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The Goddess Speaks
Lorraine Gershun
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Love means skipping mall
Holidays were never football days in my house. Not growing up, not ever. Football is not my thing.
I've always had school spirit and supported my teams when I was in high school or college. But mostly that was a social thing. I don't really watch the game. It's hard to find the ball.
All that has changed. I have married a football fan. Not a hard-core, obsessive kind of guy, but a fan.
He does not blow off family activities just to watch the Jets try to win again. But he does like to catch a game or two on Sundays, and he keeps up to date on the scores and all of that. I'm not complaining. It's nice to see him relax and enjoy himself.
I'm happy to remain on the sidelines and take a peripheral pleasure by indulging his choice of entertainment.
I was perfectly content to find myself by his side in a sports bar the other night, with some pupus and beer, surrounded by the rowdy crowd, intoxicated by the moment.
And I certainly didn't mind the addition of this new tradition on Thanksgiving. I enjoyed fussing about in the kitchen while he cleaned up around the house and kept track of his team. It felt quite traditional -- American.
I'm even willing to take the kids to the beach and relax while he stays home with his game. We don't have to do everything together.
But I've realized that we have a minor dilemma coming up: Super Bowl Sunday.
He wants to have a party. And he wants me to join the festivities.
It sounds like fun: chicken wings, barbecue and other delicious snacks; a rowdy crowd of friends in the comfort of our own home; beer. What could be the dilemma?
Super Bowl Sunday is probably one of the best shopping days of the year. Not in terms of sales, like the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas, but in terms of convenience. The shops and malls are empty. Everybody is at home or a bar or a party watching the game.
Parking is super-easy. I can always get a spot right near the store I want. New spring clothes are on the racks, and I can easily find what I like in my size.
No lines. I stroll right up to the salesclerk and purchase my items with absolutely no wait. It's the perfect shopping environment.
Am I going to give this up? Forfeit what has become my personal tradition -- both victory and celebration?
Perhaps we could each do our own thing. We're both pretty good sports. But I know that's not the choice I'll make. I can shop any time.
This Super Bowl Sunday we'll have a party. I'll enjoy the chicken wings and the guests and the beer. Not to mention my new husband. I am, after all, his biggest fan.
Lorraine Gershun is publications adviser for Searider Productions at Waianae High School.
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