Since I’m all melancholy with Mer Mer back at school, and in order to get prepared for the Bear’s Playoff Game (Yippee)…I thought I’d take a trip down memory lane (or that of 2 months ago) with a recap of Indiana’s Parent’s Weekend and tailgating…with college students. 
It all started with, “Mom, we are meeting at 8:15AM to start tailgating”. And yes, we did, indeed meet at 815AM, but of course, while the parents were ready, the college students seemed “tired”…not sure why they’d be tired on a Saturday morning, as it’s not like they go out on Friday nights. The “Grass Lot” is where the kids tailgate, and the parents are allowed during Parent’s Weekend. There are hills, grass, trees…this ain’t no soldier field parking lot! It was gorgeous…gorgeous and freezing.
It was about 35 degrees at 8AM on Saturday. It was about 36 degrees at 10AM on Saturday. After the adult libations served, it was about 37 degrees at 1130AM on Saturday. It was freezing, but we had a great time. Now I know what all the fuss about having a college student is. I mean, who knew?
Everyone brought things…it was a cornacopia of fabulous food and libations, and we all partook in all: Mimosa’s; Bloody Mary’s; Cranberry and Vodka, Beer Bongs with Keystone Light (I did not partake); and Corona Light… We (or Allison’s husband) grilled hotdogs, hamburgers, and brats…we had chips, dips, donuts, mini pigs in a blanket, nuts, queso and frito’s…I mean, parents really know how to supply food (as well as adult beverages) to college students. We had mini pickles for the Bloody Mary’s, and they really were the best ever (the Bloody Mary’s, the pickles were just pickes)! And these students really seemed to enjoy the comradery of the parents.
Now, they really did do beer bongs…the college students and the parents. One of Mer’s friend’s Grandmother who was there (and she rocked) mentioned she had asthma, so that was a condition I also developed which prohibited me from doing the Beer Bong with Keystone Light. Darn shame, really! The cool thing about this beer bong, was it had an On and Off switch…Now when I was in college in the 80′s, I think a beer bong was a funnel with a hose, and you used your thumb as the on and off switch, but it’s the year 2010, and things are fancy, so they get these On and Off switches. Lucky kids.
Meeting and hanging out with all the other moms, was like meeting a whole group of my new best friends…this is the evolution of friendships. I can see why Meredith is friends with her friends, because I would pick these women to be my friends…just as Meredith did with her friends.
So to Meredith, her friends, and her friends Moms and Dads…you are all the Best! And I cannot wait till Parent’s Weekend 2011!
Go Bears!
xoxo
T.
The below was found from tailgating.com.
The 10 things you learned in Kindergarten that make you a better tailgater.
1. Be polite to others
This one is rather obvious but needs to be repeated all the time. Be respectful of other tailgaters by not hogging up two or three parking spaces with chairs and cornhole games and stray coolers. Many stadiums and venues have limited parking spots and although you would prefer to spread out, just imagine if it were you looking for a place to park and someone’s tailgating tent was blocking an adjacent parking space. Being polite also extends to fans of the visiting team. Some good natured ribbing about how their team’s last four draft picks have been complete busts is fine but breaking out the swear words and name calling is just uncalled for.
2. You need to share
One of the main draws of tailgating is that it attracts many people from all different walks of life. Tailgaters are all there to enjoy the day with one common interest and goal in mind; rooting on your team to a win later. This festive atmosphere lends itself to a large party where everyone gets along and strangers parked next to you at 9 am could become lifelong friends before kick-off. Bring a little extra of everything so that you can share with your tailgating neighbors or that hungry parking lot attendant that’s been working his tail off to make things go smoothly so you can relax and enjoy the day.
3. You need to take turns
Letting everyone partake in the tailgate party is a good idea. When it comes to packing the car or setting it up on site, don’t always be the one doing it all. Delegate out responsibilities to friends and trade off on who will get to the lot first in order to let the others sleep in that week and come to the tailgate party later.
4. You need to say thank you
A simple thank you goes a long way. Make sure to thank someone during the course of the day and not just the Grill Sargent who is now serving up burgers. Thank your tailgating neighbors for letting you borrow their mustard which you accidentally left in the fridge. Say thanks to the ticket taker as you enter the stadium. And if you spot a man or woman in uniform, make sure to say thank you for their sacrifice for serving our country.
5. Don’t run with knives
In a tailgating environment you probably won’t have scissors but you will have some sharp knives at the ready. Be careful with those especially if you have had a beer or six.
6. It’s not nice to take other people’s stuff
We’ve written extensively on the subject of “the Moocher“. I know we said it is nice to share and lots of tailgaters bring extra food but don’t be the guy that shows up empty handed to a tailgate expecting everyone to feed you.
7. Chew with your mouth closed
There is always a lot of good food to be found at a tailgate but not everyone needs to see EXACTLY what you are enjoying at this very moment.
8. Don’t hang upside-down on the monkey bars while wearing a skirt.
Ladies, you might think doing a keg stand in a mini skirt is a good idea but it will come back to haunt you. In today’s day and age of camera phones and WiFi, a friend could snap a pic and tag you on Facebook in less time it takes you to shotgun a beer. They say “diamonds are forever” but that needs to be amended. Google is forever and although that kind of stuff may be fun today, that hiring manager at that new job you really want may not share you enthusiasm for the Lousiville Chugger.
9. Be creative
Teachers give students crayons and paper, and ask the children to draw, often without specifying what they should draw. When tailgating you also have a blank canvas. Be creative in the type of food you choose to serve, what games to play or even what homemade gadget will make the tailgating more comfortable and enjoyable.
10. Put your toys away
Teachers and parents are always telling kids to put their toys away but there is a method to their madness. It helps keep things organized and easy to find. Same goes for tailgating and your tailgating gear. If you are not using your beer pong table, fold it up and get it out of the way so nobody trips over it. Putting your toys away also ensures they won’t get accidentally broken. And we all know tailgating toys are a lot more expensive than a tub of Lincoln Logs.
More fun stuff can be learned about tailgating at www.tailgating.com
xo
