Like most people, I measure the value of my self-worth by how well “my” sports teams do. Clearly, I’m not doing so well these days. The SU football season (as well as, most likely, Donovan McNabb’s NFL career) ended not with a bang this weekend, but with a whimper. After a promising 5-2 start (and the pasting of then-ranked West Virginia which at least I got to see in person), they finished 0-5.

Basketball, as everybody (even people who ignore sports) know, has turned into a candidate for the Jerry Springer Show. It makes it hard to enjoy being ranked #4 when every story includes at least two mentions of the former assistant coach who has been accused of (though not – yet – charged with) liking to touch little boys. And not so little boys (like, a 27-year old guy). And his wife apparently has a thing for them – or at least one of them – as well. Oy.

And now we’re on the verge of winter (though it’s supposed to be in the 50s today, so that’s nice), and I have a cold I can’t seem to shake. And it’s almost Christmas, which, at least, is a Monday holiday this year, so that’s cool. I’m invited to a “private shopping event” at Best Buy tonight. And I can bring “a friend” so let me know if you wanna go. Unfortunately, they’re having it a 7:30 PM. What’re they nuts? Don’t they know how dark it is at 7:30?

Not that I really pay much attention to Christmas these days. Hopefully we can “have it” here so I don’t have to leave the house. Or not at all, so I don’t have to leave the house. We do seem to have a tree this year though – much to my surprise. A little pre-decorated fake thing that sits on a table and can be tossed in the basement.

I think having a tabletop tree is an official, unabashed declaration that you’re old and you just don’t give a shit anymore. Kind of like walking around in black socks, flannel boxer shorts and a wife-beater t-shirt. And I seem to have developed that old man phlegmy cough. Mmmm.

It’s all downhill from here.