Sunday, October 25, 2009

Weekend Mishmash: Family Football Party

This afternoon, Dan and I ventured across Lake Pontchartrain to my father’s lakeside house for a family football gathering. In attendance were my dad, my stepmom, my stepsister and her husband and young daughter, Dan, and you-know-who. As with most football shindigs, munchies were present (tortilla chips and salsa, pita chips and hummus, beer and wine, and a dinner that included fried trout, sautéed cabbage, French fries, and blueberry crumble).

In addition, some of the attendees were less enthused than others. My stepsister, for instance, couldn’t care less about the game, while my father and step-brother-in-law couldn’t stop screaming at the television. Although I certainly cared about the outcome, I found it difficult to step away from my laptop long enough to watch more than one play at a time.

I’ll give you three chances to guess which team that we, as a family, were supporting. Here’s a hint: It might have something to do with the sticker on my minivan. Here’s another hint: The team’s catchphrase is "Who Dat" (which even my two-year-old step-niece can say). Here’s yet another: There’s only one football team in New Orleans.

Of course, it looked pretty grim for our undefeated team in the first half of the game. In fact, my father – who’s used to the “jinx” that has plagued the Big Easy for decades – was utterly convinced that the team should just pack it up and head on home. Although the rest of us tried to cheer him up and put the game into perspective, he was beginning to wish he hadn’t cut his morning fishing trip short, just to watch this particular match. Nevertheless, despite a less-than-stellar performance from the defense, our boys pulled it off in the end, beating the Miami Dolphins 46-34.

And all I can say is "The Saints won, the Saints won!" My father’s faith has been restored... again. What does it say about me that, in spite of a lukewarm interest in football, my faith in these particular "saints" never once wavered?

11 comments:

Stephanie Damore said...

That you're also a Cubs fan so you know pain? =)

Natalie said...

We spent Saturday watching football too. Good times.

Joshua McCune said...

Nice comeback against The Dolphins... a little bit of payback for the Ricky Williams debacle :)

Deb said...

I'm not a huge sports fan, but I can really get into lives games. Football isn't huge up here in Canada but when it comes to hockey--Go Canucks!!

Becky said...

I have a Saint's story, but too long for here. My old alma mater, Tulane, ("roll wave roll") wasn't exactly at the top of their league either, but I have many many fond memories going to college games in the Superdome. My dad and I were more into baseball, and we went to a few Zepher's Games in the last several years. So glad you're getting to see your family!!

Laura Martone said...

Good one, Steph. ;-) I think you might be right - being an unwavering fan of the Cubbies and the Saints is an exercise in masochism at times.

Good for you, Natalie! Hope you had as much fun as I did.

Bane - Nice comeback indeed. You shoulda seen my dad, though, for the first half. Like his dog had died.

Oh, I'm with you, Deb. I love live games more, too. Live baseball, football, and soccer - nothing like 'em. Never been a hockey fan - I'm petrified that a puck would hit me in the head. Paranoid, I know. ;-)

Laura Martone said...

Hi, Becky! Guess I'll have to call you for that Saints story. ;-)

Like you with Tulane, I, too, was a big fan of my college football team. And like you, I had to deal with my share of ups and downs. Go, Northwestern Wildcats!

I've never been to a Zephers' game, though, but I did see a game in the Superdome once - between the Saints and the Bears - appropriate given that New Orleans and Chicago were my two towns.

P.S. Yep, very cool seeing my family. Very cool indeed. :-)

Stephanie Damore said...

It could be worse, you could be a Lions fan. In Detroit our teams are either really good (Go Red Wings!) or really bad!

Laura Martone said...

True 'nuff, Steph. Dan used to live in Detroit, so he still hopes for them... but he's way more of a Saints fan. If the Lions would get on track, though, he'd probably root for them, too! As he just told me, he used to root for them big time when Barry was still around (whoever THAT is - wink, wink).

Anita said...

I can't stop thinking about your food!

When I was in high school, our football team went 30something games in a row without winning. I have been down on football ever since.

Laura Martone said...

Sorry, Anita. I'm a bit of a foodie - if you hadn't noticed. :-)

I feel your pain re: high school football. I went to a brainy school, where football was a severe afterthought. Our academic scores might've been higher than those of other New Orleans high schools, but most of our sports teams (except maybe swimming and soccer) were less than stellar.