While talking with one of my new ship friends the other day I realized something. I realized that people never fully appreciate their home until the leave it. I came across this notion while trying to explain why I love football so much. It more than just enjoying the game. It’s about being with friends, school pride, and that moment you are filled with joy as the announcer yells, “Touchdown Kentucky!” To be perfectly honest, the first image that pops into my head when I think about football is the sun shining down over Commonwealth Stadium, peeking through the trees on the Shockey’s tailgate spot right next to Nutter Field House. There’s tenderloin on the grill and corn hole being played. Everyone’s in blue and we’re all eagerly awaiting the Catwalk so we can cheer on our boys before they play.
I tried to explain to her why football is so much better in the South than anywhere else in the country and couldn’t find the proper words. She’s from Walla-Walla, Washington and the idea that people show up on Wednesday to tailgate before the big game baffled her. It was at this point I pulled out one of my favorite comparison charts: Football - North vs South. She just shook her head at me.
What can I say? I’m feeling lots of Kentucky pride right now, as I mentioned in my last blog. When I close my eyes and I can see the fields next to Bluegrass Airport. Those turn into the Clubhouse and racetrack of Keeneland, which morphs into “The Bowl” in front of William T Young Library. I see the walking trail at the Arboretum, the horse farms along US 60, the forest view from the top of Natural Bridge. It’s all beautiful to me. It makes me smile just to think about it.
I can feel the tradition of family and love in my bones and it’s strange to hear other crew members talk about their lives back home. They don’t have what I do. Furthermore, when I try to explain what it is that I have, they don’t understand. It’s like I come from a different world where it matters what your Momma thinks. Your father is Daddy, never Dad, and he can fix anything. You never disrespect your grandparents. Brothers and Sisters are fiercely protective of one another and in many cases as close as best friends. A lady always wears her pearls. Men should act like gentlemen, otherwise they’re still boys. On Sunday, you go to church. (Or if you can’t make it, you say a prayer and thank the Lord for the forgiveness and love He gives us everyday.) Friends are so close they’re more like family. Football/Basketball Loyalties can be a deciding factor in a potential relationship. Ladies don’t sweat, they glisten. The list goes on... what baffles me is that people don’t understand. Nor do they want to.
One day, after another hometown conversation, a girl told me it sounded like I was trying to live like the South would rise again. My response to her was that Kentucky never left the Union and was actually a border state, plus I didn’t see the harm in wanting to a live in a way which is all about family, honor, and traditions. Boom.
But back to the subject of Gentlemen... I miss them. I am quite sick of being leered at and having my name pronounced incorrectly as I walk down the I-95. I have also been proposed to three times, and been called a variety of pet names from, “Beautiful Lady” to “My American Princess”. Not to mention the fact that I tower over practically everyone. Apparently every other country in the world is “vertically challenged” compared to America. When I finally come home and see some handsome gentleman all dressed up in a button down and khakis, I just may pounce on him. To save myself from doing something silly like that I hereby give permission to my girl friends to restrain me. Or you could let it happen and we’ll hope everything works out for the best. Your call.
Moving on...
I’m getting a new roommate on Sunday! My current roomie now works for Port Adventures so they’re moving her to a new cabin, since our room is technically in the Youth Activities block. I know all of the girls coming back from when i first got on the ship so I really hope I get one of them rather than a new hire. That would be fantastic! Of course, if I get a New Hire, no worries. I’ll be nice to her! Promise! :)
56 days until I come home! Y’all better be ready to party and celebrate!
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