The big _______ (just pick a large number)

"You keep using that word? I do not think it means what you think it means." Of course, Inigo Montoya made this famous in The Princess Bride, but it can be applied to soooo many things.

Maybe an even better line for today is Samuel L. Jackson's, "Hold onto your butts!" from Jurassic Park.

It was announced yesterday the Big TEN Conference is going from, um, fourteen teams, to AT LEAST sixteen (and it sounds like even more will hop on the bus before the dust settles).

Many speculate we are entering the era of the Super Conferences! There will likely be two, both with at least twenty teams each. And someday we'll wonder why all these [other] colleges and universities had to close their doors.

Now, some consider this to be merely progress - much like the Name Image Likeness (NIL) business which began in collegiate sports this past year. Most people I read or am in contact with either like it, or are at least glad the B1G (Big Ten) is out in front of it (The Big Ten is the oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference in the United States, incorporated as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives in 1896, btw - oh, and there were only ten teams). 

Me? Nope. I am not a fan. "Super Conference" sounds a lot like Super Walmart, and Super Target/Kroger/(insert other giant store that ran all the mom-and-pop's out of business)! Is it progress, or more consumerist/capitalist/power-hungry-grabbing arrogance known by no name other than the almighty fricking DOLLAR?!? I think someone once said it was the root of all evil or some such thing.

Anyway, I'm not sure what can be done about it. Everyone knows it's all about money, and apparently that's just fine(?). I think it's sad, but not surprising. I have presently lost my appetite for college sports. Shoot, I lost it for pro sports years ago. Maybe that's as it should be. There is more to life, right?

Ironically, this was the morning prayer for today in Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals:

"Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and forgiveness. Help us to hear your word and to follow you today. Numb our ears to the persistent call of idols like vanity, consumerism, power, and pride. Enable us to lead lives tempered by the awareness of others' needs and propelled by your love. Amen."

***

Romans 12:3

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

Lovie out and bielema in at illinois football

Bret Bielema & Josh Whitman

The winds of change have swept through the University of Illinois football program. Lovie Smith was relieved of his duties as head coach on December 13, and Bret Bielema introduced on Saturday (12/19). 

I have intended to write about both since then, but there seems so much going on... you know... yada-yada...

I was not overly excited when Lovie was hired in March of 2016 - just days after new AD Josh Whitman took the reigns. I liked the Whitman hire, and I was hopeful Lovie could be a good coach. While I admire the heck out of him as a person, I just never thought he had the personality to be successful at the college level. I know he'd won a Super Bowl with the Bears, but pro football and college are completely different animals. It turns out I was right. While he did a lot to get Illinois football out of the dumpster fire they were in, I think relationships around the program (with high school coaches, recruits, and staff) had soured to a point of no return. It seemed there was no alternative to letting him go. When no one from his staff participated in an Illinois High School Football Coaches meeting a couple weeks ago, that seemed the nail in the coffin to me - covid year or not.

The search for a successor was swift and a lot of names were tossed about. Luke Fickell, Gus Malzahn, and any other already-successful head coach were nothing but a dream for the U of I. People like Lance Leipold, Sean Lewis, Jeff or Todd Monken, Marcus Freeman, Jim Leonhard all sounded like good possibilities. I had a feeling from the beginning it would be Bret Bielema though. He had success as a head coach at Wisconsin, and even Arkansas before the wheels fell off. The past few years as an assistant (Patriots and Giants) seem to have been good for him too.

Still, when I first heard it was BB, I was not excited. He'd had a history of being known as a jerk and there were rumors of not just a few frat parties and possible compromising situations with coeds in his past. Plus, you know, he doesn't really seem like the young up-and-comer everybody hoped for to rev up the fan base (though he is ONLY 50).

I have to admit, though, after learning more, and seeing a few press conferences/interviews, I am on board! He is from Prophetstown, Illinois, which is a mere 35 miles from where I grew up. He's the son of a pig farmer, and he bleeds down home, homegrown, good-ol'-boy charm (if there is such a thing). I expect he will stick his foot in his mouth every now and then, but he'll also bring a level of passion, enthusiasm, and toughness to the program like they may have never seen. It also sounds like he's been humbled a bit and has a lot he wants to prove. He seems all in with the Illini and now I'm excited.

