A dream come true + gameday gear

It's gameday, friends! In about 12 hours, I'll be at the pregame festivities, celebrating the WSU basketball team's NIT berth with felllow alums at Stout NYC. I can't even properly articulate how excited, grateful and blessed I am to have the opportunity to watch my college play at Madison Square Garden. Hopefully, I'll be just as stoked after the final buzzer sounds.

And just because it's a sporting event, doesn't mean you have to check your style at the door. Pretending cash flow isn't an issue, the goodness below would definitely get rocked in the stands.

Cardigan / WSU shirt  / WSU charm bracelet / black bracelet / dot bracelet / jeans / bag / shoes

50 states: New York state of mind

So the post I had planned for today will have to wait because I'M GOING TO NEW YORK on Monday. My college's basketball team advanced to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals at Madison Square Garden with their win over Northwestern last night. As soon as my blood pressure returned to normal (the game went into overtime), the fiance booked my ticket (God bless airline miles) and my whirlwind adventure was set into motion.

It will be my first trip to the Big Apple and I would love, love, love and appreciate any tips on yummy restaurants, good record stores, can't-miss vintage shops and quintessential New York must-sees.

One stop will definitely be the Brooklyn Bridge. I'm not sure what draws me to the incredible structure, but it's so romantic and majestic.

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Five for Friday: Applelicious memories

In celebration of Apple Cup Week, I've chosen some of the best moments in the history of my school's rivalry game with the University of Washington. The past few haven't meant much in terms of the postseason because both teams have been down, but it's always nice beating your rival and claiming the bragging rights for the upcoming year. 

The stakes are somewhat high in Saturday's Apple Cup as WSU can stop the Huskies from going to a bowl game, which would be so sweet. Hopefully, the Cougs can make plays that will end up in future Apple Cup highlights countdowns for years to come along the way.

GO COUGS!

1. Apple Cup 2008:

WSU's double-overtime victory helped send UW to an 0-12 season.

2. Apple Cup 1997:

Chris Jackson had a career day with eight catches for 185 yards in a win that sent the Cougars to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 67 years. 

 

3. Apple Cup 2005:

Trandon Harvey caught a pass from Alex Brink and ran for the winning score to give WSU its first Apple Cup win in Seattle since 1997.
 

4. Apple Cup 2007:

In his final game at WSU, Alex Brink hit Brandon Gibson for the winning touchdown in the 100th Apple Cup.

5. Apple Cup 1992:

In one of the most well-known plays in Apple Cup history, Drew Bledsoe threw a 44-yard pass to Phillip Bobo, who slid into a snowbank at the back of the endzone for a touchdown in the game dubbed "The Snow Bowl."

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Apples + inspiration

It's Apple Cup Week, friends, and I couldn't be more confident in my Cougs! Late Sunday night, I received an invitation to a Facebook event called "COUG OUT FACEBOOK." 

A WSU student created a virtual meeting place for fans to gather and exchange inspirational photos, pictures and words during the week leading up Saturday's rivalry game against the University of Washington (Boooooooo). The event, which has swelled to more than 19,000 people in only a few days, reiterates just how amazing Wazzu students, alum and supporters are.

Even though the football team has been mired in a slump, it's inspiring seeing photos and videos of people displaying Cougar pride across the World.

That inspiration was manifested in two graphics I created to use as my Facebook profile pictures. And to my surprise (and excitement), some of my friends adopted them for their pages. 

Regardless of what happens Saturday, my heart will always belong to Washington State University and the 509. 

GO COUGS!

Someone posted this video on the event page and it made my heart swell with pride and happiness.

Win the day for Crimson & Gray

It was going to happen eventually. I had faith. And the Cougs rewarded my unfailing loyalty with their first Pac-10 football victory since 2008 on Saturday afternoon. 

The fiance and I have traveled to a number of games during the past few years when it was anything but easy to be a WSU football fan. But Saturday's win against Oregon State eased the sting of watching those painful loses in-person and the criticism and ridicule that comes with residing in the conference basement.

