Oh My Sweet Virginia !

It has been 10 days since this deranged student hit Virginia Polytechnic and State University, what a shock, an horrifying story.

I have spent one year and a half there, living off campus between Ascot Lane and Prices Fork. I remember when I first receive the University brochures, I couldn't quite figure out what it would be like, all these pictures were so static, such a different cultural background than the one I was used to. I couldnt' be more excited of getting there.

John Denver - Take Me Home Country Roads (link removed)
Olivia Newton-John - Take Me Home Country Roads (John Denver Cover) (link removed)

There I found a huge university, and an ancient one, everything was so perfect : state of the art facilities, professional teachers, from all over the world classmates ... and a small town which you could not say if it was there before the university or if it just grew on it's back.
I made new friends, lived with roommates and a couple of cats. My room didn't have windows.
I discovered football, the Hokies and their 65 000 seats Lane stadium (even sneaked bourbon and coke in).

Me First And The Gimme Gimes - Take Me Home Country Roads (John Denver Cover) (link removed)
Foo Fighters - Virginia Moon (link removed)

I learned to love Virginia, the early South but the South indeed : rednecks, churches, tailgates, victorian houses, sorority sisters, cops, mustang 66s not to mention kegstands and bottles of Jim Beam... Virginia in fall is beautiful, Shenandoah Valley, the Appalachian Mountains ....

Marissa Nadler - Virginia (link removed)
Chin Up Chin Up - Virginia don't drown (link removed)

Today, I'm sad.

Thinking about the old days, awesome parties, strong friendships, nights at The Cellar and feeling away from home.

Thinking about the ones that tragically lost their lives in those classrooms.

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds - Crush (Live @ Virginia Tech) (link removed)

Bob Crosby & His Orchestra - Tech Triumph (as made famous by The Marching Virginians) (link removed)

Techmen, we're Techmen, with spirit true and faithful,
Backing up our teams with hopes undying;
Techmen, Oh, Techmen, we're out to win today,
Showing pep and life with which we're trying;
V.P., old V.P., you know our hearts are with you
In our luck which never seems to die;
Win or lose, we'll greet you with a glad returning,
You're the pride of V.P.I.

Chorus:
Just watch our men so big and active
Support the Orange and Maroon. Let's go Techs.
We know our ends and backs are stronger,
With winning hopes, we fear defeat no longer.
To see our team plow through the line, boys.
Determined now to win or die:
So give a Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi,
Rae, Ri, old V.P.I.