The Pack is 13-0. It is easy to get caught up in the unbeaten record. The comparisons continue to teams of years gone by. It makes 14-0 seem important. And 15-0. Or a perfect regular season of 16-0. The truth is the record from this point on means nothing. Green Bay has already won their division. They already have a “bye” for the first weekend of NFL playoffs (one less game to play in the quest for the Lombardi trophy is a big deal). Finally, they are almost assured that all playoff games will be played at Lambeau supported by 72,000 screaming fans. The Pack has done almost everything they need to do to get a favorable path to the Super Bowl. They have achieved most of their early goals. In my book, even if they lose the next 3 games, it doesn’t matter. The record is nothing but bragging rights. The quote goes “if you ain’t got the ring, you ain’t got a thing”. So the focus turns to win in the playoffs and bring home a second ring. Pretty simple. They need to win 3 playoff games. Screw the perfect record.
We attended the Xavier Christmas Stars program last Saturday. It ended the same way it always does. Jesus was born in the manger on Christmas Eve. The promise conveyed by the story is always the same. The presentation varies. Nice.
I have noticed that the “Christmas Card” phenomenon keeps evolving. When I was working, I would get lots of cards from vendors that wanted our business. I sent cards to business associates in the spirit of the season. More cards went to employees I worked with. A few friends got cards (remember I don’t have a lot of close friends). Finally there were family cards.
This year (12 years after retirement), there are no suck up vendor cards. My business associates have forgotten I exist (or they died) and old employees don’t care. Most friends have dropped the expensive Christmas card tradition to save money. All that is left is family. The extended family continues to exchange cards. I think the internet, e-mail and social networks, like Facebook, have reduced the need to send Christmas cards. We are moving towards a paperless Christmas greeting card environment. My only regret is that Christmas was the only time that a “shirt tail” relative might send a card and letter. Ah, I’ll survive.
Ryan Braun is going to have to do some quick talking to explain why he had elevated levels of testosterone in his system. His “World Series ring” seems to have moved further away.
Love,
Dad