Party in Green Bay

disclaimer: Due to recent passed legislature, all types, forms of written reports, articles, posts and tweets are to be ONLY about the Green Bay Packers until 12:00AM Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011.

Yes, I was psyched to write my first post on just what I’ve been up to pertaining to life in general and then I was issued this above warning. Now I must refocus. (of course the disclaimer is totally fictitious but up here in NE Wisconsin, it wouldn’t surprise me.)

So, you’ve all heard? The local professional football team was successful in returning the Vince Lombardi trophy back to Green Bay and the whole town/state is deliriously happy. Winning the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of their sport, is an accomplishment that no one quite expected, which makes it that much sweeter. Pretty cool.

As I watched the game unfold, dressed in all my green & gold glory (even gave myself a black ‘G’ on either cheek), I went through many emotions. Being a fan since the mid-60’s I’ve been lucky enough to see both great teams and some truly awful ones. My passion peaked during the Holmgren-led teams that were successful in 96-98 as I bought all the paraphernalia that was available. I had it bad. Since then with all the drama and medium success, I had cooled a bit on the whole excitement train. While still loving the team I attempted to keep the emotions in check, meaning to realize that this is … just a game. Age has a lot to do with it … not to mention the amount of cash tossed around like water.

While watching the game with my older son and a few of his friends, they took over with their excited displays and it kinda brought me out of my ‘easy going’ funk. The great start, the defensive TD, the lull in the middle, Jordy the hero, Jordy the goat, Jordy the hero, Jordy the goat and finally, Jordy the hero was like being on Batman the Ride at Great America.

When the final gun sounded, all the food eaten, all the drink drunk and the trophy was awarded to Coach McCarthy, I believe I actually teared up. Funny, embarrassing and yet that’s who I really am: a Packers fan. I’m fine with it. I’m proud of it and being with my son, my life partner (Tina), other fans … brought me right back on board that excitement train. There’s little doubt that I’ll be making a few purchases in the next few days to update a few areas in the lower level with some gleaming Super Bowl XLV items. Who cares?

As we were returning home, we stopped at my other son’s place to revel in the victory. His party was toning down, empty bottles strewn here and there, tears of joy still falling down a few cheeks and a couple of final cheers to enjoy. They were happy we joined in the fun and as we were leaving … his girlfriend looked at me and said, as if all the green and gold in their home was turning gray … ‘your ‘G’ on your left cheek is backwards.’

I jumped back off.

Rein