The Dream Factory: Homecoming Highlights 2013

As I procrastinate on my homework (pulling into the procrastination station is nothing unusual, my friends), I might as well bring you to speed on one of the craziest weekends of the year here at Baylor: Homecoming.

Quick Back Story Time.

Baylor's homecoming is one of the oldest in the nation. The weekend is packed with activities for the whole family, including seeing the relics...excuse me, exhibit in the student union, various dinners, Pigskin Revue, the Bonfire/Extravaganza (think large pep rally), the colossal homecoming parade, the football game later that day, and of course, visiting our beloved live mascots, Joy and Lady.

Don't pet the bears, kiddies. They bite.

The Baylor University Golden Wave Band (we're called BUGWB, pronounced "bug wuhb", for short) traditionally performs at the extravaganza, marches at the head of the parade, and puts on a very special halftime show for the homecoming crowd, including the classic Script Baylor.

That can be found here for your enjoyment. :) I am in the last little curlicue of the "r".

End Quick Back Story Time.

The main highlight would have to be seeing my family again. Honestly, I was a little nervous at first about meeting up with them, because I'd heard horror stories about families fighting after not seeing each other for a while, and that's not how I wanted to spend time with my parents and brother.

The moment I saw them, though...I felt like a five-year-old on Christmas, filled with wonder and pure, elated joy. There were many hugs as we enjoyed lunch together before I had to dash off to my next class.

My parents took me out to a couple of meals over the weekend and brought me gifts, but that's nothing compared to the time I got to spend with them. I treasure my family's company even more now that I have less time with them. I was grinning from ear to ear when they invited me to spend Saturday night with them after the game.

Highlight number two would have to be as another color guardie and myself were waiting for a teammate outside of the bathroom. A young girl shyly wandered up to us. The first words out of her mouth were, "I wanna be just like you guys." The other guardie and I exchanged glances.

The girl continued, "I wanna spin at Baylor!"

We smiled, "Come and join us then! We'd love to have you!"

The corners of her mouth turned upward a little, "I'm only a sophomore in high school, but I want to be just like you. You're so good at guard; so beautiful and amazing. I loved every minute of the show." The girl then turned and disappeared into the mob of people milling around.

We were shocked. We had worked so hard on the routine, learning a lot of it only a few days before the performance. I had never thought that someone would actually be inspired by it. Motivates me to be be even better and work harder than before. I was honored, truly honored.

Okay, so this last little highlight is kind of embarrassing, and I know you're going to laugh at my total social awkwardness. So, as I was coming off the field after the halftime show, I looked up into the audience. There, looking back at me was a rather attractive curly haired blond guy. We locked eyes.

He then proceeded to blow me a kiss.

Then, waving slightly and pointing at me to be sure he had my attention (which he did), he blew me another one.

My reaction? Turn Bob the Tomato red and disappear into the sea of plumes of the other band members as we headed off to our seats.

Why someone decided to blow me a kiss, I'll never know, but I'll tell you one thing. It sure was cute.

Then comes the downside to this weekend: My nasty ol' cold. I dragged myself through Saturday with an hour and a half of sleep (I must be Superwoman, or something), hacking, sniffling, rubbing my temples, and popping cough drops like crazy. Sunday was much the same, so my parents stocked my dorm with plenty of medicine.

AND COOKIES TOO, I MUST ADD.

Snickerdoodles are one of my weaknesses. (not that I should've ever admitted that one)

Woah, this was a long one. Props to you for making it this far. Did Baylor win the football game, you ask? OF COURSE! We're even ranked 6th in the nation at this point.

I'll give you a little photo reel to wrap up this story.