Christmas is coming, isn't it?

Wow, only 9 days until Christmas. Apparently, I'd better get started with my shopping. While I'm usually done with all my shopping by now, this year has been decidedly different. I've been feeling very, very down about the holidays. My job search has been shockingly poor (nope, Hartford didn't call...what a surprise; once they said three other candidates "came forth," I knew I was done for) and that's been the biggest thing on my mind this season.

I just cannot keep up with Kathleen and her gift buying. She's got a great teaching gig that allows her to go overboard every year, and this year I've got nothing. So, she'll do way too much for me, and I won't be able to do much for her and feel horribly guilty about it. Hell, had I not been shit canned by that poor excuse of an administrator, I'd have been able to propose this summer...that went out the window. Therefore, I'm jealous, frustrated, disheartened...wondering if I'll ever get a job teaching again. Yeah, I know...the woe is me routine sucks ass.

The good news is my bowling is on the upswing. I started last night with a nice 114, beginning the string with 4 straight spares. I can see where my ability to pick up the smudge is improving...must be all the bowling I do since I've been unemployed. LOL String two saw me slip to a 103...no luck at all that one, but that's the way it goes. The final string began with a 36 first half...ugh. Thought I was in big trouble there. Wound up down 15 pins before the anchors bowled...and I reeled off five straight marks to finish with a 128. As Ted Sarandis would say...WOW! We won the final match, took 2 of 8 points and hung on to first place by a hair. Great night.

Others in my league are noticing that I'm improving...they're asking me to bowl in tournaments with them. That's really cool. I pretty much keep to my team (well, most of my team...there's a couple of 'em I'd love to be able to trade...I wonder, can I hire Theo as my GM? Too bad I can't negotiate trades, releases and movement to the minors in candlepin!), but it seems as though I'm raising eyebrows. Honestly, I try not to do that; I just want to bowl, get better and be able to compete in the King of the Hill tournaments, the MSSCT, maybe the WCBC next year. Guess the numbers get out there, so people watch. That's cool.

Also had a nice time substituting for a friend of mine in Ware last Thursday, too. It was fun to bowl there, with two other pals (one of which dropped a 140 on me in the third string...nice game!) who are really good bowlers. We're going to place a team in the Tuesday night men's league there next season. THAT will be cool...a chance to bowl vs. a couple of the pros and some very, very good bowlers. Fortunately, I didn't make a fool of myself bowling with them...had a 311 series.

If you're in New Britain today, come on out to CCSU take on LaSalle University (Philadelphia, PA). I'll be making a personal appearance as Rocky the Rock Cat to support our involvement with CCSU's outreach to the community's needy children. These kids will be attending a Christmas party prior to the game, with great seats to watch all the NCAA division I basketball action. And I'll be on the court, getting the crowd going with CCSU's own Blue Devil mascot! Should be great fun!

Anyone need a math teacher? I could use a job.