There are many similarities here to the Brad Underwood hire. Whitman has chosen two grizzled, hard-nose, go-hard-or-go-home guys who in my mind epitomize the quintessential college coach. I'm guessing this comes from his background as a football player himself.

So, we will see how it goes. First he needs to assemble a staff (most believe he was best suited of all to do this at U of I), then decide which players to keep and who to pursue. It's a lot better situation than Lovie came into when he was hired, and Bielema seems genuinely excited to be back in the college game. I hope it works out. 2021 should be a wild year on so many levels!

***

Proverbs 16:33

"We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision."

4th grade basketball game

Sports is sports, right? I mean, if we can't go to a college or pro game, may as well go to what we can attend... right?

Well, we had the pleasure of being able to attend one of our granddaughter's basketball games the other night. She is in fourth grade, and the team consists of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Oh my, what fun!

 First off, I was so proud of and impressed with A. I can't believe how she gets out there and scraps! No, she's not the best player on the team, but she's not the worst either (and she's only in 4th grade!). She played maybe half the game, which had a final score of 16-8, but it was sooooo much fun to watch, and she was soooooo excited afterword. I love that she/they go to this small private school.

I also didn't realize how much I missed laughing and smiling. I mean, when your workplace sucks, and there's not much else going on in life, it begins to wear on you. So I am thankful our daughter and her husband thought to let us attend one game. You see, only two people are supposed to attend these games per student (so you can social distance), and normally we have been watching the boys while Drew Carrie go. It was fun.

Lastly, I was really glad no one was a jerk. The coaches seemed focused, but not idiots. The refs were as official as need be. Fortunately they didn't call every foul or miscue, and they did as much teaching as the coaches did, for both teams. I was also happy with the fans in attendance. Everyone seemed to be pulling for everyone, regardless of the color of their uniform. I really wish all of life could be like this. Not to mention the fact that it was quick. We were in and out in an hour. That was plenty.

So, life is not all bad. There was that one bright and shining moment on a Monday evening last week. I'm glad we got to experience it.

***

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” -Luke 1:76-78

 

 

The last dance

We recently watched the 10-part miniseries 'The Last Dance' on Netflix. It is a documentary revolving around the career of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, with particular focus on his last season with the team culminating in their sixth championship in eight years.


It originally aired on ESPN during the pandemic shutdown during April and May of this year. I am glad Netflix picked it up and we were able to see it because it brought back so many memories.

I wasn't really what you would call a Bulls fan, but living in Illinois during that time you couldn't help but get caught up in the great run the team had in the 1990s. I remember when Jordan was drafted by the Bulls and the immediate drama that ensued. I was actually surprised how much I recalled while watching the shows. Different players and coaches and events. They were good memories.

I was also intrigued by game footage and players from other teams from days gone by. I was especially excited to see Hersey Hawkins when the Bulls played the Supersonics. He was always a favorite of mine in his days at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He went from being a 6'3" center in high school to one of the highest scoring guards in college, earning co-national player of the year in 1988.

Anyway, the interviews with Jordan and several teammates and coaches were great. Say what you want about the man, but he knew what he wanted and he went after it with a determination few people muster in their lives.

If you are interested in sports at all, or even just the history and spectacle of the Bulls and Jordan, I highly recommend this series.

2019 ncaa tournament bracket(s)

I have filled out TWO NCAA basketball tournament brackets this year. One where I actually thought about the selections, pairings, locale's, and whatnot... and a second one where I picked based on nothing but a roll of the dice. I had no common final four teams between the two, but did have a couple common elite 8 teams.

The researched bracket (which ended up being 'somewhat' influenced by vodka towards the end) is as such:

Sweet 16 -
Duke vs. Va. Tech
Maryland vs. Michigan St.
Gonzaga vs. Murray St.
Buffalo vs. Nevada
Virginia vs. Oregon
Old Dominion vs. Cincinnati
N. Carolina vs. N. Mexico St.
Iowa St. vs. Kentucky

Elite 8 -
Duke vs. Michigan St.
Gonzaga vs. Nevada
Oregon vs. Old Dominion
N. Carolina vs. Kentucky

Final Four -
Michigan St. vs. Nevada
Oregon vs. N. Carolina

National Champion -
N. Carolina over Michigan St.

