Random Thoughts for the Week of March 19

• So, March Madness is here.  Last year, I didn’t give a shit.  Didn’t fill out a bracket.  Nothing.  This year, I filled out a bracket, got pissed when I got behind, and then spent 10 hours down at the Columbus Arena watching 8 teams, most of whom I didn’t know had basketball teams.  Mindi and I had a GREAT time.  Our first seats were way up high.  We upgraded to about 12 rows back for the second session.  Big improvement, and totally worth it.  I was exhausted and sore the next day, but who knew I’d enjoy it this much.  We’re already talking about getting a basketball hoop for the boy as soon as possible (as well as other sports he might potentially play).  I stayed up late each night all weekend to watch the games.  I’m officially crazy.  I’m also officially resting since there are no games for a few days.  Ahhhh.
• I know it’s dorky, but one of my favorite books all-time is Frank Herbert’s Dune.  So, I went online to find a hardcover copy of the book I could have so I could read it on an annual/semi-annual basis.  I find a nice one from the 1999 printing and order it from some college student via eBay.  It comes in and it’s a copy of the book taken from a library that had put plastic around the jacket!  The book is in pristine shape and I love it!  It’s perfect.  If there’s anything that irks me it’s that the college kid could have easily pilfered the book from the library and sold it on eBay for 100% profit.  Genius or theft? You decide.  I’ll be reading my book.
• Assuming the weather holds the way it does this will be the first year I haven’t had to shovel snow since 1998.  Weird.
• Mindi and I did a lot of thinking/planning about life at the end of the summer.  Everything is on the table, and the options are far more exciting than scary.  The trick is not to get ahead of ourselves and let our dreams override reality.  Even still, one way or the other, we have plans in place to be VERY, VERY happy this Fall.
• Taxes are done and I’m pissed.  My refund dropped by 50%.  Is it the change in my marital status?  Doubtful, considering we’re filing separately and I don’t think I’m in a different tax bracket this year.  Is it because I gave less to charity (down 80%)?  Possibly, but maybe not THAT much.  Is it the government and tax system fucking me over a little?  Yes, I think so.  Did the system dig into my refund so that I could pay for someone else to be lazy?  Very possible.  Obama had better not get re-elected in November.
• Anyone know anyone who started/owns a coffee franchise in Omaha?
• Let me just say, I love free agency in football.  It evens the playing field in so many ways.  After last year’s CBA, I think it’s even better.  The front office of a team is now directly responsible for the potential success of a team the following season, even more so than before.  Case in point: Washington.  Trading picks to move up and get RG3, the right thing to do rather than spending money crazily on big-time, older players.  Bring in some solid, cheaper receivers and then hand over to the coaches to make it work.  I love it.  I was reminded today that it was the first year of free agency when Reggie White landed in Green Bay and really set the past 20 years in motion.  I think the 49ers are taking a step backwards, but they’ll somehow find their way back to the NFC Championship in spite of it.  Even still, I’ve been more intrigued by the front office work in this year’s free agency than ever before, even the mad scramble of last fall.  It’s actually fun to watch the business side of football have such an impact.  I’ll write more about the FF implications of free agency in a separate post closer to the FF draft.

THINGS I HEARD THIS WEEK THAT MADE ME FEEL REALLY, REALLY HAPPY

• “Silly Uncle Brad” – Genevieve
• “Thank you for saving my life.” – Fellow musketeer
• “Atlanta lost because their players had too many tattoos.” – Father-in-law
• "Instead of being the one person who's different, you're with people who are going through the same thing." – Kevin, reminding us all how no obstacle is too great when you have people to help you achieve.
• “Fun to see them so happy.” – Mom after a great visit with us in Columbus.
• My boy started kicking when the basketball game started.  Future athlete?  Okay, I didn’t hear it, but it still made me happy and it’s my blog so shut up.

BABY WENDEL UPDATE

• We’re at 30 weeks now!  Our baby is the size of a cabbage.
• We’ve chosen a name!  More to come on that.  I couldn’t be happier with the choice.
• Installed the bases for the car seat in the cars.  Game on.  Already found out how I did it wrong.
• Baby is a kicking fool this week.  Interesting to see when he kicks.  He’s definitely checking out the perimeter of the uterus looking for escape hatches. It’s so cool to feel him moving around, even just the little pushes that I feel on the outside.  I’m jealous of what Mindi gets to experience … even when his timing can be a bit off.
• The waiting for the next 2.5 months is going to be a killer for me.
• The nursery is ready to fill up with baby stuff.  Bring on the diapers and onesies and blankets (receiving, burping, swaddles, etc.).