October 15th

Starting eight years ago, October 15th became a special day. It is the official start of the college basketball season. It was a joyous day when I was a student-athlete, and it is still has a crucial effect on my daily life, although for different reasons. While I don't need to lace my shoes up on October 15th anymore, my life changes with this day, possibly more this year than ever before. Why you ask? Because with Jeff coaching college basketball, his schedule becomes chaotic from today on.

For the first time since we moved Jeff to Cleveland, I will not talk to him before going to bed. Yea, corny. I know, but I like to hear Jeff's voice before I go to sleep. So, instead of sharing the happenings of our day, Jeff is currently in a scene somewhat similar to this:

Like the game in the kiddie magazines, there are differences between this picture and the scene Jeff is in at this moment. Can you spot them? There are the things you notice that aren't that momentous like, this team is maroon, and Jeff's new team is blue. There is a player in this picture that graduated and therefore is not on the team anymore. And there are the more drastic differences. How about that Jeff is now in a gym about 450 miles away from this one? Or, that I was actually able to run over to the gym, watch this practice, and take some photos. I don't think that is going to happen this season. At least not the running over part. I do enjoy running, but Cleveland is a little far!

With basketball season underway, Jeff will have no time, until at least March, to come visit me. (Not that that has happened anyways. Hmmmm, do you think he is trying to send me a message? Sure seems like it!) With Jeff unable to make any visits during his hectic basketball season, my visits should be more frequent, right? Yea, they should be. They can't though. The schedule doesn't allow for it. Times I can fly out there, Jeff may be on the road with his team, or may be at practice and unable to pick me up at the airport. Timing is everything, and nothing at the same time.

It's a good thing I am a huge, huge, huge basketball fan. I have a hard time believing anyone less would be able handle this. We will somehow figure this out. We always do. If not, it is a good thing I love basketball. That will keep me around forever!