The dice bracket (Even numbered roll was top team; odd numbered roll was bottom):

Sweet 16 -
NC Central vs. Saint Louis
Belmont vs. Minnesota
F. Dickinson vs. Fla. St.
St. John vs. Michigan
Ole Miss. vs. Oregon
Old Dominion vs. Colgate
Iona vs. Auburn
Iowa St. vs. Kentucky

Elite 8 -
Saint Louis vs. Minnesota
F. Dickinson vs. Michigan
Ole Miss. vs. Colgate
Iona vs. Kentucky

Final Four -
Minnesota vs. Michigan
Ole Miss. vs. Iona

National Champion -
Ole Miss. over Minnesota

I like some of the "upsets" in the random bracket. I'm not very good at predicting them myself. So... we will see. I'd be surprised if I am anywhere close with either bracket, but you never know. :)

Super bowl sunday 2017

So the New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in OT in Super Bowl LI (51). Whether it was the greatest comeback or greatest choke-job in Super Bowl history is a matter of opinion. I suppose it was an exciting game, but as for me, it ranks just a few rungs lower than the morning after Trump won the presidential election this past year. I'm not sure how many more times I can say, "No. There's no way it can happen," and then it does (re: the Patriots and Trump both winning). But, alas, I suppose life will go on.

This particular Super Bowl Sunday wasn't all bad though. We started it off with three little munchkins known as our grandchildren spending the night Saturday. They all slept pretty well considering they all had colds and coughs to some degree.

Sunday morning we all woke up slowly and waited for their mom and dad to come over. We took Carrie and Anna to church with us, and the others had a "boys day" because of the runny noses (B & C). Church was a little different because the regular pastor was gone (his wife's grandfather's funeral in PA), but it was actually a surprisingly good service. Sunny led worship and we did an old hymn (How Great Thou Art). Btw, I don't know why more churches don't sing hymns anymore, because it seems like people sing out way more when they do. Anyway, then the founding pastor gave the message. He is retired now, and went way over on time, and it was obvious he was nervous and whatnot. However, in an odd sort of way I felt like the Spirit was really moving in the place on this particular day. I can't really explain it but it made more sense later on. I actually picked up a membership application for us after the service.

After church we dropped C & A off at the bar where they'd left their car the night before (Drew's band played there Saturday night). Jane and I then went to the Hoppy Gnome for lunch. It is not my favorite place - a little too hipstery for me - but it was okay. While there I got a message from the pastor at our home church back in Illinois. He said he is taking a sabbatical this spring and wondered if I could preach one Sunday. It was ironic in that I had actually just been thinking during the service that morning that I might be open to preaching again, plus the fact that I would be filling in during a pastors sabbatical (you know, 'cause of my history with failed sabbaticals - at least my own). So, I accepted the invitation before I'd had too much of a chance to think about it. I have no idea how to prepare a sermon anymore though. It's been almost four years since my last one.

Anyway, I took a nice nap in the afternoon, then we went over to Drew Carrie's for the Super Bowl and supper. We had taco's-in-a-bag and hung out with the grandkids until they fell asleep. Scott from the Y came over later. We had a good time until the end of the game. Fortunately I think I'd had enough of Scott's scotch that I didn't get too emotionally high or low, and we went home.

Oh, and as far as the halftime show... I'm not a big fan of Lady Gaga, but I also don't dislike her, so I actually thought it was fairly vanilla as far as music. I'm sure I am well beyond the age of the target audience though, so I wasn't disappointed or excited. It happened. :)

So, while the game didn't turn out like I'd hoped, it wasn't a bad Super Bowl Sunday.

Super bowl 50 thoughts

This past Sunday was Super Bowl #50. The Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10. This probably seems a bit hypocritical to follow up yesterdays post with. I guess it is what it is. Below are some random facts and thoughts of mine.

