A week to be thankful — and to GLOAT

I have to say, it’s been an interesting experiment unfolding the past several weeks.

I’ve turned the corner to what was previously a marital black hole of conversation, a 12-week bitter war of the remote control, and Sunday after Sunday spent in separate corners of the house, (more commonly referred to as “football season”) but has now become something I crave, look forward to each week and can’t wait until it starts all over again next year.

What’s happened to me? This year I was invited to participate in the GMC Fantasy Football “Battle of the Spouses” league with a few other mom-bloggers who were also new to the “sport” (that would be the “fantasy” sport). The clincher was our husbands had to also participate. I had the good sense not to ask mine if he wanted to play along, but rather to just let him know we were doing it — and it wasn’t without duress I might add. I thought it would be something fun for us to do together. He thought it would be a lot of work.

Turns out, we were both right.

I’ve been educated a TON in this past semester about fantasy football, and I’m by no means an expert. But just as our season is coming to a close (our championship game is this week), I’ve finally figured out the strategy and got my groove on. I’ve got a 3 game winning streak under my belt and have held pretty steady at 5th place (of 12) most of the season. I’m feeling pretty good about those stats considering I know squat about NFL football players. (“Squat” being an improvement over “Bupkis” when I began this journey.)

But really, my big win so far is that I BEAT THE HUBS this week. Not in overall standings mind you, but when we were paired against each other head to head, I did my own research, picked my own players, didn’t ask for help from anyone, and I SMOKED HIM by 26 points! Yep, he got beat by a girl. And what’s worse, that girl is his wife. The ultimate bragging rights for a highly competitive duo. I’ll have you know, it was my second highest point week, and I did it on my own. Okay, so he did help me a find a new WR a few weeks ago, but I got my own replacement players for most everything else.

While I bask in the glory of my well-earned smack down, the real win here though is that we’ve both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Even the Princess Cupcake is on board rooting for our fantasy players (But don’t tell the hubs that she was cheering for my team this week). The hubs and I would have likely spent our whole lives without playing fantasy football were it not for GMC. So not only does GMC build great looking rock solid performance vehicles (to be featured on MommyUpgrade in the new year), they’re bringing families together during what is usually a television stalemate fraught with arguments over HGTV vs. FOX Sports Sunday. And we’ve met some really cool people in the process. And for that this Thanksgiving week, I am truly thankful.

I’m already experiencing withdrawal symptoms, sad that our season is about to conclude with the fantasy football Championship game this week. Yes, I am willing to concede sure victory to Charmed Valerie’s husband for the sweet NFL Tailgate Party that comes with the spoils of victory. But enjoy it now, Big Mo, enjoy it now. Should there be a rematch next year? Team Perot is already plotting our revenge!