Let the Rain Sing you a Lullaby - L. Hughes

Yes, the rain can even make a college dorm cozy. Some of my most vivid rainy day memories are of the times I spent snuggled up in my freshman college dorm room studying.  I loved watching the rain fall over Marshall University's campus and the city of Huntington from the 13th floor of Twin Towers West - I could see the Ohio River stretching for miles and nearly all of downtown Huntington.  I could see everything.  And on those cool, drizzly days, after my early classes were finished, I would perch on my bed with the window blinds wide open, the lights turned down low, books in my lap, Matchbox Twenty playing in the background... and enjoy. 

I've sat/stood through many rainy football games, but two specific games have special "rainy" memories that I'll never forget.  My freshman-year roommate and I accompanied my then boyfriend (now husband) to a Marshall football game, hoping to see what this Byron Leftwich guy was all about (at the time, i had no idea that he would eventually be picked 7th in the 1st round of the NFL draft.) The precipitation started out a little damp and misty, but soon became a full-fledged downpour.  We, along with several other fans, decided to call it quits and leave the game early.  My roommate and I  swung by the cafeteria to get a late dinner - which, for some reason, was unusually calm and cozy.  We ate as other soaked football fanatic students trickled in, and enjoyed some girl time.  That's when I heard DJ Sammy's "Heaven" Candlelight mix - you know, the slow version - for the first time.

Last year, my husband and I remained faithful Ohio Bobcat fans and withstood the freezing rain and wind to see our team win a close game.  Most fans left, but those that stayed were in for a treat (Bobcats win!) I snuggled up to my husband, bundled up in cute mittens, earband, and a fleece scarf, but still so cold that I started saying goofy things to laugh in an attempt to stay warm and distract both of us. I suffered from total cold-induced delirium - and honestly, I wasn't miserable.  In fact, it was one of my favorite ballgames, ever.  How often do you get to cling to your husband for warmth during a close football game?

I remember the rainy Sundays when my mom would cook comforting country dinners for my brother and I when were were still young, living at home in WV. I was a teen, didn't have a care in the world, and loved curling up on the couch after stuffing myself with mom's homecooked yumminess. I often fell asleep with a Real World marathon on in the background.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I spent a rainy day in Pittsburgh with our aunt and uncle.  It was the first time I'd visited, so I sludged through the steel city in my trouser jeans, soaked up to my knees, to take tons of photos... and I actually had a great time. The rain toned down the typical hustle and bustle of the city, and I calmly enjoyed my little touristy adventure.  On this day, I heard Poker Face by Lady Gaga for the first time.

It was raining when:

*I ate Italian gelato for the first time (my 19th birthday, at Gino's in Huntington.)

*I celebrated my 20th birthday with friends at IHOP in Barboursville, WV

*My husband and I ran from the limo, across the parking lot to our reception site on our wedding night.

*I moved to Athens, Ohio.

*My husband told me he loved me for the first time.

I love to reflecting on those great times!  I'm thankful for this rainy day (even though I think I'm feeling a scratchy throat coming on), and I'm totally going to enjoy it.  Even though I have to work and have no window, I know what's going on out there, and I know what awaits me this evening - NO workout, heading straight home, making something hot and rich for dinner, and curling up with my book until DWTS comes on!