Football Widow

Run Hubby Run!

It's that time of year again.  I'm officially a "football widow" until football season is over.  Then comes recruiting, spring ball, camps, and it starts all over again.  I never realized how year round a college football coach works until I married one.  It really isn't just for the season as many people assume.

That's coach a.k.a the hubs back in his playing days

So what's up with the term "football widow" anyway?  Coaches are in the office what seems like 24/7. There are no days off, the hours are long, and they wouldn't have it any other way.  So for the wives we are basically single (working) moms or wives or girlfriends from August till the end of football season.  But don't worry...coach will still be responsible for taking out the trash :p

Coach talking with his players

I do have to admit I love football season.  I love the spirit.  I love the drive.  I love the clothes.  I love being cozy under a blanket.  I love the food!  Would you expect anything less from me?  Truth be told sometimes I like to be home alone with my coconut.  I love coach don't get me wrong.  There's nothing better than snuggling with my coconut, and getting to watch my favorite shows and movies when he's sleeping.  You better believe "Ten Things I Hate About You" is my movie choice tonight.  Why did I bold it?  Because it is a great movie.  Plus, it reminds me of home because it's filmed at a high school we used to play against.  Remember Heath Ledger singing and dancing on the stadium (which happens to be the name of the high school) seats/stairs?  I remember being so afraid of falling down those every time I walked down to cheer on the sidelines.  Yes, I was a cheerleader.  Go Bears!

To me, the only negative of football season is limited time with family.  In return, coaches get more time in the summer with their families which is great!  We get to head to the beach and enjoy the sun.  However, fall has its fun too!  There are fairs, pumpkin patches, and apple picking.  My coconut and I do these activities with other football spouses because they can relate.  Plus, the women are seriously awesome.

One of the hardest parts of football season for me is missing wedding season.  If I didn't have a child it might be a little easier.  Coach is never available for fall weddings which means I'm not.  Traveling and attending weddings alone with a toddler is nearly impossible...like 99%.  If the wedding are not child friendly then it is 100% impossible.  I have no one to watch my coconut.  It's one of the sacrifices of being a football wife, and explaining the situation to friends can be difficult.  To my friends: I love you guys!  I really do try to find a way to make it!

I really want to head to the AFCWA (American Football Coaches Wives Association) conference that happens to be at the same time and place as the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association).  This year it's going to be in Nashville.  I wanna go!!!

I will be sure to post my favorite game-time and fall recipes throughout the season!  In the meantime, check out my Buffalo Chicken Dip for a kicked-up a notch (sorry Emeril) appetizer perfect for football season!