Hail Purdue!!!

This weekend I traveled west to my Alma Mater, Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana. This is one weekend I pretty much look forward to all year. I met the best group of people in the 3 years I attended Purdue and I love the fact that everyone always makes the effort to travel back and see each other.

The weekend starts with Friday Afternoon at Harry's Chocolate Shop. The best bar in all the land. Those in town that don't have family obligations drop by for some cheap beer and the awesome juke box. I think its the only bar on earth where Journey's Open Arms comes on and a bunch of 22 year old Fraternity Guys start singing. The next song will no doubt be Metallica followed by Jimmy Buffet. Only at Harry's. As we have gotten older we have learned to take it easy on Friday as Saturday is a long one and we must be in tip top shape if we are going to survive the 12 hour binge that awaits us.

Saturday morning it was up at the crack of dawn to meet the Gerber-Judds at our newly appointed tailgate spot. We were in a bit of a tizzy this year as we lost our spot from previous years to new construction. We did really well though, with a great new spot, next to what may have been one of the greatest tailgate set ups I have ever seen. Purdue is an engineering school as you know, and some grads take this stuff seriously. Our neighbors had flat screen TV's, stadium speakers and drink machines - we were pretty impressed and enjoyed the fact that they provided music to our tailgate the entire day.

This is not to say that our tailgate is not impressive in itself. This was our 8th year and we have amassed some good supplies over the years including the newly purchased tent (Thanks Judds) and of course the always important table to hold the 3 weeks worth of food and alcohol that everyone brings.


Michael, the Keg Stand Champ

Not everyone shows at the crack of dawn but by 10 am the party was in full swing. Everyone was catching up, reminiscing and just enjoying being in the company of people we have all known for 10 years now.


The Crew

Of course there is the game that Purdue won 27-21, its been a few years since we had a homecoming weekend where we won so it was a nice way to cap a great day off.

The night ends with a stop at Harry's for some 24 oz beers and more shenaningans. I freakin love that place. It truly brings out the fun in everyone.

So, that was the quick and dirty recap.

The schedule for next year is out already and my votes for homecoming weekend are either: Sept. 29 - NOTRE DAME or Oct. 6 - OHIO STATE.

To all of my wonderful friends, thank you for a great day. I truly needed it this year, you all are a reminder of all the blessings I have in life.

GO BOILERS!!!