Some questioned why head coach Paul Wulff recruited Jeff Tuel, who had never thrown a varsity high school pass when he committed to play in Pullman. I think Tuel showed everyone Saturday why he's such a special player.

One thing is certain. I will never be accused of being a fair-weather fan. I will support my school whether it be in the elation of victory or the despair of defeat. And it was nice to see a little of that elation Saturday in the players singing the fight song and the outpouring of support and pride on various social networking sites after the game.

Now the challenge is to keep the momentum going during the three-week break heading into the Apple Cup. Regardless of what's to come, I will be cheering on the Cougs.

A little Pullman Water to celebrate the streak-breaking victory. I think so. GO COUGS!

50 states: Tour de Pac-10

Cross the California colleges off the list of the Pac-10 schools stadium tour. Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto was the final stop in the Golden State. And the fiance and I definitely didn't save the best for last. 

The atmosphere was really strange. You would never know it was their Homecoming or the team was ranked No. 12 in the country by the quiet fans and half-empty stadium. At times, the WSU fans were louder, which made me happy even though we lost by 10.

The best California Pac-10 stadium to watch a football game in is easily Cal. The pre-game festivities are always fun unlike UCLA; Bears fans actually cheer for their team unlike Stanford; And Cal supporters aren't rude to opposing schools like USC.

This upcoming weekend, I'll cheer on the Cougs at ASU's Sun Devil Stadium for the first time. After that, the only Pac-10 stadiums I haven't seen a game in are Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Arizona Stadium in Tucson and Husky Stadium in Seattle (Which I will never visit). And with the conference expansion, future trips to Colorado's and Utah's stadiums are in order.

WSU at UCLA: Rose Bowl, Oct. 4, 2008

WSU at USC:
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sept. 26, 2009

WSU at Cal: Memorial Stadium, Oct. 24, 2009

WSU at Stanford:
Stanford Stadium, Oct. 23, 2010

Five for Friday: Going back to Cali

It seems like the fiance and I left California such a long time ago when in reality it's only been eight months. And this weekend, we're making our triumphant return to the Golden State, more specifically the Bay Area ... Also known as one of my most favorite places in the world.

We're staying with our wonderful friends, Fred and Paty, and attending the Washington State/Stanford football game Saturday in Palo Alto. Our school will most likely get annihilated, but I am looking forward to completing my California Pac-10 schools stadium tour.

In honor of the trip back to the land I called home for three years, here are some of the most incredible sights I had the privilege of capturing through my lens:

1. Monterey: December 2007

 2. Santa Monica: April 2008

 

3. Hollywood: April 2008

4. San Francisco: July 2008

 

5. Pismo Beach: April 2009 

And because I couldn't decide on only five images, you get one more. Happy Weekend, friends!

6. Yosemite: November 2009

Little moments and future Cougs

You know those little things that absolutely make your entire day? Well, this picture my sister-in-law sent of my nephew wearing the WSU socks I bought him did just that. The sight of his sweet little face made my heart burst with love, pride and happiness. 

It's nice to see these moments since the fiance and I live away from our family and friends back home in Washington.

Not to mention the shear joy that comes from seeing him obviously practicing how to kick UW fans to the curb.

Losing with style

The losing campaign my alma mater's football team has put together the past few years is forgettable. But amid all the embarrassing defeats, the team knows how to do one thing right: Look good. 

The Washington State University football uniforms are classic with a modern and fresh twist. Even though the blowout to USC on Saturday wasn't fun to watch, I enjoyed seeing the team decked out in crimson from head to toe.

And just because ...

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Uniform combinations

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50 states: Hello, Pullman. Remember me?

The fiance and I had an amazing time in Pullman this past weekend. The improvements to the campus and town were modern and pretty, but a lot of the fun stuff is still the same. The buildings, stadium and grounds received a much-needed face lift, but special places like the Coug and Cougar Country thankfully remain untouched.

