Super Bowl XLV11 Time
Saturday, February 02, 2013 by: Mac HeadrickWe have a new premier in Ontario. Kathleen Wynne is every where meeting with the major Ontario unions, press etc. She has promised a new era in this provinces political scene. In Ottawa our national representatives are back to provide leadership and solve all the daily problems of Canadians. NHL hockey is in full swing and fans still pay $100 or more to attend a Toronto Maple leafs game. Well, there will be no discussion on these topics or any other news items today. For tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. I have no time to think about anything but planning for this special day.
As per my past practice I (along with 25 plus other guys) will be attending “Vinnie’s Super Bowl Party”. This is an annual event that brings together a group of very talented, intelligent, sensitive males to celebrate the “game”. Now my main squeeze Linda will have to be at home alone. Linda will assemble some stuff, a favourite book, the television remote, perhaps a couple of chocolates and of course the pets. She claims to enjoy this evening to herself. Apparently women can enjoy their own company without a man around. This is (to me) a strange concept.
To fully enjoy this event it is necessary to prepare myself physically for watching the game. Remember with commercial breaks the contest will run from 6.30 until 10.30 p.m. or so. In addition there is approximately 1.5 hour’s preparation time in advance of the kickoff (6.30 p.m.). This time is needed to grab your favourite seat, set up drink and food and make fun of Detroit Lions supporters. With the elimination of the Green Bay Packers (my team) there will not been an emotional component on Sunday. I will be cheering on San Francisco as they are the NFC representative.
My contribution to the half time meal this year will be perogies. Of course this item will be smothered in bacon and onions. Real sour cream will be available also. At Vinnie’s the menu is varied but out of respect for the occasion the guys do not contribute calorie reduced (code word healthy) items. The key to successful eating throughout the game is to pace yourself. One year l didn’t consume anything at half time or after, due to the fact l was too full. Oh the shame, the embarrassment. In my defense l was a rookie participant at the time.
During the course of the game there will be much discussion about the contest and football in general. This is to be expected. The conversation isn’t limited just to the Super Bowl. We are articulate, intelligent, sensitive men and therefore have varied interests. All the political problems facing Canadians will be discussed, analyzed and solved. The plight and lack of appreciation of the married man is always a favourite topic. The admiration of the classical dance form as demonstrated by the cheerleaders is always a popular subject.
The consumption of alcohol is very moderate. Everyone gets home safe. No attendee at Vinnie’s party wants to injure anyone or become a guest of honour on the main page of SooToday, specifically the police report.
Contact between the participants of the event and their spouses during the game are frowned upon. They are considered absolute proof the individual concern is a henpecked wimp. Now the above comment doesn’t include calls of an emergency nature. For example if a wife were to go into labour and couldn’t wait to after the game.
Around 10.30 p.m. our group will dispense. We will be a little heavier and no wiser than the start of the evening some five hours previous. When l arrive home Linda will already be in bed. She will ask me about the game and did l enjoy myself. My response is typically positive except for the comment l think l ate too much. After playing with Beau for a few minutes l will shuffle off to bed. Unlike in the past my thoughts will not be of work the next day (being retired).
As l see it doesn’t get much better than this; football, great food and drink, excellent company and intelligent conversation. I suppose the last point could be debatable.
Have a safe Bon Soo weekend. The weather will be cold, but so what we are northerners.
