Notre Dame Stuns Oklahoma, 30-13

This week has served as a tough lesson for Ryan. The job of a Super-Fan comes with so many highs and lows and Ryan is simply inconsolable. Here he is capturing the epitome of what all Sooner fans are feeling right now:

 

 

I know, baby. I know...

 

In previous posts I have described the Sooner Spirit as something kin to cancer and with properties of a virus, but after a series of what can only be logically explained as coincidences, I believe that simile has never been more true.

Since beginning this process there have been some very strange happenings. Most of my life I have been a Sooner fan, but never have I ever experienced the things Ryan has in just the last few weeks. Ryan has watched the OU v. TX game in TX, experienced homecoming, mingled with tailgaters and chatted with the RUF/NEKS - but it gets even more strange.

THE DAY BEFORE THE GAME, my mother and I were having lunch at McAlester's when I notice Landry Jones at the counter ordering food. Immediately my wheels were turning, thinking of how I can turn this moment into a "Ryan Is A Sooner Super-Fan" moment.

Here is the screenshot of my conversation with Ryan at the restaurant:

I settle on simply sliding Mr. Jones one of the Super-Fan flyers while on our way out the door...but then again he was there with his wife and people were yelling at him from all over the restaurant. I decided against it. Tomorrow is a big day. Let the man enjoy his lunch, I told myself. Of course, when it came time for us to leave I had a change of heart, but Landry was already gone. That's alright... I know something powerful is at work here. It gets even weirder.

Once I left McAlesiter's, I immediately went to the East Walmart to pick-up a few Halloween items. Literally, the moment I walk through the door, a woman's voice booms over the intercom, "Don't forget to stop by to take your free picture with the BCS National Championship Trophy." My light bulb went off. I had to make this happen. I ended up telling the BCS representative about Ryan, the bet and I passed off a Super-Fan flyer to him as well. He mentioned that they would be at the West Walmart around the time Ryan might be passing through on his way home from work:

 

Yeah, I lied, but sometimes you have to for the greater good. Grumpy pants was not too pleased about taking this picture or the caper to make it happen, but F* him:

 

 

How many coincidences must take place before it is considered Ryan's destiny? If none of the events leading up to game day qualify, how about this one:

 

 

Ryan willingly and independently wearing a full body of crimson while watching the game. God bless the union suit.

 

There Are Two Sides To Every Story

I had an idea to scrapbook this experience for Ryan to cherish for all of eternity. The book of memories would include the expected blog posts, corresponding comments, and pictures, but I also want include a weekly journal entry from Ryan about his experiences and thoughts throughout his... let's call it a journey.

Last week, my mother gifted Ryan these lovely post cards:

I thought it would be so neat if Ryan used these for his journal entry. Most often, Ryan is a man of few words. I expected him to write a little diddy about how he's going to kill me in my sleep and convert our pets to Judaism, but with a pen in hand Ryan is a regular Shakespeare. I mean, damn... Look at this:

He writes, "Let me begin with I thought this was going to be the one bet I was going to win. The Longhorns just came off a very tough game with West Virginia. I knew that if the horns played like that OU had no chance. But I was wrong. They had no more gas in the tank. We had just got off the boat having the best honeymoon I could ever imagine with the girl of my dreams. The game had already started. It was a beautiful day and I just knew it was going to get better. We found this great bar along the beach and thats when I looked up at the TV. I seen the score and all my plans went to shit. When Kristin wasnt looking I wiped away a tear. By the end of the third I knew it was over. Im a man of my word. I knew my lovely wife would make me pay but I had no idea. I woke up today and thought maybe she would take it easy. I was wrong again. I didnt think she would have my day planned with the homecoming parade and show me off in the pajamas, shirt, hat, tattoo and goofy sunglasses, (something illegible,) let alone start a blog. I'll say interesting doesnt even come close. I will say I had a good time. Im always happy to see her smile and laugh. I dont know whats next for me but as long as I get to see her smile and laugh its all worth it even if its at my prides expense. All in good fun though but Ill never be "converted."  <---- (He seriously underlined this.) 

Can you believe this guy? First, he is relentless with this West Virginia, "no more gas" excuse. Ryan, I realize that being a fan of Texas you are unfamiliar with the requirements of a superior team. Week after week they must continue to operate at a high level of excellence. No one gets a pass just because they played a single great game. Failure to meet this requirement thereby results in INFERIOR team status. Talk to me when Texas has won more than two conference games, okay? 

Second, he has some nerve using my irresistible charm against me. "As long as I get to see her smile and laugh...." blah blah blah. I may have been temporarily distracted by the warm fuzzies conjured by these words in this girlie heart of mine, but I WILL NOT BE DETERRED GOOD SIR!

Third, topped with emphasis, "Ill never be 'converted'" How can one be so sure? The Sooner Spirit could be described as a series of rapidly developing cells that come together to form a mass, attaching itself to your mind, body and soul. The infection may not spread quickly (all good things come with time,) but it is strong. It becomes a part of who you are. 

For my final thoughts, I would like to address Ryan directly. Ryan, anything you say and do will be held against you. :)

Off topic a little bit, last night I offered Ryan a way out of the bet altogether. He had to eat this HUGE jalapeno pepper. This pepper was so big... I wish I had a picture of it. Anyway, he took a tiny bite off the end and quickly bowed out. Game on!

