Hot Chocolate and Taxes Do Have Something in Common

Whatcha doin’ right now? Is your TV on? Ours is. We’re tuned into CBS, a good two hours before kick off for the Super Bowl. It’s one of my favorite Sunday nights of the year because it was a game of sentimental tradition in our family growing up. Momma and I would set up a concession stand with an assortment of goodies, food perfect for game day. Then we’d all sit by the TV and watch the game unfold, hoping it would be a close, entertaining game. More often than not, we wouldn’t care who won, but it was the anticipation of cooking with Momma and lovin’ on our boys that created the sentimental value.

Last year, with Brennan being a mere three weeks old, I have absolutely no recollection of what we did Super Bowl Sunday. Don’t ask me who was playing or even if we watched it. But I know for certain one thing: I did not cook a thing for it. This year is different. I have a family of boys who want to watch the game, even if for a few minutes while walking around getting into other stuff and then headin’ to bed. And thus, it’s time to bring out the concession stand!

Sooner rather than later, I will adapt the food options to be typical game day bites like hot dogs and chile con queso. This year, I’m doing it a little bit different and expanding the options for the palate. As soon as I’m done with this post, I’ll head to the kitchen to make some homemade guacamole, Marlboro Man’s favorite sandwich, and some more of those molten lava cakes with Blue Bell mint chocolate chip ice cream. I see the drool comin’ from your mouth. You’re welcome to come on over!

I have yet to choose a team to cheer for; I really don’t care one way or the other this year. If you asked me yesterday morning, I was rooting for the Colts. But after talking to my brother, I might just switch sides to cheer for the Saints. Who do you want to win?

In honor of celebrating Super Bowl Sunday and getting to serve my boys from my concession stand, one of my favorite things to do, I thought I’d come up with a list (not at all exhaustive) of 49 additional things I love to do:

1. Drink hot chocolate
2. Get a manicure or a pedicure, or on a really awesome day, get both
3. Read a good book, especially the ones I can’t put down
4. Plan globe trotting details, and then globe trotting itself
5. Get a haircut, particularly if I don’t have to talk much during it
6. Get the mail (or wait for Matt to come home to get the mail since I’ve already lost two mail box keys)
7. Send Molly after squirrels
8. Shop for clothes for Brennan
9. Find clothes I like that actually fit well
10. Make lists and mark off the to-dos
11. Give a gift that’s the “just right for that person” kinda gift
12. Relish the moment where cleaning the house is all done…then put my feet up, if possible
13. Go out to eat
14. Be surprised, with clues to go along with it
15. Write, finding just the right words to express myself, which only happens occasionally
16. Eat my Momma’s home cookin’
17. Read through cookbooks
18. Plan menus and then cook them
19. Have girl time with good friends and my Momma
20. Be silly
21. Go on a special outing with Brennan
22. Laugh so hard I cry
23. Complete a project
24. Reminisce
25. Watch Brennan play and learn
26. Sit by a fire, all warm and cozy
27. Walk in the cold all bundled up
28. Take a nap
29. Pick at scabs and pop pimples
30. Hang out at the book shop with the hubby
31. Get all dressed up for a special night out
32. Record the days of our lives through journaling and picture taking
33. Eat chocolate
34. Play a joke on someone, or be successful at making a joke
35. Do pretty much anything with Matt, Brennan and Molly…all four of us together
36. Celebrate
37. Organize
38. Get a massage
39. Watch a movie or TV show I’ve waited all week for, like “The Office” or “Lost”
40. Keep in touch with friends and family…keep up communication
41. Ask questions
42. Help people feel comfortable, welcomed, included
43. Cuddle, especially if I’m cold
44. Read to Brennan
45. Keep an empty email inbox
46. Create ambiance
47. Taxes
48. Fill out forms
49. Lick beaters from baking

How ‘bout you?

If you’re a football fan, enjoy the game! And if you’re not, I hope you’re doing something else you love to do, like drink hot chocolate while working on your taxes.