This Is Our State

There has been a trendy phrase this year in North Carolina college football amongst the various college rivalries - "This Is Our State." NC State, UNC and ECU have been arguing over this sacred title. ECU has been known as the Pirate Nation for years and now NC State is phrasing the area as "our state." ECU visited Carter-Finley this weekend and has won the title! Not only did ECU beat NC State as a visitor, but by the 4th Quarter only ECU fans remained at the stadium. I was in shock that ECU fans were able to cheer their "Purple/Gold" chant as loud as they can at their home stadium. Pirate fans were thrilled over the victory against the Wolfpack and I am ecstatic that I got to witness it in person. 

My college roommate, Allison, came to cheer on the Pirates with me!

My partner in crime, Nicole - even though we were friends divided over the outcome!

Musicals, Concerts and Games!

This week was a blast! It was very eventful, and I managed to cram a month's worth of activities in 5 days! Tuesday night I attended the first Broadway musical at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), "Ghost." I have never seen the movie, so everything about the musical was a surprise to me! The effects and lighting were spectacular! Watching the show it was apparent the musical was written in the 21st century. A job well done to the cast and producers of this show!

Wednesday night - I attended the Justin Timberlake concert at the PNC Arena in Raleigh! We were in the nosebleeds but the concert was beyond amazing! Justin went onstage at 9:00pm and did not stop singing until midnight. Three straight hours of singing and dancing and he didn't stop! I wish I had that kind of energy! Walked away loving him as much as I did 13 years ago when I watched him perform with NSYNC in this same arena!

Friday night - I went with back to the PNC Arena to watch the Carolina Hurricanes play the Anaheim Ducks. Not only did we attend the game, we were in Box Seats! Not only did the Canes win - they won in a shootout! This was my first time going to a Canes game in 4 years and it was my first time ever getting to see a shootout! What an experience. Thanks to Amy for inviting me for a fun Friday night!

I don't know of any other NHL team that serves BBQ in their box seats. 

The Canes win in a Shoot Out!

Saturday Afternoon - I got to spend the afternoon with my Premier family to celebrate the upcoming wedding of my friend, Alana. It was a beautiful afternoon for a bridal shower and special memories were made. 

Sunday Night - My friend Nicole and I went to Chapel Hill to see Andrew Belle perform at Local 506. The venue was packed when we arrived. However we were standing in the right place at the right time. One of the members of the crew saw us standing the back and asked if we wanted to walk behind him as he parted the "sea" to make his way to the stage. We followed suit and sure enough, we got to watch the concert from beside the stage! What a great view we had for this concert! 

It was a fun week full of special memories. I am beyond thankful for wonderful friends in my life that I can celebrate these times with. 

A Busy Fall

The month of October flew by! I can't believe we are already starting our second week of November. This Fall has been full of a variety of fun activities. Here is a glimpse of what I have been up to the last few weeks. 

Mom and I made a road trip to Little Switzerland, NC to the The Orchard at Altapass. It is the oldest operating apple orchard in the state of North Carolina. The drive through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains was spectacular, especially since the autumn leaves were at their peak. The apple orchard was nestled right on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have never been apple picking, and what a fun treat that was!

What a fun weekend get-away!

I was able to mark another "first" off my list at the NC State Fair this year! I milked a cow! 

As many know, I love going to the State Fair! This year, I made three trips! I will say my favorite "food find" this year was the peach cobbler I found! I will definitely eat that next year too! 

It wouldn't be the Fall if there wasn't college football. I had a great time tailgating (without going to the game) with good friends for the NC State vs. UNC Football game. You know it will be a fun time if you are in the middle of the action of the biggest football rivalry in the state. We started tailgating at 8:30am and watched the football game on tvs from outside the stadium. Zac was a great host providing beer butt chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs. 

AND life-sized jenga! 

Sporting the red and black with these girls!

In October I went to my second Ben Rector concert of the year! He performed at the Carolina Theatre in Durham, and yes, I managed to sit in the 3rd row!!! What an amazing performer!

Another awesome artist, Tyrone Wells, opened for Ben Rector. I was able to meet him while we were at the concert! Go check out his music - you won't be disappointed!

Nicole and I loved the concert from the third row! 

Last but not least - it wouldn't be the Fall without PIRATE FOOTBALL! We had an awesome time this past weekend at the ECU vs. Tulsa Homecoming game in Greenville. It was a blast getting all of our favorite pirates back together again. I can't believe it has been 8 years since we were freshmen and our friendships began. 

Oh the memories we continue to have in Dowdy-Ficklen stadium!

Distance separates us, but when we get together it is like nothing has changed! Can't wait until our next pirate reunion!