It's just a game...

January 6^th 2007 (approximately 10:08 p.m.)

“No more than an extra point.  This will give Dallas the lead…

Romo’s the holder, Gramatica sets.

 Here’s the snap, the spot,

 ROMO CAN’T GET THE SPOT DOWN!

Romo’s gonna run it in! He’s gonna get the down!

 No! He’s not there! 

Unbelievable…”

That moment was a turning point in my life.  Many reasonable people will say that no sporting event should ever be responsible for such a statement.  But as I walked through my friend’s basement, looking for something to hit – being thankful the next day that I was not in my own house – I received an epiphany.  A proclamation that I had heard many times over, a statement that used to make my blood boil, was now one of comfort: “It’s just a game…” 

I truly believe there is not a more inappropriate thing to say to a sport’s fan than those four words.  And I’ll be perfectly honest, the emotional attachment and resonance that occurs between a spectator and a sports team is incredibly illogical.  Yes, the investment almost never matches the return – yes this love is unrequited, but that doesn’t mean one has to be insensitive.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.

Although those embittering four words feel cold and empty, they also provide a well-needed perspective, which has been quite humbling.  Nearly four years have passed since that fateful night, and I must admit I have yet to fully embrace the “It’s just a game” attitude, and I’m not sure if I exactly want to - that would force one to sacrifice genuine fanhood.  But I still must remind myself of those words at the beginning of every season, in each moment of each game.  I must guard myself from inevitable heartbreak.  Will a Dallas Cowboys’ championship satisfy my desires?  I can only answer the question with another question:  Will there be another season?  Will there be new players, new faces, new circumstances?  Such a mistress will always prove faithless…

Music 'n film

This is video is from "A Take Away Show."  These Parisians have a whole series of indie rock bands playing songs in public. One gets to see the purest elements of both music and filmmaking, it's great.

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Gettin' Murried!

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to be a groomsman for my longtime roommate and great friend, Mr. Andrew Oberbroeckling.  I’m a big fan of weddings, and I view them as a commissioning service of sorts.  My favorite part of any wedding is when one person reminds us all that the bride and groom are better serving God together than apart. 

The ceremony though, was beautiful and God definitely blessed the day: near perfect weather, good friends/fellowship, and Katelynn and Obi looked amazing together. This was also the first time I got to participate in a wedding, so seeing all the inner workings gave me a few ideas for my own wedding:

5. I want the song “2 Become 1” by the Spice Girls to be played at least once during the ceremony, while I wink at my father-in-law to be.

4. Age restrictions for the flower girl and ring bearer.  Must be older than 25.  I might have to sacrifice on the ‘cute factor’ but this is necessary.  With children, there are just too many things that could go wrong.  I’m running a tight ship here.  And if there’s anyone crying over a spilt basket of flowers, peeing their pants, or picking their nose - it’s gonna be me.

3. This one is directly inspired by Obi, who hand built his arbor (it was stinkin’ legit).  But I’m going carve and craft all the chairs at my wedding, and then have a “You-Sit-On-It, You-Buy-It” policy.  We all know religious studies/literature majors make zero dollars.  How else will I be able to provide for my family?  And don’t mind the shoddy craftsmanship – that was done on purpose.

2. I want an outdoor wedding in the winter, with a two hour long ceremony.  That way I can find out who my real friends are.  (Sorry grandparents)

1. The one presiding the wedding must say when reading the vows, “Do you take so-and-so to be your such-and-such… (and such)… [and then say at the end] for reals though, do you?”  I just think that an actual articulation for the option to deny would take a lot of the pressure off.  And I’m a pretty impulsive guy, so in case it just doesn’t feel “right” I can always take the cake and bail.

And... I think this post will secure me celibacy for the rest of my life…