Winter is Coming: Part 5--Gang Violence

I didn't like how far out I had Gonzaga.  Or Virginia.  The Cavaliers always seems to find a way to under perform in the tournament (wink, wink, nod, nod).

I don't know why I even care any more.  I waste countless hours trying to make these picks, using any number of scientific methods and the result is always the same.

Futility.

Meanwhile, back over in the nerd-spot, the dog was gnawing a bully stick.

Did I dream all of that?  Is he really just another furry terror that destroys things when people are least suspecting it?  Maybe Raap is right--maybe I am one step from crazy.

Regardless, I needed to finish the bracket.

Etan walked in.

Winter Is Coming: Part 4--Where For Art Thou Nerd?

Picking this bracket was getting frustrating.  What am I saying?  It is never NOT frustrating.

Meanwhile, something was amiss.  The nerd dog had not really moved in 48 hours.  Save for a couple "turn around three times and lay down" routines, he was not much movement.

Did I offend him?  I know I was pretty rough on him in our last (first) conversation.  It hasn't been easy since Chewy left--couple that with this damn pool and I'm no mood for chit chat.

I at least thought he would try again.  Nerds never know when to quit.

And yet, still he lays quietly in the corner.

"Snownerd, wake up"

Nothing.

Winter is Coming: Part 3—The Nerd Cometh

Let’s recap.  Talking dog (again) who talks in (polite) riddles and doesn’t appreciate morbid humor. 

There, I think you are caught up.  Except for me being buried in bracket analysis.  Again.

The nerd dog spoke (I can’t believe I just wrote that) “I will repeat my earlier question.  What are you doing?”

“My annual exercise in futility”

“That didn’t answer my question but I understand what you meant.  Let me rephrase.  Do you know what you are doing?”

Ok, now he’s not only a nerd, he’s just down right condescending.

Winter Is Coming—Part 2: An Introduction?

I had finally made my way back up to the table, head still throbbing from the fall.  The white fluff ball was looking at me with little or no concern.

“Allow me to introduce myself—they call me “Snowball””

I was still in shock—but I wasn’t stupid.

“I know what THEY call you because I would be a member of the THEY group”

He blinked behind the horn-rimmed glasses, unmoved by my sarcasm.

“It is proper protocol to introduce oneself if meeting someone for the first time”

Winter Is Coming

For the first time in 14 years, I was actually going to be able to do my bracket in silence.

I miss Chewy...I really do.  But the thought of being able to put my bracket together without the strange looks, taunting, and doggie judgment was trumping any "real" feelings I had.

As I sat down with the sheets, the newest addition to the family, Snowball, was curled up next to the table, laying on the heat vent.

Dogs are weird.

Luckily, this one does not talk.  Does not judge.  Does not show up in strange places thousands of miles from home.  This dog, much like all other normal dogs, does not make it all about him.

Finally, peace and quiet.