"In my mind I'm gone to CarolinaCan't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't it just like a friend of mine"
James Taylor says it best right? I assume he is talking about South Carolina. AKA South Cakalaki. Being a Graduate of the University of South Carolina (06'), you would think I would have better ties to the university. But considering how I parted ways when I left, things are still a bit bitter when it comes to my alma mater. Yeah I still cheer for football and basketball when I see them on TV, and of course Baseball (Back 2 Back National Champs). But that same love was not attempted towards volleyball for reasons I will not get into. Just know it ended bad and we all know I can hold a grudge. I think letting go and moving on has been quite therapeutic for me. Do I still get that sick feeling in my stomach when I think about it sometimes. Sure! On the flip side I love thinking about the good times and all the relationships I have formed as a result of attending USC, so its a balanced emotion.
Walking on campus was so surreal. Everything was completely different, including the volleyball office and hello the freaking Academic center is ridiculous. I mean I would have always been there studying if we had that back in my day.
Later that night we met up with some friends in 5 points, the go to social place in Columbia. There were a myriad of old faces there. Of course we met up with Jason, our favorite Omega and he brought along the World Champion Packer Tory Gurley. Talk about bling. Wish I had taken a picture of that Super Bowl ring. Holy mother of heavy hardware. Later that night we were delighted to get a visit from Cliff aka light skinned friend look like Michael Jackson. Always good seeing Cliff, so many memories with that guy, and I really do believe he used to look out for us vball girls.
And then there was the reason we all came... Lynae's wedding, which was gorgeous by the way. As teammates Shonda and Sarah walked down the aisle to music by Ray Lamontagne, it was nothing short a a Hallmark happy ending movie.
Lynae wore this beautiful full length gown with her Dad as he was holding back tears. It really was special. Had to keep Lexi from full out bawling on the ground at the moment. After some wedding party photos and quick meet and greets with other guest, we flowed into the small 2 story manor for some delicious country style hor d'oeurves. So much deliciousness cannot be described simply in a blog.
We huddled out side, where it had gotten a little brisk, but that was nothing a little dancing couldn't cure. We kicked off our pumps and danced into the late night. After tossing her bouquet to her new sister in law falling over a gate and into the bushes, Lynae and Teddy walked away to a display of fireworks held by their quest. It really was a good time. Congrats to them.
Coming back to Columbia was not so bad at all. As long as my homies are with me! We used to run that town.
And for your enjoyment....
