FROM COMMON SCENTS PAGE 4 Bowled over by the fellowship
By Carole Orlin Common Scents
SUPER BOWL XLI IS NOW HISTORY. For the past week, I had been entertaining the idea of trying something new and unique for this year’s Super Bowl party, instead of the usual nachos, chips and gua-camole. Then I started thinking. Do people really want “good” food for the Super Bowl party?
It seems like the Super Bowl, at least with my group of friends, is a time for junk food and beer. It gives us a chance to not have to worry about eating (or behaving) correctly and to just let loose. I know it’s pretty pathetic that this is what encompasses “letting loose” to so many of us. Actually, for those of us who are not really into the game itself, the food, the commercials and the socialization are top priority. I have a friend back East who goes all out for the Super Bowl. She knocks herself out and makes an entire dinner every year. Although the food was always very good and healthy, it just did not make for a Super Bowl atmosphere. Something about healthy food makes me behave in a more reserved and proper manner. (“Go, team, go!”) Junk food on the other hand, brings out the happy “foodie” in me. (“Get those suckers!”) I decided to keep the menu the same as always. We do change the beer occasionally. Last year was Corona; this year, it was Stella Artois... just to shake things up. I think everyone enjoys the food because there are low expectations. I do not have to spend much time on preparation and serving, so I get to enjoy my friends and the party, too. I finally realized it is a time to relax, dress down, cuss out the opposing team, and just put anything in our mouths. It’s the one time of the year where we can truly unwind and have a good, guilt-free time!
I think I finally understand, and even admire, my husband (I can’t believe I’m saying this), when he puts on his team’s hat, throwback T-shirt, gets out the Terrible Towel (I know that was last year), and makes a total fool of himself on Super Bowl day. I think he’s actually on to something that I’ve been missing all these years.
I now realize that we need more of these events throughout the year, where the food and other bells and whistles are really less important than having a good time with friends. How about a figure skating bowl party, or soccer bowl or a rugby bowl party? I am now all for any bowl parties as an excuse to have fun and let loose, especially in these increasingly stressful times. Maybe my old hero, Jerry Jeff Walker, was on to something with his song about: “Getting by on getting by... living day-to-day, picking up pieces wherever they fall. Just letting it roll, let the high times carry the lows, just living... life easy come easy go.”
I know that is not realistic for me. Really, I can’t imagine even going camping without my hairdryer, but it sure is nice to imagine a simpler life, where nachos and guacamole are king, innocent fun is on the menu, and the focus of aggression is on the other sports team instead of the other political party, or culture, or whatever.
Let’s not wait another year to let it all hang out. Go, team, go!!
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 6, 2007. Read the original PDF.