For 15 years, Michael (Hubby has now earned the honor of my using his first name) has been attending the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s basketball championship tournament. It has become a tradition for him. From what I understand (because a husband only tells his wife so much when he spends the weekend with the boys), the weekend is filled with the three B’s–basketball, bratwurst and beer. The tournament is held at The (if you’ve attended the university or are from Ohio, then you understand) Ohio State University and is basically the Academy Awards of statewide basketball athletes. Therefore, because of my obsession with entertainment, Michael was smart when comparing this event to the Oscars. How could I argue?
Now, I want to make sure to get well-deserved props for both my understanding and encouragement each year Michael attends this guys-only weekend. Not only because, for as long as I’ve known Michael, I’ve not been invited to attend, but because every year this tournament falls on my birthday weekend. However, just like any bad quality in a guy, I knew this when I met Michael and I will forever know that my birthday weekend comes after state basketball.
Lucky for me, and I’ve mentioned before, Michael never fails to shower me with love and attention–exactly what I always want. So, each year, he makes a big deal out of my birthday. I do believe he does this for me, but I also know deep down, he’s no dummy. If he makes me the star a few days prior to the Columbus trip, I am less likely to bother him while he’s away–or complain that I’m stuck home with The Buba. Smart tactic, and a win-win.
For more than a decade, the guys’ trip has resembled a bachelor party. Upwards of 10 guys sharing hotel rooms, and doing whatever it is guys do when they’re not with their wives. Again, to my knowledge, no strippers are involved at this bachelor party, but I may never really know. As the years have gone on, the bachelor party has become smaller as obligations take over and, this year, the bachelor party became more of a family party. Perish the thought!
I never thought it would happen, but I was actually invited and welcomed, to this year’s Columbus basketball extravaganza. DO NOT GET ME WRONG–I was not there for the basketball. Another one of the wives and I used this opportunity as a quick overnight getaway, a chance for us to spend some overdue quality time together, and of course, a bit of shopping. All three were achieved and much appreciated. We relived our youth a bit at the one and only, Varsity Club, where we watched young, college-aged girls start a random dance party (a joyous past time of mine), and we, too, had a chance to let loose and enjoy a few cocktails. It’s amazing how easy it is to revert back to your college ways.
What Michael always mentioned about this cherished weekend was the people he would run into, year after year, and how this was a tradition for so many. I would nod my head as he explained this, but what I didn’t realize was that my husband was the ringleader for this circus. I wasn’t surprised that he was a ringleader (he usually is when it comes to his social life), but I was more impressed with what a brotherhood this weekend is for everyone. Even the same bartenders come back to spend the weekend with these die-hard high school basketball fans. They’re like trekies–just not as geeky.
I may be invited back next year and I would consider making the quick trip down to Columbus again. My only regret? That I didn’t know about this when I was single! It’s the perfect place to meet what I consider to be a quality man. So, single ladies, save the date–every year, the last weekend in March, Columbus, Ohio. Don’t tell them I sent you.