Sooners Soar Past Kansas, 52-7

Mark your calendars people- Let October 20^th be known as the day Sooner Nation saved Ryan from his self. I think my next mission will be to lobby for this day to officially be his birthday. He has been reborn! CAN I GET AN AMEN?!

Week one of The Bet of All Bets went down without a hitch. Here is a video of Ryan receiving his first goodie bag:

 

You may have noticed Ryan’s defiance throughout the video. Trust me, he will pay for that with what’s left of his dignity.

After staring his fate-in-a-bag straight in the face, Ryan suited up for the big day:

 

I happen to be especially fond of the knee-high socks and the temporary tattoo that he is still sporting some 3+ days later…?

After a complete makeover, I’m ready to paint the town crimson and cream with my lady! We hit up campus for the Homecoming parade and took the scenic route, wading through the tailgating tents, taking the opportunity to introduce Ryan to as many people as possible and telling them his story:

Along the way we ran into the RUF/NEKS, firing the pre-game ceremonial shotguns! Once they caught ear of Ryan’s story, they were more than happy to pose for a picture with him:

 

It just continued to get even more awesome from there. We ran into a couple of veteran Sooner Super-Fans! You may have seen them on TV at least every home game. Ryan has a lot to learn from these guys:

 

We couldn’t leave without a shot in front of the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium:

 

By now, I’m starting to feel like I’m on the losing end of this bet. Here is Ryan, falling into so many of these amazing Sooner football experiences and I’m not even sure he realizes how cool it is. That jerk.

We head home for dinner and to watch the game. Here he is enjoying his meal made with Sooner love, on Sooner plates, from Sooner cups on the Sooner table:

 

With a healthy dose of Sooner moving through his intestines, Ryan parks his self in his chair to watch the game:

 

Wait a second… Something is missing. Why is he all frowns?????

 

Ahhh, That’s better.

I have to admit this was a lot of fun for me and I’m even more eager to report that I caught Ryan enjoying his self and laughing once in a while throughout the day. Although I’m pretty sure he fears me on a deep level, I like to think he appreciates my sadistic behavior, no matter the lengths I will resort to. I love him for that. That being said… I’m just getting started baby!

Next week is going to be hilarious. Stay tuned.

I’ve also been toying with the idea of granting Ryan a bye week for a nominal price. For example, he can have one week of super-fan freedom if we were to dine-in at KFC and he yells out, “I ate the bones!” Okay, he can’t just yell that- he must sell it! A complete scene is required. Of course this will be filmed for your viewing pleasure. J 

Should Ryan be granted a bye week by way of yelling "I ATE THE BONES!" at KFC?
	Yes
	No
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* A big THANK YOU to my mother for her many contributions! 

The Bet

It was a warm, sunny Galveston, Texas day that October 13, 2012. Fresh off a dream honeymoon, Ryan was never more relaxed and full of false hope as he parked his self in a bar height chair directly in front of the seaside Drip's large screen TV. He does so with good reason, honestly- How often does he get the chance to watch a game so rich in rivalry on his own turf? Not to forget the fluke of a stellar performance the week before.

Ryan glances down at the gnome sized waitress and casually says "yes, we will have 12 wings, fried pickles and two Dr. Peppers, please."

As Ryan and the pint of a woman exchange the auto-piloted “will that be all?” pleasantries, Ryan’s new wife, Kristin, glances in his direction and quietly wonders to herself Maybe I should ask if they have a box of tissues on the menu. She cracks herself up.

Hours passed as Kristin watched Ryan pathetically drown his sorrows in sauced, fried, and carbonated calories. It’s not looking too good for the longhorns. If you listened very closely, even the seagulls could be heard chanting “Boomer Sooner.” 

AND THEN, my friends, the sound of concession: “Let’s go walk on the beach.”

So they walked hand and hand on the beach. While this might seem like an unsatisfying conclusion for most was actually very fulfilling. You see, it may have been an endearing moment for Ryan and perhaps a nice distraction from the pain in his rear and for Kristin- yeah, yeah, all that mushy stuff… but it also allowed her the opportunity to reflect and dig deep down to darkest depths of her crimson and cream heart to devise a plan to milk their annual OU vs. TX bet for all it is worth.

THE BET: The loser essentially will be forced to be the winning teams super-fan. Like it or not. Whatever this means to the winner. Nothing is off limits. ALLLLLLLLL the way until the next OU/TX match up.

Seriously, how in the world did I get him to agree to this? It really isn’t my style to give any less than 100% in anything I do, but I happen to be particularly passionate about this cause.  It’s like my football version of PETA. LET’S GET EXTREME!

THE PLAN: Ryan will become the ultimate Sooner. Every Saturday, he will watch and root for OU and his wardrobe, home, truck, - NAY! HIS ENTIRE LIFE will be transformed Sooner style. And it will all be documented right here. Yes! Each week I will post photos and any mentionable blurbs from game day.

It just so happens that Ryan’s first week on the job is Homecoming. This is going to be so much fun. J He will be attending the parade and then watching the game at home. Guess what?! You’re all invited! Please feel free to enjoy the game with Ryan and I. I’m sure he would love to see you there.

For the first week I plan to outfit him with a few basics: head to toe gear and a few car accessories. Each week I will be adding a little more crimson and cream to his life. It just gets better. Any suggestions? Also, I’m sure Ryan would love to borrow any of your own Sooner spirited gear. Trust me, he’s fully committed to this process.