Here we go...

Let's be clear before we begin... I'm an Eagles fan. I have been my whole life. However, in light of recent events, I made no commitments this season to any particular team. Part of me was still rooting for the Eagles... and the other part of me was still rooting for Donovan. But my husband is a Steelers fan - pardon me, a Stillers fan. So I made the decision, for the betterment of our marriage, to devote myself to an AFC team, and an NFC team. It's not cheating. I can root for the Eagles and the Steelers, simultaneously, unless of course we get an all Pennsylvania Superbowl one year. In which case, suck it Pittsburgh :)

So this past weekend we went up to Pittsburgh with Chad's folks to see the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs... and it was awesome. We went up in 2009 for the AFC Championship (my husband reminded me that it wasn't 2010, like I thought... so disregard my shout out in this nostalgic post) and it was the most amazing football experience any of us had ever had. So when the opportunity presented itself to go this year, we jumped at the chance. Here's some of the highlights:

We got there around noon and started tailgating. These guys got there about 5 minutes before we did. And 5 minutes later they had their kegerator out, flags up, music blaring and grill going. It was impressive.

By 1:30, this is what it looked like.

All of us.

The Towel.

B and me, Eskimo style.

Heading into Heinz Field.

Game time.

The game was awesome. It was freeeeeezing, there was snow coming down the entire time, and even though everybody got a little worried in the first quarter, especially after that second (bullshit) touchdown the Ravens had, we knew they'd bring it back for the win. And man, I'll tell you what... that stadium is never quiet. Fans are screaming and cheering the entire time, and even when it dies down to a lull, the music starts up again, the chants get going, and everyone gets riled up again. And every time they made a touchdown, the whole place just erupted. I mean, you could FEEL the stadium shake. There's seriously something to be said for driving five hours to watch a team with six Superbowl trophies behind them, versus diving an hour and a half to see a team that has no pride, no REAL fans (because you don't count when you're talking about being Superbowl bound preseason, and then three games in, you're back to telling everyone how much they suck), and most definitely no team spirit... I'm looking at you Haynesworth. I heart you Donovan, I really do, but please dear God go anywhere else next year so I can root for you again. #eaglesfanforlife

So all in all, it was another fantastic trip. So good, in fact, that we'll be back again for the championship this Sunday. Look for me on TV, I'll be the one dressed in black and gold ;)

Here we go Steelers, here we go...