Help me readers – I’m sick.
I miss "wide open spaces" and big, spacious grocery aisles!
I’ve got this very rare “illness.” Usually get it about 3 – 4 times per year. It’s characterized with extensive periods of feeling sorry for myself, longing for country music and “wide open spaces,” dreaming of large grocery stores with diverse baking aisles and produce sections, wanting to turn the corner and run into someone that tells you to “have a good day” because they actually care and needing the comforting sight of chain restaurants and never-ending cornfields.
I call this illness “There is no place like Nebraska” syndrome. Time and draft beer are the only cure…but it never completely goes away.
Every time I come back from Nebraska, no matter how long or short the trip, I usually find myself in a bit of a “funk.” If you read this blog, then you know that I truly do love New York City. As my wise friend Anjelica once advised, I always remember to “look up when I go outside” to remind myself how lucky I am to live here. I dreamed of moving here for years before I finally took the plunge, and I’ll never become complacent or forget to be grateful for this opportunity.
I never forget to look up here. I know how lucky I am.
But, to quote a very well-known phrase, “there is no place like home.”
And when your “home” is the polar opposite of the place you actually live, this little homesick feeling tends to be a bit stronger. I guess the grass is always greener…or in my case, the corn is always huskier?
This “syndrome” is why I didn’t bake cupcakes for Cupcake Monday or post anything yesterday for that matter. I just can’t write in my authentic chipper Sometimes Healthy “voice” when I’m not feeling quite so chipper. I’ve heard the phrase “fake it ’til you make it” more times than you can imagine since arriving here in NYC. Unfortunately, that’s just not my style…but that’s why you like me.
But good news, it’s only been a day, and the symptoms have already subsided. Phew.
I’ve got some delicious healthified donuts recipes from the tailgate to share with you in my next post, but first, here’s a quick recap of the actual day.
I’m a Fair Weather Fan...but at Least I Admit It
As I mentioned Saturday morning, I was feeling very conflicted about who to cheer for during Saturday’s epic battle: the Alma Mater or the Hometown Heroes.
In the end, I went with my good ol’ Huskers.
The outfit was set, and my friends and I hopped in a giant 6-seater truck at 11:00 am to head down to the game, which was in Lincoln about 45 minutes away. Yes, we listened to country music the whole way down. Yes, we enjoyed the beautiful sight of rolling cornfields most of the way there. It’s okay to play into stereotypes every now and then 😉
Next to our sweet ride - thanks for posing Emily!
I tried to get everyone to pose in front of the truck, but they thought that sounded cheesy. Thanks for playing, Emily (Sidenote: Congrats to my dear friend Emily who is expecting her first child this May! Em, I can’t wait to meet him/her and impart my Sometimes Healthy Wisdom).
Next, we walked a bit to the tailgate spot. My friends from Northwestern drove from Chicago in a gigantic RV – that’s commitment.
Now, that's an RV - if only you could see the inside!
The inside of the RV was like a luxury hotel room. I wanted to take picture, but I felt awkward.
There was also lots of yummy food at the tailgate, but I didn’t really eat that much. Nor did I photograph it.
I was too busy drinking beer out of a red cup with a purple straw. I felt so conflicted – it was the only thing I could do to show support for both teams.
Red, Purple and Beer. All essential to this important day.
This is normal right? Nonetheless, my friends are used to this kind of stuff by now, so they were still having a great time.
We love you, and we love your healthified donuts.
Next, I set up my donuts, which Becca and I had baked on Friday night. Next to the traditional tailgate food (wings, nachos, chips, etc.) , they certainly stuck out. I was sure they’d be a hit.
Mmmmm...look at these YUMMY donuts. Eat them or I will force you to drink beer from a purple straw.
I received a few comments here and there. In fact, someone actually told me, “Jamie, you should open up a HEALTHY donut shop in NYC.” I think he may have been drunk and therefore, anything tasted good to him, but whatever, I’ll take it.
