Every SLU student, past and present, recalls memories around the beloved campus clock tower. The statue of Deep-In-Thought-Doug sitting on the Northeast corner, reading a textbook or more likely tanning between classes and a the general area of congregation for all. A large number of my college memories center around that spot and make me smile just thinking about them now. Thanks to James Van Der Beek, one memory made me laugh out loud today.
Between 2005 and 2008, my college roommates and I sat on the steps around the clock tower and practiced the fine art of "DILF hunting." After freshman year, it became uncomfortable to continue creeping on the prospective male high school students prowling our campus looking for their future homes. (Although creepy was a typical word in our vocabulary.) These unknowing fathers, donned in fine pressed khakis and J. Crew sweaters, were way better to look at then their letterman jacket clad sons. Somewhere along the way we began the DILF clap, a slow purposeful clap brought to premonition steadily in cinema fashion, designed to bring unwarranted attention and embarrassment for the DILF in question.
Dear SLU DILF dads, I salute you. Thanks James Van Der Beek.
I love to gloat about how fun my friends are, I mean like really fun. Somewhere along the line, my life was blessed with people that listen when I need an ear, make me laugh, have wine nights and overall better my life. This came into realization this past weekend when I packed 30 people on a trolley for a bar crawl and tour of the fabulous city I now call home. Absolutely amazing time, absolutely fortunate to have these kind of people in my life.
However, the point of this post is not to be mushy. It's really to post two fantastic quotes inspired by the same group of friends. Shannon, here is your moment to shine and I promised you an entry. A big shout out to gchat during work hours for making these possible.
Conversation 1: Discussing how weird it was that friends were doing silly things like "getting married" and "buying water softeners for new homes." Which somehow turned to Pussycat Doll songs.
SWF Friend: When I grow up I want to get drunk on trolleys Me: I just sang that message to the tune of Pussychat Dolls SWF Friend: Boobies make more sense than groupies Me: Exactly, when I was growing up I just wanted some boobies SWF Friend: Instead of mortgages and diapers I spend money on alcohol and shoes
Conversation 2: Girl stuff
SWF Friend: This is not okay...I just made an appointment with my doctor
Me: Everyone is getting Mirena at the same time. It's like those teenage girls on Lifetime that all had babies at the same time. But not at all. We are like the "no pregnancy pact" or something.
It's moments like this that remind you why you are so lucky.
Senses stir up memories. I remember the taste of grandma's mac & cheese and the touch of the smooth brick in my grade school hallway. Parents fill photo albums with baby pictures and have VHS tapes of our first family vacations so we can relive the sense of sight.
The most influential sense may be hearing, for better or worse. A baby's cry, a wedded couple's first dance, that Vitamin C "Graduation" song that just won't go away. A couple weeks ago my brother departed for college spring break in Panama City Beach, following in his sister's stumbly footsteps. I can't help but think of the memories and smile, particularly when they're defined by my generation's greatest hit songs such as Fergie's "Glamorous" and Unk's "Walk it Out." Key word: hit.
According to him, if he learned anything it's that he hates Kesha but only slightly more than that "Shots, Shots, Shots" song. Sorry, Ke$ha. But I'm not There$@ so forget that skank. I refuse to give anyone that provided us with the lyrics, "kick 'em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger" any sort of respect.
MICK JAGGER?! Are you SERIOUS?!
Sadly enough, it's these otherwise forgettable songs that define some of our great life moments. Think of the song you laugh at with your friends when she threw herself at some random guy at the bar; then the Rascal Flatts song she wouldn't stop crying to when they broke up months later. Why have a romantic song when you can rock out to Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" at a karaoke bar on vacation? I remember sorority girls defining their life with Madonna's "Like a Prayer" at college parties. "Oh my gawd, it's like our SONG!" Ladies, it's everyone's song but to each their own. I prefer to define my college experience with defined fist pumps and "Don't Stop Believin'." Just a city booooooooy!
The NCAA gets it on the money "One Shining Moment" during March Madness. (Although, with respect to Ms. Hudson, I want Luther Vandross back.) Last night's Northern Iowa win over Kansas (Go Missouri Valley conference!) was one of those moments you belt out, "YOU KNEW YOU WERE ALLIIIIIIVE!"
The most magical part of it all is that the first time you hear a song you don't know it will become a memory, it just takes place.
20-something lady living the life the life of young professionalism in Chicago and having some fun doing it too. A fair warning, I enjoy my current career path and am destined to spew some media insight onto this blog.
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