What I've Learned...

First off, all that free time that I thought I would have once school started and I'd be able to procrastinate? Turns out that didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, I still procrastinate, but the free time aspect of it doesn't seem to have materialized. Hence, the lack of blog posts. For which I'm deeply sorry. Truly. Not that you believe me at this point, and I can't say that I blame you. My promises of more posts are starting to sound like the Cubs' promises to win a World Series sometime in their second century of futility. Anyway, I've managed to cobble together some time today, mainly by putting off grading my students' midterms, so you get a post. Here's what I've learned since the last time I wrote:

1. The baseball gods hate me. Well, maybe not me in particular. But they certainly seem to hate the Cubs. At this point the Cubs' journey back to the World Series (let alone winning the stupid thing) is starting to resemble Homer's Odyssey. The Cubs, of course, are Odysseus, valiantly trying to return to their homeland. Except someone forgot to tack on the happy ending to this story (although I suppose coming home to a bunch of men trying to seduce and marry your wife isn't exactly happy). So here's what I've learned: The Cubs are the modern day version of Odysseus. Except their ship was struck by lightning, jumped upon by a whale, and finally battered against the rocks. leaving the crew strewn dead upon the beach. Where wild dogs picked at their bones. Basically, I'm an idiot for continuing to hope that they're coming home. At least I don't have to suffer through this.

2. The football gods are not particularly enamored of me either. Oh, sure, Notre Dame is better than last year, but that's like saying the current financial crisis is better than the Great Depression. Just because now is better than then (at least so far), doesn't mean that it is good. I'm willing to be realistic - I didn't expect a national title this year, and I don't think anyone should expect one next year. That being said, it's still frustrating to see a team which is clearly improving just give away a game like they did at UNC. So here's what I've learned: Last year was so bad that my patience (never one of my strong suits when it came to ND football) is even thinner now.

3. The basketball gods seem to like me. Most preseason polls have Notre Dame firmly in the top 20, if not the top 10. This is good. Until I reread point number 1 above. So here's what I've learned: Never trust anything written before the games are played. Predictions usually turn out to be wrong.

4. The political gods hate all of us. Look, I don't want to get into politics here, as it's a subject that requires a lot more time and careful deliberation, not to mention debate, than I can possibly provide in a blog format. Not to mention that I'm sure my views don't agree with those of many other people who might read this, but I don't think it is my job to try to convince anyone of the correctness of my position. Particularly at this late point in the campaign season, most people have already made up their minds based on whatever criteria they deem important. I know I have - my only plea is that you do a little research via a credible source (such as Project Vote Smart) if you are still deciding about anything. Anyway, here's what I've learned: The political gods hate all of us. Why? Because that is the only explanation I can see for why this travesty is being foisted upon the American people.

5. The doggie gods love The Wife and I. Okay, I don't know that there are any doggie gods (or political gods, or sports gods, etc.), but if there are, then here's what I've learned about them: The bulldog is one of their jokes on humanity. For proof, I offer up some more pictures of Lisa.

More Lisa

6. What I've learned: I am weak - he is strong, but he needs some help. So, for those of you not already aware of this situation involving extremely good friends of The Wife and I, please take a minute to think of or pray for this family.

Sorry to end on a bit of a down note, but even I can't make jokes about something like that. Anyway, I'll try to be better about posting more frequently, but I might just take the Cubs' approach. In which case, I wouldn't hold your breath - it's going to be a long century.