In retrospect, it surprises me how excited I was to watch Super Bowl LVIII. As I’ve gotten older, the game has become less of a big deal to me, to the point where some years I’ve forgotten about it altogether. This year was different. I was looking forward to it and even made appetizers for it—and now I’ve learned on the news that it was the most-watched Super Bowl yet (likely due to the presence of Taylor Swift). This made me take note. Why did I eagerly anticipate and watch it? I don’t have an attachment to the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs, or Usher for that matter. I’m also not a Swiftie. So what happened?

I think it was nice to get caught up in something innocuous, a way to be part of our national community in a fun way. Participating rather than being the one on the sidelines saying, “Bah humbug” (which is how I feel oftentimes).

And it was a really good game, so there was that too. Very long, though . . . I was conflicted about it going into overtime, as it was past my bedtime. The fact that I stuck it out says a lot about this Super Bowl, or maybe it says a lot about me.

All and all, it just felt good to get swept away. 

Wishing you connection with community this first month of spring!

Shannon