A Perfect March Madness Gathering: Friends, Food, and Basketball"


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Entry #133 Running it Back with the Madness 

March Madness is more than just basketball—it's a tradition, a time for friends, food, and unforgettable moments. Every year, my friends and I carve out time in our busy schedules to gather, watch the games, and enjoy each other's company. Yesterday was a late night, but today promised to be just as exciting.

Starting the Day Off Right

After a long night of watching games, I woke up early to get a head start. The aftermath of last night’s gathering still lingered, so I spent the morning cleaning up, taking out the garbage and recycling, and tackling a small project—assembling a new shelving unit for the shed. Once that was done, it was time to dive into the day's events.

A Gym Session That Felt Like a TV Moment

Some days, life feels like an episode of a TV show. Walking into the gym, it wouldn’t have surprised me if "Mama Said Knock You Out" by LL Cool J played as I opened the door. I met up with my gym family, chatted with a few familiar faces, lifted weights, and finished with some cardio. After a refreshing post-workout shower, I was ready to take on the rest of the day.

Lunch, Friends, and Basketball

With the first game tipping off at 11 a.m., I met some friends for lunch. We make it a tradition to go out at least once during the tournament to enjoy the games together. Luckily, the restaurant wasn’t as packed as we had expected, and we got our food quickly. After catching up and enjoying the first half of the game, we went our separate ways, knowing we’d reunite later for more basketball.

Prepping for Another Game Night

Hosting friends for March Madness is always a blast, and yesterday, more people showed up than expected. Even though I had stocked up on snacks, I needed more for today’s games. A quick run to the store solved that problem. I even made two extra stops and had a great conversation with a friend before heading home.

Back home, I unloaded the groceries and started preparing appetizers. My faithful companion, always eager for attention, decided it was the perfect time to play. We spent some time outside, enjoying the fresh air, before heading back in. He grabbed a drink of water, enjoyed a treat, and settled in for a nap while I finished getting everything ready.

Game Time: Good Company and Great Moments

As the appetizers finished cooking, I set out plates, serving utensils, and drinks just as my guests began arriving. My loyal companion greeted them enthusiastically at the door. With plates full of food and drinks in hand, everyone settled in to watch the games. Laughter, cheers, and friendly debates filled the room—exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes these gatherings so special.

Like yesterday, people came and went throughout the day. Anyone who has ever hosted a party knows how that goes. In our younger years, before marriages and kids, we would spend the entire day watching every game together. But as life evolved and responsibilities grew, we adapted. Now, we come together when we can, making these moments even more meaningful.

Cherishing the Tradition

Not everyone enjoys sports or social gatherings, and I completely respect that. But for my friends and me, March Madness is about more than just basketball—it’s about connection. We take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy good food, great company, and the thrill of the tournament. No matter which teams win or lose, what truly matters is the time we spend together. That’s why we cherish these days as much as we do.





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