• We watched with a small group of our friends at Mike's house. It included: Mike, Dave and Joni, Kenny, Greg, and Jane and me. Jane and Joni provided the fixin's for a fabulous baked potato bar. 
• Oddly enough, Jane and Joni seemed to be much more "into" the game than any of the guys. 
• It always strikes me as strange how, for as important as this game is, no one ever seems to remember who played in or won even the previous year's Super Bowl. 
• I can't recall all the commercials, but some that stood out to me: the Doritos sonogram, the Bud Lite "big caucus", and even though it was creepy and few will say they liked it, the Puppy-baby-monkey was among the most memorable.
• I didn't think it was a very well played game from an offensive standpoint, but man does Denver have a good defense.
• Speaking of which, I was happy for Wade Phillips. I have always liked Wade. Felt bad for him when he tried to be a head coach, but is there a better coordinator in the game? I imagine his dad is mighty proud of his son.
• This won't be very popular, but if I'm honest, I'm not a big fan of Peyton Manning. Sure, he is gracious and well versed in dealing with popularity, but I'm thinking he could also be a pretty difficult person to get along with. I think he does what he does to market himself so he can make oodles of money. I didn't care for the Papa Johns and Budweiser plugs after the game (both of which made him more money, even if Budweiser didn't pay him to do it). However, I don't blame him or dislike him either. 
• I probably have a bigger issue with all the supposed Indianapolis fans who switched their allegiance to the Broncos when he signed there. He does not belong to Colts fans, and seriously doubt he shares the same sense of loyalty. 
• Along with this - and I'm really not intending to bash Peyton - but my guess is he will be playing next year. I don't think it will be in Denver, but he just doesn't seem the type that can walk away on his own. I could be wrong, but that's what I think. 
• As for Cam Newton, I feel sorry for him. He is a great talent, but very immature. I thought he looked freaked out from the very beginning. And, please, spare me any racist crap. HE brought that up before the game, and his pouty fit afterward was uncalled for regardless of color, age or gender. He is arrogant and a poor sport. Why is it being racist to say that? Hopefully he will learn from this, though, because I would hate for this to harm what could be a great career and life otherwise.
• I thought the two star players of the game were Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. Von definitely deserved the game MVP, and I was happy to see DW have a great game (as a former Cowboy).
• As for the music... I thought Lady Gaga did a superb National Anthem before the game. Even as a not-overly-patriotic pacifist, it really moved me. The halftime show was fine by me too. I'm not very familiar with Coldplay, and I don't care for Beyonce at all, but Bruno Mars was good (though not very familiar with him either).
• All in all, it was an entertaining game, nice commercials, good food and friends, and I have no complaints. Is there any one event that brings people in America together better than the Super Bowl? I think it's about so much more than sports. 

Golf day for work

Yesterday was the annual golf outing for the people I work with. It's actually a fundraiser for another business the owner of our business operates, and he gives us all the option of working or playing golf all day (paid). So... this year there were seven of us that participated: me, Drew, Kyle, Karen, Kendra, Colin, and Michael. A former employee, and cousin of Kyle's, filled out the roster. My foursome consisted of me and Colin in one cart, and Drew and Kyle in the other. I think we finished last again, and I'm not really sure how, but it didn't matter to me.

It actually rained on me all the way up there, but once we started it just sprinkled a couple of times. The course was soaking wet though, so we couldn't drive the carts anywhere except on the cart paths.

Colin had never played golf before, so he shared my clubs. The sad thing is, by the end of the day he was hitting better than I do. Ugh. This was probably the worst game of golf I have ever played. I finally just sat in the cart most of the time and would putt when we got to the green (we were playing 'best ball').

I don't think I will probably play next year. The thrill is gone, so to speak. We will see.

I went to work from 9:30-11:30, then headed up to Kendalville to the Noble Hawk Golf Club. It took about 1/2 hour. I think I got home around 6 pm or so.

First soccer practice

Little Anna had her first soccer practice today. I went along with Carrie to help watch the boys. It was pretty fun. She finally peaked out of her shell a little and followed along. She also looked pretty cute out there.

I forget what league this is, but it is at the soccer fields at Concordia Seminary. They have a bunch of fields, and there were tons of people there. When we checked her in Anna received a shirt, socks, and a soccer ball with her name on it.

The nice thing about this league is... as a 4-year-old, first-time player, they only have 5 weeks of practice. And it is entirely instructional. They don't play games yet. They just learn how to dribble, to not use their hands, to listen for the whistle, and a few other basics. So it's not too overwhelming, but they do learn some skills. As they progress they teach them different things.

At first she didn't participate real well - she is so shy. Eventually they got her to put her ball down, then to kick it, and pretty soon she was dribbling up and down the field with the other kids. She did pretty good at that by the end, and even kicked the ball into the net when they did that. She was pretty tentative when they played some games designed to get the kids running around though. She likes order, and the chaos of kids running around was a bit much. All in all she did really great though.

