Just call me the Godfather of Bowl

I'll just come right out and say it. If you don't like to bowl, you're no longer an American in my book. So maybe that was a bit harsh, but how could you not, assuming you actually don't like it. Regardless, I do like it, and the purpose of this is the recant just how nice it is to be back on a bowling league for the first time in about ten years. I can certainly say it was missed, and missed greatly.

There are numerous reasons why league bowling is addictive. First, the pure seediness of it comes to mind. We've all seen the bowling alley scenes, whether it be in a movie, tv show, or what have you. It's always smoky, inhabited by the not so classy and the low lives and the trash of society. Most of the time they are intoxicated as well. I know it's expected of me to try and dispel those stereotypes......well I'm not. It's exactly as I described, that's the beauty of it.

Underneath this rough exterior is a camaraderie seldom matched in day to day life. This bond is repeated on a weekly basis and is the result of direct competition. The slapping of hands, pumping of fists, this doesn't just happen between teammates, but between opposing teams as well. The song is belted to the tune of pitcher after pitcher. The first game may allow you the leeway of complete sobriety, at least until frame six or seven. This allows the score to be higher than normal, giving you a false sense of pride and accomplishment. By about halfway through game 3, if you can still see the pins straight, you're a lucky one. Every minute is still enjoyable.