Sperk* 2012 Favorites

The 2013 clock is ticking, I know.  

It’s always a good idea to reflect on the past in order to change the future.  However, some things get etched in the mind as our favorites, things we wish would never change.  These are the snapshots we print on acid-free paper and tape into the scrapbook.  If I still did scrapbooking, the following are the things you would find in mine from 2012: 

Favorite 2012 Movie: I see movies late, when they enter the realm of cable television.  For that reason, my favorite flick of 2012 was released in 2011: The Big Year.  It’s charming, funny, hopeful and I can watch it with my kids.

Favorite Album: Pound of Dirt by Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds - I came across this band while perusing Songkick for an opportunity to go out on a Friday night.  This band is hot and I predict they are going to blow up.  Meaning, if you can see them in a small music venue near you, do so, and soon.  If you wait, you’ll be smooshed in a crowd of sweaty people at a summer music festival, unable to see who’s tearing up all those instruments.

Favorite Song: We Are Never Getting Back Together - I’m a closet Taylor Swift fan.  Yes, I am.  It helps me relate to my tween and provides good conversational material for my teen: “Mom, how is it that Taylor Swift can be such a player and not get any flack?  I mean, if I went through that many boyfriends. . .”

Favorite Tweeter: @brainpicker – Maria Popova – Because her tweets contain the most interesting links.

Favorite Blog: Angela Shelton – Inspiring, creative, funny, intelligent.

Favorite TV Show: Enlightened – I watched the entire first season two times while the kids were gone over Christmas break.  It’s the first show I could relate to as a 40 year old woman.  Love it.  Season 2 begins on HBO in three days.  

Favorite Instagramer: @northwestmommy  - That boy, that dog and that scenery, oh my.

Favorite Moment: Too many to choose from.  I consider myself lucky and easy to please.  However, if I have to choose, the first day of school (pictured above) was pretty stellar. My oldest went to high school.  I think we are going to make it.

Favorite Conference: AFC North – I’m a die-hard Steelers fan.  (You know I’m talking NFL, right?).

Favorite Viral Video: Felix Baumgartner’s supersonic freefall from 128k – How can one not be inspired by this?

This Mom Loves Football

 

I admit I enjoy football.

I became enamored with football when I was a child, sitting crossed-leg on the floor in front of the television during a Steelers game.  Terry Bradshaw passed the ball.  It flew through the air in a perfect arch and landed in the arms of a receiver far down field.  It was absolutely magical, unreal, and unforgettable.

During the 1970’s the Steelers were football’s finest, winning four Super Bowls.  Living in a small town along the Rust Belt, not far from Pittsburgh, I could feel the elation for the team’s success permeate everyone in the community.  When the Steelers won, our little town won.  The emotions ran deep, and for me still do.

It is not unusual to find me glued to YouTube watching footage of the Steelers.  My favorites include Troy Polamalu, Mean Joe Greene, and of course Terry Bradshaw.  My favorite play, the one I always go back to, is after a missed Steelers field goal in Super Bowl X, Cowboys safety Cliff Harris mockingly patted the kicker on his helmet and thanked him for "helping Dallas out".  Harris was immediately thrown to the ground by linebacker Jack Lambert.  Talk about sticking up for the members of your team.   I have always wanted someone to stand up for me like that.  Pummel my nemesis right down to the ground.  Lambert's way of tackling is no longer allowed in the NFL.  But I still find footage of him defeating his opponents play after play inspiring.

At times, I can barely watch the Steelers play.  I get too emotional.  I have thrown remotes at the television set in anger and turned cartwheels in the living room in joy.  Even during the times when the Steelers have not been successful I have stayed loyal, watching week after week during the NFL season, waiting and hoping for an incredible Steelers win.

My worst moment as a Steelers fan this year was after the horrific loss to Denver.  One member of my household, who shall remain nameless because he’s a Colt’s fan and they are insignificant, spent the entire evening “Tebowing”.  He’s still not forgiven for that episode of behavior and never will be.

As I anticipate the arrival of Super Bowl XLVI, I feel somewhat agitated knowing there will be no black and gold on the field in Indianapolis.  But I am also relieved that I do not have to watch a potential repeat of last year’s biggest game of the year, when the Steelers lost to the Packers.  Even though a year has gone by, I can barely talk about it.  The weeks following that loss, I yelled at the TV every time a highlight aired.  Yeah, don't mention it.  Just don't.

But I will be watching on Sunday, even without a Steelers appearance.  Of course, I am looking forward to Madonna’s half time show, but more so, I am looking forward to a great game.  You see, football is like life.  Line up, run your play, if you get tackled get up, line up, and try again.  Try not to fumble.  But if you do, send in Lambert and get the ball back.  Then don’t stop until you cross the goal line.

Prompt for February 2, 2012: I admit, I enjoy

Linking up with Found the Marbles, Do Sweat the Small Stuff, and Rock and Drool

photo credit: M Bergman via photopin cc