Health & Fitness

'Mom, It Looks Like You Live Here!'

Hearing people in Alabama are serious about football and actually seeing the level of fandom are two different things.

Yesterday started with a trip to the bank over in Gadsden, Ala. Before we even got in the door, football had entered into a conversation with a perfect stranger who stopped to chat as he was leaving the bank (this is not uncommon). Almost as soon as we got in line, we were greeted with a "Roll Tide!" As we awaited our turn, I had a chance to learn about the Alabama Crimson Tide Visa card offered by the bank. Apparently Auburn people aren't creditworthy enough to warrant their own card.

After we left the bank, we stopped by a local department store (see photos). It was packed with folks stocking up on Alabama apparel (no, this is not a sporting goods store). As we were heading to the checkout, I heard a lady say her next stop would be the grocery store to get snacks for the game. She was clearly not the only Bama fan heading to the store.

We ended up at the grocery store later in the day ourselves. When we walked in, probably nine out of 10 people (including store employees) were wearing Alabama apparel -- as was I.

"Mom, it looks like you live here!" my daughter said in surprise.

Of course in addition to all that, Bama fever was obvious just driving around as many more vehicles than not are adorned with Bama vanity plates, decals, flags, etc.

I am not sure if the visit to Alabama made my fandom seem more normal or made the whole state seem more weird. I get the feeling my daughter is just glad she lives in Georgia.

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