The most spectacular of makeovers was the CUB. When I attended WSU, the student union building was nothing to write home about. Now, it houses a bar, two-story bookstore, flat-screen TVs with comfy chairs and couches and countless dining options. Needless to say the current students are spoiled.

We stayed in the fiance's old dorm, which the school has turned into a hotel while the building is being renovated. For $160 including tax, we got the room for two nights, four meal vouchers to our old dining hall and day passes to the Rec Center. Not only was it reasonably priced and conveniently located right on campus, but the nostalgia of staying in the residence hall was more than worth the price.

It was great catching up with old friends, patronizing a lot of my favorite college spots and finally witnessing a football win in person. Although it didn't feel like much of a victory, considering the team should've dominated Montana State from start to finish, it was nice to be back in Martin Stadium.

A lot of people make fun of Pullman because it's located in the middle of nowhere, but after being away for four years, my decision to attend college there was reaffirmed this past weekend. It may not have the fancy trappings of big cities, but it's a true college town and one that will always have a place in my heart.

GO COUGS!

Five for Friday: Pullman or bust

It took four years, but I'm headed back to the land of wheat fields, Busch Light and some of my best memories and experiences. For those not familiar with the above-mentioned awesomeness, I'm returning to my alma mater, Washington State University, for the weekend.

The fiance and I don't have a set schedule, but there are a few things and places that are a must-do/see.

1. The Coug: The best Pullman bar and a college staple where the beers, burgers, graffiti and atmosphere are one-of-a-kind. Where else is it not only OK, but encouraged to get wasted and write on the walls? A pitcher of Mac & Jacks, my favorite beer that is only available in Washington, is in order.

2. The top of Holland Library: One of the best views of the Palouse. I spent a lot of time up there taking in the majestic views of rolling hills and football pants. Some studying happened there, too.

3. Martin Stadium: Many hours were spent watching the football team when they actually won. Hopefully this Saturday will be one of those times. I'm excited to see the stadium improvements in person.

4. Rancho Viejo and Cougar Country: My favorite restaurants in Pullman. By the time I was finished with school, the good folks at Rancho didn't bother asking what I wanted to order. They just brought it out. And anyone who has ever dined at CC knows the fry sauce alone is worth the monotonous drive via two-lane Highway 26.

5. The Daily Evergreen: The place where my passion for the printed word and page design were solidified. I also met truly gifted and amazing individuals in the bottom of the Murrow Building. I learned more about journalism there than I could in any classroom or professional setting. Long live Tubs Night!

Other stops include the Bookie, revamped CUB and a drive by my old places of residence. I'm kind of preparing myself for everything to look much different. It's definitely a homecoming four years in the making. 

We fly into the fiance's hometown Friday and will get a chance to take our boat out for some much-missed wakeboarding on the Columbia River and a visit with his mom. All the makings of a whirlwind, but perfect, weekend!

Poster of success?

If that's true, the Cougs will be the 28th best football team in the country this upcoming season. If not, well, they still have the 28th best schedule poster in the land according to Bleacher Report. Criteria for making the list included clarity, schedule (Is it clear and easy to follow? ... Not strength of), photo quality, uniqueness, eye appeal and coolness factor.

You can request WSU schedule posters and cards here. It looks like they're out of football ones, though. I still haven't found a place to get past posters. Maybe it's worth a call to the marketing and promotions department?! I have a collection of sports schedule posters from my time in Pullman sitting in the closet waiting to be framed when we have a house with a game room.

And on a geeky note, I couldn't be more pleased to see three of my favorite things, college football, visual design and my school, combined.

Oregon State was the only other Pac-10 school on the list, coming in at No. 25.

Vanderbilt was No. 1, but I didn't think it was anything special.

Honorable mentions:

No. 3: Bowling Green

No. 4: Iowa State

 

No. 5: Minnesota 

No. 7: LSU

No. 26: Louisville

 No. 35: Baylor

No. 43: Wake Forest 

 No. 48: Navy

[All posters courtesy of schools' sports information departments]