Football Widows Unite!!

Every season it takes me by surprise.  Just when I’ve caught my groove in planning and scheduling weekend family activities, it hits me like a ton of bricks.  Good ole football season is back, creating a scheduling blackout on Sundays.  To add insult to injury (just kidding, Scott!!) we are a college football household as well, meaning Saturdays have scheduling restrictions as well.

Truth be told, I’m a football fan.  I love going to games and have definitely done my fair share of screaming my throat raw from the stands and at home.  It just takes me a few weeks of the football season to get back into the swing of things.  Below are a few of my tips for making the most of being a football widow.

If you can’t beat them, join them: 

Show a little interest in the game.  Ask your significant other about it.  I don’t pretend to know all the rules. I’m not a football jock by any means, but I’ve got a bit of a grasp of it now and to be honest, it helped me enjoy the game more.  There are actually quite a few websites and YouTube videos dedicated to teaching women how to understand the game better.  You can even score yourself a copy of Football for Dummies for a little bedtime reading. You don’t have to go crazy and run out and buy Steelers lingerie (I know someone who did) but taking a little notice will go miles with your significant other and might even help you like the game better.

Make it a family affair: 

Brooks is still a little too small to fully appreciate football watching, but he loves being in on the action. At our house during football season, it is definitely centered on the almighty pigskin.  We love to hang as a family and watch the game.  The only thing to be semi-cautious of is the commercials.  Remember what the target advertising audience is during games.  There won’t be commercials for milk and cookies.  Not to be a total fashionista, but ladies, there are some really cute football themed clothing items for you and your littles out there.  Shouldn’t all football Momma’s and kids have the outfits to prove their team loyalty?!  Go Packers!!

Exit stage left:

If football isn’t your bag, baby then hit the bricks and enjoy some “me” time.  A friend of mine LOVES football season because she gets the day to herself.  Her kids watch football with their dad and she enjoys a trip to the museum, shopping or lunch with her girlfriends.  I’m not a football nut, but I enjoying watching here and there, so I usually read the paper while Scott, Brooks and I watch the game together.  There are no football viewing rules that you have to be 100% engaged in the game at all times.

Make it party:

You know I’m Southern, so it is in my blood to entertain.  Two people coming over for a visit is reason enough to bake a pie.  We love hosting football parties and it doesn’t have to be the Super Bowl for us to break out the chips and dip.  When Brooks was a tiny baby it was easier to just have everyone come to us.  Now it’s just more fun to watch the game with a crew sometimes.  You don’t have to be fancy and roll out the red carpet, keep it casual and simple.  Make it even easier on yourself and do it potluck style!!

Speaking of making it a party, I’ve got a delicious turkey chili recipe for you that is perfect for any football related fetes.  From tailgates to your own home, this is a great recipe that I think you will enjoy.  You can substitute beef, but I really think that turkey absorbs all the flavors so nicely. 

Turkey Chili

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey
• 3 cups roasted tomatoes (recipe below or can used canned)
• ½ jalapeno
• 1 large zucchini ( or 2 regular sized)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons diced roasted garlic
• Cayenne to taste
• 3 Tablespoons Cumin
• 2 Tablespoons paprika

Directions:

• In a Large Saucepan (or deep wok) spray nonstick spray.
• When pan is hot add roasted garlic.
• Sauté and add diced zucchini.
• Cook for about 3 minutes and then add diced bell pepper and jalepeño.
• Sauté until veggies are al dente.
• Add ground turkey.
• Combine all ingredients, continually stirring.
• Add cumin and paprika.
• After meat is completely cooked add roasted tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes. (I like to roast my tomatoes. It sounds fancy, but to be honest it’s super easy and cooking them activates all the antioxidants.)

Roasted Tomatoes:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of tomatoes
• 1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
• Pinches of Salt and Pepper

Directions:

• Pre heat oven to 400 degrees.
• Place tomatoes in single layer on parchment lined baking sheet.
• Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and generous pinches of salt and pepper.
• Cook for 25 minutes on the middle rack.

Football season is not a reason to wear black (unless you’re a Raiders or Steelers fan) or mourn the loss of your Sundays.  To the contrary, it is a lively opportunity to enjoy games with your family or even get some “me” time to yourself.   I’m not suggesting you learn the difference between a false start and illegal motion, but just embrace the reality and inevitable return of football season.  It reminds me of what my Momma would say when she would want us to try something new.  “Try it, you may like it”, and sometimes, just sometimes, I really did like it.  Football deserves us to give it a try.