Here are some pics (she is #4, in the pink socks)...

Safehaven, sleepover, snowstorm, superbowl

My it was a busy weekend. Quite a lot going on. Jane has a cold, but we survived. Here is the rundown of the transition from January to February...

SAFE HAVEN
We served and ate lunch with the veterans of the Safe Haven home on Saturday. This was the 2nd time I have helped out with this group, and Jane's 3rd. It is a 25-bed facility for homeless veterans on Fairfield. Our involvement started when Jane's branch office did a lunch for them. She told a friend, and her office started doing monthly lunches. Apparently we are involved in it with them. They actually get very little help here, so it seems like a good place to pitch in. Jane made 10 lbs of mashed potatoes. I kind of just hung around and chatted and ate with the veterans. It was a little odd in that I actually knew one of them. He didn't remember us though.

SLEEPOVER
We had all 3 grandkids for a sleepover on Saturday night. Drew Carrie had a date night (Komets game), so we watched the kids from around 5 pm Saturday until church Sunday morning. They had all been sick last week and still had sniffles, but they were all really good. Caleb didn't sleep so well, but A & B did. Caleb now likes to pull himself up on things, he just can't get down so well. Anna was a big help, and big eater. Bennett was a little grumpier than usual. I think he is still sickest of all three. It was fun, but boy does it wear us out. :)

SNOWSTORM
We had quite a lot of snow this weekend. I don't know yet officially, but I'd say from Saturday night through Sunday night we probably have around a foot of snow. It was really wet and heavy too. I used the snowblower on the driveway Sunday morning, again Sunday evening, and I need to go do it again this morning before leaving for work. Everything looks very pretty outside. I believe there is just a travel warning though - meaning you shouldn't travel unless going to work or for an emergency.

SUPER BOWL
Super Bowl 49 was last night. With all the snow we did not make it to Mike's party. Jane made pulled pork and we bought a veggie tray and cheese assortment. So we had our own party in the basement. It was a good game, but the Patriots beat the Seahawks 28-24 with a last second interception at the goal line. I was rooting for the Seahawks, but was satisfied that it was a great game.

Now it's Monday, so back to the old grind. I am not looking forward to going to work and dealing with all this snow. Life goes on...

CFB championship, greeters, retrorganizer, car wash

A smorgasbord of snippets covering several subjects for today.

First, I watched the first college football playoff championship game between Ohio State and Oregon last night at the Wings, Etc. by my house. The place was packed, and I was in the company of Kenny and son-in-law Drew. It was a good game, and I was glad Ohio State won - since they're a Big Ten team - but I can't bring myself to support Urban Meyer's style of 'run-up-the-score, tear-out-your-heart, totally-humiliate-teenage-young-men' football. I was good with the game up until the unnecessary touchdown with seconds left. Taking a knee and running out the clock would have been much classier in my book. Of course, I realize I'm the only one that reads my book, so...

Also last night, we were asked if we could once again help out as greeters at church. Apparently they have a hard time finding people to do it, so we said we would. It's not really my favorite thing to do - kind of like working at a job you're way over-qualified for - but I feel bad not contributing in any other way. Meh.

I had someone vacate a storage unit at work yesterday. When I went to check it, they had left a couple boxes inside. Not only does that mean they lose their deposit ($10), but inside one of the boxes was this sweet retro wooden letter/bill organizer! What is totally crazy is that it was exactly 2 years ago to the day that I wrote this blog post about trying to find one!!  We ended up buying a new-ish one, but this one is better than any I was looking at previously. It has the little tin chicken at the top and everything.

We got about 4 more inches of snow yesterday, and it was around 30F so it was a slushy mess, so today I decided to take my car through the carwash. There is a BP station that has an automatic wash right by my office. When I came back from the bank I drove through and got the "Best" wash for $9. I'm hoping my doors don't freeze because it's only 10F today. Hopefully the giant blow dryer at the end of the wash was enough to keep that from happening.

So... that's about it for now. I'm a bit sleepy from staying up too late to see the end of the game. I should also probably eat some lunch. It's just about 1 pm. It's Tuesday. I'm not wearing sun glasses.

