For what it is worth many people may come to the conclusion that we wish we were in college again and just want to continue "the dream" and that being back post-grad just isn't the same. well, you're wrong. being back for me isn't about the bars, the late nights, the awesome football atmosphere or the sense of familiarity of a place that for me was the only real 'home' I had other than in PA. 4 years for me is a long time right about now and moving on from that just isn't something my gut can give up. It's about the people, the breeze, the views and the lifestyle. It's about the sense of community and the constantly changing energy that comes with new kids just waiting to fall in love with it just like I did.
Pulling across state lines when driving into the south makes my giddy. it makes me roll down the windows, stick my head out and take in a deep breath and probably crank on some classic Hootie or a little Tom Petty. Flying into our gate in the south gives me jitters. It gives me that "do I ever have to leave?" thought bubble. But it's the driving on back roads and walking on old sidewalks that really gets me. embarrassingly enough (or not) my eyes water and all i can do is look around. I won't even tell you the sappy scene that Joe and I display when standing in Williams Brice during the entrance. It's almost pitiful, but boy how amazing is it to have something like that in our lives that makes us so emotional. now that's bliss.
Joe and I headed back 'home' this past weekend to see the fighting gamecocks take on Mizz. Let's not talk about that part... Anyway, we left for the airport Thursday and didn't look back once. I will say flying with a travel buddy sure makes a difference. We started off with a cold beer and a little food and then headed into our gate to board. We were on our way. finally.
Upon arriving to the airport to meet up with Rob, Sean and Geoff we were greeted by a black mustang rental (turned out to be a huge fail) and took to finding a bar that was open for food late night. Oh Carolina Ale House, we love you. Cheers! Around 2 am... we were bed bound. Friday brought nostalgic memories of driving around town, seeing old friends and plenty of laughs and those "i never want to leave" thoughts. Friday was a great day. And then, gameday. Literally. Unfortunately, my bed was just as great at that time but before we knew it we were parked and ready to wait for the big game.
quite honestly the rest is just in the details of the what we did, when we did it, what we ate and how it tasted. but then, we got to Sunday. moving day. moving days are never fun... whether you're at home for the weekend and heading back to work on Monday or you're finishing up a week long vacation. moving days suck. to make it suck even more (or less depending on how you figure it) we stopped at the horseshoe. the south's very best historic campus attraction. pure southern bliss. no doubt. i found myself wandering. tripping on the bricks and in awe of the scene. you won't understand what it's like if you've never been and if you've never been, i can only hope there is a place in your life that makes you feel the way that the horseshoe makes me and Joe feel. its pure, pure bliss.
it's always good to go 'home'. we miss it. but, like we say every time... we will get there. just be patient. in the meantime - "I'm gone to Carolina in mahhh mind".
