- the BYU section consists of more babies and kids than adults
- 1 out of every 3 women is wearing a baby
- you spot "stroller guy" struggling to clear a path in order to get to his seat....WHAT?!?!
Having grown up in the heart of Happy Valley, I'm accustomed to much of the quirkiness that may be associated with the LDS culture. I grew up with much of it being normal to me. But stroller guy at a football game was a new concept to me and we weren't even in Utah. My focus honed in on stroller guy the minute he caught my eye and I offered Jared stroller-guy updates and play-by-plays while he kept his focus on the field.
First of all stroller guy was late (which is why I noticed him). Probably because baby needed some nourishment and a diaper change in the car before making the trek to the stadium. Oh, and because they had to set up the stroller then collapse it again before entering the stadium. Once he entered the stadium with wife, baby, diaper bag, extra snacks and stroller in tow, he hauled the stroller around as they searched in the wrong section for their seats. Carrying that stroller must have impaired his ticket- and section-reading ability. He must have been tired after climbing all those stairs with all that extra weight, only to have to retrace his steps and head across the way to an entirely different section.
They finally found their seats. I know this because they stood out in the aisle for a couple minutes pointing to the space that they would claim once they figured out a plan as to how to get there without knocking some unsuspecting fan in the head with that massive stroller wheel hanging off the back. I noticed that for us it was difficult maneuvering through the crowd just as normal people--just our bodies, a couple jackets, my purse (I can't believe I actually took my purse to a football game), and Julianne's pregnant belly. I was highly entertained as I watched them excuse themselves and their stroller as they forced fan after fan to rise from their seats so they could get through.
Once seated, the entertainment value continued as stroller guy found the perfect spot to tuck that stroller into--somewhere right in the center of his section there. Now that he and all the goods were settled in, it was only fitting that another straggler had to stand somewhat awkwardly in the very personal space of the guy sitting next to stroller guy while he watched and waited. Eventually stroller guy was able to maneuver the stroller out of its hiding place right there at his feet, then raise it high above his head like a trophy so the latecomer could inch his way into his own seat. The shuffling to get as comfortable as one can get with a stroller at his feet resumed, and once he was all set and snug the show ceased and I could watch the game again.
Already knowing the answer but asking anyway just for fun, I asked Jared if he would ever carry a stroller into a football stadium. I really cracked up when he answered "No" so seriously. But then I had to ask myself what my own preference would be--attend a game with stroller guy or with fancy, fashionable sweatshirt guy (who is wearing a stained, wrinkled shirt under that over-the-shoulder garb)?
Sweatshirt guy. For sure.
3 comments:
I am a people watcher. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to an event and done (in my head) exactly what you did in your post. I need to start taking a notebook with me so I can write it down right there. Otherwise I forget and it adds so much flavor to the story. I love it!
I love this post! I love this post! I love this post! Love it. I can TOTALLY hear your voice and your laugh as I read it. I really, really miss you!!
Mozelle and I also loved your post Rachelle. Mozelle commented, "I was in hopes that Rachelle could change Jared, but I see that she has to put up with him just like we did." But we are so proud of him and his beautiful family. We also want to congratulate him for all he has accomplished in his professional life and for successfully passing his boards. What a SON!!
Post a Comment