My turn at coaching... and a few other things

Yesterday it was my turn to do the coaching in my 10-hours of training to become a Certified Christian Leadership Coach. I wrote about it here. Each of the 7 students takes a turn coaching and being coached, while the rest of the group listens and offers feedback afterward (along with the person coaching us). I wasn't supposed to do mine for several more weeks but the guy that was supposed to coach yesterday didn't know if he would be able to (prior commitment), so I gladly volunteered to go ahead and get my turn out of the way. I coached Steve W.

I thought it went okay. I felt very comfortable doing it - though it is a tad unnerving knowing that everyone else is listening and grading me. It actually made me more aware of the times when I worded questions poorly and things like that though. Plus it helps knowing everyone is there to help one another, rather than just be critical. So I was satisfied. I learned a little more, and was encouraged that maybe I can do this. I would give myself a B-. I imagine by the end of this course I will be much better at it. The biggest issue I had was... since we were all on the phone (or computer), it sounded like someone was snickering several times when I would ask a question or make a comment. I didn't 'think' they were laughing at me, but it was a little distracting. I'm not sure who it was, because we were all supposed to mute ourselves if we weren't talking. It's also possible it was some other noise that just sounded like snickering. Anyway, I didn't worry about it too much, but it didn't help. Overall, I am really glad I signed up for this class though.

And... speaking of coaching... I was saddened to hear that basketball coaching legend Wayne McClain passed away yesterday. He was one of the winningest coaches in Illinois history at Manual High School in Peoria, then went on to work as an assistant at the University of Illinois for many years. Most recently he was the coach at Champaign Centennial High School. I think he was only 60. I guess he was in the hospital with pneumonia, and it was only after he passed away that anyone other than his doctor found out he'd had lung cancer for like 2 years. He just didn't tell anyone about it. I never knew him, but knew about him since I lived close to Peoria for most of my life. He seemed like a real stand-up guy; sort of a man's man; and was definitely very well respected by his peers and players. Sad to hear he passed at such a young age.

Speaking of health issues.... Jane's brother John had bypass surgery on Tuesday. I guess it took way longer than they thought due to scar tissue from his bypass surgery 20+ years ago, but it seems that he is doing well. There were pictures of him walking yesterday, and he called Jane last night. So that's good.

There are a few other things I was going to mention but..... I think I'll just stop here. Yesterday was kind of a good day - other than the sad news at the end.

Ric flair sighting

I was never a big WWE fan or anything, but my son used to be. He is now working/studying as a chaplain one day per week at a hospital in the Atlanta area. The other night he was telling us that one day he was in the cafeteria with some other chaplain students and hospital workers, and this guy shuffles in with his hospital gown and slippers on, dragging along his IV stand. Isaac said his very first thought was, "That's Ric Flair," but he didn't know for sure. One of his fellow students was a big wrestling fan too, and he was sure! So when they left the cafeteria the other student let out a big holler for him (apparently one of Ric's trademarks). They asked their teacher about it later, and he confirmed that it was, indeed, the Nature Boy himself.

I checked online, and sure enough he had been hospitalized for something. I'm not sure what it was, and I hope he's okay, but I thought it was nice that Isaac got to see him up close and personal.

First tincaps game of the season

We went to our first Tincaps game of the season last night. It was about the first nice night we've had when there was a home game. I was still glad I wore a jacket though.

We did our usual routine of taking a lap around the concourse, then stopping at our usual spot for a drink. I always like to stop at the same place, and last year we got to know one of the servers pretty well. Tom is a super nice guy. We had both lost our jobs last year, so during slow times we would chat about this and that. As soon as he saw us last night he got a big grin on his face. He said he'd actually been wondering if we were okay since he hadn't seen us yet this year. We chatted briefly as he was fairly busy on this night. He said he'd probably poured over a thousand beers just at his little portable stand. It's always nice to be noticed. It's also one of the benefits of having a sort of 'ministry of presence.' That's what I like to call our thing of frequenting the same places.

Anyway, we also saw Colin (from FWS), Dan B., and I saw that our neighbors were tagged in one of the Facebook pics.

I really like having a minor league baseball team in town, and one of the finest minor league ballparks there is. Whoever decided to put it downtown was a genius.

No ncaa bracket

I did not even fill out an NCAA Basketball tournament bracket this year. Just haven't been keeping up on things. I don't even know who the top seeds are. I suppose I will watch some games eventually. Maybe. Just seems like my mind is in a different place right now. Not better or worse... just different. I keep hearing the refrain from that one Neil Young song playing in my head: "My life is changing in so many ways..."

