Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to State We Go....

Finally after a FOUR year drought, the Spuds made it back to state. I should probably not be so excited to go, but a) These are some of my students out there. I want so badly to see them succeed, and b) some of my best memories from high school are from state.
We are staying at the same hotel that we stayed at in high school: The Embassy Suites. Each year, my best friend Melissa and I stayed with her parents. It was safe, secure, yet we were still able to have fun. Some favorite moments includee: late nights talking, laughing like crazy, sending Melissa on a ride with the lifeguard at the Embassy (NOT smart), the games, watching the gorgeous Joe Bianchi from Jefferson, dealing with friend crises, dealing with friends who were kicked out of the hotel, friends getting busted and the funny stories that go with it, Prom dress shopping with Melissa, eating at some cool restaurants with Melissa and Vick, the infamous car rides with Jim & Vick, seeing the boys at the Radisson when the games were over, telling this boy I liked (Thad) that if he would rather date my friend Elli that was okay, and I could go on and on and on.....
I haven't stepped foot in the Embassy since 1994--my senior year. I am a very nostalgic person, so it will be interesting to see the place. I have so many pictures, and each puts a smile on my face. I remember Thad & my classmate Todd put signs up around the door of their room that said "no alcohol" because they had been raided. Todd passed away later that year in a car accident.
For me, the tournament is a special time. It's exciting for me to watch my kids take part in the joy of it all...even if we don't make it past the 1st round. Just getting away, enjoying friends, family, and life is good enough for me.
Have a great weekend!