In fact, in the 30 years or so that I've not lived at home, I don't think I've had a tree up for a third of them. I can blame my musician status for much of that. December is a busy month for symphony concerts and holiday gigs. And the various rehearsals. No time to get it done, and since it's just me here, why bother?
But this year, it's up! A full four weeks before Christmas!! For those who wonder where the real Os has gone, don't worry. I'm pretty sure I can procrastinate putting the ornaments up for a couple more weeks...
It was a good long weekend of football again. The Griz had a bye week, so the only football game being played in the state of MT was the Saint's second round playoff game. It was a close contest, with the winning touchdown coming with about 2 minutes left in the game. A bit nerve-wracking for my tastes (I much prefer winning in a blow-out), but it was a win, nonetheless. Next game--hosting a semifinal game, probably against Georgetown (KY). GO SAINTS!
Also next weekend both Gucci's Cats and my Griz host a second round game in the FCS playoffs. The kicker...neither of the games will be on TV!! Oh, ESPN will be there with their cameras, but the only way to see either game is to watch on ESPN3, which is an INTERNET-ONLY option. And the kicker...? ESPN3 is only available through one rural ISP in the state!! There have been petitions signed (big one on FB, if any of you would like to sign it...email me for details), emails sent, and Montana's entire Congressional delegation (all three of them) have written to ESPN to complain. There's two main bones of contention here from Montanans' view--1) For 15 years, we've been able to watch all playoff games involving the Griz by purchasing local broadcast rights, and 2) ESPN is forcing customers to complain to their ISPs to pick up ESPN3, in essence, holding college athletics hostage for corporate gain. That doesn't fly well in Montana...
There's plenty of other gripes as well, but I won't go into those. ESPN has given unsatisfactory responses so far, and I fear that we won't get either game. Most infuriating is their lack of acknowledgment that most of Montana doesn't have the adequate internet infrastructure to offer ESPN3, yet they continue to pass the blame to the ISPs and cable providers. They could easily sell the rights and make much more money than what they're trying to do now. What I think will happen is that those pesky UM and MSU crowds well have hundreds of "ESPN SUCKS" signs throughout their stadiums, and the cameras won't be able to avoid them. Then again maybe their cameramen and equipment wont make it into the stadiums...
As hinted to up above, the crazy symphony season starts up this week. Thirteen rehearsals or performances in the twelve days. And there's actually 2 days off in there! Fortunately, this is fairly routine, so I'm not terribly concerned. Just gonna be busy, busy, busy! - Don't forget the themes coming up in December. A rundown is below. Make mention of it on your own sites to (as well as HNT's retirement). It's amazing how many people say they didn't know about this stuff!
- Dec. 15th - Christmas Tree HNT - I want to see you half-nekkid with your Christmas tree. If you don't have a tree put up, then with any other Christmas decorations. If you don't celebrate Christmas, then you're off the hook. But the rest of you--I really want to see your Christmas trees!
- Dec. 22nd - Three Christmas Wishes HNT - Perhaps the hardest theme of the year. Pick three individuals to send special Christmas wishes to. The hard part? Pick three people who are not necessarily someone you'll be sending a Christmas card to, or an e-card, or specifically contact at Christmas.Those people might expect something from you. No, send out your Christmas wishes to someone you've only lurked at, or to a newbie, or to someone whose HNTs and/or general blog posts have made some sort of impression. And post a picture of it, too! It can be serious or humorous or heartfelt or fantasy. Then contact that individual to let them know that they got one of your wishes. (For example, I remember that my very first year of this I wished for two bags of fairy dust for one person, a wish for another HNTer's husband's swimmers to impregnate her (she had a baby exactly 9 months later--I did good on that one!), and a big stick with nails for a third one to beat me with as I had somewhat trampled on our friendship. You can see this post here, or check out the other mid-December posts from my archives.) Good luck with this one. It's tougher than it sounds, so start thinking about it now!
- Dec. 29th - Final HNT - This one is sort of self-explanatory. This will be your last official shot at doing HNT. Make it memorable. That doesn't imply stripping bare and letting it all hang out. Just make this one a good send-off.
Be sure to check out Ashly's and Evalee's links! Get your Christmas spirit into gear and help out! Both ventures have seen some good progress, and I know they both appreciate the help they've gotten, and any more that they can get. I know Ashly has already started buying toys! And Evalee has posted that things are going better than they'd hoped for their project!
People who have ESPN3 and a good broadband connection should be complaining too. Viewing ESPN3 on a computer monitor is OK for catching up on a game you have a casual interest in; but it's definitely not the same as watching the big game on a large screen TV in the living room.
ReplyDeleteShould we consider another wager?
ReplyDeleteI want photographic evidence of this tree... ;P
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to see your xmas tree HNT!! :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a huge communication monopoly here- nothing comes in except one cell co and one internet / cable / phone co. Of course this means they can overcharge out here all they want...
~viemoira