The San Francisco Niners lost the big game and they were my team. But it was a near perfect day. It began with civic engagement at an exhibit on why Democracy Matters [1]. I went there because of a South African friend who just became a citizen, and we talked about the rights and responsibilities that go with that. It was stirring. While driving home, I got a craving for meatballs and spaghetti and in particular a recipe I’ve wanted to try from Cooks Illustrated [2]. I had an hour to run to the market to be home in time for the kickoff. I raced through the aisles throwing ingredients into my cart, and walked in the door at the exact moment that Alicia Keys was singing the National Anthem. I finished prepping my meal at the end of half time. It was a thrilling game. Yes, my team lost, but it was only a few months ago that San Francisco won the World Series, and I had gratitude for that. Best of all, I got to lick my wounds with a delicious bowl of pasta.