OSU: The Reason God Made Oklahoma

"Stillwater has a population of thousands, but is home to millions."

When I saw that a blog I follow was doing a theme asking other bloggers to show off their alma maters, I obviously knew that I would be participating. I am a proud Oklahoma State University alum, as most of you probably know. I mean, there are a few hints on my blog....the orange background, the OSU jersey picture in the header, my frequent blogs about my Cowboys, my referring to Stillwater as "The Happiest Place on Earth".....you get the picture?

I just feel like there are no words to describe how much I loved my experience at OSU. I mean, it could not have been better (unless it had lasted longer!) and I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful college experience. With that, here is my attempt at sharing my alma mater via a Top Ten list!

10. Everything is clothed in orange. I remember some high school friends coming to visit me in Stillwater and us all heading directly to Eskimo Joe's for dinner. We were only there for about 5 minutes andone of them looked at me and said, "Okay, I don't get it....what's with all the orange? It's everywhere...on walls, on people, on signs...." And while OSU orange is my favorite color, I have to admit, that's not the real meaning behind #10. What makes this special is that the whole town is behind the university. Shoot, the whole town revolves around the university. And that's a special thing!

9. Calf Fry. Need I say more? (I will, obviously and I have before). Calf Fry is a huge outdoor concert held at hte end of every April at the Tumbleweed Dance Hall. I may have frequented a few of these concerts in my day..... Anyway, Calf Fry is just thousands of people hanging out, drinking beer, and listening to country music. Doesn't get much better than that folks. I know several college students who attended school in different states who would come to town just for this event (and then crash on my floor....) It's a big deal. 8. Cowboy Sports. You guys know I'm a sports fanatic. Especially college sports. And while I can't say that OSU created the monster that you see today, it certainly helped increase it. There is just not enough to be said about a game day in Stillwater--whether it be football at Lewis Field or basketball at Gallagher-Iba. I was lucky to be in school during some pretty great glory days.....a Final Four Appearance, a Cotton Bowl.....they spoiled me! 7. America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration. I am going to just tell you that my blog won't do homecoming at OSU justice. They dye the fountain orange, shut down the streets, and everyone has the best time! It's unreal to see how many alums descend upon Stillwater every yera to come home. And that really is what it is....remember this blog?
6. The Happiest Place On Earth. OSU is located in beautiful Stillwater, Oklahoma. Stillwater is what you would call a quintessential college town. Small, safe, friendly.....the people are great, you can leave your doors unlocked or go running around Boomer Lake at night, there are adorable "mom and pop" shops, lots of great restaurants....I could go on forever (and I'm not the only one). I swear if I ever win something big and they ask me what I'm doing next, I'll say going to Stillwater. Forget Disneyland!5. The Copper Penny. I think most college students have "their bar." Well, that was The Copper Penny for us. On the Strip, there are lots of different bars, each with its own personality. The Penny was the ag college bar (and you know things are better in the ag college). There would always be boys in boots, cow poop on the floor, cattle pictures on the walls and usually a dog meandering around. The owner, Penny, knew us by name. Everyone knew everyone....sort of like a midwest version of Cheers. I guess you could say we made our mark on the place....literally.

4. We're One Big Family. When you go to OSU, you become part of the family automatically. You might remember reading about this in my post about Remembering The Ten. But there are happy stories too. I frequently wear OSU garb when I travel, and I am almost always stopped by someone else who went to OSU, even if it's just to say a quick "Go Pokes!" My dad has an OSU cap that I got him, and he said that he experiences the same thing. And the OSU spirit goes with you even when you're away from home (like the picture below from San Francisco)!

3. 44th and Western. I realize that to most people, this address means nothing. But to my friends and I, it means Animal House. I've heard people say, "If these walls could talk" but I'm telling you guys.....there is no better example of that saying! From scary movie night, to decorating after the boys won Louisville, to ending the night with real hugs, to the biggest craziest house parties, to fight club on the front lawn, to "family" dinners, to serving as a refuge.....this place had it all.

2. Sunnybrook Christian Church. You've read previously on my blog about my Small Group from my college church. I just can't say enough about how wonderful this church was. Beyond the small group (which was just amazing itself), there were so many other great people that I got to know volunteering in the nursery and kids church. And the preacher is just out of this world--I am telling you guys, he's amazing. If you want to check out some of his sermons, click here!

1. Forever Friendships Started Here. I cannot imagine my life without the friendships I made at OSU. I would be flat out lost without these people. I made new friends.....The Oklahoma Girls, SoulMate Friend, most of the Animal House Boys......and I cemented friendships that I brought with me to Stillwater....BFF, College Roomie, the NM Animal House Boy. I only hope that everyone is able to make one friend as amazing as those that I have named on this list.