Some people liked them SO much that they generously posed for a picture with the donuts.
That face says "This donut is 10 times better than Krispy Kreme. You are a genius."
Can you see how much this guy liked his donut? He happens to be a writer for the Omaha World Herald and writes about, what else? Healthy Living! Thanks for posing with my donuts. Us “writers” gotta stick together ;-).
Before we knew it, it was 2:00 and time for the main event: the big NU v. NU showdown.
The 3rd largest city in Nebraska on game days. We are special.
Little-known fact: On Nebraska game-days, this sea of red also known as the sold-out Memorial Stadium is the “Third-Largest City” in Nebraska.
#1 = Omaha, where I am from. #2 = Lincoln, where University in Nebraska is located. What does this tell you? If you’ve got one of those “50 States Bucket Lists” and you’d like to visit Nebraska you should either go to Omaha (perhaps for the College World Series) or go to Lincoln for a Nebraska game. The next best thing is the Kool-Aid museum in Hastings Nebraska…
Finally, after some traditional pre-game rituals, the game started.
From the onset, it was clear this was going to be a nail-biter and not the blow-out that many predicted.
My Nebraska friends and I were so nervous that we had to eat some more food to calm our nerves.
A taste of Nebraska...and Nebraska never tasted sooo good.
I went with the hometown favorite: The Runza. A Runza sandwich is”homemade dough made from scratch everyday — stuffed full of ground beef, onions, cabbage, and secret spices—and then baked fresh and served hot.” Oh, and you pretty much can’t find it outside of Nebraska.
Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe it. If you think Omaha Steaks is a revelation, then wait until you try a Runza. I’m going to post a healthified recipe of this one of these days…when I find the time. 😉
We also enjoyed some popcorn.
Big Red popcorn...this stuff is good.
Oh, and no game would be complete without the ever-popular “Big Red” hot dog.
That hot dog is RED. Wonder why?
Unfortunately, while the food was great for these Nebraska girls, the game was not so good for Husker fans. Apparently, they played like garbage.
Nebraska played like trash. But we loved the cute little trash cans in the stadium...
I was very thankful that my good friend and fellow Northwestern-Nebraskan, Molly, sat with us for the later portion of the second half, so that I could switch my allegiances to the winning team without feeling guilty.
Ok let's just throw in the towel and cheer for the winning team - it will be more fun that way. And isn't that what life's about?
Yep, I’m a fair-weather fan…and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Why pass up the opportunity to celebrate the win with fellow former Northwestern Wildcats that made the trek (the most boring drive in all of America) to Nebraska?
Ok, sure, I'll have another. My hat is backwards - I'm in for the long-haul.
And celebrate we did. First, with Grape Bomb Shots (purple for Northwestern – our Nebraska waitress was so nice).
An unexpected win is certainly reason for a rare shot.
Then, with a whole lot of buckets of beer and a late-night stop at the best Mexican drive-thru joint I’ve ever visited in my life. Again, this went undocumented. I was hungry. Sorry for partying. But, the burrito was delicious – take my word for that.
Molly took this pic...I was about to dig in...the expression says it all.
So, my friends, if you ever ARE in Nebraska and you’re by chance having a late night (although you can go during the day), please stop by D’leon’s. You’ll thank me later.
Sometimes UNhealthy Decisions Make Me Feel Bad
All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better time. I was able to reconnect with friends from both home and college in a very short period of time, and rather than worry about having a plan or what I would eat and how much I would drink, I just enjoyed myself.
We couldn't have asked for a better day (maybe less wind, but the day was perfect).
And I couldn’t have asked for a better day/night.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t feel just a little guilty for all of my UNhealthy indulgences. Let’s just say, the donuts were probably the healthiest part of my football day.
Luckily, I had a workout buddy to get me rolling early in the morning before my flight.
Becca, my workout buddy. We were stretching and "working hard."
