion. You’ve certainly earned a spot on the front as much as I have.
After all, wasn’t most of this book based the SEC community as a whole? It was and it is. As I flip through the pages, I see faces and stories that represent nostalgic and novice fans alike. Sure, Saturdays are a little more enjoyable with a win for our respective team, but football down South has always been about who is cheering and tailgating next to you.
So thank you to each and everyone one of you for contributing to my lifelong dream coming true. No gesture went unnoticed. All efforts big and small were appreciated. To all of you who responded to my urgent pleads for pictures, thank you. To all of you who gave me ideas, story lines and inspiration without knowing it, you’re my saving graces. To all of you who promised to buy a book just because you are my friend, thank you.
It is without further ado, I present to you, Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, officially available for your enjoyment.
With my deepest appreciation,
Christie Leigh
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Real Women Watch Football
Aug 4, 2011 CATEGORIES: Uncategorized
A truer statement has never been said...
My current boss, an avid LSU fan, has finally embraced the fact that her first employee is soon to leave her for a journey across Dixie.
While I thought my departure was going to make for a hostile work environment, her gift (pictured above) clearly displays that she not only truly understands my target market, but that she also loves being a Southern Belle , especially during football season. Which actually, makes her a Gridiron Belle!
Maybe the fact that we are both displaced Southerns in a the land of Big 12 is why we get along so famously and half of our staff meetings end up revolving around SEC football? Either way, we are women cut from the same cloth– that of seersucker and linen with an accessory or two of diamonds and pearls!
Thanks for everything, Ms. Trabold– you’re the greatest boss I’ve ever had. (But I still hope my tigers beat your tigers on October 22)!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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“Help! He thinks I like football!”
Aug 2, 2011 CATEGORIES: Florida, Gridiron Belles Tour, Kentucky Football, SEC Football, Uncategorized
The Greatest Wing Belle. Ever.
Going on a date with someone under false pretenses is perhaps one of the most frightening of all circumstances in the dating world.
Spending an entire date nodding your head, mindlessly agreeing or feigning interest about a topic that you simply loathe, is worse.
I’ll spare you the etiquette rules of dating conversation. Suffice it to say, if the conversation is so one-sided that the prominent feeling you are experiencing is nausea from head nodding, not butterflies in your stomach, there are bigger issues to be addressed. But I digress…
“Help! He thinks I like football!” Was the subject line of an e-mail I received from my darling sister. Before I even opened up the body of the message, I had a huge grin on my face. My sister was panicking and realizing that she should have listened to me for the past decade as I tried to teach her how to “talk football” with eligible suitors.
Of course, this is my wing-belle we are talking about, so while I am laughing at the situation, I am not taking it lightly and immediately delve into her recount of why her upcoming blind date was already doomed. The trepidation in her every sentence was only going to be mitigated by a long distance call.
Without a “hello” I was bombarded with bits and pieces of a hilarious story. To me, anyway. “Last week, I was doing YOU a favor, and telling my friend about YOUR book!” (I didn’t even have time to say thanks before…) “The next thing you know, she’s telling me about some handsome guy she wants me to go out with.” (So far, this is all very good. Book promotions and a date for Sis.)
“Do you know what happened??!!” (She asked as if I had planned to sabotage her potential date.) “ My friend called me to tell me he was excited to meet me because she thought that I was the one who wrote YOUR book and (insert a long unintentional dramatic pause—the heart of the matter was about to surface) that I was the one who liked football!”
There was no more excitement in her voice. Her last words trailed off as if she was reading her own sentence to be guillotined.
Oh dear, I thought. This really has taken a turn for the worse… But, again, I inserted an inappropriate laugh. Because well, this was quite comical!
Before I could rectify the situation, I needed to know three things:
1) Who is his team? Kentucky Wildcats
2) Have you picked an SEC team yet? No, but I’ve been thinking about that…
3) How much time do we have? The date is tomorrow.
Individuals like my sister cannot be made up. They are sweeter than south Georgia sweet tea so it’s a crime not to help them. Especially in the name of love. And SEC football.
Solution: I made her a cheat sheet that included questions to ask him about UK football that had nothing to do with the actual game of football…which so viscerally annoys my sister:
“Who does he usually go to the games with?” “What’s his gameday ritual?” “How many years has he been going to UK games?” “Does he have season tickets?” “Does he like going to Keeneland before a night game?” “What’s his favorite memory from a game?”
