The news was deafening on Friday: Edward Jones, a major securities firm based right here in St. Louis, bought the naming rights to the TWA Dome. So today’s game would be held in the Edward Jones Dome.

*wink*

Amazingly enough, I had won tickets to the NFC Championship game from my firm. [Have I mentioned how much I adore my employer??? It would seem I’m not the only one: See Fortune Magazine sometime this week!] It was the firm’s suite, so it would be the most awesome time! Plus, the head of our firm would be stopping by (*cough*) so we figured there’d be a little excitement.

My adrenaline was pumping by lunchtime.

Ugh - prior to that I’d spoken with Mike. He’d launched into Moody City, which I was completely used to with Max, but not really with him. Talk about dumping me more into InsecureLand. Moody, Please Stay Away From Me was fine with Max, but c’mon. Mike? Anyway, after the most frustrating 45 minute conversation, I gave up and said “screw it.” I have a game to go to!

I could not keep my foot off the accelerator on the way down Highway 170 - I ended up easily driving 80mph the whole time and being very thankful there were no police out just then.

Picked up Audrey (my guest for the day) and launched down the highway, hurtling towards the Edward Jones Dome as quickly as we could. We had a tailgate to attend!

Unfortunately, after parking we spent a solid hour searching for the tailgate. The experience of searching massive parking lots for the one particular RV that holds your friends is not something I want to attempt again. Plus it was hot as hell, so we were both sweating and thirsty.

Time for the suite.

Coke products, Anheuser Busch products, Hess Select chardonnay, toasted ravioli, nachos, hot dogs, several feet of an excellent sandwich, cheeses and fruit, and tons of snack-y items…. It was pig-heaven. As we were all chatting and pigging out, I looked up to see the managing partner of the firm walk in. I was a little awe-struck.

He’s such a cool guy. Really down to earth and real. We chatted for quite a while. (This, of course, doesn’t mean that my palms stopped sweating!)

Some IRs were there from Pennsylvania - the firm gave them the same type contest and then flew them in. Unfortunately, one of the couples that came in didn’t know one damned thing about football - and weren’t interested in learning! That really hacked me off. The tickets should have gone to someone who cared!

When the PA system would announce, “Welcome to the Edward Jones Dome” the drunk fans in front of our box would turn around cheering and screaming at us and high-five us all. I think this happened four or five times, and near the end of the game we were all cheering and high-fiving each other too!

The game was a nail-biter. As Rams fans, we were very cocky until about the third quarter, where we got a little quiet and concerned. Then the fourth quarter was just amazing, and the level of adrenaline in the Dome was palpable. My ears are still ringing.

As the final 13 seconds ticked off the clock, our box went nuts. We were hugging each other, high-fiving each other, and I personally was jumping up and down with excitement. I’ve no idea how I’ll manage to make calls tomorrow with this throat.  =)

The final escapade of the day was when Audrey and I tried to return to the parking garage. Neither one of us knew which one it was!! It took us the better part of an hour to wander up and down Broadway, searching for the street that took us to the garage.

I was insistent it was Broadway.

No, Michelle. It was 4th!

Duh.

Anyway, home at last. Another clipped call with Mike tonight, who told me that e-mails are fine, but he has to get his shit together for the next few days. I understand, but I still feel a little like I’m being punished for hurting him. Especially since the next two days are the first he’s been without Thomas in five. Oh, well. I have things I need to do too, I guess.

What an incredible day. New Orleans, here we come.

Cheering wildly,

michelle