A Family United or A Girl Divided?

Watching football is a given in our home.  Once the hint of autumn is in the air, the pigskin epidemic sweeps our house with a force like no other.  Yesterday was the annual interstate rivalry between our two largest state universities.  Now, I've never been to the big game in person, but we always faithfully follow along on the tube.  Just because we're at home doesn't mean we can't get into the game.  I've been known ride the surf of a Lazy Boy recliner while screaming "Go!  Go!  Go!" as the ball neared our team's end zone.  And yes, that does mean I was standing on the furniture - don't judge me.  Anyway, for those who don't know, we are BIG Iowa Hawkeye fans at the Jones house.  The hubby and I have both been long-time fans and have raised the kiddos in the way of the "Black and Gold." 

Now, I have a confession to make.  I really, really like Iowa State's head football coach, Paul Rhoads.  In fact, I like him so much that I feel myself wanting to cheer for the Cyclones.  Is there a vaccine for this thing I have??  My poor dad is probably rolling over in his grave as I'm typing this very post.  But, let me defend my position.  Do you know Paul Rhoads?  Yeah, I don't either (not personally, anyway).  However, I see enough about him on the news, in the papers, and on web to know he's one quality coach (and human being).  In fact, whenever I think or talk about Mr. Rhoads, the song, "You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It)" comes racing into my head. 

I will say, this illness (or whatever it is) was bothersome during this year's Cy/Hawk showdown.  I couldn't find my usual fighting fervor.  Instead, I sat calmly watching (from the kitchen) a game that had a few great plays and a lot of errors.  In the end, the Clones emerged as the better team, and all I could think was "Of course they're the better team; look at their coach!!" and "Good for you, Paul Rhoads and awesome job, Cyclones!"  (I may have just thrown up in my mouth a little.)  So, in my after game reflection and frustration of this conflicting corruption conundrum, I decided to lay out all my cards in an open letter to Mr. Paul Rhoads - Coach Paul Rhoads.  I must admit, I do feel a little better. 



Blessings,
Stephanie