Last February, I started chatting at TG Forum. In that time I have met lots of very special people. I have, in person, met at least 10 of the girls from there. One of my favorites (as she is to everyone in the room) is a GG named Desiree. As it turns out, Desiree goes to my alma mater, has the same major, and even works at the same place I used to. Since we met last Spring, I have been trying to devise a way to go visit her. There didn't seem to be a better time than the OU-TX football game. (Am I the only one that would turn going to a football game into a femme event? ;-) We made arrangements early on, and decided to do it. This is even more interesting because Desiree's spouse, Michele, went to that other school!) Desiree handled getting everything together like tickets and hotel. Two days before the game, all I had to do was show up at the airport and Desiree and Michele picked me up and we immediately started to have fun. One of the things that really surprised me about the chat groups is the incredible quality of friends that you can make. While people can be as anonymous as they like on the chat rooms, several of us have become really close friends, calling on the old fashioned telephone and even arranging visits! There are several sets of people that get together regularly to go out. It can really be a functioning support group, and I would encourage anyone reading this article to join in! (Ok, end of my plug ;-)

For anyone who doesn't know, when OU plays Texas, football becomes war. There is a traditional party in downtown Dallas that we attended. Passing was a very big concern for safety's sake! There were a lot of drunken college rednecks for both sides. I decided to stand out a little and wore a really neat T-shirt that we had picked up in Norman. Over the left breast contained a state of Texas with an OU flag sticking out of Dallas. The back simply says (in really big letters) AVOID THE RUSH, HATE TEXAS NOW. Michele decided to go as her boy-self. (There was the concern of two of us passing, and this was really my event) We had no problem finding the West End (I had been many times, but always with my parents). We parked and were off. This was very exciting for me because it is THE traditional football party, although I had only been one time before (as a boy). Desiree and Michele really didn't know what to expect.

We were pretty hungry so we decided to walk the West End and decide on a place to eat. Desiree and Michele were quite impressed with the party that was already going on. As luck would have it, the crowd was predominately (but not at all exclusively) OU. I was still a little scared, because a drunken redneck is a drunken redneck regardless of where he went to school! We decided to eat at a little local brewery. We were seated in the back, but the frequent OU or TX chants were still enough to stop conversation at times. I think Desiree and Michele started to appreciate the atmosphere by then. The waitress was on my good side from the beginning when she suggested a beer to me that "is popular with the ladies!" (Score!) We talked through a very nice dinner but then were suddenly ignored by the waitress! When we had finally paid we headed back into the drunken crowd. We had to literally push our way through the crowd, and even had to backtrack a couple of times. Finally Desiree led us through the crowd holding hands to prevent us from being separated. The live band was really quite good, but the little mall was beckoning. As soon as we walked in, the arcade was calling to Michele although she did a great job restraining herself.

After a little shopping, Desiree and I decided we should visit the ladies room. This was the first time I have ever had to wait in a line that was at least a half an hour long! After about 5 minutes, a gentleman came up and told us to visit a different floor. There was still a line out the door, although it was considerably smaller. I must admit it was really cool being in the bathroom waiting in line with at least 10 other woman, and visiting with some of them!! When we finally were able to finish, we continued shopping. There are several stores there that are not that dangerous because they are so totally expensive. After stopping for fudge, I decided to have a charicature done. The artist was totally awesome, and kept making wisecrack jokes. (He was almost balding, and when he sprayed hairspray on the drawing, he said, "have to use it for something!") I was really excited when I first looked at the picture, it was so cool! He drew me in a cheerleader's outfit at the stadium watching the game with a little football player on the ground! Desiree and Michele think he did a great job of capturing my face, which is makes me feel really good, because there is not a hint of male in the picture. Michele then led us to the arcade where yours truly showed her expertise in pinball.

As Desiree led us out through the really rowdy crowd, I had quite a bit more confidence. I was actively showing off my shirt and making anti-Texas gestures! I had quite a few people comment, and even had some girls high five me!! We followed a strong OU crowd to the car and headed back to the hotel.

They say you can't go home, and they may be right. I wouldn't know because this was much better!!