House Divided

In the collegiate culture, when a man and woman marry across school lines, it results in a “House Divided”. You may be familiar with these bumper stickers or flags (we do not have one of these stickers/flags by the way). My alma mater is Baylor University located in the fine town of Waco Texas. Yes that is the place all that crazy Branch Dividian stuff happened in the 90ies, but it really it has a lot of charm. I loved attending Baylor and you could say I was and still am proud to be a Baylor Bear. Andrew got both of his degrees from the University of Texas A&M hence the “division”.

Texas A&M is a rival school to Baylor. Now I use the word “rival” loosely, because A&M really doesn’t see Baylor as a rival (according to Andrew). It may be because Baylor historically has not been known for its competitive athletic teams, and was always an easy win for A&M. In any case, A&M is a very traditional school and the students/alumni are passionate “Aggies” as they call themselves. This passion is expressed through a series of chants, cheers, school songs, and of course the “WHOOP” that are sung, yelled, and waved at any school function, wedding, or athletic event. Andrew is slow to participate in these expressions of association to Texas A&M, but is certainly proud to be an Aggie. He also thinks A&M is a far superior school to Baylor academically as well as in athletics which is an on going debate in our household. I don’t see us resolving this any time soon, and if I am honest, it is pretty fun to be on opposing sides. I have had moments where I have thought about what it would be like to be one of those couples walking hand in hand on campus years after graduation with our little children dressed up in the school’s colors. Those families are so cute. BUT since I never want to be married to nor have children with anyone other than Andrew that will never be our family. I am OK with that and even cheer on A&M when they are not playing Baylor. I also embrace some of their traditions especially the one where you have to kiss every time the Aggies score…who doesn’t like that?

Now, prior to our marriage, Baylor’s list of athletic accomplishments included one women’s basketball championship and a long list of Olympic runners. However, Andrew and most of the general public don't really know about that. The funny thing is, since we have been married, Baylor has made quite the showing in football and men’s basketball, the two sports Andrew follows regularly. In fact, the picture of us at the top of the blog was taken on a bus traveling to the 2008 A&M vs. Baylor football game where Baylor went on to win! It was an exciting day to be a Bear! Sort of like today as Baylor is competing tonight for a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite 8, something the men’s basketball program has never achieved! As our house is “divided”, I can’t say Andrew is as elated as me (A&M was eliminated from the tournament last week) but he has to admit Baylor has “rival” potential!

SIC’EM,

Nathalie