It’s here again, that time of year that non-college basketball loving spouses loathe. That time when sports geeks can feel their heartbeat quickening. That glorious time of year we know as March Madness!
Last year I came to you with the March Madness Widow Survival Guide. This spring I am happy to be back with a new list of suggestions that may help those afflicted with MMWS. As always, if you have any suggestions that you think would benefit the masses please add them in the comment section below.
The 2011 edition of March Madness begins Sunday March 13th with Selection Sunday and will conclude with the National Title game on April 6, 2011 in Houston. That gives us 25 days of basketball lovin’ to get through. 11 of those 25 days have basketball action. That means 11 days to find distraction.
I hope that something on this list may help you out!
Apps! Yes, those Apps. There are a billion and one of them out there and one for everyone. The likelihood that either you or your partner are rocking an App capable smart phone or tablet is very high. So find yourself a new App to play with and go nuts. Imagine how good you can get at Angry Birds between now and April 6th. You will have bragging rights and the chance to discover the next “IT” App in the process!
Sewing! I’m serious here. Sewing is an undervalued and underused skill in this day and age. Being able to hem pants, skirts and dresses is a great asset. Darning socks is like plumbing, it’s never going to stop being a need. I know that sewing may come off as a gender biased and offensive suggestion. But come on, you know me, I’d never say something with that intent. I think that sewing is getting left behind. And that’s sad! Who doesn’t remember those awesome homemade Halloween costumes for example. Don’t let that tradition die. Consider that over the next 3 weeks.
Writing! Last year I suggested using March Madness and tournament time to catch up on some reading. This year why not flip that idea and put your own words down. Maybe you have letters and emails you’ve been meaning to send to friends and family (or me). Or perhaps you’ve been dying to blog. I love new blogs so I’d love to see that happen. Heck, maybe you have a Survival Guide or two that can offer to the world. We all need a little help sometimes!
Cook! Who among us doesn’t enjoy a new recipe from time to time? I do. And if your S/O is going to cemented to the couch this is your opportunity. The best part of this option is the fact that the college hoops lover is in your livingroom is going to be content eating crap like french fries and chicken fingers all the time. That gives you the opportunity to cook and create dishes you will enjoy. Share only if you want to. You’re the culinary artist here. Have fun with it. Enjoy yourself. And don’t forget to pair your new masterpiece with a nice bottle of wine!
Yoga! Yoga is huge right now. Even I’m getting ready to start (really, I am). You can improve your flexibility and core strength. You can breathe deeply and find calm and Zen. And you can get yourself some awesome Yoga gear. This is also something that you can carry on after March Madness ends. Yoga night can become your night. You can make new friends and really gain some positives from the experience.
Get Into The Madness! I said it last year and I’ll say it again this year, watching the games with your obsessed S/O can be a lot of fun. Fill out your bracket, pick a fav team. Maybe give some love to Jimmer Fredette (that’s his real name, Jimmer) at BYU or cheer with me as I back the boys in baby blue from the University of North Carolina. It can be a lot of fun to cheer against or with your partner. Remember to try and keep it light hearted. We don’t want anyone’s feelings getting hurt here. It’s already a stressful time as it is. Be gentle with your NCAA loving, bracket busting, chicken finger dipping S/O – they may be very fragile.
There you are friends. 5 suggestions to help March Madness Widows (and widowers) through the 2011 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. I hope that at least 1 of them helps you out this spring.
Good Luck.
