A conflicted state

Today would've been a big day for Third Grade Me.

On Fridays before a big college football game, Mrs. Burr would let me pass around a sheet of paper to everyone in class to predict the score of the game. A Michigan State fan, she even filled it out with us.

Looking back, I should probably invoice Mrs. Burr for all my gambling losses each year.

This week, I'm reminded of things like this. And Michigan going for two in 1990. Charles Woodson's one-handed interception in 1997 (you should watch it again). Clockgate in 2001.

I'm also reminded when people in Missouri or St. Thomas have asked me over the years: "So, are you a Michigan or Michigan State guy?"

My first favorite team

"Because I was bored" is the answer to an uncomfortable amount of questions about my childhood.

Why did I learn to read before kindergarten by scanning the baseball box scores in the Free Press, yelling for my mom to sound out each individual letter? Because I was bored.

Why did I cut the phone cord when my mom was talking on it? Because I was bored. 

Why were the Chicago Cubs my first favorite sports team? Because I was bored.