Disappointment

It's time to hang up my cheesehead, figuratively and literally, tonight. My 15-1 Green Bay Packers lost to the New York Giants in the second week of playoffs. It was actually their first playoff game, as last week was a bye (week off) for them, so you can't argue that more rest makes a team play better.

The problem with a person's favorite team going nearly undefeated all season, after a Superbowl win last season, is that you start to think they're invincible. That they might actually pull off a second straight Superbowl win. That no one can touch them.

I started to get a little nervous last week when I found out the Packers would be playing the Giants. They're one of the few teams who gave the Packers trouble this year. I was realistic, but remained optimistic. My optimism was shaken on the third play of the game, and never recovered. I held out hope until near the end, when the Giants' lead became insurmountable.

And yes, I do realize that it's "just football." There are far more serious issues going on right now for other people, and I'm reminding myself of that by the minute. But for now, this loss really stings and I need some time to come to terms with it. That's the problem with having high, and more likely, unrealistic expectations of someone else.

We drowned our sorrows in my newly-named Sorrow Soup as we watched the game. Earlier today when I decided to make Potato Leek Soup for supper, it seemed so fitting, almost celebratory. A savoury homemade soup for a really cold day, which boasted some Packer-inspired ingredients (I promise that wasn't planned) such as leeks and celery (green) and potatoes (yellow-ish). Instead, we slurped our soup as the Giants scored yet-more touchdowns and the Packers made yet-more mistakes. Statistically, this was likely their worst game of the season. I may never make this soup again. Never mind the fact that the entire family, plus a bonus child, raved about how delicious it was. Just like a sweet, juicy strawberry reminds you of summer, the taste of this soup will remind me of football heartbreak. Bitter indeed.

I've never actually liked the Giants as a football team, as it seems they are so often the ones to bring the Packers' playoff hopes to an end. This isn't the first time they've done this, and I still haven't properly forgiven them for the last time. I think the only time I've ever cheered for them was when they were in the Superbowl against my least favorite team, the New England Patriots. So when your two least favorite teams are up against each other, you've still got to pick someone. It could happen again this year. Lets hope San Francisco (shudder) or the Baltimore Ravens pull off an upset.

But, and it pains me to say this, there are a number of Giants players that, in other circumstances, I would gladly cheer for. There's just so much talent on that team. We watched a short documentary this afternoon about one of their star players, Jason Pierre-Paul. The son of Haitian immigrants, his father became blind when Jason was just 8 months old. His dad hasn't seen his son since he was a baby, never even seen him walk, let alone play football. He doesn't even know what his boy looks like! The story is inspiring, with elements of family support and connectedness, but it's heartbreaking too. Jason's dad has never been to one of his games, because it would likely be too much for him. Imagine knowing how successful your son is and then never getting to see him in action. I had tears in my eyes watching this, but I had to remind myself that this was an opposing player! It's these kinds of stories that get me attached - they tug at the heartstrings. The players themselves aren't to be hated - it's the team as a whole that does the damage.

So, I'm feeling in the depths of despair, as Anne would have said, but I'm reminding myself of just how happy Jason's dad must be tonight. How very proud. Apparently, he'll attend the Superbowl game if his son's team makes it there. That's what I'll hold on to.

There will definitely be a feeling of emptiness tomorrow, now that our football season is essentially over. But it's a new day, and I'm sure there will be lots of great reasons to smile.

Here's a copy of our Christmas letter - just a brief summary of a very eventful year in our family.

2011 was an eventful year for our family, although we certainly hadn’t planned for it to be so. Here are a few highlights of our year:

*The Green Bay Packers won the Superbowl!

*Stefan took me to a Bon Jovi concert

*lots of visits from family & friends from out west

*Connor turned 10, started grade 5, started swimming on the swim team & continues taking piano lessons. He amazes us with his skill & passion on the piano & amuses us with his long hair, which we are not allowed to cut.

*Taya turned 7, started grade 2, started swimming on the swim team (with Connor) & also continues taking piano lessons. She amazes us with her social butterfly skills & her love of reading & amuses us with her non-stop drawing & creating.

*Logan turned 6, started grade 1 & started tae kwon do & piano lessons. He amazes us with his knowledge of anything related to NFL football & amuses us with the charts he creates each week of which teams are playing & which teams he thinks are going to win. This boy loves all things football! In all fairness, with our kids, the apple(s) does not fall far from the tree(s).

*Stefan & I took our dream trip to Green Bay,WI to see Lambeau Field & to take in a Packers game.

*I applied to go back to school! Some people think I’m crazy, but I’m quite excited about it. I’ve applied for an after-degree Communications program that starts next September. In the meantime, I’m working at Starbucks & getting in lots of volunteer experience at a community newspaper & doing some proofreading for a magazine.

*We moved! We didn’t see that one coming either. With our “school/pool” fund being empty, we decided to downsize. As a bonus, our new home, which is just around the corner from our old one, has a pool. With such a hot summer, we made very good use of it!

In November, we “adopted” a little girl named Ketrina from Malawi into our family. It’s one small step towards trying to make the world a better place, or to at least make the world a better place for one other person. My challenge to you for 2012 – how are you going to make the world a better place for someone else this year?

2012 promises to be another eventful year for us, full of change & excitement. Our family wishes you peace & blessings this Christmas & a new year full of joy!