Eh... whatever.

A woman party

Daughter Carrie hosted an Arbonne party at our house last night. That meant I went out. I went to our usual spot and actually got to watch the Illini win in basketball - AT Iowa. Carrie was still here when I got home, and it seemed everyone had a good time. Marci is the seller, and besides Jane and Carrie there was Molly, Ruth, Erica, Amanda, and Amanda's sister. There may have been more but that's about all I can remember this early on the day we set our clocks ahead. We are also hosting our small group before church this morning, so I best get myself in gear. I think a nap is definitely in order for this afternoon.

Who won the 2013/14 super bowl

It seems every football season I forget who won the previous year's Super Bowl. So I will make it easy on myself. This year the Seattle Seahawks handily beat up and down the Denver Broncos. The score was 43-8, but it was actually much worse than that. The stage seemed to be set from the very first play of the game when the ball was hiked over Peyton Mannings head into the end zone for a safety. Even though Peyton did set a record for completions, the game was never in doubt. It was 22-0 at the half, and the Seahawks opened the second half by running the kickoff back for a touchdown.

I am one of the many who never used to like Pete Carroll. That kind of changed toward the end of this season. I think he legitimately just loves what he does and seems to be a real 'players coach.' I find it hard not to be happy for them.

I am also not a big Peyton Manning fan. Not that I don't like him. I respect him, and think he makes funny commercials - probably a great guy - but he's just another football player to me.

Anyway, I watched the game at bees with Mike, and basically nobody else. The place was almost empty. Jane was in Illinois with the Feipel clan. It seems weird that it was only a year ago that we had a party at our house with some of the church leaders. Hmmm...

But this was about the Super Bowl. Seattle defeated Denver 43-8. I bet not a lot of people remember that Seattle actually started out as an AFC team. I believe they're the only team to ever switch conferences. Oh well.

My 2013 ncaa final four picks

I filled out my NCAA tournament bracket yesterday. My final four picks for 2013 are: St. Louis, Ohio State, Florida, and Indiana. I have Ohio State beating Indiana for the final 74-63.

I actually would not pick any of those teams - except maybe Florida - but that's just how it worked out as I worked through my bracket. So we'll see. I really don't think Indiana or Ohio State will make it. I could possibly see Florida.

I did have Illinois making it to the sweet sixteen and losing to Marquette. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Illini lost in the first round to Colorado though.

St. Louis is my sentimental favorite (along with Illinois) because of the passing of their coach Rick Majerus earlier this year.

This is one of my favorite times of year. This is one of the few things that make me miss cable tv.

Faith and sports

I have always been interested in sports. Mostly football, basketball and track. I was also a pretty fanatical Dallas Cowboys fan growing up. I have gone back and forth over the years as to the usefulness of sports in "real" life. I thought this was a really good article by Jen Floyd Engel about the role of faith with some Dallas Cowboys this year - especially in light of several other recent events. The article is: Bigger Lessons Learned During Cowboys Win. It's pretty good. And, as Jen says, "It is always amazing to me these people who choose forgiveness when anger is the more understandable emotion."

Thanks, Jen.

What ever happened to maurice clarett

I stumbled upon this gem of an article about former college football star running back Maurice Clarett. Interesting piece to say the least. How Maurice Clarett Lost His Way, Bombed Out of the NFL, Planned A Murder, Missed An Exit, and Found Himself (And Warren Buffet) In Prison.

I have never been an Ohio State fan, and I certainly wasn't an MC fan when he played there or after. I am glad to hear that he seems to be getting his life together though.

Some interesting parts in the story were: The classes he took in college (at Ohio State) - golf, fishing, and softball. He says he never really even went to class in high school. And he made more money playing at Ohio State than he does now in the UFL.

Not only is this a good story about Maurice, but I really liked how this came about. It comes from a book by Monte Burke ('4th and Goal: One Man's Quest to Recapture His Dream'). Joe Maglia was a business man who had always wanted to coach football. So he became coach of the Omaha UFL team. During training camp he would have each player stand and tell about themselves. That's where the idea for he book came, and also this story about Clarett.

Good stuff, and I'm happy for Maurice.