You see, the answers to these questions provide insight to the type of person this guy is, his friendships, his morning routines, his level of commitment, etc., without talking Xs and Os or allowing him to show off how many hours of SportsCenter he watches. This, is a Belles dream come true.
Men are simple creatures—as long as they THINK they are talking about football and not showing you insight into their heads and emotions, they’ll keep talking. And apparently this guy had lots of non-football-football things to say!
So yes, I have a sister who has no interest in the game of football. But she’s the greatest wing-belle there ever was so I don’t mind a bit.
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
Post Script: To come full circle with the story, my sister has narrowed down her teams to Alabama, Ole Miss and Kentucky. Right now, Ole Miss is in the lead only because “it’s the fanciest.” It’s our goal to have her committed to one team before kickoff of this year’s season.
The date apparently went well and she carried her own with the football conversation. She immediately enlightened him- “Just so you know, I don’t like football. I don’t know anything about it, and I don’t want to know anything about it…” Because she wanted to know about him, however, she did use the questions above to gain some insight. Turns out, he fell hook line and sinker for the non-football-football questions and she learned more than she imagined and actually ended up enjoying the company of this gridiron-loving Kentucky fan.
It didn’t turn out to be a match made in heaven, but it sure did teach me a lesson. (Yes, she taught me a lesson in football.) Football conversations don’t have to all be about Xs and Os, wins and losses and comparing national titles and Heisman winners. SEC football is about the people off of the field—maybe or maybe not—interested in the team on the field.
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My SEC Birthday
Jul 28, 2011 CATEGORIES: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Gridiron Belles Tour, LSU, SEC Football, Tennessee, Uncategorized
SEC Birthday Treasures-- Best Birthday Package Ever!
I love birthdays. Always have. And probably always will–until I start celebrating birthdays that receive their own category at Party City mocking old age.
It was around the 7th grade that I recall saving my (July) birthday check until late in September. With the arch-rival match up between the two all boys Catholic schools (St. X and Trinity) just around the corner, I found the strength and common sense to save birthday money in exchange for having the perfect outfit for the Friday night match up.
( I also conveniently always scheduled a haircut for that afternoon as well, but that’s for another story…)
Fast forward some 16 years, and my birthdays are still revolving around the gridiron. Only this time, my gifts have started to be accouterments of the SEC rainbow.
My mama, a generous KY Belle, sent me a package on Monday with the following treasures inside. It was the Mary Poppins bag of SEC goodness and has me almost ready for the tour!
Orange and white Lilly dress: My new Tennessee dress!! Perfect for keeping me cool and stylish during the UT v UGA game in Knoxville.
Spirit Gloves: Look closely, those gloves have pompoms on the finger trips!! Heaven forbid I ever forget my lucky shaker, these spirit gloves will keep me warm on the Plains during the Iron Bowl!
Luggage Spotter: This was my dad’s addition to the package, and it’s hilariously practical. An easy way to spot my bag and start conversation while traveling across Dixie. Thanks, Dad!
Sports Mints: A rather obvious name, but I received a bag of Alabama and Auburn mints. They make them for every SEC team and these are ideal for your tailgate bin that I talk about in the book. Who doesn’t want fresh breath after snacking at a tailgate?
Lilly Pulitzer Calendar: Lilly has agreed to sponsor a book signing for me next week here in Austin!!! It’s only fitting that all of my stops are kept organized in this preppy calendar.
Auburn Tupperware: Where else are they going to put team logos? Doesn’t matter to me, these are ideal for bringing your gourmet gridiron grub to a tailgate. Get your team’s edition and showcase your spirit and hard work in the kitchen!
Blue and Orange bracelets: These Florida orange and blue bangles are going to look great when I am at the Swamp. Anything and everything blue and orange is the norm down there– I’m giddy about that trip.
Team Colored Unmentionables (not pictured for obvious reasons): What can I say? A true Gridiron Belle doesn’t stop supporting her team at a surface level!! Mama also threw in some pretty LSU colored unmentionables for my visit to Death Valley.
You don’t need a July or August birthday to prepare for the season. All of the summer clothes on sale now are perfect for the first few games of the season in the southern heat. Get prepared!
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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