opssage: Man, it's hard to believe the number of people that are moving on from Wake and Winston.
ASYork2439: yep....I was talking to Wil and came up with the perfect analogy for Wake Forest and our crew we chill with....It's like the Chicago Bulls dynasty....you knew it could not continue forever but the run was fun while it lasted.....but in reality change and new jobs are why we do what we do
opssage: hahaha ... great analogy!
Yes, sadly enough, just like any other great championship run, the run of fun is over on Spring Street. My roommate Mike Vest, aka Big Red, is moving out today. He has opted for a place that is a little cheaper and conveniently located behind Burke Street, out favorite watering hole in Winston.
The above instant message conversation took place between me and my buddy Alan, who will be Red's new roommate. He's so right. This run has been like that of the six-time world champion Chicago Bulls. Big Red and I have really made it a point to ensure our friends had a good time this year. Acting as co-social chairs of the athletic department has made for some interesting time. Of course there are always the random fun parties, but the themed ones seemed to work out the best.
The Halloween bash was unforgettable. Now, some people were a little worried about the "costumes only" stipulation, but it made for some memorable outfits. Anyone remember Dean as the Hooters girl? Or Suddes as Tigger? Dan had "borrowed" the fog machine from football and decorated the entire outside of the house. It was only a matter of minutes before kids were dragging their parents by just to see the house. Whether they could see to walk down the street because of the fog machine was another story. I swear to you, that machine was incredible. All of Spring Street was fogged out. Red and I took it upon ourselves to spend way too much money at party city and dress up the inside. But damn, it was worth it. Yeah, we all had to be at work the next day, but everyone still talks about the Halloween party.
The holiday party was next. This was one of your more "upscale" parties … well, as upscale as Spring Street cane be. Lots of people brought food and drinks, my mom prepared a ton of food and I bought my first ever Christmas tree. Even the G Man made an appearance. The house was festive, everyone looked lovely and it was a great time.
One of the greatest Super Bowls of all time was televised to a crowd of about 40 people on Spring Street. Thanks to the clever hands of Dan, who borrowed some chairs from Bridger Field House (which, by the way, are still here) and Elrod, who borrowed the football projection system, we had a wonderful 65-inch screen and plenty of space. Dean ran all the sides bets, of which I was the big winner … $20 … not bad. It was a great party and a superb game.
Since then, we really haven't had any theme parties. Typically though, we'll get the notion that everyone just needs an excuse to cut loose. Good ol' Chris Mack is typically the DJ on call, while Kelsey gets down on it with his break dancin' skills. Before the night is over, Holmes is usually always dancing on a radiator. Amy's used her Demon Deacon Dance Team experience to show us some moves. Dan and Heather usually sucker some other unsuspecting fools into playing quarters. Every now and again Tbarr would have to jump out on the roof to moon whomever was leaving the party. There have just been so many great memories for me in this house. I only wish I had a sign-in book for everyone that partied in this place. Yeah, it's been messy from time to time … but DAMN, I loved every minute.
So THANK YOU to everyone who entered this house. It has been a true joy. I'll still be here for the rest of the month, but it won't be the same without Big Red. It's like Michael losing Scottie, the Jackson 5 losing Michael, Maverick losing Goose (without the dying part, that is), Marris not having Mantle there to push him further. It just won't be the same.
On a lighter note, I found out today I'll be flying up to DeKalb, IL, for an interview this Tuesday. Wish me well!