Oh, and this little guy was waiting for us in the gym daycare center, which made the workout fly by.
Let's workout fast so we can play with this guy!
I’m glad I got in the workout before a long day of flying. I may joke about how it’s fun to have some slip-ups along the road to healthy, but, when push comes to shove, I’m at my happiest when I balance the indulgence with the healthy. There’s nothing wrong with having a little beer and some great food on a football Saturday, but it’s following that up with a nice little morning workout that makes me feel back on track and Sometimes Healthy.
And now, I’m back on track in New York City. Even though it’s looking like a couple of possible late nights here and there, I’m okay with it.
I’ve got these ladies to keep me sane.
Sometimes we need a break and when we do, we pull out our chairs, chat and laugh.
Oh, and one of my new clients is a luxury coffee maker. This means I need to test out the machines to make sure I can explain how they work to reporters. This means I’ll be good and caffeinated all week long.
Testing out the coffee machine...not a bad way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.
All good things.
Sure, the little “There is No Place Like Nebraska” feelings linger every now and then. But they’ll lessen as I get back in the groove. In case you’re wondering where I get that phrase from, it’s from the Nebraska fight song. Please enjoy.
Tune in later this week for the elusive donut recipes. Until then, please read this message that someone sent me post tailgate: “Jamie! Great seeing you this weekend. Also, wanted to let you know that I am completely addicted to those doughnuts. I am seriously like Cookie Monster around them.”
Good things are worth waiting for...
So, rest assured there’s a delicious recipe coming your way!
Until then…
Question:
Fill in the blank: Home is where the _____ is.
That homesick feeling is something hard to shake! I’m sure it’s especially hard to be so far away from Nebraska since your family and friends still live there.
I want some of that popcorn and the recipe for those donuts!! They look deeeelicious!
Terrific post from your sometimes healthy father and a huge unbiased fan of the wonderful ability of you have to express yourself on your blog. Glad you enjoyed the weekend and always remember alma mater over hometown heroes. See you in a couple of weeks.
Love,
Dad
Great weekend, Jame… no place like home- but it’s ok to have more than one home- it’s 2011! The NYC marathon wasnt the same without you. 🙂
I had a great time with you (as always)! Food was delicious and the company was even better!! Thanks to your Northwestern friends for a fun tailgate!! We miss you!
I get homesick so darn often.. and it’s totally understandable that you are! It must be hard to be away from you friends and family, but I give you major props for having the courage and drive to do so 🙂
Your post made me smile and miss you!!! Had a fun time and can’t wait to see you at Thanksgiving!! 🙂 xo
ooh, donuts. I will stay tuned for the recipe! I don’t really get homesick – I pretty much hightailed it out of my hometown for college and beyond and never looked back. I like to visit though, it’s just not the place for me. NYC is definitely home! Big grocery isles just scare me… though I am always amazed at how CHEAP things are!
So, when I was younger, we used to drive to Colorado each year for vacation and we ALWAYS stopped at Runza in Nebraska! I loved their crinkle-cut fries!
Being that I’m a Badger I was glad to see NU beat Nebraska.. we aren’t very big fans up here 😉
Looks like you had so much fun! I am going to miss college game days so much. My last one is on the 26th and I think I might cry on the end. But I will definitely be returning as alumni for many a game. 🙂
I get homesick sometimes after a nice visit home. Returning back to campus and the hustle-bustle of life is not as fulfilling as quality time spent at home with my family. I’m so looking forward to Thanksgiving!
so funny that we both posted about looking up and being lucky at practically the same time!! mexican drive thru… omg we definitely don’t have those here. 😉 I am soooo jealous of your coffee maker!! My clients don’t give me anything cool. 🙁 Let me know if you wanna cross things off the NYC bucket list and knock out your home sickness together!! 🙂 🙂 I have something hanging in my room that says “home is where you are”
-courtney
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