Over Fourth of July week, my 8 year old and I were on our bikes meandering around Rosemary Beach. If you've never been, it's a quaint, picturesque beach community, considered extremely safe to the point where children are out and around at night without thought of parental supervision. Think Truman Show level community planning. Even as a resident of the deep South, I was surprised by how overly friendly everyone was and how often everyone greeted each other. I quickly assimilated and did so as well.

As we navigated the quaint, picturesque streets back to our rental, we came upon a dainty, petite woman strolling in the opposite direction. She was obviously taking in the sights around the peaceful village lanes. What surprised me was that she was sporting a baseball cap of a certain nauseating shade of blue clashing with the distinct orange, melting scissors emblem that we all know and love. Actually, I was a little excited-- I hadn't seen anyone else from our fair home state in months, certainly not since I had arrived here. As we rode toward her, I caught her looking at me.

Friends, even at 45 years old, I am a child when it comes to good natured Hoo ribbing. I pointed at her and gave her a hearty, "BOOOOOOO!"

I waited for something similar as an acknowledgement of our friendly rivalry. What I received back was first an utter look of surprise (to be expected), then distaste and revulsion (definitely not expected).

As we cruised by her I exaggeratedly pointed to my trusty VT visor on my head, repeating, "Boooo?" I couldn't believe she wasn't reciprocating! Instead, she was scurrying down the street in the opposite direction, obviously trying to escape this Hokie riff-raff.

Who was this person who couldn't take a joke? Was she so offended by my Hokie greeting that she couldn't see it for what it was-- a ritual celebration of our Commonwealth heritage? You know what? I was actually insulated and hurt and irritated. Why would she treat me that way? I told my son, "Of course, the one person in this town who is a jerk happens to be a UVA grad. I even pointed at my Hokie visor, and she went faster!"

My boy thought it was hilarious and couldn't stop laughing. "Dad," he pointed out, "You're not wearing your VT hat!"

Turns out, the A-hole of Rosemary Beach was me all along.